Finding dancewear that keeps up with the demands of training, looks great in the studio and holds its shape wash after wash is no small task. At Total Dance, Australia's home of premium dancewear, we know that choosing the right pieces matters , whether you're a dance parent trying to tick off a shopping list or a dancer who wants to feel confident every time you step onto the floor. Pink Lemon is one of the brands we're proud to carry, and their range of crops, shorts and accessories has become a go-to for students across ballet, jazz, contemporary, lyrical and tap. This buying guide walks you through how to choose the right Pink Lemon styles for your training needs, so every piece you invest in genuinely earns its place in your dance bag.
What Makes Pink Lemon Dancewear Worth Buying?
Before comparing individual pieces, it helps to understand what sets Pink Lemon apart in a crowded dancewear market. The brand is built around the idea that activewear designed specifically for dance should move differently from standard gym or athletic clothing. Dance training involves extreme ranges of motion, floor work, overhead arm positions and sustained holds that generic activewear simply isn't cut out for.
Pink Lemon pieces are designed with that reality in mind. Fabrics are chosen for stretch and recovery, meaning they bounce back to their original shape after every plié, leap and floor sequence. Seam placement is considered carefully so there's no chafing during long rehearsal blocks. And the aesthetic is genuinely on-point , dancers want to look and feel great in the studio, and Pink Lemon delivers on that without sacrificing function.
When you browse our Pink Lemon range at Total Dance, you'll notice the collection is cohesive. Pieces are designed to mix and match, so you can build a versatile studio wardrobe without needing to buy an entirely new outfit every season.
Buying Criteria: What to Consider Before You Choose
A buying guide is only useful if it gives you a real framework for making decisions. Here are the key factors to weigh up before selecting any Pink Lemon piece.
Dance Style and Studio Requirements
Different disciplines have different dress code expectations. Many ballet schools require a specific uniform, so Pink Lemon pieces may suit recreational or open training sessions rather than formal RAD or CSTD classes. For jazz, contemporary and lyrical, there's typically much more freedom, and teachers often encourage dancers to wear form-fitting pieces that allow them to see body lines clearly. Tap dancers generally have more flexibility too, though the preference for unrestricted movement around the hips and legs still applies. Always check your studio's policy before purchasing anything for class.
Fit and Sizing
Pink Lemon dancewear is designed to fit close to the body. If your dancer is between sizes, consider whether they prefer a slightly compressive fit (size down) or a more relaxed feel (size up). For growing teenagers, it's worth checking the size guide carefully rather than assuming standard sizing applies. Crops in particular should sit securely without digging into the ribcage or riding up during movement.
Fabric Suitability for Training Intensity
Think about how often and how hard your dancer trains. High-volume students who are in the studio five or more days a week need pieces that can withstand frequent washing and maintain their colour and shape. Look for pieces with good fabric weight , too lightweight and they may lose structure quickly; too heavy and they can restrict movement or cause overheating in a warm studio.
Versatility and Mix-and-Match Potential
Getting value from your dancewear budget means choosing pieces that work together. A crop top that pairs with multiple shorts or leggings is more cost-effective than a single-use statement piece. Pink Lemon's palette and design language lend themselves well to mixing, which is something to keep in mind as you build up a collection over time.
Comparing the Top Pink Lemon Pieces
Now to the heart of this guide. Below, we compare the standout Pink Lemon items available through our curated dancewear collection, covering what each piece does best and who it suits most.
Nova Cross Strap Crop Top
The Nova Cross Strap Crop Top is a strong all-rounder and one of the most popular pieces in the Pink Lemon lineup. The cross-strap back design is both supportive and visually striking , it shows beautiful lines from the back, which is something teachers and dancers alike appreciate in contemporary and lyrical training. The fabric hugs the torso without feeling restrictive, and the straps stay in place through even the most dynamic movement sequences.
This crop suits dancers who want a secure fit with a little more back coverage than a standard racer back, and it photographs well for eisteddfod and showcase preparation. It pairs naturally with the Nova Splice Dance Short for a coordinated studio look.
Nova Splice Dance Short
Designed to complement the Nova Cross Strap Crop Top, the Nova Splice Dance Short features colour-blocked panelling that adds visual interest while keeping the silhouette clean. The high-stretch fabric allows full leg extension and deep hip flexion without the shorts riding up or twisting, which is a common frustration with lower-quality alternatives.
These shorts work particularly well for jazz and contemporary training where big leg movements are the norm. The fit sits securely at the waist without digging in, making them comfortable for long rehearsal sessions. If your dancer runs warm, the short cut keeps things light and breathable.
Best for: Jazz, contemporary, lyrical. Dancers who prefer a coordinated two-piece studio look.
Amity Dance and Swim Crop Tops
The Amity range is a practical choice for dancers who cross-train or spend time poolside during competition season travel. These crop tops are designed to function as both dancewear and swimwear, which makes them an excellent investment for families who attend multi-day competitions or dance intensives where pool access is part of the schedule.
The fabric holds its colour and shape in chlorinated water, which is genuinely useful , standard dancewear fabric can be damaged by repeated pool exposure. For dancers who don't swim, the Amity crops still perform beautifully in the studio and have a slightly different silhouette to the Nova range, giving you variety within your wardrobe.
Best for: Dancers who travel for competitions or intensives. Great all-rounder for contemporary and lyrical styles.
Glow Velvet Scrunchie and Velvet Dance Scrunchies
Hair accessories might seem like an afterthought, but any experienced dance parent knows they're anything but. The right scrunchie keeps a bun or ponytail secure through an entire class without causing breakage or leaving a crease in the hair , both important when your dancer has a performance later in the day.
The Glow Velvet Scrunchie and the broader range of Velvet Dance Scrunchies from Pink Lemon are made from a soft velvet that grips hair gently but firmly. They're gentler on hair than standard elastic ties and add a polished, put-together look to any studio outfit. The velvet finish also means they sit beautifully and don't slip, which is particularly helpful for dancers with fine or slippery hair.
For those who want to complement their scrunchies with other accessories, the Coral Coast Scrunchie, Florida Floral Scrunchie, Luna Scrunchie and Sky Leopard Scrunchie from Total Dance's broader accessories range offer additional colour and pattern options to suit any studio outfit. The Sprinkle Paint Scrunchie and Purple Diamond Scrunchie are also popular choices for dancers who like a little extra flair.
Best for: All dancers and dance styles. Particularly useful for bun hairstyles in ballet and when a polished look is needed for performances or photos.
Building the Right Combination for Your Training Needs
One of the most common questions we hear is: "Where do I start?" The answer depends on your dancer's primary discipline and how many studio hours they're doing each week.
For the High-Volume Dancer
If your dancer is training four or more days a week, prioritise having at least two complete outfit combinations so you're not doing emergency laundry mid-week. A good starting point is the Nova Cross Strap Crop Top and Nova Splice Dance Short as your primary pairing, with an Amity crop top as a versatile second option. Add two or three Velvet Dance Scrunchies so there's always a clean one in the bag.
For the Recreational Dancer
One well-chosen outfit is enough for a dancer attending one or two classes per week. The Amity Dance and Swim Crop Top is a particularly smart choice here given its dual functionality. Pair it with a classic short or legging from your studio uniform requirements, and finish with a Glow Velvet Scrunchie for a neat, polished look.
Completing the Studio Kit
Great dancewear is just one part of a well-prepared studio bag. Alongside your Pink Lemon pieces, consider adding practical accessories from the Total Dance range: the Mesh Pointe Bag keeps pointe shoes ventilated, the Waterproof Bag is handy for wet items after swimming or sweaty training sessions, and the Legacy Tote Bag or Pretty Tote Bag keeps everything organised and easy to carry. For hair, the Ripple Pins 50 Pack 4.5cm Black or Ripple Pins 50 Pack 4.5cm Brown are studio staples that belong in every dance bag. You can shop the full Pink Lemon collection here and explore our wider accessories range to complete your kit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pink Lemon dancewear suitable for all dance styles?
Pink Lemon pieces work well across jazz, contemporary, lyrical, tap and recreational ballet training. However, if your child attends a school with a strict uniform policy , particularly for classical ballet exams , check with the studio before purchasing. Pink Lemon is best suited to open training sessions and styles where dancers have more flexibility in what they wear.
How do I care for Pink Lemon dancewear to make it last longer?
Machine wash on a cool, gentle cycle and avoid using fabric softener, which can break down stretch fibres over time. Turn garments inside out before washing to protect the outer surface. Air dry rather than tumble drying , heat is the enemy of elastic fabrics and can cause them to lose their shape and recovery much sooner than expected.
How do I know which size to choose for a growing dancer?
Always refer to the brand's specific size guide rather than defaulting to your dancer's usual clothing size. For teenagers in a growth phase, check the guide at the time of purchase rather than relying on what fitted six months ago. If your dancer is between sizes, consider how they prefer their fit , snugger for more support, or slightly roomier for comfort in long rehearsals.
Can Pink Lemon crops replace a sports bra for older dancers?
Many Pink Lemon crop tops are designed with built-in support suitable for light to moderate activity, which covers most dance training. For older dancers with more support requirements, particularly those in high-impact styles, it's worth checking whether the crop provides sufficient support on its own or whether an additional layer is needed. Every dancer's needs are different, so comfort and security during movement are the best guides.
