What to pack for a dance competition

With the first dance competition of the season coming up, parents will naturally wonder, "What do we need to bring?" Dance competitions, similar to all-day sports tournaments, require a bit of prep to make sure everyone has a blast. To help out eager parents and students, here's a simple breakdown of must-haves in your dance competition checklist.

Costumes

Costumes are one of the most important aspects of any dance competition. Every aspect of your costume must be labeled with your name or initials. Make sure that all costumes have been properly fitted and altered before the competition day. Additionally, pack extra tights, hair accessories, and other necessary items to avoid any last-minute costume mishaps. Consider packing:

• All costumes

• Costume accessories

• All needed dance shoes

• Tights including extras

• Undergarments

• Warm-up booties/slippers

• Extra clear straps

• Jewelry including costume earrings

• Warm-ups/studio spirit gear

It's always a good idea to pack extra clothing in case of emergencies such as spills or accidents. This includes an extra set of dance clothes, undergarments, and comfortable clothes for after the competition. Don't forget to also pack a warm jacket or sweatshirt in case the venue gets cold.

Costume Emergency Supplies

A costume emergency kit is crucial for dance competitions. Despite meticulous preparation, unexpected issues like a broken zipper, torn costume, or missing accessory can occur. These mishaps can cause stress and affect a dancer's performance. Packing a costume emergency kit ensures quick fixes on the spot, allowing dancers to focus on their performance. Some costume-emergency-related items that parents may want to have handy include:

• Miniature sewing kit

• Safety pins

• Sticky strips/body adhesive

• Lint brush

• Static guard

• Stain removal pen

• Double-sided tape

• Clear nail polish for stopping runs in tights

• Hot glue/super glue

• Shoe polish/Touch up pen and screwdriver for any tap shoe emergencies

• Rosin as necessary

Organization

Staying organized in dance competitions is crucial for success. The fast-paced and chaotic nature of these events can lead to forgotten essentials or misplaced equipment, causing unnecessary stress. Being organized allows dancers to focus on their performance without worrying about finding costumes or supplies. It ensures smooth transitions between routines and guarantees easy access to necessary items. Consider the following when packing to stay organized at competitions:

Competition Schedule and Info: Print the schedule and necessary details like parking instructions, rules, and emergency contacts. Avoid constant phone checking or worrying about losing internet connection.

Comfort Items: Bring portable chairs, blankets, and pillows for parents and dancers. Stay comfortable during breaks and performances.

Music and Backup: Have extra copies of competition music on USB or CD. Ensure backup music in case of technical difficulties.

Dream Duffel, Rac N' Roll, or Garment Rack: Designate a spot for costume pieces to prevent loss during quick changes. Use a laundry basket, bin, or similar. Label all costume pieces and shoes with students' names or initials.

Some other things to consider when packing for a dance competition would be:

• Clear garment bags

• Notepad/highlighter

• Dance Schedule

• Cell phone

• Cell phone charger/portable charger

Makeup Bag

The second major category of must-haves in your dance competition checklist is composed of beauty products and tools. It’s best to have extra of any cosmetic that dancers are wearing, be it lipstick, foundation, falsies, nail polish, eyeshadow or blush. Similarly, ask parents to bring along some makeup remover, deodorant, cotton swabs, tweezers and any necessary tools, like makeup brushes, nail clippers and false lash glue. It’s also a good idea to have hair care supplies stashed away somewhere. Don’t dash out the door to a competition without these items:

• Foundation & any application tools

• Loose powder/bronzer

• Concealer

• Eye shadows

• Blush

• Eyeliner

• Waterproof mascara

• False eyelashes

• Eyelash Glue

• Lipliner/Brush

• Lipstick

• Lipgloss

• Hair and body glitter

• Makeup brushes

• Tweezers

• Nail clippers/file

• Q-tips & cotton balls

• Tissues

• Baby or makeup removal wipes

• Mirror & light

Hair Products

A dancer's hair is a crucial part of their overall presentation. Having neatly styled and secure hair helps keep the focus on the choreography and the performer's expressions. An unruly strand or a messy hairstyle can be distracting and might even affect the performance. Plus, specific hairstyles may be necessary to accurately portray the character or theme of the dance. That's why it's important to pack a variety of hair products in your dance competition kit, just like you would bring your costumes and shoes.

• Hair brushes and combs

• Bun builders

• Extra bobby pins and elastics

• Hair spray

• Hair gel

• Hair nets

• Spray bottle for water

• Flat iron/curling iron as necessary

• Any necessary hair accessories

Hygiene & Beauty

Hygiene and beauty supplies are often overlooked but are super crucial for any dance competition. Dancers put in a lot of physical effort, which means sweat can mess up their makeup and overall look. Keeping clean and fresh is key for comfort and feeling good all day. Plus, having beauty supplies on hand is a game changer for touch-ups, so performers can slay on stage. That's why a hygiene and beauty kit is a must-have!

• Clear deodorant

• Feminine product

• Makeup remover

• Nail polish remover

• Moisturizers

• Antibacterial gel

• Baby powder

First Aid Kit

Accidents can happen at any time, so it's important to be prepared with a well-stocked first aid kit. Include bandages, pain relievers, antiseptic wipes, and any necessary medication for allergies or pre-existing conditions.

• Children's and adult pain reliever

• Band-Aids

• Antacid

• Neosporin

• Instant Ice Packs

• Ace Bandage

• Prescribed medication if needed

• First Aid Kit

Food and Snacks

Dance competitions can be a long day for everyone involved, so it's important to pack enough food and snacks to keep everyone energized and nourished. Make sure to pack healthy options such as fruits, vegetables, and protein-rich snacks to help fuel the dancers throughout the day. Don't forget to also pack plenty of water for hydration.

• Bottled Water

• Health snacks & fruit

• Napkins

• Coller to keep food fresh/drinks chilled

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

There are also a number of miscellaneous items that students will wish they had at a long competition. These include healthy snacks, plenty of water, disinfecting wipes, cellphone chargers, magazines, cameras and portable games. For parents, you may want to recommend they bring a comfortable chair to relax in during downtime, as well as a book to read and cash for souvenirs.

• Money/cash for any last-minute purchases/emergencies

• Something that brings you good luck

• Blanket/pillow

• Books, magazines, homework

• Garbage bags

Positive Attitude

Last but not least, don't forget to pack a positive attitude and mindset. Dance competitions can be stressful and exhausting, but it's important to remember that the most important thing is for everyone to have a good time. Encourage your students and parents to stay positive and enjoy the experience, regardless of the outcome.

Win or lose, your dancers will have a positive competition experience if parents are there to cheer them on. Parents may want to consider wearing matching T-shirts or creating signs for your team if the venue allows it. Most importantly, tell parents to bring their spirit and lots of positive energy!

Additional Tips:

• Make sure to have a designated meeting spot in case anyone gets separated during the competition.

• Encourage dancers to take breaks and rest throughout the day to avoid exhaustion and injuries.

• Lastly, have fun and enjoy the experience! Remember that dance competition are not just about winning, but also about learning and growing as a dancer. Soak in every moment, even the stressful ones, because these memories will last a lifetime. Keep an open mind and embrace any challenges or unexpected situations with grace and positivity.

Preparing for a dance competition requires meticulous planning and organization. It entails ensuring that you have all the necessary dance gear, makeup and hair products, health and hygiene items, and a few miscellaneous essentials for comfort and convenience. However, it is equally important to maintain a positive attitude and an open mind. These experiences not only bring triumph but also foster growth and learning as a dancer. Embrace the journey, enjoy every moment, and remember - every step, every twirl is a memory in the making. So make sure you're well-prepared to create some unforgettable ones!