Dance shorts are one of the hardest-working pieces in a girl's dancewear kit. They sit under leotards, pair with crop tops, layer beneath skirts and hold up through long rehearsal days. This guide covers what actually matters when you are buying dance shorts for girls in Australia, from fabric and fit to sizing and style.
What Makes a Good Dance Short for Girls
Not all shorts are built for movement. Dancewear shorts need to move with the body, stay in place during jumps and turns, and look neat under a leotard or over tights. Here is what to check before buying.
Fabric
Most quality dance shorts use nylon, spandex or a cotton-spandex blend. Each has a trade-off.
- Nylon-spandex is lightweight, moisture-wicking and holds its shape well. Good for jazz, contemporary and hip hop.
- Cotton-spandex is softer against the skin and breathes well. Better for younger dancers or those with sensitive skin.
- Bamboo-blend fabrics are silky and breathable, and feel gentle for all-day wear. They suit warmer Australian studios.
Avoid shorts made from fabric with very little stretch. Four-way stretch is the standard for dancewear and gives full freedom of movement.
Waistband
A wide, flat waistband sits smoothly under a leotard without rolling or bunching. Narrow elastic waistbands can dig in during floor work. Foldover waistbands add versatility as they can be worn high or folded down for a lower rise.
Length and Cut
- Short shorts (hotpants style) work well under leotards and for performance. They stay out of the way for high kicks and leg extensions.
- Mid-length bike shorts offer more coverage and suit contemporary, lyrical and acrobatics.
- Longer shorts that fall to mid-thigh are popular for hip hop and street styles where a relaxed fit is appropriate.
Sizing Dance Shorts for Girls in Australia
Australian dancewear sizing does not always match standard clothing sizes. Most brands size by age or by body measurements rather than generic S, M, L labels. Always measure before you order.
To size correctly, measure around the fullest part of the hips and compare against the brand's size chart. If your daughter is between sizes, go up. Dance shorts should fit snugly but never restrict movement or leave marks on the skin after class.
- Age 4 to 6: typically fits a 40 to 50 cm hip measurement in most AU dancewear brands.
- Age 7 to 10: check the chart carefully as growth spurts can mean two sizes in one year.
- Tweens and teens: hip measurement matters more than age at this stage. Many girls move into adult XS or S sizes from around age 12.
If your daughter wears a leotard to class, check that the shorts sit flat underneath without adding bulk at the waist or leg. A slim, fitted style works best for this.
Choosing the Right Style for Each Dance Genre
Different dance styles call for different shorts. Buying a style suited to your daughter's genre means she will be comfortable and appropriately dressed for class.
Ballet and Classical
Short, fitted shorts in black or pink worn over footed tights are standard in many ballet schools. Check your school's uniform requirements first. Some schools prefer only a skirt or wrap, while others allow shorts over tights.
Jazz, Tap and Musical Theatre
Jazz shorts in a snug hotpants cut are a staple here. Black is the most common class colour. Look for a smooth nylon-spandex fabric that photographs well for concerts and exams.
Hip Hop and Street
A relaxed, slightly longer short in a heavier fabric suits hip hop. Many dancers in this genre layer shorts over leggings. Darker colours and bolder prints are common and accepted in most hip hop classes.
Contemporary and Lyrical
Flowing or draped shorts work well for lyrical. Mid-length bike shorts are popular for contemporary because they stay put during floor sequences and partner work.
How Many Dance Shorts Does Your Daughter Need
A practical rotation is two to three pairs minimum. Dance class several times a week means shorts need washing regularly. Having a spare pair on hand avoids last-minute scrambles on class days.
Buy one neutral colour (black or navy) first. From there, add a second pair in a colour that matches your daughter's leotard or school uniform requirements.
Care and Longevity
Dance shorts last longer when washed in cold water on a gentle cycle. Turn them inside out before washing to protect any prints or embellishments. Avoid the dryer. Heat breaks down spandex fibres and shortens the life of the fabric significantly. Air-dry flat or on a hanger.
Replace shorts when the fabric becomes sheer, the waistband loses elasticity, or the seams start to pull under normal wear. Worn-out shorts lose their shape and can become a distraction in class.
Shop Dance Shorts for Girls at Total Dance
The range covers sizes from toddler through to adult, with options across jazz, lyrical, hip hop and ballet styles. Whether you need a reliable black short for weekly class or something for concert season, browse our dance shorts range to find the right fit for your daughter's style and genre. Sizing charts are included on each product page to make it straightforward to order online with confidence.
