7 Dance Shorts For Contemporary That Allow Full Expression

Your dancer comes home from class, excited about the new floor-work combination they learned but frustrated that their shorts kept riding up. Or maybe you’re staring at an online cart, wondering if the $15 shorts are good enough or if the $50 pair is really worth it for a contemporary class they just started. Choosing the right dancewear can feel like a small detail, but it’s a crucial piece of the puzzle that allows a child to feel confident, uninhibited, and focused on their movement.

What to Look For in Contemporary Dance Shorts

You wouldn’t buy the same bike for a 5-year-old learning to pedal and a 15-year-old training for a race. The same logic applies to dancewear. The needs of a first-grader exploring movement are vastly different from a high schooler on the competition team.

The key is to match the gear to the child’s current stage. For young beginners, the priorities are comfort and durability. You want soft fabrics that can handle repeated washing and a simple pull-on design that fosters independence. As a dancer progresses into their intermediate years (around ages 9-12), the fit becomes more critical. Shorts need to stay in place through turns and leaps, and features like a gusseted crotch—a diamond-shaped fabric insert—become important for allowing a full range of motion without restriction.

For advanced dancers, the shorts are a piece of technical equipment. They need a second-skin feel that offers support without constricting movement, and the cut must provide a clean, long line so instructors can see and correct their alignment. At this level, fabric technology that wicks sweat and provides light compression can make a real difference during long, demanding rehearsals. The goal is always to find the short that lets them forget they’re wearing it.

Capezio TB113: The Classic Rehearsal Staple

If you’ve ever peeked into a dance studio, you’ve likely seen a version of this short. The Capezio Team Basic short is the quintessential, no-fuss workhorse of the dance world. It’s simple, reliable, and does its job without any unnecessary frills.

Made from a durable cotton-Lycra blend, it offers the perfect balance of softness, stretch, and breathability. It’s comfortable for warm-ups, forgiving during floor work, and holds up well to the rigors of a weekly class schedule. This isn’t a high-performance garment, but it doesn’t need to be for the vast majority of young dancers.

This is an ideal first pair of shorts for a dancer just starting their contemporary journey (ages 6-10). It’s also a fantastic, affordable option for building out a dance wardrobe for recreational dancers of any age. Because of its accessible price point, you won’t feel the sting when a growth spurt hits and it’s time for the next size up.

Lululemon Align Short for Ultimate Flexibility

Let’s be clear: this is not the short you buy for a child trying out a six-week dance session. The Lululemon Align Short is a significant investment, best reserved for the dedicated, advanced dancer who is spending more time in the studio than at home. Think of it as graduating from a student-model instrument to a professional one.

The defining feature here is the proprietary Nulu™ fabric, known for its exceptionally soft, weightless feel. For a pre-professional dancer working on intricate choreography and extreme flexibility, fabric that doesn’t chafe, dig, or restrict is paramount. It allows for complete physical freedom and mental focus during grueling rehearsals and conventions.

Consider this option for the serious teen dancer (14+) who has demonstrated a long-term commitment. When dance is their primary passion and they are training 10+ hours a week, the superior comfort and performance can be a worthwhile investment in their craft. For anyone else, the cost is likely not justifiable for the function it serves.

Bloch Endura V-Front for a Flattering Line

There’s a point in a dancer’s journey, usually around the pre-teen years, where they become more aware of their lines and presentation. They start to notice the little details that create a more polished, artistic look. The Bloch Endura V-Front short is designed for exactly this stage.

The V-front waistband is the key feature here. Unlike a straight-across band, it dips slightly in the front, which visually elongates the torso and creates a more graceful, flattering line from the ribs through the hips. It’s a subtle but effective design element that can boost a young dancer’s confidence as they work on their artistry.

This is a wonderful step-up from a basic short for the intermediate dancer (ages 9-13) who is taking their training more seriously. It provides a professional look that’s perfect for placement auditions, summer intensives, or simply feeling more put-together in their weekly class. It bridges the gap between a basic beginner short and elite performance wear.

So Danca SL130 for High-Waisted Core Support

"Engage your core!" is a phrase every dancer hears from their very first class. A high-waisted short like the So Danca SL130 can be a fantastic tool for helping a dancer develop that crucial mind-body connection. The wide, supportive waistband provides a gentle, tactile reminder to maintain core stability.

This style offers a feeling of security and being "held in" that is incredibly helpful during challenging movements like turns, balances, and adagio work. It prevents the dancer from having to fuss with a waistband that rolls down, allowing them to concentrate fully on their technique. The added coverage is also a confidence-booster for many young dancers.

While beneficial for any age, this style is particularly effective for dancers age 11 and up who are focusing heavily on developing core strength and control. It’s a functional piece of apparel that actively supports their technical progression, making it a very smart choice for the focused student.

Body Wrappers ProWEAR for High-Impact Classes

Is your child’s contemporary class less about lyrical flow and more about athletic, high-energy movement? If their choreography involves intense floor work, acrobatics, or powerful jumps, they need a short that can keep up. The Body Wrappers ProWEAR line is engineered for this kind of impact.

The fabric is the star of the show. It’s a high-quality blend known for its excellent durability, shape retention, and moderate compression. This means it can withstand the friction of sliding across the floor without pilling, and it provides a bit of muscle support during explosive movements. These shorts are built to last through demanding rehearsal schedules.

This is the workhorse short for the dancer in a physically rigorous environment. If you’ve found that other shorts are wearing out in the seat or losing their stretch too quickly, this is a practical and durable upgrade. It’s an excellent investment for a competition team member or any dancer whose style is on the more athletic end of the contemporary spectrum.

Eurotard V-Waist Short for Seamless Comfort

For some children, an itchy tag or a waistband that digs in isn’t a minor annoyance—it’s a major distraction that can derail an entire class. If you have a child with sensory sensitivities, finding comfortable apparel is non-negotiable. The Eurotard V-Waist short is often a perfect solution.

Many shorts in this style are designed with minimal seams and a soft, wide waistband that can be worn folded down or pulled up for more coverage. This gives the dancer a sense of control over their own comfort. By eliminating the physical distractions of irritating seams and tags, it allows the child to fully immerse themselves in the joy of movement.

This is an outstanding choice for any dancer who prioritizes comfort, but it can be a true game-changer for younger dancers (ages 6-10) or those with sensory needs. When a child feels good in their clothes, they are free to focus on learning, expressing, and building their skills.

Danskin Bike Short: A Timeless, Simple Option

Sometimes the simplest solution is the best one. Before the rise of high-tech athletic wear, there was the classic Danskin bike short. It’s a timeless, multi-purpose staple that has served generations of young movers, and it remains a perfectly viable option today.

This short provides what a beginner needs most: comfortable coverage and basic stretch. It may not have the specialized V-waist or moisture-wicking fabric of more expensive dance-specific brands, but it absolutely gets the job done for a recreational class. Its simplicity is its strength.

This is a fantastic, budget-friendly choice for the young, multi-activity child. If your 7-year-old does dance on Tuesday and gymnastics on Thursday, this short can pull double duty. It’s also the perfect "just-in-case" pair to keep in the dance bag for emergencies. It represents a smart, low-risk investment while you gauge your child’s long-term interest.

Ultimately, the "best" dance short isn’t about a specific brand or price tag. It’s about finding the right tool for your child’s unique journey in dance. By matching the short to their developmental stage, class intensity, and personal comfort, you give them a foundation of support that allows their confidence and artistry to take center stage.