At Total Dance, Australia's home of premium dancewear, we know how much thought goes into outfitting a dancer. From the studio to the stage, every piece of clothing needs to work hard , moving freely, holding its shape and looking great through every rehearsal, class and performance. Scout Active crop tops have become a firm favourite in the Total Dance range, and it's easy to see why. With a variety of prints, fabrics and fits designed specifically for active young dancers, there's a style to suit virtually every dancer's needs.
If you're browsing for the first time or looking to add to your dancer's wardrobe, this buying guide walks you through everything you need to know to make a confident, well-informed choice.
Understanding the Scout Active Crop Top Range
Before selecting a specific style, it helps to understand what sets the Scout Active range apart. These crop tops are designed with movement at the forefront , cut to allow a full range of motion while staying put during turns, jumps and floor work. They pair beautifully with leggings, skirts and shorts, making them incredibly versatile for dancers who cross between jazz, contemporary, lyrical and general fitness training.
The range currently features two key silhouettes: the Mila Eco Friendly Racer Back Crop and the Lucia Racer Crop. While both share a racer back design that keeps straps out of the way during movement, they differ in fabric and finish. Understanding these differences is the first step to choosing the right top.
The Mila Eco Friendly Racer Back Crop
The Mila is crafted from an eco-friendly fabric that prioritises comfort and sustainability without sacrificing performance. The material is soft against the skin, breathable and moisture-wicking, which makes it well suited to higher-intensity classes where dancers work up a sweat. The relaxed-but-fitted silhouette sits comfortably on the torso without digging in or riding up, and the racer back allows arms to move freely overhead , important for dancers working on extensions and port de bras.
The Mila is available in four beautiful prints:
- Mila Eco Friendly Racer Back Crop Girls - Florida Floral: A vibrant floral print bursting with colour. Ideal for dancers who love a bold, expressive look. Pairs perfectly with the Florida Floral Scrunchie for a coordinated studio outfit.
- Mila Eco Friendly Racer Back Crop Girls - Coral Coast: A warm, sun-kissed palette that feels fresh and energetic. Team it with the Coral Coast Scrunchie to complete the look effortlessly.
- Mila Eco Friendly Racer Back Crop Girls - Luna: A dreamy, softer print that suits dancers who prefer a more understated aesthetic. The Luna Scrunchie is a natural companion piece.
- Mila Eco Friendly Racer Back Crop Girls - Sprinkle Paint: A playful, artistic print full of personality. Style it with the Sprinkle Paint Scrunchie for a fun, put-together studio look.
The Lucia Racer Crop
The Lucia Racer Crop - Pink Snake Skin offers a slightly different feel. With its eye-catching pink snake skin print, the Lucia has a more fashion-forward edge that appeals to older dancers or those with a bolder personal style. The fabric has a smooth, sleek finish that photographs beautifully, making it a popular choice for photoshoots, eisteddfods and showcase events as well as everyday training.
The Lucia's structured fabric provides a little more support through the bust, which many dancers appreciate during more vigorous classes or when transitioning between dance styles in a single session.
Key Buying Criteria: What to Look for When Choosing
Choosing the right crop top isn't just about picking the prettiest print. Here are the key factors worth considering before you add to cart.
Dance Style and Activity Level
Different dance disciplines place different demands on activewear. Consider the following:
- Ballet and lyrical: Softer, more fluid fabrics tend to complement the aesthetic of these styles. The Mila's eco-friendly fabric drapes gently and moves beautifully, making it a natural fit for lyrical and contemporary classes. Pair it with a Mastery Dance Skirt or a Childs Energetiks Wrap Skirt CS01 for a classic studio look.
- Jazz and hip hop: These styles benefit from a top that stays firmly in place during quick, dynamic movements. Both the Mila and the Lucia deliver here, but the Lucia's slightly more structured fabric may provide additional confidence during high-energy routines.
- Contemporary and acro: Floor work demands a crop top that won't shift or bunch. The racer back on both styles keeps everything secure, and the Mila's soft, moisture-wicking fabric is particularly comfortable for sustained floor sequences.
- Eisteddfods and performances: For events where presentation matters, the Lucia Racer Crop's striking snake skin print stands out on stage and under lights. Add a pair of Diamante Round Magnetic Earrings and a Flat Diamante Headpiece to elevate the performance look.
Fit and Body Type Considerations
Scout Active crop tops are designed with young, active bodies in mind. The racer back silhouette works well across a range of builds because it distributes fabric evenly across the back and shoulders, avoiding the bunching or gaping that can occur with standard strap tops.
For younger or slimmer dancers, the Mila's relaxed-yet-fitted cut offers a comfortable, non-restrictive feel without excess fabric. For dancers who prefer a slightly more defined fit through the torso, the Lucia's fabric composition provides a gentle, supportive hold.
Always refer to the size guide on each product page and, where possible, measure your dancer's chest and torso rather than relying solely on age sizing. Active dancewear is typically worn closer to the body than casual clothing, so when in doubt, sizing up ensures comfort throughout a full class.
Print and Coordinating Accessories
One of the real pleasures of the Scout Active range is how thoughtfully the prints coordinate with other Total Dance accessories. Each Mila colourway has a matching scrunchie in the collection, making it simple to put together a polished studio look without any guesswork. Browse our range of scout active crop tops to explore the full lineup of coordinating prints and accessories in one place.
For hair styling to match, the Sky Leopard Scrunchie and Purple Diamond Scrunchie also complement several of the Scout Active prints beautifully. Add a Wrap Around Head Scarf or a simple Headband for extra flair on competition days.
Eco-Friendly Considerations
If sustainability is a priority for your family, the Mila Eco Friendly Racer Back Crop is worth highlighting. Choosing activewear made from eco-conscious materials is a meaningful way to reduce environmental impact without compromising on quality or performance. The fabric is soft, breathable and built to last through repeated washing and wearing, which means fewer replacements over time.
Styling Your Scout Active Crop Top: Complete the Look
A great crop top is just the starting point. Here's how to build a complete, functional dancer's outfit around your Scout Active choice.
Bottoms
The Scout Active crop tops pair well with the Essential Coloured Wide Band 3/4 Coloured Band Legging for a streamlined training look, or with the Julietta Chiffon Circle Skirt for a softer, more lyrical aesthetic. For jazz and contemporary classes, pairing with the Mastery Dance Skirt adds movement and style.
Hair and Accessories
For a polished studio look, match your crop top's print to a coordinating scrunchie (the Florida Floral Scrunchie, Coral Coast Scrunchie, Luna Scrunchie or Sprinkle Paint Scrunchie are purpose-made to do exactly this). Finish with a Hair Blossom or Flower Headband with Ribbon for a sweet, put-together touch.
For competition and performance days, the Faux Pearl & Rhinestone Tiara, Alyssa Rose Gold Tiara or Willow Rose Gold Tiara add a beautiful finishing touch, while the Rainbow Stick on Gems are brilliant for adding sparkle to any performance look.
Dance Bag Essentials
Once you've chosen the perfect crop top, make sure your dancer's bag is equally well sorted. The Adriatic Bloom Bucket Bag and Pretty Tote Bag are popular choices for carrying class essentials, while the Legacy Tote Bag and Waterproof Bag offer extra capacity for longer dance days or weekend workshops. The Mesh Pointe Bag is perfect for keeping pointe shoes ventilated and accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which size Scout Active crop top to order?
We recommend measuring your dancer's chest circumference and comparing it to the size guide on each product page. Active crop tops are designed to fit close to the body, so if your dancer is between sizes, sizing up is generally the more comfortable choice, particularly for longer classes or active training sessions.
Can Scout Active crop tops be worn for multiple dance styles?
Absolutely. The racer back design and stretch fabric make these tops suitable for a wide range of dance disciplines, including ballet, jazz, contemporary, lyrical and general dance fitness. The Mila's softer, eco-friendly fabric lends itself beautifully to fluid movement styles, while the Lucia's slightly more structured fabric suits high-energy or performance-focused classes.
How should I care for my Scout Active crop top to make it last?
To preserve the print and fabric quality, we recommend washing your crop top in cold water on a gentle cycle and avoiding tumble drying. Lay flat or hang to dry away from direct sunlight. Avoid fabric softeners, as these can break down stretch fibres over time and reduce the top's shape retention.
Do the Scout Active crop tops coordinate with other Total Dance products?
Yes, and this is one of the highlights of the range. Each Mila colourway has a matching scrunchie available, and the prints have been designed to complement a wide range of Total Dance skirts, leggings and accessories. Browsing the coordinating products on each listing is a great way to put together a complete, cohesive dancer's outfit.
Whether you're a dance mum planning ahead for a new term or a dancer treating yourself to something fresh for the studio, the Scout Active crop top range offers quality, style and practicality in equal measure. Explore the full collection of scout active crop tops at Total Dance and find the perfect style for your dancer today.
