Australia's Home of Premium Lyrical & Contemporary Dancewear
At Total Dance, we've spent years supplying Australian dancers and their families with high-quality dancewear that performs as beautifully as the movement it supports. Whether your dancer is stepping into her first contemporary class or preparing for a competitive lyrical routine, having the right gear makes a genuine difference, not just to how she looks on stage, but to how she moves, feels and builds her confidence at every rehearsal.
Lyrical and contemporary dance demand a very specific kind of dancewear: garments and footwear that move with the body, allow full articulation of the foot, and stay in place through every extension, turn and floor sequence. That's exactly what you'll find when you browse our lyrical and contemporary dancewear, curated with Australia's dancers in mind and available to shop online with fast, reliable delivery nationwide.
Essential Pieces to Build Your Lyrical & Contemporary Wardrobe
Building a reliable dancewear wardrobe for lyrical and contemporary doesn't need to be overwhelming. There are a handful of key pieces that every dancer truly needs, and getting those right from the start will set your dancer up for success in class and on stage.
Convertible Tights: The Foundation of Every Lyrical Look
Convertible tights are non-negotiable for lyrical and contemporary dancers. They offer the polished line of a full tight while giving dancers the ability to open the foot for barefoot floor work in an instant. Total Dance stocks the Embrace Convertible Child Tights and the Embrace Convertible Adult Tights, both designed with a soft, smooth finish that photographs beautifully under stage lighting. The convertible opening sits neatly at the ball of the foot so it doesn't interfere with footwear. If you're after a reliable everyday option, the Convertible Dance Tights are a popular choice for regular class use and hold their shape wash after wash.
When selecting tights, consider your dancer's skin tone and your school's uniform requirements. Many Australian dance schools specify a particular shade, so it's always worth confirming with the teacher before purchasing.
Lyrical Shoes: Support, Slide and Aesthetic All in One
Choosing the right lyrical shoe is something many dance parents find confusing, particularly because the options have grown considerably in recent years. The Hanami Canvas Pirouette Lyrical Shoes are a standout choice for dancers who want support through turns without sacrificing flexibility. The canvas upper conforms to the shape of the foot beautifully, and the split sole allows the foot to fully articulate through pointed extensions.
For dancers who prefer to work with minimal footwear, the Barely There footUndeez Spin with Ease for Contemporary Dance is an excellent solution. These sit lightly over the ball of the foot, protecting the skin during floor work and turns on sprung floors, while leaving the toes and heel completely free. They're particularly popular for contemporary solos and group numbers where barefoot movement is central to the choreography.
Not sure which style suits your dancer's training level and performance needs? Our full buying guide walks you through the decision in detail. Read how to choose the right lyrical and contemporary dancewear for a comprehensive breakdown of fabrics, fit and footwear across every level.
Leotards for Lyrical & Contemporary Class
A well-fitting leotard is the anchor of any dance uniform. For lyrical and contemporary, you want something that allows complete freedom of movement through the torso and arms without riding up or bunching during floor work. The Essential Wide Strap Dance Leotard ticks all of these boxes. Its wide straps provide reliable coverage through backbends and overhead arm positions, while the clean lines make it versatile enough to wear across multiple dance styles.
Pair it with the Mastery Dance Skirt for rehearsals where your dancer wants a little extra flow, or keep things streamlined with the leotard alone for technique-focused classes. The Essential Camisole Leotard is another popular option for dancers who prefer a thinner strap and maximum shoulder freedom.
How to Shop Lyrical & Contemporary Dancewear Online at Total Dance
Shopping for dancewear online in Australia is straightforward when you know what you're looking for, and Total Dance makes the process as smooth as possible. Here's what to expect when you order from us.
Size Guides and Fit Advice
Every product listing on the Total Dance website includes a detailed size guide. For tights, we recommend measuring your dancer's height and weight to find the correct size, as tights that are too small will lose their elasticity quickly, while tights that are too large may wrinkle at the ankle and detract from the line of the leg. For lyrical shoes, measure the foot length in centimetres and refer to the brand-specific sizing chart provided on each product page.
If you're ever unsure, our team is available to help. Reach out via the contact page and we'll point you in the right direction.
Free Shipping Across Australia
Total Dance offers free shipping on qualifying orders across Australia, so you can stock up on everything your dancer needs for the season without worrying about additional delivery costs eating into your budget. Orders are dispatched promptly, and tracking information is provided so you always know where your parcel is.
Whether you're in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide or a regional area, we ship nationwide. Many regional families rely on Total Dance as their trusted online supplier precisely because quality dance-specific products can be difficult to source locally.
What to Add to Your Cart
Beyond the core pieces, there are a few extras worth considering when you're placing your order. The Legacy Tote Bag is a great carry-all for dance gear, roomy enough to fit tights, shoes and a spare leotard. The Duffle Dance Bag suits dancers who carry more between classes and competitions. For hair, the Headband keeps flyaways under control during class, and the Sprinkle Paint Scrunchie or Coral Coast Scrunchie add a touch of personality between performances.
It's also worth exploring our full range of lyrical and contemporary essentials to see what's new each season. We regularly update our stock to reflect what's trending in Australian dance studios and on competition stages.
Caring for Your Lyrical Dancewear
Quality dancewear lasts longer when it's cared for properly. A few simple habits will protect your investment and keep fabrics looking their best.
- Always wash tights and leotards in a cold, gentle machine cycle or by hand in cool water.
- Avoid tumble drying, as heat breaks down the elastane fibres that give dancewear its stretch and recovery.
- Turn garments inside out before washing to protect the outer surface from friction damage.
- Allow canvas lyrical shoes to air dry naturally after class. Stuffing them lightly with tissue paper helps them retain their shape.
- Store footUndeez flat or loosely rolled rather than compressed in a tight space, as this helps them keep their form.
With proper care, quality pieces like the Embrace Convertible Tights and Hanami Canvas Pirouette Lyrical Shoes will see your dancer through an entire season without losing their shape or finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between lyrical and contemporary dancewear?
In practice, the two styles share a great deal of common ground in terms of clothing and footwear. Both typically call for convertible tights, a fitted leotard and a lyrical shoe or footUndeez. Contemporary dance often involves more floor work and may lean toward a barefoot or minimalist footwear approach, while lyrical routines frequently incorporate lyrical shoes for support through turns and pointed extensions. Many garments, including the Essential Wide Strap Dance Leotard and Embrace Convertible Tights, suit both styles equally well.
How do I know which size lyrical shoe to order online?
Measure your dancer's foot length in centimetres while she is standing, then refer to the size chart provided on each product listing. If her measurement falls between two sizes, it is generally recommended to size up for canvas shoes, as the fabric has a small amount of give and a too-snug shoe will be uncomfortable and may restrict pointing. If you have any doubts, our team is happy to assist via the contact form on the website.
Are footUndeez suitable for younger dancers?
Yes, the Barely There footUndeez Spin with Ease for Contemporary Dance are suitable for dancers of various ages, provided the fit is correct. They should sit snugly over the ball of the foot without sliding. Check the size guide carefully and ensure your dancer tries them on before class to confirm the fit. Younger dancers doing floor work on studio floors will appreciate the protection they offer while maintaining the freedom of barefoot movement.
Does Total Dance ship to regional Australia?
Absolutely. We ship to addresses across Australia, including regional and rural areas. Free shipping applies to qualifying orders regardless of location, and all orders are tracked so you can follow your parcel from dispatch to delivery. If you have questions about delivery timeframes to your area, please get in touch with our team directly.
