Finding the Perfect Dance Bottoms for Your Little Dancer
Choosing the right dance shorts, leggings or dance pants for your child might seem straightforward, but any dance parent who has arrived at class with the wrong style knows it is anything but. At Total Dance, Australia's home of premium dancewear, we understand that the right fit and fabric can make a genuine difference to how comfortable and confident your child feels at the barre, on stage, or in the studio. This guide walks you through every key consideration so you can shop with confidence and find exactly what your young dancer needs.
Whether your child is just starting out in a beginner ballet class or is deep into competition season across multiple styles, understanding the differences between dance shorts, leggings, dance pants and dance briefs will save you time, money and more than a few Monday-morning scrambles. Browse our shorts, leggings, dance pants & dance briefs range to see all available styles in one place.
Understanding the Different Styles: What Goes Where
Before comparing fabrics and fits, it helps to understand what each style is actually designed to do. Dance bottoms are not interchangeable, and the best choice depends on your child's dance discipline, the dress code at their studio, and the time of year.
Dance Shorts
Dance shorts are a studio staple, particularly for jazz, contemporary and lyrical. They sit above the knee, allow full leg extension, and give teachers a clear view of hip alignment and leg placement. Look for styles with a comfortable waistband that stays in place during splits, jumps and turns.
The Essential V Band Short - Coloured Band is a popular choice for this reason. The V-shaped coloured band at the waist adds a flattering silhouette while keeping everything secure, and the contrast detail makes it easy to mix and match with crop tops or leotards. Similarly, the Essential V Band - Dance Short delivers the same supportive waistband in a clean, versatile style suited to studio classes and casual rehearsals alike.
For dancers who want a little more personality, the Splice Dance Shorts feature colour-blocked panels that add visual interest without compromising movement. These work especially well for contemporary and lyrical styles where individual expression matters. The Velvet Dance Shorts with Lycra Splice - Glow Collection take things up a notch, pairing a rich velvet fabric with a stretch Lycra splice for a performance-ready look that still moves beautifully.
If your little one is brand new to dance and you simply need a reliable, no-fuss option, the Back to Basic Girls Dance Shorts are exactly what they sound like: a clean, well-constructed short in a classic cut that suits multiple dance styles and launders easily.
Dance Leggings
Leggings offer full leg coverage and are ideal for cooler months, warm-up sessions, and dance styles where leg lines are better served by a covered silhouette. They are also a practical choice for younger children who feel more comfortable with additional coverage.
The Essential Coloured Wide Band 3/4 Coloured Band Legging is a versatile option worth noting. The 3/4 length hits below the knee, making it a practical middle ground between full-length leggings and shorts. The wide coloured band at the waist mirrors the design language of the Essential V Band Short range, so pieces can be worn together as a co-ordinated set.
Dance Pants & Dance Briefs
Dance briefs are typically worn under skirts, tutus or dresses and are designed to provide modesty coverage without interfering with the costume above. They should fit snugly without being restrictive. Dance pants (sometimes called warm-up pants) are a longer, looser option often used at the start of class to keep muscles warm before a dancer is fully warmed up and ready to move into shorter styles.
Key Buying Criteria: What to Look for Before You Purchase
With so many styles available, it is worth having a clear checklist before you buy. Here are the most important factors to consider.
Fabric Composition
The fabric of a dance bottom directly affects comfort, durability and how the garment holds up through repeated washing. Most quality dancewear is made from a blend of nylon or polyester with Lycra (also known as spandex or elastane). This combination provides the stretch needed for full range of movement, while snapping back to shape after every class.
- Nylon/Lycra blends: Lightweight, smooth against the skin and excellent at holding their shape. A high Lycra percentage (usually 15,20%) means better recovery after repeated stretching, which matters a great deal in dance.
- Polyester/Lycra blends: Slightly more durable and often more budget-friendly. Polyester also holds colour well, which is important when a studio specifies a particular shade.
- Velvet and velour fabrics: These add a luxurious texture and are popular for performance and competition wear. Look for styles, like the Velvet Dance Shorts with Lycra Splice - Glow Collection, that incorporate a stretch panel to ensure velvet's natural stiffness does not limit movement.
Waistband Style and Fit
A waistband that rolls, slips or digs in is a constant distraction during class. Look for wide, flat waistbands that sit comfortably without needing constant adjustment. V-shaped front waistbands, as seen on the Essential V Band range, distribute pressure more evenly and tend to stay in position through high kicks and floor work. Avoid styles with narrow elastic only, particularly for active dancers, as these are more prone to rolling.
Length and Coverage
The appropriate length depends on:
- Your child's age and personal comfort level
- The dance discipline (ballet typically requires less coverage than hip-hop; contemporary varies by choreographer)
- Studio dress codes, which can be quite specific about length and colour
- The season, as 3/4 leggings are a practical choice during cooler months
Always check with your studio's teacher or handbook before purchasing, especially for exam or performance pieces.
Colour and Studio Requirements
Many Australian dance studios have a set dress code that specifies colours for each class. Black is the most universally accepted, but some studios require specific shades for particular year levels or styles. Buying a basic style like the Back to Basic Girls Dance Shorts in your studio's required colour is always a safe starting point. Once you know your child is sticking with dance, you can add more expressive styles to the wardrobe.
Sizing: A Note on Getting It Right
Dance bottoms should fit closely without being tight enough to restrict circulation or cause discomfort. A good rule of thumb: the waistband should sit flat without pinching, and there should be no pulling across the hips or seat. If you are between sizes, sizing up is generally the better choice for active wear, as excess fabric is less problematic than a garment that is too tight. Refer to Total Dance's size guides, and do not hesitate to reach out to our team for advice specific to a particular style.
Matching Bottoms to Dance Style: A Quick Reference
Ballet
Ballet typically requires dance briefs worn under a skirt or leotard, or close-fitting shorts that do not obscure the leg line. Pale pink, white or black are common studio requirements. A simple, well-fitted brief or short is the priority here over decorative details.
Jazz and Tap
Both jazz and tap allow more variety. Dance shorts in black or the studio's specified colour are the most common choice. The Splice Dance Shorts and Essential V Band Short - Coloured Band both suit this style well.
Contemporary and Lyrical
These disciplines often celebrate individual style, and you may find more flexibility in what is acceptable. Shorts, 3/4 leggings and even full-length dance pants all have a place here. Velvet or textured styles like the Velvet Dance Shorts with Lycra Splice - Glow Collection can work beautifully for performance pieces.
Hip-Hop and Street Dance
Looser-fitting dance pants or relaxed-cut shorts are more typical in these disciplines, prioritising freedom of movement and a street-influenced aesthetic over the streamlined look of classical or contemporary styles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which style is right for my child's dance class?
The best starting point is always your child's studio dress code. Most studios provide a guide at enrolment that specifies required colours, lengths and styles for each class. If you are unsure, a plain black short like the Back to Basic Girls Dance Shorts is rarely a wrong choice and works across most disciplines.
How many pairs of dance shorts or leggings should I buy?
For regular weekly classes, two to three pairs is a practical minimum. This allows one to be washed and dried while another is ready to go. If your child dances multiple days a week, consider four or more so you are never caught short. Dance bottoms should be washed after every class to maintain hygiene and fabric integrity.
Can my child wear dance shorts for multiple dance styles?
In many cases, yes. A well-chosen black short or legging can cross over between jazz, contemporary and lyrical without issue. However, specific disciplines like ballet may have stricter requirements, and performance or exam wear is usually dictated by the studio. Always confirm before purchasing anything intended for exams or concerts.
How do I care for dance shorts and leggings to make them last?
Wash dance bottoms in cold water on a gentle cycle, and avoid tumble drying where possible. Heat degrades Lycra and can cause garments to lose their shape and recovery. Turn garments inside out before washing to protect any printed or coloured panels, and avoid fabric softener, which can coat stretch fibres and reduce their elasticity over time. Air drying flat or on a hanger is ideal.
Shop with Confidence at Total Dance
Finding the right dancewear does not need to be stressful. Armed with the right information, you can make choices that serve your child's needs, respect the studio's requirements, and stand up to the demands of a busy dance schedule. From simple basics to eye-catching performance styles, our carefully curated range of dance shorts, leggings and pants covers every style, age group and budget.
If you have questions about a specific product or need help finding the right size, our team is always happy to assist. At Total Dance, we are here to support every dancer's journey, from the very first class to the competition stage.
