Finding the right dance shorts, leggings or dance pants can make a real difference to how a dancer feels in the studio and on stage. At Total Dance, Australia's home of premium dancewear, we've built our collection with every dancer in mind, from the little ones taking their first ballet class to competitive performers preparing for their biggest season yet. With free shipping Australia-wide, shopping for quality dancewear has never been easier.
Why the Right Dance Bottoms Matter
Dance is a physical art form that demands a lot from clothing. Shorts, leggings and dance pants need to move with the body without restricting range of motion, hold their shape through hours of rehearsal, and look polished whether the dancer is in class or on stage. Fabric quality, waistband construction and cut all play a role in how confident a dancer feels, and how well their clothing performs.
For dance parents, investing in quality basics is a smart decision. Well-made dancewear lasts through multiple seasons and washes, saving you from replacing worn-out pieces every few months. For dancers choosing their own gear, the right fit supports better movement and lets you focus on technique rather than adjusting your clothing mid-class.
Our shorts, leggings, dance pants and dance briefs range covers all the essentials, from sleek everyday leggings to performance-ready shorts with flattering cuts and vibrant finishes. Whether you're shopping for jazz, contemporary, lyrical, tap or ballet, you'll find styles built for your genre.
Essential Styles in Our Dance Shorts & Leggings Collection
Knowing which style suits your dancer's needs saves time and takes the guesswork out of shopping. Here's a closer look at the standout pieces in our range.
The Essential V Band Short, Coloured Band
A studio staple, the Essential V Band Short, Coloured Band is designed with a flattering V-shaped waistband that sits securely without digging in or rolling down. The coloured band adds a stylish contrast detail that pairs beautifully with matching crop tops and leotards. This short is a go-to for jazz, contemporary and lyrical classes, offering full freedom of movement and a clean, professional look.
Splice Dance Shorts
The Splice Dance Shorts bring a modern, eye-catching finish to any dance wardrobe. Featuring contrasting fabric panels, these shorts are designed to elongate the leg and highlight movement. They're a popular choice for performance and competition, where visual impact matters as much as comfort. The fitted cut stays in place through turns, leaps and floor work, so dancers can focus entirely on their performance.
Velvet Dance Shorts with Lycra Splice, Glow Collection
For dancers who love texture and a touch of luxury, the Velvet Dance Shorts with Lycra Splice, Glow Collection are a standout. The rich velvet fabric paired with a Lycra splice creates a beautiful contrast in both look and feel, making these shorts equally suited to performance and photoshoots. The Glow Collection colourways are vibrant and stage-ready, catching the light in all the right ways.
Essential V Band Dance Short
A clean and versatile option, the Essential V Band Dance Short is a reliable everyday short that works across multiple dance genres. The V-band waistband provides a secure, comfortable fit that stays put through even the most active classes. Simple enough for everyday training, polished enough for performances and exams.
Back to Basic Girls Dance Shorts
For younger dancers, the Back to Basic Girls Dance Shorts offer a comfortable, age-appropriate cut that's easy to move in. The no-fuss design means little ones aren't distracted by uncomfortable waistbands or bunching fabric, and the durable construction holds up well to the demands of weekly classes and active play.
Essential Coloured Wide Band 3/4 Coloured Band Legging
Leggings are a wardrobe cornerstone for dancers at every level, and the Essential Coloured Wide Band 3/4 Coloured Band Legging delivers on both comfort and style. The wide coloured waistband provides support and a flattering silhouette, while the 3/4 length is a versatile choice for contemporary, jazz and lyrical styles. Pair with a matching crop or leotard for a coordinated class look.
Free Shipping Australia-Wide: How to Buy Dance Shorts & Leggings Online
Shopping online for dancewear should be straightforward and stress-free. At Total Dance, we've made the process simple from browse to delivery. Here's what you need to know.
Finding the Right Size
Sizing can vary between styles, so we always recommend checking the size guide on each product page before purchasing. For growing dancers, it's worth noting your child's height and waist measurement alongside their age, as dance sizing often runs differently to standard clothing. When in between sizes, consider the style of the garment: fitted performance shorts are generally best sized to current measurements, while leggings with a wide waistband can have a little more flexibility.
Free Shipping Across Australia
Every order from Total Dance ships free Australia-wide, making it easy to stock up on essentials without worrying about extra costs at checkout. Orders are carefully packed and dispatched promptly so your dancewear arrives ready for the next class or rehearsal.
Putting Your Look Together
Dance shorts and leggings pair beautifully with our range of crop tops and leotards. The Essential Racer Back Crop, Essential Cross Back Crop and Essential Double Cross Strap Crop with Contrast Binding are all designed to coordinate with our bottoms range, making it simple to build a cohesive training wardrobe. For dance parents looking to complete the look, our accessories range including scrunchies like the Coral Coast Scrunchie, Florida Floral Scrunchie and Luna Scrunchie add the perfect finishing touch.
If you're also exploring dance pants options beyond shorts and leggings, our detailed guide on choosing the right dance pants for your style and genre walks through what to look for in fit, fabric and cut. For those interested in dance briefs as an alternative or addition to shorts, our buyer's guide to high waisted dance briefs covers everything you need to make a confident choice. And if mesh dance pants are on your radar, our guide to finding the perfect mesh dance pants breaks down the key considerations.
What to Look for When Buying Dance Shorts & Leggings Online
Shopping for dancewear online is a slightly different experience to trying things on in store, but a few practical tips make it much easier.
Fabric composition: Look for high-quality Lycra or spandex blends for stretch and recovery. These fabrics hold their shape after repeated wear and washing, which is important for dancewear that sees heavy use.
Waistband design: A well-constructed waistband stays in place without rolling or digging in. V-band designs and wide waistbands distribute pressure evenly and offer a more comfortable, secure fit during active movement.
Colour and care: Bright colours and contrast panels look great but do require proper care to maintain their vibrancy. Always check garment care instructions and wash dancewear inside out in cold water to preserve colour and fabric quality.
Intended use: Consider whether the shorts or leggings are primarily for class training or performance. Training styles prioritise comfort and durability, while performance styles often feature more visual detail, richer fabrics and a more polished finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between dance shorts and dance briefs?
Dance shorts sit lower on the thigh and offer more coverage than dance briefs. Dance briefs have a higher cut leg and are often worn under skirts, tutus or as a standalone layer for performance. Both are available in our collection, so the choice comes down to your dancer's genre, personal preference and studio dress code requirements.
Can dance leggings be worn for different dance styles?
Absolutely. Quality dance leggings are versatile enough to work across ballet, jazz, contemporary, lyrical and tap. The key is choosing a fabric with good stretch and recovery so the leggings move with the dancer rather than restricting their range of motion. Styles like the Essential Coloured Wide Band 3/4 Coloured Band Legging are designed with this versatility in mind.
How does free shipping work at Total Dance?
Total Dance offers free shipping on orders sent to addresses within Australia. Simply browse our collection, add your chosen styles to cart, enter your delivery details at checkout, and your order will be dispatched promptly. There are no minimum order thresholds or extra steps required to access free shipping.
How do I know which size to order for my child?
We recommend using the size guide available on each individual product page, as sizing can vary slightly between styles. Measure your child's height and waist before shopping and cross-reference with the guide. If you're unsure or your child is between sizes, our friendly team is happy to help with sizing advice before you place your order.
