Essential Guide: What You Need To Take To A Dance Competition!

Dance competitions are starting back up again after a long two years of trying to compete on Zoom, or with shaky videos taken at previous performances. Having to remember all the things you need to take to a competition seems like a distant memory, so here is a list of essential items to help jog your memory:

• 1/ Costumes – Don’t laugh, but I've been in the car talking about the upcoming dance when a little voice asks if I’ve picked up her costumes from the front door. "No, I thought you had...!"

• 2/ Accessories – Yes, you might remember the costumes, but what about all the bits that go with them? Do you have your shoes, tights, hair accessories, props, undergarments and socks that might go with it? I find the best thing to do is to make a list with all your dances in order. Then list under it what is needed for each dance. So when you are packing, you can go through the list and make sure you have everything.

• 3/ Hair – Your hair at a competition is just as important as your costume. Make sure you have enough bobby pins, hair nets, bobbles, curling iron, hair gel, hair brush and hairspray.

• 4/ First Aid – Lets hope none of us get injured at a competition but it does happen. A small supply of plasters, deep heat, an ice pack and even an inhaler (if needed) is always a good idea.

• 5/ Repair Kit – As we all know, the safety pin is a dancer’s best friend! I couldn't tell you the number of costumes I have adjusted at the side of the stage with the humble safety pin. A packet of these is always an essential at any competition. Along with needle and thread, scissors, and double-sided tape or even a glue gun!

• 6/ Make-up – Always take your make-up to a competition. Even if you have put it all on at home, touch ups during the day are always needed.

• 7/ Spares – Sometimes it is wise to take spares of certain items.  You all know what I’m talking about... TIGHTS! You can bet your bottom dollar that you are putting on a pair for your next dance and you ladder them. No one wants to go on the stage with a hole.

• 8/ Food – You sometimes do not know what is on offer at some venues, how much it is or whether it is edible...! So taking your own drinks and snacks is always wise.

• 9/ Music – Take your music for your dances with you. That way you can listen to it and run your dances before you perform them. Ear pods are also a good idea as you can wear them while you run the dance making the music easier to listen to.

• 10/ Normal Clothes – This may seem like a strange item on the list, but if your child is like mine they quite often go to an early comp in their onesie or oversized hoodie. This is fine till you decide to nip out for lunch or dinner and realise they have nothing else to wear. Take a pair of jogging bottoms and a top too!

• 11/ Miscellaneous – Those last-minute items, maybe a rail to hang stuff on, blanket to cuddle into, lucky teddy, rosin for pointe shoes, ankle weights and anything else you may need!

(And perhaps a second car, so you have boot space to actually transport all of this...!)