What to Bring to Competition: A Dancer’s Checklist

What to Bring to Competition: A Dancer’s Checklist

Dance competitions offer opportunities for your dancers to show their love of dance and the chance to show the results of their hard work and many rehearsals throughout the year. While you can’t walk away with trophies every time, you can win at being prepared for the event. Beyond costumes and shoes, seasoned dancers know that packing other smart supplies can help them be prepared for any situation at a competition.

When planning for competition, consider the What Ifs:

What if there’s no parking near the venue?

A rolling suitcase is a wonderful investment for a dancer who may have to haul her gear a long way. A roll of quarters is also helpful to have in case of the need to feed a meter. Comfortable tennis shoes are a must-have for faraway parking situations, as well as for running around between dances.

What if we have a wardrobe malfunction?

Dancers’ costumes take a beating during every performance, and the odds of something snapping or popping increase on competition days. Be ready for every costume contingency with a mini sewing kit and safety pins. Some dancers have been known to turn to super glue and duct tape. Seriously.

What if we get hungry?

Assuming the venue will allow you to bring your own snacks, remember complex carbohydrates and healthy proteins are the way to go. If the venue won’t allow outside food, plan your escapes between dance numbers to grab a healthy snack offsite. You’ll also want a lot of water for your dancer, so a refillable water bottle can be a big help.

What if we get bored between numbers?

Sometimes you’ll have long waits between performances, so bring something to do. Think of things that will help your dancers bond as a team as well as quiet items to help them have some down time throughout the busy day.

What if something hurts?

Anticipate sore muscles, blisters and nervous tummies. None of those things may happen, but it’s best to be prepared just in case.

The “What Ifs” can be endless, but we’ve put together a checklist based on the needs we’ve seen in the dozens of competitions we’ve attended.

To Wear

• Costumes and all related accessories

• Spare tights in appropriate colors

• Sewing kit

• Thread to match each costume

• Safety pins

• Lint Brush

• Static Spray

• Portable spot remover

• Extra clear or tan bra straps for female dancers

• Dance shoes and straps

• Undertard if your dancer will be changing backstage

Food

• A small cooler

• Granola

• Yogurt or cheese

• Fresh fruit

• Prepared fresh veggies

• Nuts or nut butter

• Water bottle

• Sports drinks

• Money for snacks if outside food is not allowed

Cosmetics

• False eyelashes

• Eye liner

• Eye shadow, blush and lipstick in performance company colors

• Foundation or loose powder if your dancer prefers

• Makeup brushes, cotton balls, Q-tips

• Makeup remover

Hair Products

• Hair brush

• Comb

• Spray bottle with water

• Hairspray

• Hair accessories for each dance clearly labeled

• Bobby pins

• Hair nets to keep buns tidy

First Aid & Physical Needs

• Feminine hygiene products

• Adhesive bandages

• Instant ice packs

• Instant hot packs

• Nail clippers and file

• Pain reliever

• Muscle ointments

• Ace bandage

• Deodorant

• Tissues

Extras

• Extra copy of dance music

• Journal, book, or homework

• Pens/pencils/colored pencils

• Phone and charger

• Money for souvenirs or programs

• Towel

• Pillow

• Blanket

• Warm-ups

• Slippers/flip flops

What if something goes wrong on stage?

In the words that our Miss Shayna, MDU school director, says to every class of little ones...."Just keep dancing!"  Great advice for competition, stage and life!

• Mother's Room: New to MDU!
• Why We Teach Dance
• Why Children Need Grit, and How Dance Makes a Difference
• Why Graded Levels?
• What to Bring to Competition: A Dancer’s Checklist