Finding the right crop top and shorts combination for dance class should feel exciting, not overwhelming. At Total Dance, Australia's home of premium dancewear, we know how much thought goes into building a wardrobe that keeps dancers comfortable, confident and class-ready. Whether you're shopping for your daughter's next jazz or contemporary session, or treating yourself to a fresh training look, this scout active purple snake skin buying guide walks you through everything you need to know before you add to cart.
What Is the Scout Active Purple Snake Skin Range?
The Scout Active Purple Snake Skin collection is a bold, fashion-forward dancewear line designed for dancers who want to stand out without sacrificing function. The standout purple snake skin print is rich and eye-catching, sitting beautifully against both fair and deeper skin tones. The fabrication is designed with movement in mind: smooth, supportive and stretchy enough to handle everything from floor work to jumps and turns.
If you've been browsing activewear and want something that bridges the gap between studio staple and statement piece, this vibrant purple snake skin collection is well worth exploring. Two hero pieces sit at the heart of the range: the Lucia Racer Crop and the Lucia Wide Waist Band Bike Short Girls, available in both full purple snake skin and a purple snake skin and black combination.
Comparing the Lucia Racer Crop and Lucia Wide Waist Band Bike Short Girls
Before you commit to a purchase, it helps to understand what each piece offers on its own and how they work together. Here's a closer look at the key items in the range.
Lucia Racer Crop , Purple Snake Skin
The Lucia Racer Crop is a fitted, racer-back crop top cut to sit just above the natural waist. The racer-back design is a firm favourite in the dance community for good reason: it allows full freedom of movement through the shoulders and arms, which is essential for contemporary, jazz and lyrical styles. The neckline sits high enough to be modest in class while still feeling light and unrestrictive.
The purple snake skin fabric on this crop has a smooth, slightly lustrous finish that photographs beautifully under stage lighting. For dancers preparing for eisteddfods or end-of-year concerts, this is a detail worth considering.
Best for: Jazz, contemporary, lyrical and hip hop styles. Also excellent as a rehearsal top layered over a leotard.
Lucia Wide Waist Band Bike Short Girls , Purple Snake Skin
The Lucia Wide Waist Band Bike Short Girls in full purple snake skin is the natural pairing for the Lucia Racer Crop. The wide waistband is a key feature here: it sits flat against the body, won't roll or dig, and creates a clean, polished silhouette. Bike shorts in general offer excellent coverage for floor-based choreography and are a practical choice for classes where dancers are on the ground, stretching, or performing tricks.
Wearing a matching set from the Scout Active range creates a cohesive, intentional look that many dance teachers and competition coordinators appreciate. It signals effort and professionalism, even in a training context.
Best for: Contemporary, acrobatics, jazz and general dance training. Ideal for students who want full coverage without the bulk of leggings.
Lucia Wide Waist Band Bike Short Girls , Purple Snake Skin and Black
This is where the range gets particularly versatile. The Lucia Wide Waist Band Bike Short Girls in Purple Snake Skin and Black incorporates solid black panels alongside the snake skin print. This design choice has a practical benefit: it creates a slimming, structured look that many dancers and dance parents prefer for class wear or performance. The black sections also make it easier to mix and match with other studio pieces.
If your dancer already owns solid black crop tops, the purple snake skin and black shorts allow her to transition the look from full print to a more balanced combination. This makes the two-tone short arguably the more flexible purchase if you're building out a wardrobe rather than buying a single matching set.
Best for: Dancers who want versatility across multiple outfits. Also a strong choice for those who prefer a slightly more understated approach to print.
Sizing and Fit: What to Know Before You Buy
Getting the fit right in dancewear is critical. Unlike everyday activewear, dance pieces need to stay in place during extensions, leaps and floor rolls. Here are the key considerations for the Scout Active range.
How the Lucia Racer Crop Should Fit
A crop top for dance should sit firmly against the torso without feeling constricting. You want minimal fabric movement when your dancer raises her arms above her head or arches into a backbend. If the crop rides up significantly during overhead movements, it's worth sizing down or choosing a different style.
For younger dancers or those between sizes, err on the side of snug rather than loose. Dance tops with excess fabric can become a distraction, particularly in technique classes where teachers focus closely on body alignment.
How the Bike Shorts Should Fit
The wide waistband on the Lucia shorts is designed to lie flat, so it should sit comfortably at or just below the natural waist without curling or folding. The leg hem should end mid-thigh and hug the leg gently without cutting into the skin. If you're purchasing online and unsure between two sizes, check the size guide on the product page and measure your dancer's waist and hip circumference rather than going by age alone.
Bike shorts that are too loose will bunch during floor work and may cause trips or discomfort. Too tight, and they'll restrict movement and feel uncomfortable over a long class. A well-fitted pair should feel like a second skin: present but not intrusive.
When to Consider Solid Black Alternatives
The Scout Active Purple Snake Skin range is bold, and that's part of its appeal. However, there are situations where a solid black alternative may be the smarter choice:
- School or studio uniform requirements: Some dance schools specify plain black or muted colours for class. Always check with your teacher before purchasing a print piece for regular class wear.
- Exam preparation: RAD and ATOD syllabi often require specific uniform standards. Bold prints are generally not appropriate for formal examinations.
- Layering and pairing: If your dancer's wardrobe is already print-heavy, a pair of solid black shorts such as the Essential Wide Band Short or the V Band Shorts gives excellent everyday versatility.
- Transitional seasons: Solid pieces often feel more seasonally neutral if you're building a capsule dance wardrobe.
That said, for concerts, eisteddfods, freestyle classes and drama-based contemporary work, the purple snake skin print is a strong, confident choice that photographs and performs brilliantly under lights.
Styling the Scout Active Purple Snake Skin Look
Once you've chosen your pieces, a few thoughtful additions can pull the full look together.
Accessories That Complement the Print
The purple snake skin palette pairs beautifully with deep jewel tones and metallic accents. For hair, consider the Purple Diamond Scrunchie for a tonal, coordinated look, or reach for the Sky Leopard Scrunchie if you want to mix prints with confidence. For a more glam finish under stage lights, the Diamante Round Magnetic Earrings or the Flat Diamante Headpiece add sparkle without overwhelming the outfit.
If your dancer wears her hair up, the Sprinkle Paint Scrunchie offers a fun, colour-pop option that works well alongside the snake skin print's purple and grey tones.
Layering Options for Cooler Studios
Australian studios can vary significantly in temperature depending on the season and location. Layering a Mastery Dance Skirt over the bike shorts adds warmth and a graceful silhouette for barre warm-ups, while the Essential Racer Back Singlet makes a lightweight underlayer for cooler mornings. If your dancer needs a full cover-up between classes, the Legacy Tote Bag or Duffle Dance Bag provides practical carry-all storage for layers, shoes and accessories.
Footwear Considerations
The Scout Active range suits bare feet or contemporary half-shoes for lyrical and contemporary classes. For jazz styles, jazz shoes pair neatly with the cropped silhouette of the shorts. If your dancer needs ribbon for ballet shoes worn before or after a class in this outfit, the Satin Ballet Shoe Ribbon or Ballet Shoe Ribbon in the appropriate colour is an easy add-on to your order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Scout Active Purple Snake Skin pieces be worn for performance as well as training?
Yes, absolutely. The fabric finish and bold print make the Lucia Racer Crop and Lucia Wide Waist Band Bike Short Girls genuinely suitable for both studio training and performance contexts such as eisteddfods and end-of-year concerts. The print reads well under stage lighting and the silhouette is clean and professional.
Is the wide waistband comfortable for all-day wear during dance intensives?
The wide waistband on the Lucia shorts is specifically designed to stay flat and avoid digging in over extended periods of wear. For dance intensives or full-day workshops, this style is generally more comfortable than narrow-waisted alternatives because it distributes pressure across a broader section of the torso.
How do I choose between the full purple snake skin shorts and the purple snake skin and black version?
Consider how the shorts will be used and what other pieces your dancer already owns. The full print version is ideal if you're buying a matched set with the Lucia Racer Crop for a cohesive look. The purple snake skin and black version is the better choice if your dancer needs flexibility to pair the shorts with solid black tops she already owns, or if a slightly more understated look is preferred.
What should I do if I'm unsure about sizing when ordering online?
Always measure before you order rather than relying on age or general sizing labels, which can vary significantly between brands and styles. Measure your dancer's natural waist and full hip circumference, then compare against the specific size guide on the product page. If your measurements fall between two sizes, consider the type of fit described above: snug for crop tops, and comfortable-but-secure for shorts. You're also welcome to contact the Total Dance team directly for personalised sizing advice.
