Choosing booty shorts for dance should be simple. The right pair keeps your dancer comfortable, supported and ready to move through every class, rehearsal and performance. Here is what to look for before you buy.
What Are Dance Booty Shorts?
Booty shorts are close-fitting, high-cut shorts worn for dance. They sit higher on the leg than standard shorts, giving full freedom of movement without fabric bunching or riding up mid-routine. They are a staple in jazz, hip hop, contemporary, lyrical and acro dance.
They are not the same as everyday athletic shorts. Dance booty shorts are cut and constructed specifically for performance. The fabric stretches in every direction, the waistband stays put, and the length is designed to work with leotards, crop tops and bodysuits.
How to Choose the Right Pair
Fabric Matters
Look for a fabric with at least 80% stretch content, such as nylon-spandex or polyester-spandex blends. These fabrics move with the body, hold their shape after washing and dry quickly after class. Avoid cotton for dance. It absorbs sweat and becomes heavy, which is uncomfortable and distracting during training.
At Pink Lemon, our shorts are made from performance fabric cut and sewn in our Melbourne factory. That means consistent quality and a fit that is designed for active young bodies, not adapted from adult sizing.
Fit and Sizing
Booty shorts should sit snugly at the waist without digging in. The leg opening should lie flat against the upper thigh without pinching. If your dancer is between sizes, size up. A slightly longer leg is easier to manage than a waistband that rolls or cuts in during a split.
Check the brand's size guide against your dancer's waist and hip measurements. Australian dancewear sizing varies between brands. Do not assume the same size across different labels.
Waistband Style
A wide, flat waistband is the most practical choice for dance. It distributes pressure evenly, stays in place through kicks, jumps and flips, and looks clean under a crop top or bodysuit. Avoid drawstring waistbands for dance use. They add bulk and can be a distraction if they loosen mid-class.
Colour and Style
Many studios specify a uniform colour for exams and performances. Black is the most versatile and widely requested. For freestyle classes, rehearsals or competitions, bolder colours and prints give dancers the chance to express their personality. Check your studio's dress code before buying.
Layering Booty Shorts With Other Dancewear
One of the practical advantages of booty shorts is how well they layer. They can be worn over a leotard to add coverage and a polished look, or paired with a crop top for a more casual rehearsal feel. They also work well under dance skirts and tutus, keeping everything in place during turns and jumps.
For acro and gymnastics-based dance styles, many dancers wear booty shorts over their leotard for extra coverage during floor work. The close fit means nothing shifts or gaps when they are upside down.
Caring for Dance Shorts
Performance fabric lasts longer with a little care. Wash in cold water on a gentle cycle. Avoid fabric softener, which breaks down stretch fibres over time. Hang to dry rather than tumble drying. This keeps the fabric firm and the colour vibrant wash after wash.
If your dancer trains multiple times a week, two or three pairs is a practical minimum. That way there is always a clean pair ready without rushing laundry between sessions.
Shop Dance Booty Shorts for Girls and Teens
Pink Lemon dancewear is designed and made in Melbourne, using fabrics chosen for performance, durability and comfort. Our performance dance shorts for girls and teens are available in a range of colours and sizes to suit dancers from primary school through to senior students.
Whether you need a reliable black pair for class or something with a bit more personality for competition, you will find options that hold up to serious training. Browse our dance shorts range and find the right fit for your dancer.
