Choosing the right dancewear top for your child, or for yourself, can feel surprisingly tricky. Walk into any dance supply store and you'll find rails of leotards, singlets, crop tops and everything in between, each with its own cut, strap style and fabric weight. For New Zealand dance families shopping online, that choice becomes even more important because you want to get it right the first time.
At Total Dance, Australia's home of premium dancewear, we supply students and dance parents across New Zealand with everything from classical ballet basics to contemporary casual layers. Orders ship tracked from our Melbourne warehouse and arrive in 5 to 10 business days, with free shipping on orders over NZ$140. Whether you're searching for dance leotards NZ, the perfect rehearsal singlet, or a complete uniform kit, this guide will help you make a confident, well-informed choice.
Leotards vs Singlets: Understanding the Key Differences
A traditional leotard is a one-piece garment that covers the torso completely, usually with no separate waistband or hemline at the hip. It's designed to stay tucked in, stay put during movement, and give teachers a clear line of sight to posture, alignment and core engagement. Leotards have been the foundation of dance training for well over a century, and for good reason: they are streamlined, professional, and leave nothing to distract from technique.
A singlet, by contrast, is a separate top that sits above the waistband of shorts, briefs, or skirts. It's more relaxed in feel, easier to layer, and has become a staple in contemporary, jazz, lyrical and casual studio classes. Singlets offer enormous variety in strap style and neckline, which means they suit a wider range of body types and personal preferences.
Neither style is universally "better." The right choice depends on your dance genre, your studio's dress code, your body type, and the level of coverage you prefer. Let's break that down.
Which Style Suits Which Dance Genre?
Ballet
Classical ballet training almost always calls for a fitted leotard, and many RAD and NZAMD affiliated studios specify the exact style and colour. If your studio has a prescribed uniform, the decision is made for you. For home practice or open classes, the Essential Camisole Leotard, Cap Sleeve Leotard, and Essential Long Sleeve Leotard are all excellent choices that offer clean lines, good stretch, and comfortable coverage. Pair any of these with a Georgette Pull-On Ballet Wrap Skirt or the ever-popular Traditional Georgette Wrap Skirt for a polished studio look.
Jazz, Contemporary and Lyrical
These genres give you much more freedom. Many students in contemporary and lyrical classes wear a fitted singlet over briefs or shorts, and teachers in these styles often prefer to see the line of the torso without the restriction of a one-piece. If you're weighing up styles for these genres, our helpful comparison of singlets vs T-shirts for kids in Australia covers the practical differences in fabric, fit and function in more detail.
Tap
Tap classes tend to be less prescriptive about tops, so comfort and ease of movement are the priority. A singlet worn over the Essential Wide Band Short or V Band Shorts works well and allows students to hear their own footwork without the distraction of adjusting their clothing mid-class.
Casual and Recreational Classes
For recreational or mixed-genre classes, singlets are ideal. They layer easily, wash up well after sweaty rehearsals, and feel less formal than a traditional one-piece. Browse our casual dance tops for every style and age group to see the full range.
The Essential Singlet Range: Comparing Your Options
Total Dance's Essential Singlet range has been designed specifically for the demands of dance training. Each style is cut in a performance-grade stretch fabric that moves with the body, holds its shape through class after class, and keeps its colour through repeated washing. Here's how the four key styles compare.
Essential Cross Back Singlet, with Contrast Binding
The cross back strap configuration is one of the most flattering and functional designs available. The straps cross at the back, creating a natural frame that draws the eye to the shoulders and supports good posture. The contrast binding adds a stylish finish that also reinforces the edges and extends the garment's lifespan. This is a great all-rounder for jazz, contemporary and lyrical students.
Essential Double Cross Singlet, with Contrast Binding
For students who love a more intricate back detail, the double cross design adds an extra layer of visual interest while still offering the practical benefits of a cross back cut. The contrast binding on this style is especially striking in studio and performance settings. If you'd like to understand more about how singlet styles compare to traditional leotards for different body types, our article on dance leotards vs singlets for NZ dance students explores this in depth.
Essential Racer Back Singlet
The racer back is a classic for a reason. The high, wide back panel gives excellent shoulder support and freedom of movement for extensions, backbends and floor work. This is often the preferred style for students who do a lot of acrobatic or contemporary choreography. It also sits neatly under a crop jacket or hoodie for before and after class.
Essential Singlet and Ribbed Singlet
The standard Essential Singlet is the most versatile option in the range: a clean, simple silhouette that suits almost every dancer and pairs with any bottom. The Ribbed Singlet adds texture through a ribbed knit fabric that has a slightly different drape and feel. The ribbed style is particularly popular for older students and adult recreational dancers who want a more fashion-forward look in casual or contemporary classes.
Buying Criteria: What to Look for When Choosing a Dance Top
Fit and Sizing
Dance singlets and leotards should fit snugly without restricting breath or movement. A top that is too loose will ride up and bunch during floorwork; one that is too tight will restrict extension and feel uncomfortable across the chest. When ordering online from New Zealand, always check the size guide on each product page. If your child is between sizes, size up for leotards (which are one-piece and have less room to adjust) and size down for singlets if you prefer a fitted look. Most Total Dance styles are made with a generous amount of four-way stretch, so they accommodate a range of body shapes within each size bracket.
Strap Style and Body Type
Broad shoulders often look beautifully framed by a racer back or cross back strap. Narrower shoulders can be balanced by a wider strap or a thicker binding detail. For students who are self-conscious about their back, a fuller back panel like the racer back offers more coverage. For students who want to show off their technique and line, the open cross back styles are ideal. There is genuinely no wrong answer here: the best style is the one your dancer feels confident and comfortable in.
Fabric and Care
The Essential range is made from a high-stretch performance fabric that is moisture-wicking, breathable and holds its shape over time. To get the most life out of your dancewear, wash in cold water on a gentle cycle, and lay flat to dry rather than tumble drying. Avoid fabric softener, which breaks down the elastane fibres over time and reduces the garment's stretch and recovery. Turn the garment inside out before washing to protect the colour and any contrast binding details.
For guidance on dancewear brands and quality to look for when shopping as a New Zealand customer, the best dance brands available in New Zealand is a useful read before you buy.
Studio Dress Codes
Always check your studio's dress code before purchasing. Some studios specify exact colours, styles or brands for their uniform, particularly for exam classes and eisteddfod preparation. If you're unsure, most dance teachers are happy to confirm what is and isn't permitted. Buying the wrong colour or style is one of the most common (and easily avoided) mistakes when shopping for dancewear online.
Completing the Look: What to Pair With Your Singlet or Leotard
Once you've chosen your top, you'll want to put together a complete studio outfit. The Hipster Dance Brief, Essential Wide Band Dance Brief and Essential Narrow Band Dance Brief all work beautifully under singlets, offering different levels of coverage and waistband height to suit personal preference. For students who prefer shorts, the Essential Wide Band Short and V Band Shorts are both studio-ready options.
For younger dancers, layering a singlet over a Tutu Skirt or Childs Full Circle Skirt adds a touch of magic to recreational classes. Older students may prefer the elegant drape of the Mastery Dance Skirt or a Julietta Chiffon Circle Skirt for lyrical and contemporary work.
Don't forget the finishing touches. A Coral Coast Scrunchie, Luna Scrunchie or Florida Floral Scrunchie makes a lovely practical gift alongside a new singlet, and a Legacy Tote Bag or Duffle Dance Bag keeps everything organised from home to studio and back again.
Shopping From New Zealand: Shipping, Pricing and What to Expect
Total Dance ships all orders tracked from our Melbourne warehouse. New Zealand customers can expect delivery in 5 to 10 business days. All prices on our website are listed in Australian dollars; your bank or payment provider will convert to NZD at the current exchange rate at checkout. To qualify for free shipping to New Zealand, your order needs to reach NZ$140 or more, which is easy to reach if you're putting together a full studio kit for the term.
If you have any questions about sizing, availability or which style might suit your dancer, our team is always happy to help. We understand that buying dancewear online from another country requires a bit of extra trust, and we take that responsibility seriously.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my child wear a singlet instead of a leotard for ballet?
This depends entirely on your studio's dress code. Classical ballet classes, particularly those following RAD or NZAMD syllabi, typically require a traditional leotard for exams and graded classes. For recreational or open classes, many studios allow singlets. Always confirm with your teacher before purchasing.
What is the difference between the Essential Singlet and the Ribbed Singlet?
Both are fitted dance tops, but they use different fabrics. The Essential Singlet is made from a smooth, high-stretch performance fabric, while the Ribbed Singlet uses a textured ribbed knit that has a slightly different drape and a more casual, fashion-forward aesthetic. The ribbed version is popular for older students and adult recreational classes.
How do I choose between a cross back and a racer back singlet?
It comes down to personal preference and the amount of back coverage you want. A racer back provides more coverage across the upper back and is great for active, high-movement styles. A cross back (or double cross back) creates a striking open-back detail that is popular for lyrical and contemporary dancers. Both styles offer excellent freedom of movement.
How long will my dancewear last if I care for it properly?
With correct care, quality dancewear made from performance-grade stretch fabric can last one to two years of regular studio use. Wash in cold water on a gentle cycle, lay flat to dry, and avoid fabric softener to preserve the elastane content and colour. Rotating between two or three tops rather than wearing the same one every day will also significantly extend the life of each garment.
