These are just what they look like - very short shorts good for dance class.  Note that a larger size does not increase the length and will only make them ill-fitting (I figured this out after a round of exchanging sizes).  Also, though cotton, they don't shrink enough to make up for buying a too-big size.  Therefore, if you don't want super short shorts, these aren't for you; but if you don't mind their length, they fit true to size and are really great over a leotard for ballet/modern/whatever.