Packing List for Dance Competitions/Performances

Packing for a dance competition can be very stressful.  Trying to make sure you have every accessory for each costume, the correct costumes and shoes, all your make-up, etc. can become overwhelming.  Plus, every time you attend another competition, a new item gets added to the packing list.  Here are a few tips for making your list and what to pack.

Tips for making your list

• Adapt and change your list as you go along.
• Type up your list
• easier to make new copies for each competition
• easily add or remove items from the list
• easier to read than some handwriting
• Communicate with other parents on some of the extra stuff they are bringing.  (You probably only need a few trash bags not a few boxes of them.)
• Get a sturdy container or bag to hold all of it.  A FatMax toolbox, caboodle, toolbox, diaper bag all work well.  The large 31 bags are good for some of it too.  Dreamduffles or a dyi version is great for the costumes and shoes.
• Garment bags are a must for costumes.  It keeps them safe and dry.  It also keeps them from being wrinkled when put in a duffle bag.
• Make a list of all parts of each costume.  Remember to include what the hair piece is and if there are any props.

What to pack
Make-up - check with your teacher for specific colors and/or brands.  Check with your teacher for what is worn for the guys.  (Remember that make-up is for seeing facial features under the lights not for cosmetic reasons.)

• Eye shadow
• Blush
• Lip stick
• Foundation/Powder - must have to help keep the make-up on
• Applicators
• Make-up remover - the wipes are great.  Your bathroom access can be limited while at the competition.
• Eyeliner
• Sharpener - if using a pencil eyeliner or lip liner
• Mascara
• Eyelashes and glue - if your studio wears them

Beauty products

• Cotton balls
• Q-tips - can be used to apply make-up and clean up small areas
• Baby oil - helps to remove make-up, great for those smalls mess ups
• Tweezers
• Tissues
• Deoderant - put a travel size in your bag
• Lotion
• Nail clippers/file - clippers work great for loose strings.
• Tampons/pads - pack a few even if you know you won't need them. Someone else might or your dancer might start for the first time.
• Extra pair of contacts, container, & solution
• Glasses
• Mirror - many dressing rooms will not have a mirror and the space to use one maybe very limited.
• Baby or wet wipes to clean off your hands
• Nail polish remover - look for gel polish remover.  It will take it off easier.  

Hair

• Brush 
• Comb - helps smooth out the bumps.  Ones with to long pointed end work great for parts.  (A pencil also works for making parts.  I like mechanical ones because they do not catch the hair like wood ones do.  Plus, the dancer does not worry I am drawing on their head.)
• Bobby pins - you can never have too many.  Amazon has them by the pound.
• Bobby pin holder - I really like the magnet from Dreamduffle.  Altoids boxes work too.
• Hair ties - neutral color, you can never have too many.
• Hair nets for buns - match your hair color and have at least two.
• Hair spray
• Hair gel
• Spray bottle for water
• Hair pieces for each dance
• Curling iron - if needed

Costumes

• Costumes - make a list of each part of the costume so you don't forget anything.
• Tights - do not forget an extra pair.
• Shoes - make sure you have two of the correct size.
• Warm ups
• Props - anything you are in charge of bringing.
• Accessories - hair pieces, jewelry
• Undergarments - check with your teacher on what they allow under costumes.

Costume needs

• Sewing kit
• Scissors
• Safety pins
• Static guard -especially if you have flowy skirts or shirts.
• Super glue
• Lighter - to burn the end of ribbon so they do not fray.
• Clear nail polish - for runs in tights.
• Body tape/glue - to hold costumes in placec.  We use Yofi's Stick-It and it worked better than the tape we tried the year prior.  Some use Elmer's spray glue.

Before and After

• Warm ups
• Tennis shoes - flip flops are not recommended as they break easily and you may have to walk a good distance.
• Undergarments - you will want them under your street clothes.
• Street clothes - warm ups usually work also.  Just don't forget to pack a shirt.
• Socks

Workshops/Master Classes

• Dance attire - leos, tights, shorts, pants
• Dance shoes - check what is being offered so you don't forget any shoes.
• Extra hair ties
• Towel - if you sweat a lot, you will want to have a small towel to wipe down during breaks
• Water bottle - sometimes there is water, but you don't have to wait in line if you have your own.

Travel Days

• Blanket and small pillow - nothing too big, good for naps in the car and during competition down times
• Comfy clothes for traveling
• Change/cash for toll roads

Misc

• Ankle/knee braces - if needed
• Band aids
• Pain reliever
• Other meds - immodium, tums, allergy, etc
• Daily meds
• Ice/heat pack - competitions usually have ice packs for injuries, good to have for on the way home or at the hotel
• Prewrap/tape - great for unexpected injuries.  We use it instead of knee straps for performances.
• Towels for cleaning up larger spills
• Ziploc baggies - large enough to hold towels after cleaning up spills
• Paper towels - cleaning up small spills or drying hands because the bathroom is out
• Trash bags - trashcans are sometimes scarce and get full rather quickly
• Snacks - double check if the venue allows outside food to be brought in
• Water
• Book/magazine/something to do during down times
• Camera - remember no pictures during the performances at most competitions
• Paper/pen
• Money - cash is good for snacks and programs.  Most will take credit cards, but it can sometimes get slowed down.  Cash is also helpful if one parent is making a food run.
• Phone
• Phone charger - batteries get run down quickly because service is not always very good and kids like to keep entertained.
• Power strip - plugs are often scarce.
• Hot glue gun - for quick fixes of costumes or props.

If you are staying over night, don't forget your toiletries.