Have you experienced needing something for a dance class, audition, or competition and not being able to find it in your dance bag? Maybe your bag isn’t organized in a way that lends to easy retrieval or maybe you forgot to pack something. It can be frustrating, and totally distracting to what you are doing.

Girl-with-dance-bag

Carrying a fully stocked and organized dance bag is critically important so that you have everything you need at your fingertips. Everyone’s bag will have slightly different items in it, depending on what your specific needs may be. But, there are some essentials all dancers need, so we wanted to provide a basic list as a guideline. We’ve grouped items by general categories to make it easier. This list seems long, but you’ll be glad these essentials are in your dance bag. When you need something, you’ll have it and won’t have to stress out!

Tip #1: Keep Your Dance Bag Organized

Before we begin the list, let’s talk about the overall organization of the items contained in your dance bag. Everything needs to be compartmentalized and easy to locate. You may have an emergency situation and not a lot of time, so getting something quickly is all-important.

This doesn’t mean that you need to go out and buy a bag with organizer pockets. You can group items that are alike in zip lock bags or zippered bags you may already have. The key is categorizing and containing items together. For example, you may put your shoes together in large zip lock bags or plastic grocery bags. Or, you may put all of your hair accessories in a bag. This ensures that items are easy to retrieve when you need them and you don’t waste time searching your dance bag. And, it’s always good to have an extra zip lock bag for sweaty clothes!

Tip #2: Take Care of Your Hair

Keeping your hair neat is a no-brainer when you’re a dancer. But, nothing is worse than scurrying around the dance studio before class as you look for stray bobby pins. Always have a designated place for your hair essentials, and stock up often.

  • Brush
  • Comb
  • Elastic ties and scrunchies
  • Barrettes
  • Pins
  • Clips
  • Hairspray
  • Dry Shampoo

Tip #3: Have Proper Clothing

A big part of being a dancer is doing everything you can to prevent injuries, and warming up is critical. You need to keep warm during times when you aren’t moving. Always wear extra layers while you are getting warm because stretching cold muscles can be dangerous and leads to injuries. Having a variety of dance shoes comes in handy when you go to an audition. Bring shoes for all the dance forms you can do. Additionally, you will need extras in tights, dresses, and leotards since you never know when you might experience a tear, run, or stains. These clothing items are essential in your dance bag:

  • Dance shoes
  • Thick socks
  • Leg warmers
  • Sweat pants
  • Long sleeve shirt
  • Sweater
  • Light-weight zippered jacket
  • Extra tights – pink, black, tan, and fishnets – according to the type of dance
  • Sewing kit for ballet shoes and pointe shoes, mending holes and fixing straps on leotards

Tip #4: Hygiene Is Important

Since dance is a physical activity, there can be a lot of sweating involved. The last thing you want is body odor at a competition or audition, so it’s important to have items to counter the smelly factor. Here are some hygiene items it’s helpful to have on hand in your bag:

  • Deodorant
  • Towel
  • Perfume/cologne
  • Breath fresheners
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Tampons
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Chapstick

Tip #5: Eat Your Snacks

As a dancer, it’s pretty easy to burn between 200-400 calories during 30 minutes of continuous dancing. Have healthy, ready-to-go snacks that will provide fuel and yet not weigh you down. And, always have a water bottle so you can stay hydrated! Suggested items for healthy snacks include:

  • Water bottle
  • Protein bars
  • Protein shake
  • Nuts
  • Fruits
  • Veggies
  • Granola bars

Tip #6: Proper Muscle Therapy

It’s important to have some items in your dance bag that address the stress your muscles are experiencing through the strenuous activity of dance. Stretching, strengthening, and working out knots and cramps while having some downtime can make a big difference in your performance. Try carrying these in your dance bag for convenience:

  • Latex resistance bands
  • Tennis ball
  • Massage stick

Tip #7: Have First Aid Available When You Need It

Blisters, scrapes, and sore toes are par for the course when dancing, especially en Pointe. You never know when you will have an issue that needs to be tended to and fast. You can’t let a sore toe stop you! Be sure to put some of these in the bag for safe measure:

  • Band aids of all sizes
  • Toe tape
  • Neosporin
  • Pain reliever
  • Lambs wool and moleskin
  • Antiseptic wipes
  • Antibiotic ointment
  • Orajel (great for sore toes!)

Contact Us for Dance Classes and Lessons!

Taking a dance class or lesson can be a fun way to exercise and a great way to meet people! Don’t wait to get started! It might be the beginning of a brand new outlet for you. Maybe you’ll even go on to dance competitively. You just never know! For information on our dance classes, call us today at (919) 872-0111 or fill out the contact form below.

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