Packing for a Dance Competition: A Complete Checklist

November 3, 2020

As a competitive dancer, you need to look your best for a flawless performance. But what if you forgot to pack all the little things that could complete your look?

Most competitive dancers stick to a specific look because the aesthetics are tied to the music or overall dance performance. When you’re missing too many things and your look is incomplete, your head is not in the game 100%.

Preparation is key to a flawless performance. Apart from perfecting your routine with endless rehearsals, you have to pack your essentials early on so you don’t leave behind important things that could ruin your look.

So, what should you pack for a dance competition? Here are some ideas:

Costume

Some of the most important items that you should pack for a dance competition are, of course, the costume. This includes everything from your dresses to your dancing shoes, undergarments, and accessories.

Dresses
Undies
Ribbons, ties, bra straps
Pins, sewing, and shoe repair kits
Double-sided tapes, body glue, extra closures, etc

To keep your costumes organized, we suggest packing them in clear garment bags. Pack your entire look in each bag - dress, hairpieces, accessories, undergarments, etc. - so that changing from one outfit to the next is easy. Since the garment bag is see-through, you can see all your essentials clearly. We also recommend packing extras such as extra outfits and extra undergarments.

Dance Shoes

It's important to pack several dance shoes because your performance depends on them. We suggest packing several dance shoe styles so you can mix and match different outfits and create multiple looks. We’ve got high-quality dance shoes in various styles and these shoes will help you win any competition!

Different situations require different shoes so pack a pair for rehearsals and the actual performance. Also, don’t forget to bring warm-up booties and slippers. It’s hard to pack different shoes without distorting their shapes so we suggest packing your footwear in big boxes. Arrange your shoes by color to keep things nice and organized.

A Train Case (with all Makeup Essentials)

To look like the top-notch dancer that you are, your makeup should be flawless! And what better way to pack all your face and body essentials than a heavy-duty makeup case? Invest in a high-quality train case to keep all your cosmetic products organized and easy to carry such as:

Makeup Essentials

Foundation, concealers, and color-correctors
Eyeshadows, eyeliners, false eyelashes, mascara, etc.
Blushers, lipstick, lipliners, highlighters, finishing powders
Glitters, nail polishes, lash glue, etc.
Cotton swabs, makeup removers, cotton pads, and mirror
Makeup applicators, makeup brushes

Skincare and Body Products

Skin moisturizers, lotions, and creams
Body wash
Toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash
Deodorant
Feminine supplies
Tweezers, razor, and shaving cream
Tissue paper
Contact lenses
Perfume

You can also use a train case to organize your hair clips, jewelry pieces, and other accessories so they are always within easy reach while on the road.

First Aid Kit

Dancing, especially competitive dancing, is a very physical sport and the risk of an injury is high when you’re making these gravity-defying dance moves! We're sure you'll nail every move but just to be on the safe side, take a first-aid kit with you. Your first aid kit should include:

Bandages in various shapes and sizes
Ointments for blisters, cuts, and wounds
Cotton balls
Bandages and wraps
OTC drugs for pain management
Prescribed medications
Hot and cold packs
Eyedrops

Hair Styling Care Products

A look isn’t complete without the perfect hairstyle and to make sure your tresses are in perfect form, don’t forget to pack your favorite hair care products with you on the road. Pack the following hair essentials:

Bobby pins, hair nets, hair bands,
Wig caps or any false hair accessories
Hairbrush or comb
Styling spray, gels, and/or creams
Flat iron, curling iron, and other heat styling products
Shampoo, conditioner, and hair treatment products

Snacks and Drinks

If you'll spend several days on the road, bring lots of healthy snacks and drinks with you. Don't forget to pack:

A water bottle
Healthy snacks like dried fruits, nuts, granola bars, etc.
A cooler
Paper towels and wipes
Garbage bags

Tech Essentials

Keep yourself entertained while on the road, pack all your favorite tech devices along with their chargers:

Tablet
Mobile phone
MP3 player
Headphones
Camera
Chargers

Other useful items that you should pack are:

A small pillow
Towels
A blanket, a couch throw, a poncho, or a scarf
A cap, knitwear
Books
Extra cash and credit cards

Be sure to pack each of your essentials by groups in a labeled bag or pouch bag to keep all your things organized in your luggage.

And there you go, a whole laundry list of all the important things that you should pack before a dance competition. Do this as early as possible just to make sure you’re not forgetting anything, especially your dance shoes.

Speaking of dance shoes, we’ve got a new collection right now. Check out our newest heels and flats here.