The dance competition season is in full swing and while our little dancers are excited and basking in the moment, dance parents are busy pulling our hair out. Each competition brings the hectic rehearsal schedules and the constant question of what to bring to the competition, there are times that you feel like you're packing for a trip across the country and still end up forgetting something important. Follow this advice to make sure that you have exactly what your child needs the day of the competition.
Basics: Grab the obvious things first, as these are the items that you are most likely to forget as you concentrate on the smaller details. The dance competition basics vary from dance studio to dance studio, but these are the across the board necessities.
Costumes
Tights (extras of each color needed)
Dance Shoes for Routines
Jewelry (only if part of costume)
Advanced: These are the items that you obsess about and still forget. As your child progresses with dance, the list will grow longer, but this will get you started.
Hair Brush and Comb
Extra Hair Pins
Extra Hair Nets
Hair Spray
Hair Gel
Extra Elastic Hair Bands
Stage Make-up
Parent Essentials: These are the items that will help you through the stress filled day. I strongly recommend these items to be included in any dance parents arsenal.
Coloring Books and Crayons-Great for keeping small dancers occupied between performances
Bandages- Clear bandages for blisters
Snacks for you and your dancer
Water for your dancer (safe drink when dressed in costumes)
Baby Wipes-Great to fix make-up smears and to clean little fingers after snacks
Sewing Kit for quick costume fixes
Safety Pins for even quicker costume fixes
Large T-Shirt for little dancers-Dressing rooms are small and often it is easier to change little dancers under a large T-Shirt.
Nail Clippers
Camera-most competitions have rules about photography, but you'll want candid shots backstage.
Try to organize these items into different bags; doing so will keep you from having to dig through so many things to find what you want. Use one bag for hair and make-up items, another for snacks and amusements, and a garment bag for costumes.
On the day of the dance competition, remember to bring the most important item: Patience. Your dancer will be excited, but that can quickly give way to nerves. Be patient and remember that these competitions are supposed to be for your child's enjoyment, don't let your stress level ruin it. Be encouraging and cheer your dancer on, hopefully you'll have to pack for this experience many times!
Basics: Grab the obvious things first, as these are the items that you are most likely to forget as you concentrate on the smaller details. The dance competition basics vary from dance studio to dance studio, but these are the across the board necessities.
Costumes
Tights (extras of each color needed)
Dance Shoes for Routines
Jewelry (only if part of costume)
Advanced: These are the items that you obsess about and still forget. As your child progresses with dance, the list will grow longer, but this will get you started.
Hair Brush and Comb
Extra Hair Pins
Extra Hair Nets
Hair Spray
Hair Gel
Extra Elastic Hair Bands
Stage Make-up
Parent Essentials: These are the items that will help you through the stress filled day. I strongly recommend these items to be included in any dance parents arsenal.
Coloring Books and Crayons-Great for keeping small dancers occupied between performances
Bandages- Clear bandages for blisters
Snacks for you and your dancer
Water for your dancer (safe drink when dressed in costumes)
Baby Wipes-Great to fix make-up smears and to clean little fingers after snacks
Sewing Kit for quick costume fixes
Safety Pins for even quicker costume fixes
Large T-Shirt for little dancers-Dressing rooms are small and often it is easier to change little dancers under a large T-Shirt.
Nail Clippers
Camera-most competitions have rules about photography, but you'll want candid shots backstage.
Try to organize these items into different bags; doing so will keep you from having to dig through so many things to find what you want. Use one bag for hair and make-up items, another for snacks and amusements, and a garment bag for costumes.
On the day of the dance competition, remember to bring the most important item: Patience. Your dancer will be excited, but that can quickly give way to nerves. Be patient and remember that these competitions are supposed to be for your child's enjoyment, don't let your stress level ruin it. Be encouraging and cheer your dancer on, hopefully you'll have to pack for this experience many times!
SHARE
