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The Best Warm-Up Wear for Dancers This Winter

Showtime Dancewear
Maroochydore, QLD
Winter Edit · 2025

The Best Warm-Up Wear
for Dancers This Winter

By Showtime Dancewear  ·  June 2025  ·  5 min read

Cold muscles and cold studios are a dancer's worst enemy. Your warm-up wardrobe doesn't have to be an afterthought.

Winter is here on the Sunshine Coast, and while our mornings might be milder than the southern states, that chill in the studio is real. Whether you're heading into a 7am ballet class, prepping for competition season, or keeping limber between rehearsals, the right warm-up wear keeps your muscles warm, your body protected, and honestly? You'll feel a whole lot more confident when you look the part too.

We've pulled together our favourite warm-up layers from across the Showtime range: cosy leg warmers, sleek jackets and everything in between. Here's what we're loving this season.

1

Leg Warmers Always & Forever


There's a reason leg warmers have never gone out of style. They're the fastest, most functional way to keep your calves and shins warm between exercises, and they layer perfectly over tights without restricting movement. Pop them on the second you walk in the door and leave them on until you're fully warm.

Energetiks
Knit Leg Warmers
A studio staple. Energetiks' knit leg warmers are soft, stretchy and available in classic neutrals that go with everything. Long enough to sit over the knee for full warmth, they're a must-have for any dancer's bag this winter.
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Bloch
Ribbed Knit Leg Warmers
Bloch's signature ribbed texture adds a little something extra without sacrificing function. These sit beautifully over pointe shoe ribbons or jazz shoes and hold their shape wash after wash. A quality investment that lasts season to season.
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Bloch
Warm Up Booties
A clever cold-weather essential. Bloch's Warm Up Booties slip over your dance shoes so you can keep your feet warm without taking your shoes off between exercises. Softly padded, non-slip sole and secured with a velcro strap — used by dancers globally and an absolute game-changer for winter mornings at the barre.
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"Leg warmers are non-negotiable. They keep your calves and Achilles warm right up until you're ready to go full throttle. Don't skip this layer."

2

Warm-Up Pants & Leggings


A great pair of warm-up pants does double duty. They keep your hips and legs warm during barre and double as comfortable travel wear to and from the studio. Look for fabric with a bit of stretch and a high waist for coverage when you're reaching, lunging, and moving.

Energetiks
Layered Warm-Up Pant
Lightweight with a relaxed fit, these warm-up pants layer beautifully over a leotard. A pull-on waistband keeps things fuss-free between classes.
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Bloch
Ripstop Pant
Ultra-lightweight, water-resistant and soft as silk. Bloch's Ripstop Pant features a high waist, elasticated waistband and elasticated cuff — perfect for layering over tights and peeling off quickly when class heats up.
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Studio 7 Dancewear
Warm-Up Pants
Studio 7 consistently delivers quality at a great price point. Their warm-up pants are a favourite amongst our younger dancers. Practical, durable and great value.
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CosiG Studiowear
Studio Leggings
CosiG's studiowear range is made with dancers in mind. Compression-supportive fabric that keeps muscles warm and supported through long rehearsal days. A go-to for serious training.
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✦ Styling Tip

Layer smart, not bulky

Choose warm-up pants that are slightly relaxed through the hip and thigh so they slide on and off easily over your tights and leotard. You want to be able to ditch the layers quickly when class heats up, without disturbing your whole look underneath.

3

Jackets, Wraps & Hoodies


A good jacket is your best friend the moment you step out of the studio. It protects your muscles from the cold between sessions and looks a million times better than an oversized street hoodie at a competition or showcase. Invest in something that represents the way you dance. With intention.

Bloch
Dance Warm-Up Jacket
Bloch's range of dance jackets are built for the studio. Clean lines, functional zip pockets, and moisture-wicking fabric mean you'll wear this from warm-up through cool-down without skipping a beat. Available in multiple colourways to suit your studio uniform or your personal style.
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Energetiks
Studio Hoodie
Soft, cosy, and incredibly wearable. Energetiks' studio hoodie is the kind of piece that becomes a permanent fixture in your dance bag. Throw it on straight after class to keep your muscles warm while you cool down, and wear it out without a second thought.
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Studio 7 Dancewear
Dance Jacket
Lightweight and stylish with a zipped front, hood and two convenient zip pockets. Built to perform in and out of the studio, the Studio 7 Dance Jacket is also perfect for screen printing or embroidering your dance studio logo. A practical, great-value layer every dancer needs in their bag this winter.
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4

Build Your Winter Studio Kit


The best warm-up wardrobe works as a system. Each layer has a purpose, and together they take you from that chilly walk into the studio all the way through to your cool-down stretch. Here's how we'd build the ultimate winter kit from the Showtime range.

The Complete Winter Studio Look

Layer up, then peel back as you warm up through class.

  • Start with: A Bloch or Energetiks leotard. Your foundation layer stays in place all class
  • Add: Footed or convertible tights from Fiesta Legwear or Capezio for warmth through your feet
  • Layer up: Warm-up pants (Energetiks or Studio 7) pulled on over your tights before you leave the car
  • Knee & calf warmth: Energetiks or Bloch leg warmers. Pull these on the second you walk in the studio
  • Top it off: Energetiks studio hoodie or Bloch jacket for the walk in and breaks between exercises
  • Elevate it: Grab the Studio 7 Dance Jacket for the walk in and a polished, put-together studio look

Remove layers as your body temperature rises. Usually the jacket comes off first, then the warm-up pants come down during centre work. Keep your leg warmers on longer than you think you need to, especially in winter, and always pop them back on between exercises at the barre.

5

Winter Warm-Up Do's & Don'ts


Beyond the clothing, here are a few habits that make a real difference in how your body performs in the cold months.

✓ Do This
Arrive 10 minutes early
Give yourself time to walk, gently mobilise and let your body adjust to the studio temperature before class begins.
✓ Do This
Keep layers on longer
In winter, your muscles take longer to warm up. Keep those pants and leg warmers on through the first 15 to 20 minutes, even if you feel okay.
✕ Avoid This
Stretching cold muscles
Never force a stretch on a cold body, especially first thing in the morning. Warm up first, stretch after your muscles are ready.
✕ Avoid This
Leaving layers behind
Even on a mild winter day, the drop in temperature after a sweaty class can cause muscle spasm. Always have a layer ready to go on immediately after class.
✦ Don't forget your bag!

Your warm-up kit lives in your dance bag

We recommend keeping a dedicated set of warm-up layers in your dance bag year-round, especially in winter. That way you're never caught without them. Check out our range of dance bags from Dream Duffel to store your kit in style.

Ready to Warm Up in Style?

Shop our full collection of warm-up wear online or visit us in store at Maroochydore. We're here to help you find the perfect winter layers for your dance style.

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