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The dance competition season is in full swing and even though our little dancing darlings are ecstatic and anxious for their turn in the spotlight, dance moms and dads are busy pulling our hair out. Each and every competition brings the frantic rehearsal times and the persistent problem of what to bring to the competition, there are times that you feel as if you’re preparing for a trip across the country and still turn out forgetting something important. Follow this advice to make certain that you have exactly what your kid needs for the competition.

The Basics: Pack the obvious items first, as these are the items that you are almost certainly to forget about as you concentrate on the smaller details. The dance competition basics change from dance studio to dance studio, but these are the across the board necessities.

Costumes

Dance Tights (extras of each color needed)

Tap, Ballet, or Jazz Shoes for Performances

Jewelry (only if part of costume)

Advanced: These are the things that you focus on and still leave behind. As your dancer progresses, the list will grow longer, but this is a good place to start.

Hair Brush and Comb

Extra Bobby Pins

Extra Hair Nets

Hair Spray

Hair Gel

Extra Elastic Hair Bands

Stage Make-up

Mom or Dad Essentials: These are generally the things that may help you through the anxiety filled day. I strongly recommend these things to be included in any dance parent’s arsenal.

Coloring Books and Crayons-Excellent for occupying small children between performances

Bandages- Clear bandages for blisters

Snack food items for you and your child

Bottled water for your dancer (safe drink when wearing costumes)

Baby Wipes-Great to fix make-up smears and to wash little hands after snacks

Needle and Thread for quick costume fixes

Safety Pins for even quicker costume fixes

Oversized Shirt for little children-Dressing rooms are crowded and sometimes it is much easier to change little dancers under an oversized T-Shirt.

Nail Clippers

Camera-almost all competitions have policies about photography, but you’ll want a few shots backstage.

Try to organize these pieces into distinct bags; doing so will prevent you from needing to rumage through so many things to find what you desire. Consider using one bag for hair and cosmetic items, another bag for amusements and snacks, and a garment bag for costumes.

On the day of the dance competition, remember to bring the essential item: Patience. Your dancer will be energized, but that can quickly change to nerves. Be patient and try to remember that these performances are meant to be for your child’s enjoyment, don’t let your anxiety level spoil it. Be reassuring and cheer your child on, hopefully you’ll have to pack for this adventure many times!

Do you want to learn more about preparing for dance competitions? Check out Dana Burnett’s Dance Mom blog for more great tips and useful articles on raising future dancing stars!

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