Maybe you’re returning to school and the studio after summer break or starting to pick up more and more dance classes and auditions. Whatever it may be, with September just around the corner, it’s almost time to head back to a busy schedule! And of course, you’ll need to have a bag prepped to make your days go smoothly. Check out our take on the top 10 things you should always have in your dance bag below!
1) A variety of shoes for different styles
If you’re headed to the studio for a long night of class, you’ll want the proper attire to make sure you feel comfortable throughout your schedule! Or, if you’re auditioning and not sure what shoes to bring, it’s always better to be overprepared with multiple options. We always recommend having ballet shoes, jazz shoes, character shoes, and extra socks!
2) Reusable water bottle
As dancers, we’re constantly in motion, which means we need to remember to stay hydrated! Drinking plenty of water throughout the day and before/after class can boost your mood and energy, helping you get in the right headspace for dancing. We suggest a reusable water bottle you keep in your dance bag – you can refill it as many times as you need and it’s best for the environment!
3) Healthy snacks (especially if you’re headed straight from school!)
An active body needs fuel in order to perform to the best of its abilities! Make sure you have a few healthy snacks ready to grab in between school and dance class or during a long audition day. Things like dried fruit and nuts or bananas and peanut butter are perfect for filling you up and keeping your stomach satisfied throughout the day.
4) Deodorant and towel for in between classes
Dancing is a workout! It’s completely normal to be sweaty after moving around so much. Remember to pack your dance bag with proper hygiene tools that will keep you feeling confident even after a long class, like deodorant and a towel for freshening up!
5) Notebook & pen
One of the oldest tricks in the book – always have a notebook and pen on you! From taking notes after rehearsing a performance to simply jotting down some of the exercises from class so you can do them on your own time, you’ll want to have something to write with ready in any dance class you take.
6) Extra hair accessories like bobby pins and hair ties
Hair can be super distracting in a dance setting! If you’re trying to do pirouettes and you’re getting whipped in the face by your own hair, it may be time to rethink your accessories. We always recommend having extra hair ties, bobby pins, and even some hairspray to keep it all in place so you can focus on dancing!
7) Spare tights and leotards
If you’re like us and wear your tights and leotards until they are falling apart, you may want to keep a few spare pairs in your dance bag! If a tear happens during class, you’ll be able to quickly change and get back to feeling comfortable. Plus, it’s a great backup to have in case of any spills from food, water, etc. during breaks!
8) First Aid Kit
With dancing, there’s always a chance that you might take a little stumble here and there. A rolled ankle, a skinned knee – these are all things that can happen during class! Make sure to pack a first aid kid in your dance bag so you’re prepared to fully attend to any small injuries that come your way.
9) Warm-up gear like therabands or a tennis ball
Make sure your body is fully prepped for class with any warm-up items that you may need. We recommend always having a tennis ball and something like a theraband in your bag so you can quickly stretch, strengthen, and massage your muscles!
10) Extra clothing for after class
Traveling to and from the studio is an important part of your busy dance schedule! You should feel comfortable in what you’re wearing. We suggest bringing layers like sweatpants, sweatshirts, and extra socks so you can control how much warmth you want before or after class!
Download our list below and add your own dance bag must-haves!
