What’s in Your Dance Bag? The Ultimate Performance Checklist
Performance season is one of the most exciting times of the year for dancers! Between rehearsals, costumes, and the big day, there’s a lot to keep track of. Whether it’s your first recital or your tenth, being prepared makes all the difference. Nothing settles pre-show nerves quite like knowing you’ve got everything you need neatly packed and ready to go.
At August Muse, we’ve helped countless dancers get ready for their performances — and we know what can make or break the backstage experience. That’s why we’ve put together the ultimate checklist to help dancers of all ages feel confident, comfortable, and stage-ready. We’ve also included some of our personal secret tips.
Secret Tip #1: For the littlest dancers this list is a little much and can get costly. Work together with parents and assign items for sharable kits that stay in the green room for the littles: extra hair kit, first aid kit, sewing kit, extra tights, wipes kit, activity kit if they have a long wait, etc.
Dance Essentials
Make sure you have all your performance shoes, leotards, and costumes packed — and check for every accessory that goes with each dance. Don’t forget warm-ups for before the show and a sewing kit for those last-minute fixes.
Secret Tip #2: Make sure to put your dancer’s name on everything. Use sharpie marker on the item or use colored tape and marker. Even colored electrical or painter’s tape can work well and not leave residue.
Must-haves:
- Performance shoes (ballet, pointe, jazz, tap)
- Costumes with all accessories
- Nudie or other undergarments
- Extra tights still in package with your name on them!
- Hairbrush and fine tooth comb to slick the hair back
- Lots of bobby pins, any other hair ties or pins
- Hair Nets
- Hairspray and any other hair slicking product for the perfect bun
- Makeup kit with make-up remover wipes
- Small mirror
- Sewing Kit
- Extra lambs wool if dancing en pointe
- Painter’s Tape or toe tape.
Comfort & Care
It’s important to take care of yourself, too. Pack snacks and water to stay energized, and keep your feet happy with blister pads, tape, and toe pads if you dance en pointe.
Secret Tip #3: Performance time is also when sharing is not caring. Sometimes this is when illnesses or lice or other not so comforting things are spread. Use shampoo with Tea Tree Oil to ward off lice, take extra vitamin C or other Immune packets. Include Arnica for bruising.
Don’t forget:
- Water bottle, electrolyte powder or tabs
- Healthy snacks if allowed
- Baby wipes
- Small travel sized hand sanitizer
- First aid kit with bandages, pain reliever of choice, and other necessities.
- Moleskin
- K-Tape
- Stay healthy kit (dancers preference of vitamin c powder or tea tree oil or arnica, etc)
- Small travel sanitizing spray and lotion
- Bottle of Ahhhs or other product for smelly shoes, make sure the scent is OK to use. Some people have scent issues and this can cause headaches.
- Extra menstrual products or period underwear
- Phone charger, earbuds, and cases.
- Warm-up items: Resistance band, lacrosse ball, foam roller stick, Yoga Mat.
- Comfort item or personal item for nerves.
Emergency Fixes
The best dancers know that anything can happen backstage. Be ready for the unexpected with these quick-fix items.
Secret Tip #4: Organize your dancer’s bag with multiple bags. Clear bags are sometimes best, so use the handy food Ziplock bag. The dancer’s name can be written on it and even use colored tapes to easily recognize the owner. One bag for each “kit” can work well.
Keep handy:
- Safety pins
- Clear nail polish
- Lint roller
- Stain remover wipes
- Body or fashion tape
- Extra ribbons and elastics
- Small flashlight
👜 A Final Tip
Pack everything the week before your performance and check it twice. Use labeled bags for shoes and accessories, and keep your show order or schedule in your bag where you can find it easily and an extra pen or marker. Print your copy of the Dance Bag List today.