How to Pack the Ultimate Dance Competition Bag: A Complete Checklist for Dancers and Dance Moms

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It is the WORST feeling to arrive at a Dance Competition and get that feeling that you have forgotten something.  You may be hours away from home and instant panic sets in!  I have been there- it is awful!  It is so much worse than forgetting something when packing for a trip.  For me it was an actual costume.  We arrived for a competition with the ballet dress missing!! This close call crisis was avoided with my husband driving it to us minutes before our stage call time.  I want to help you make sure this does not happen to you!

The Right Bag

• Choose a spacious, sturdy dance bag or backpack with multiple compartments.

• Use smaller pouches or clear bags inside for easy access to specific items (makeup, snacks, emergency kit).

• A bag with wheels can be a lifesaver if you have a long walk or lots to carry.

The foundation of your packing will be your dance bag.  This is essential.  We have used a few different kinds, this Grit one is really good https://amzn.to/4o30Uut.

Caring for Costumes

Safety pins, sewing kit, double-sided tape https://amzn.to/3Wsprx0, and fashion tape for quick costume repairs.

• Extra pair of tights or leggings in case of runs or holes.

• Small spray bottle with water or wrinkle release spray to freshen costumes.

• Hair ties, bobby pins, hairnets, and a small brush for last-minute hair fixes https://amzn.to/4ocviCA.

If I can give any tips about packing your costumes for competition is to use garment bags.  They are waterproof and protect your costumes from anything spilling on them.  These ones are our personal favorite, they have great little compartments for accessories https://amzn.to/48JlueF.

Makeup Must Haves

• 

  Foundation, powder, eye shadow, lipstick, and other competition-approved makeup.

• Makeup remover wipes https://amzn.to/47cjSc9 and facial blotting papers for quick touch-ups.

• Hand sanitizer and tissues.

• Deodorant and a travel-sized hair spray or setting spray.

• Nail file and clear nail polish for quick fixes.

A sturdy makeup case for everything you need is essential, this is one of our favorites https://amzn.to/4nxozCd and we also really love this one that is a tower and comes on wheels https://amzn.to/4nxozCd!

Extras

• Activity books, coloring supplies, or tablet games for younger siblings.

• Charging cables and portable phone charger.

• Copies of competition schedules, registration details, and directions

• Small blanket or hoodie to keep warm between performances.

• Reusable water bottle and a collapsible cup.

• Cooling towel or mini fan for hot venues.

With a lot of planning ahead of time you can make sure your dance bag has all that you need.  For more dance mom tips be sure to check out our other posts at Dance Mom Blog Archives – Together We Can Travel.