Dance competitions are in full swing and although our young performers are ecstatic and anxious for their turn in the spotlight, dance moms and dads are busy pulling our hair out. Just about every competition brings the frantic rehearsal schedules and the continual question of what to bring to the performance, there are instances that you look like you are preparing for a excursion across the country and always turn out forgetting things that were important. Follow this advice to make sure that you have exactly what your kid requires the day of the competition.

Basic Needs: Collect the obvious items first, as these are the pieces that you are in all likelihood to forget about as you work on the smaller details. The dance competition basics change from dance studio to dance studio, but these are the standard needs.

Costumes

Dance Tights (extras of each color needed)

Tap, Ballet, or Jazz Shoes for Dances

Jewelry (only if part of costume)

Advanced: These are generally the pieces that you stress over and still fail to remember. As your child progresses with dance, the list will grow, but this will get you started.

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 child (safe drink when dressed up in 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-most competitions have guidelines about photography, but you’ll want a few shots backstage.

Try to arrange these items into different bags; doing so could keep you from needing to dig through so many things to locate what you want. Consider using one bag for hair and cosmetic items, another for snacks and amusements, 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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