Dance shorts are one of the hardest-working pieces in a girl's dancewear kit. They sit under leotards, pair with crop tops, layer beneath skirts, and hold up through long rehearsal days. This guide covers what actually matters when choosing the best dance shorts for girls in Australia, from fabric and fit to sizing and style.
What Makes a Good Dance Short for Girls
Not all shorts are built for movement. Dancewear shorts need to move with the body, stay in place during jumps and turns, and look neat under a leotard or over tights. Before buying, check these key features.
Fabric
Most quality dance shorts are made from nylon-spandex or polyester-spandex blends. These fabrics stretch in every direction, recover their shape quickly, and hold up through regular washing. Look for at least 15 to 20 percent spandex content for reliable stretch and recovery.
Bamboo-blend shorts are a softer option. They are breathable, moisture-wicking, and feel silky against the skin, which makes them popular for younger dancers who find synthetic fabrics irritating.
Avoid cotton for dance. It absorbs sweat, loses its shape, and drags during movement.
Waistband
A wide, flat waistband sits more comfortably under a leotard than a narrow elastic one. Foldover waistbands are also popular. They sit low on the hips and stay flat without digging in during class. Avoid any waistband with visible seaming that will show through a leotard.
Inseam Length
For most girls, a two to four centimetre inseam is the most versatile length. It provides coverage without restricting the leg line. Longer boy-cut shorts, around five to seven centimetres, suit hip hop and contemporary styles. Very short hot pants work well under tutus and classical skirts.
How to Size Dance Shorts for Girls in Australia
Dance shorts sizing in Australia generally follows age and height, but brands vary. Always check the specific size chart before ordering. A child sized for a size 8 in school clothes may need a size 6 or 10 in dancewear depending on the brand.
Key measurements to have ready are waist circumference and hip circumference. For girls still growing, choose a waistband style with some adjustability, such as a foldover or drawstring style, so the shorts last longer between size changes.
If your daughter is between sizes, size up. Dance shorts that are slightly loose in the waist are far easier to manage than ones that dig in or restrict movement during barre or floor work.
Sizing Tips by Age Group
- Toddlers and preschool (ages 2 to 5): Look for simple pull-on styles with soft waistbands. Flat seams reduce irritation for sensitive skin.
- Primary school (ages 6 to 12): Most standard dance short styles work well. Check that the length is appropriate for the dance style being studied.
- Teens and older girls: Adult sizing often fits from around age 12 to 14 depending on build. Compare measurements carefully at this stage rather than relying on age alone.
Choosing the Right Style for the Dance Discipline
The style of short matters as much as the fabric. Different dance genres have different practical and aesthetic requirements.
- Ballet: Fitted shorts in black, pink, or nude worn under a leotard. The goal is a clean line that does not interrupt the silhouette.
- Jazz and lyrical: Most studios accept fitted shorts in a range of colours. Ruched or shirred side details are popular in this style.
- Hip hop: Longer, looser boy-cut shorts with a relaxed fit. Usually worn over leggings or dance pants rather than under a leotard.
- Contemporary and modern: Flowy or wide-leg styles suit this genre, though fitted shorts are also commonly worn depending on the school's dress code.
- Acro and gymnastics: High-cut, very fitted shorts that do not move during tumbling sequences. Look for styles with a compression layer or full coverage lining.
Always check your studio's dress code first. Some schools require a specific colour or style, particularly for exam and performance work.
Colour, Care and Longevity
Black is the most practical colour for everyday classes. It hides wear, matches everything, and suits most dress codes. For performance or eisteddfod work, flesh-toned or costume-matched shorts are often required.
To extend the life of dance shorts, wash them in cold water on a gentle cycle and hang them to dry. High dryer heat breaks down spandex fibres over time and causes shorts to lose their shape and elasticity.
Replace dance shorts when the fabric starts to pill heavily, the waistband loses its hold, or the shorts no longer recover their shape after washing. A worn-out short that slides down mid-class is a distraction no dancer needs.
For a full range of styles across all dance genres and age groups, browse our girls dance shorts collection at Total Dance. You can also read more about fit and style options in our detailed guide to buying dance shorts in Australia, which covers brand comparisons and ordering tips.
