Choosing the right leotard matters more than most dancers realise. The wrong fit pulls, gaps, or restricts movement. The right one disappears on the body so the dancer can focus on technique. This Elevé Dancewear buying guide covers styles, fabrics, sizing, and fit so you can shop with confidence.
What Makes Elevé Dancewear Stand Out
Elevé is an Australian-founded brand built specifically for serious dancers. The construction is precise. Seams sit flat. Fabrics are chosen for stretch recovery, meaning they return to shape after every grand battement and backbend.
A few things that set Elevé apart from generic dancewear brands:
- Four-way stretch fabric that moves with the body without distorting
- Gusset construction designed for full hip rotation
- Colour ranges updated regularly to suit recital and competition trends
- Consistent sizing across styles, which makes repeat buying straightforward
Browse the Elevé Dancewear range at Total Dance to see current styles and colourways.
Elevé Leotard Styles and Which Dance Disciplines They Suit
Not every leotard works for every style. Choosing by discipline saves time and avoids returns.
Ballet and Classical Training
Ballet teachers and exam syllabi often specify a plain, simple silhouette. Look for:
- Scoop or sweetheart necklines with no embellishment
- Thin or pinch-front straps that stay put on the shoulder
- Matte or low-sheen fabric in classic colours like black, white, dusty pink, or red
- Modest leg line for a clean classical look
Contemporary, Jazz, and Lyrical
These disciplines allow more creative freedom. Elevé's contemporary styles often feature:
- Mesh or cut-out panels for visual interest without restricting movement
- Higher leg cuts to show leg lines during extensions
- Velvet or foil fabric finishes suited to performance and eisteddfod stages
- Built-in shelf bras for older teen and adult dancers
Acro and Gymnastics-Adjacent Classes
Full range of motion is non-negotiable here. Prioritise:
- Racerback styles that keep straps off the shoulder during cartwheels and aerials
- A higher cut back so the leotard does not bunch or ride during floor work
- Secure, non-roll leg elastic
Elevé Dancewear Sizing Guide for Australian Dancers
Elevé sizing runs true to Australian standard sizing in most styles. That said, sizing across dancewear brands is never perfectly uniform, so always check the brand's size chart rather than assuming your usual size.
Key tips for getting the fit right:
- Measure chest, waist, and hips. Compare all three measurements to the chart, not just one.
- For growing children, resist the urge to size up significantly. A leotard that is too large will gap at the back and bunch at the crotch, which is both uncomfortable and distracting.
- If your child is between sizes, size up for comfort if she has a longer torso, and size down if the main concern is fabric bunching.
- Adult dancers with a longer torso should look for Elevé styles labelled as long-line or check the style's torso length note.
If you are unsure, contact the Total Dance team before ordering. Getting sizing right the first time is always quicker than processing an exchange.
Elevé Dance Pants and Shorts: Matching to Your Leotard
Elevé produces dance pants, shorts, and skirts designed to coordinate with their leotard collection. The fabrics match, so layering looks intentional rather than mismatched.
What to consider when choosing pants or shorts:
- Fitted dance pants work well for contemporary and jazz warm-ups and are often permitted in exams
- Bike shorts and short shorts suit acro and hip-hop classes where full leg visibility matters for technique correction
- Wrap skirts and pull-on skirts add a classical layer for ballet without restricting the hip
- Check waistband width. A wider waistband sits more comfortably and does not roll during class.
Explore the full range of Elevé pants, shorts, and coordinating pieces to build a complete studio wardrobe.
Caring for Elevé Dancewear So It Lasts
Performance fabrics are durable but they do need correct care. Follow these steps to protect your investment:
- Cold machine wash or hand wash after every wear. Sweat breaks down elastane fibres over time if left unwashed.
- Use a delicates or mesh laundry bag to protect embellished styles
- Never tumble dry. Heat destroys stretch recovery and causes colours to fade faster.
- Lay flat or hang to dry away from direct sunlight
- Do not iron directly on the fabric. If pressing is needed, use a pressing cloth on a low setting.
Treated well, Elevé dancewear holds its shape and colour through a full dance season and beyond.
Ready to shop? View all Elevé Dancewear styles and filter by size, colour, and discipline to find the right fit for your dancer.
