Finding the right studio wear can feel overwhelming, especially with so many styles, fabrics, and silhouettes to choose from. At Total Dance, Australia's home of premium dancewear, we've spent years helping dancers and their families build wardrobes that work hard in the studio and hold up under the pressures of a full training schedule. Whether you're shopping for a beginner just starting out or a seasoned performer heading into a competitive season, this guide will help you make confident, informed choices.
Understanding the Basics: What to Look for in Dance Studio Wear
Before you start comparing individual pieces, it helps to know what qualities matter most. Studio wear needs to balance practicality with performance. Here's what to keep in mind as you browse our studio wear collection.
Fit and Freedom of Movement
This is non-negotiable. A leotard or crop top that pulls, gaps, or rides up will distract a dancer during class and make corrections harder to spot. Look for pieces with a secure underband or supportive lining, four-way stretch fabric, and seams that sit flat against the body. For younger dancers especially, check that armholes are snug without cutting in, and that the torso length doesn't cause the leotard to pull down at the shoulders.
Fabric Considerations
Most quality studio wear is made from nylon or polyester blends with a high percentage of elastane. These fabrics are moisture-wicking, hold their shape through repeated washing, and move with the body. Mesh and lace panels add ventilation and visual interest without compromising structure. Avoid anything with heavy embellishments on the back or underarms, as these can cause discomfort during floorwork.
Style Suitability by Discipline
Not all dancewear is created equal across disciplines. Ballet tends to call for more streamlined, modesty-conscious choices, while jazz, lyrical, and contemporary allow for bolder colours, cut-outs, and layering. Keep your studio's dress code in mind first, then personalise from there.
Comparing Key Pieces: Leotards, Crop Tops, and Layers
Once you understand the fundamentals, it's time to look at specific pieces and how they compare. Below we've broken down some of the standout options from our range to help you match the right garment to the right dancer.
Leotards: From Classic to Contemporary
The Amanda Thin Strap Panel Front Leotard Child & Adult is one of our most versatile options. The mesh panel insert across the front adds subtle detail and breathability without being distracting, making it a strong choice for lyrical, contemporary, and jazz classes. The thin strap silhouette keeps the shoulders free for port de bras and overhead movements. It's available in both child and adult sizing, which is useful if you're a dance parent shopping for a growing teenager.
For dancers who prefer a more supported feel, the Ava - Wide Strap Leotard with Skirt is worth considering. The wide strap design offers more coverage across the shoulder and chest, and the attached skirt makes it a natural fit for ballet students who want a polished, put-together look without needing to coordinate separates. This combination is particularly flattering on younger children and those newer to ballet who feel more comfortable with added coverage.
If your studio follows a structured uniform policy, the Essential Camisole Leotard is a reliable, clean-lined staple that pairs easily with wrap skirts and shorts. For those in RAD programmes, the RAD Regulation Character Skirt Child & Adult should be on your list too, as it's designed specifically to meet examination requirements.
Crop Tops: Versatility for Jazz, Contemporary, and Lyrical
Crop tops have become a wardrobe essential for dancers studying jazz, contemporary, and lyrical styles. They offer flexibility in how you layer and allow teachers to observe core alignment and torso movement more clearly than a full leotard sometimes permits.
The Amity Dance Crop Top features a clean, supportive design with enough coverage to wear confidently on its own paired with shorts or a skirt. Its structured underband means you don't need to wear a separate bra, which simplifies getting ready before class.
The Avery Racerback Crop Top is a great option for dancers who prefer a racerback silhouette. The style keeps straps well clear of the shoulder blades, which is helpful for choreography that involves a lot of back articulation. It works particularly well layered under the Academy Jacket for a coordinated warm-up look.
If you're drawn to a slightly more editorial feel, the Essential Double Cross Strap Crop with Contrast Binding and the Essential Cross Back Crop offer interesting strap details that add visual interest while remaining practical for class use.
Jackets and Layers: Warming Up and Cooling Down
The Academy Jacket is a standout in our range and deserves its own mention. A structured zip-up jacket is an essential part of any dancer's kit. It keeps muscles warm before class, helps prevent injury during warm-up, and looks sharp over a leotard or crop top. The Academy Jacket pairs seamlessly with both the Amity Dance Crop Top and the Amanda Thin Strap Panel Front Leotard, making it easy to build a cohesive studio look. It's also practical for travelling to and from the studio, particularly in cooler months.
Skirts and Bottoms: Completing the Look
Pairing your leotard or crop top with the right bottom half makes a real difference to how a dancer feels and moves. The Adele Mesh Skirt is a beautiful choice for lyrical and contemporary styles, offering soft, floaty movement that reads well in class and in performance settings. If you're after something with more structure, the Mastery Dance Skirt is a clean, confident option for jazz and hip-hop-influenced styles.
For ballet students, the Georgette Pull-On Ballet Wrap Skirt, Traditional Georgette Wrap Skirt, and Julietta Chiffon Circle Skirt are all excellent choices depending on whether your studio prefers a tied or pull-on style. The Seven Layer Practice Tutu for Every Ballet Dancer is a perennial favourite for younger students who are working on their presentation skills.
Underneath it all, the Essential Wide Band Short, V Band Shorts, and Hipster Dance Brief provide comfort and coverage that supports confident movement across all disciplines.
Matching Studio Wear to Dance Discipline and Body Type
Every dancer's body is different, and part of building a strong studio wardrobe is understanding which silhouettes and cuts will help you feel your best. This ties in well with the broader conversation around stage presence, which we explore in depth in this guide on taking your performance from studio to stage.
Ballet
Ballet training generally calls for a streamlined, minimal silhouette that allows teachers to assess posture and line without obstruction. Stick to classic leotards like the Essential Camisole Leotard or Cap Sleeve Leotard, paired with a wrap skirt or practice tutu. Wide straps and supported cuts like the Ava - Wide Strap Leotard with Skirt are ideal for younger students. Adults may prefer the longer torso of the Amanda Thin Strap Panel Front Leotard Adult for a more elegant line.
Jazz and Tap
Jazz and tap classes allow for more personality. Crop tops paired with shorts or a Mastery Dance Skirt are popular choices. The Avery Racerback Crop Top and Amity Dance Crop Top both work well in this context. For tap, prioritise comfort across the hips and a secure fit that won't shift during fast footwork.
Lyrical and Contemporary
These disciplines thrive on flow and expression, so look for pieces that move beautifully with the body. The Adele Mesh Skirt is exceptional here, as is the Julietta Chiffon Circle Skirt. Pair with the Amanda Thin Strap Panel Front Leotard or a crop top for a look that balances structure with softness. Footless tights or bare feet are standard, so you don't need to worry as much about coordinating hosiery.
Body Type Considerations
High necklines and wide straps tend to suit dancers with narrower frames who want a little more coverage. Lower-cut necklines and thin straps can create a beautiful elongated line for dancers with longer torsos. Attached skirts, like the Ava - Wide Strap Leotard with Skirt, are a popular choice for dancers who prefer softness around the hips. The key is choosing what makes the dancer feel comfortable and confident, because that confidence shows in class.
For more inspiration and guidance on building your complete dancewear kit, explore the Total Dance blog, where we regularly share practical advice for dancers at every level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What studio wear is best for a beginner ballet student?
For a beginner, simplicity and comfort are the priorities. The Essential Camisole Leotard paired with a Georgette Pull-On Ballet Wrap Skirt is a classic starting point. If your child is very young or prefers more coverage, the Ava - Wide Strap Leotard with Skirt is a lovely all-in-one option that's easy to get on and off independently.
Can I wear a crop top in ballet class?
This really depends on your studio's dress code. Many contemporary-focused ballet programmes allow crop tops, particularly for older students. If in doubt, check with your teacher before purchasing. If crop tops are permitted, the Amity Dance Crop Top or Avery Racerback Crop Top paired with high-waisted shorts or a skirt are both appropriate and polished choices.
How do I know if a leotard fits correctly?
A well-fitting leotard should sit flat against the body without pulling at the crotch or bunching at the shoulders. The straps should be snug but not dig in, and the underband should feel secure without restricting breathing. If you're purchasing online, measure your child's torso length (from shoulder to crotch) and compare it to the size guide, as torso measurement is often more useful than age sizing alone.
What do I need to complete a studio wear outfit beyond the leotard?
Beyond the leotard or crop top, you'll likely want a warm-up layer like the Academy Jacket, a skirt or shorts depending on your discipline, tights, and a bag to carry it all in. The Duffle Dance Bag and Legacy Tote Bag are both practical options. Accessories like a Headband, Sprinkle Paint Scrunchie, or Luna Scrunchie are great for keeping hair secure and adding a personal touch to your studio look. If you love being involved in the Total Dance community, you might also enjoy reading about becoming a Total Dance ambassador.
