Finding the right dancewear for your daughter can feel overwhelming, especially with so many styles, fabrics and fits on the market. At Total Dance, Australia's home of premium dancewear, we work with dance families every day to help them find pieces that perform as well as they look. Dance shorts are one of the most versatile and frequently worn items in any dancer's wardrobe, sitting under leotards, pairing with crop tops, or layering beneath skirts for class and rehearsal. This guide breaks down everything you need to know so you can shop with confidence.
What to Look for When Buying Dance Shorts for Girls
Before you start comparing individual styles, it helps to understand the key features that separate a great pair of dance shorts from an uncomfortable one. Not all shorts are created equal, and what works for a beginner ballet student may not suit a competitive jazz dancer.
Fabric and Breathability
The fabric is arguably the most important factor. Dance is physically demanding, and your daughter will likely be wearing her shorts for an hour or more at a stretch. Look for materials that are moisture-wicking, soft against the skin and stretchy enough to allow full range of motion. Fabrics with a high percentage of elastane or spandex will move with the body without restricting kicks, leaps or splits. Breathable materials help keep dancers comfortable during long rehearsals.
Eco-conscious families may also want to consider shorts made from sustainable or recycled fibres. These are becoming more common in quality dancewear ranges and offer a softer feel alongside environmental benefits.
Waistband Style and Support
The waistband makes a significant difference to how a pair of shorts feels during class. A high-waisted design offers additional core coverage and tends to stay put during movement, which many dancers and dance parents prefer. Standard waistbands sit at the natural waist and suit girls who find high-waisted styles uncomfortable or restrictive.
Look for wide, flat waistbands that won't dig in or roll down. Rolled waistbands mid-class are a common complaint with cheaper shorts, and they can be both distracting and unflattering under a leotard.
Fit and Length
Dance shorts come in a range of lengths, from boy-leg cuts that provide more coverage to shorter styles that allow maximum freedom of movement. The right length often comes down to the dance style and the dancer's own preference. Jazz and contemporary dancers frequently opt for shorter cuts, while those in ballet or lyrical may prefer a little more coverage for certain training contexts.
Fit should be snug without being tight. Shorts that are too loose can shift around during turns and jumps, while those that are too tight may restrict movement or cause discomfort.
Style and Versatility
Consider how your daughter will actually wear the shorts. Will they be worn primarily under a leotard in class, or layered as part of an everyday dance look? Some shorts are designed to work beautifully as a standalone piece, while others are cut specifically to sit neatly beneath other dancewear. Neutral colours like black are highly versatile, but vibrant or textured options can add personality to a dancer's wardrobe.
Our Top Dance Shorts Picks for Girls
At Total Dance, we've carefully curated a selection of dance shorts that meet the needs of different dancers, disciplines and budgets. Here's a closer look at our top recommendations, and what makes each one worth considering.
Back to Basic Girls Dance Shorts
As the name suggests, these shorts are your reliable, no-fuss foundation piece. The Back to Basic Girls Dance Shorts are designed for everyday training, offering a classic fit that works across multiple dance disciplines. They're straightforward, durable and easy to care for, making them a practical choice for families who want quality without the frills. These are particularly well-suited to younger dancers who are just beginning their training.
Sienna Mystique Dance Shorts
For the dancer who loves a little more personality in her wardrobe, the Sienna Mystique Dance Shorts offer a stylish edge while maintaining all the practical features you'd expect from quality dancewear. These are ideal for jazz and contemporary styles where individual expression is encouraged both in movement and appearance.
ECO Comfy Shorts
The ECO Comfy Shorts are a standout option for eco-conscious families. Made with sustainability in mind, these shorts are crafted from materials that are soft, breathable and moisture-wicking, making them comfortable for long training sessions. If your family values environmentally responsible choices, these shorts allow your daughter to dance well and tread lightly at the same time.
Velvet High Waisted Dance Shorts
These shorts bring texture and elegance to dancewear. The Velvet High Waisted Dance Shorts feature a luxurious velvet finish paired with a high-waisted cut for excellent coverage and support. They're particularly popular for lyrical and contemporary dancers who want something that looks polished both in the studio and on stage. The velvet fabric has a beautiful drape that photographs exceptionally well, making these a favourite for eisteddfod and performance seasons.
High Waisted Dance Shorts, Comfy and Supportive
The High Waisted Dance Shorts, Comfy and Supportive, live up to their name. These shorts are designed with a wide, comfortable waistband that holds its shape through every plié, pirouette and grand battement. They're a reliable everyday training option that suits ballet, jazz and contemporary dancers equally well. The high-waisted silhouette is particularly flattering and offers the confidence of secure coverage during high-movement classes.
Ready to explore the full range? Browse our dance shorts for girls to see all available styles, sizes and colours in one place.
Matching Dance Shorts with the Right Dance Style
Not every pair of shorts suits every genre, and matching your choice to your daughter's primary discipline will help ensure she gets the most out of her dancewear.
Ballet
In ballet, clean lines and a neat appearance are important. Shorts worn in ballet class are typically worn under a leotard and should sit smoothly without creating bulk. High-waisted options work particularly well here, as they provide a sleek silhouette beneath a wrap skirt or tutu. Consider pairing dance shorts with a well-fitted leotard and a classic wrap skirt for a polished ballet look.
Jazz and Contemporary
Jazz and contemporary styles allow for more expressive choices. Shorter cuts, bold textures like velvet, and styles with visual interest are all appropriate here. The Sienna Mystique Dance Shorts or the Velvet High Waisted Dance Shorts would both suit these genres beautifully.
Tap
For tap, freedom of movement around the hips and thighs is essential. A well-fitted, stretchy short that stays in place during heel drops and shuffle combinations is key. The Back to Basic Girls Dance Shorts or the High Waisted Dance Shorts, Comfy and Supportive are both solid options for tap training.
Lyrical
Lyrical dance often involves floor work and expressive extensions, so shorts should be soft, flexible and unlikely to bunch up or restrict movement. The ECO Comfy Shorts are a wonderful choice here, offering stretch and softness in equal measure.
How to Care for Dance Shorts to Make Them Last
Quality dancewear is an investment, and with the right care it can last through many seasons of training. Here are a few simple tips to help your daughter's dance shorts go the distance.
- Wash in cold water. Hot water can break down elastic fibres and cause colours to fade more quickly.
- Use a gentle cycle. A delicate or hand-wash cycle will protect the fabric's structure and keep shorts looking their best.
- Avoid the dryer. Air drying is always the better option for dancewear. Tumble dryers can cause shrinkage and degrade the elastane content over time.
- Wash after every wear. Dance is a sweaty business. Washing shorts after each class prevents odour build-up and keeps the fabric fresh.
- Store flat or folded. Hanging dance shorts on a hanger for extended periods can stretch the waistband over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size should I buy for my daughter?
We recommend checking the specific size guide for each style, as sizing can vary between products. As a general rule, if your daughter is between sizes, sizing up will give more room for growth and won't restrict movement. Many dancewear styles are designed to be snug, so if in doubt, choose the larger size for comfort.
Can dance shorts be worn to school or casual activities?
Absolutely. Many of our dance shorts are versatile enough to work beyond the studio. Styles like the Velvet High Waisted Dance Shorts or the ECO Comfy Shorts can easily transition into casual wear when paired with a relaxed top or hoodie.
What's the difference between high-waisted and standard dance shorts?
High-waisted dance shorts sit above the natural waist, providing more core coverage and a secure, supportive feel. They tend to stay in place better during high-movement activities and are often preferred for lyrical and contemporary styles. Standard waist shorts sit at or just below the natural waist and offer a more relaxed, classic fit. Both are suitable for training; the best choice comes down to personal preference and dance style.
Are eco-friendly dance shorts as durable as regular ones?
Yes. Our ECO Comfy Shorts are made to the same quality standards as the rest of our dancewear range. Sustainable materials have come a long way, and you can expect the same level of stretch, softness and durability as you would from a conventional fabric. With proper care, eco-friendly dance shorts will last just as long as any other style in our collection.
Whether your daughter is just starting out or she's a seasoned performer heading into competition season, the right pair of dance shorts makes a genuine difference to her comfort and confidence in the studio. Explore our full range of girls' dance shorts at Total Dance and find the perfect fit for her style, discipline and budget.
