7 Dance Bag Essentials for Every Dancer

For any professional, there is nothing worse than forgetting the bare necessities at home. For example, just imagine an electrician coming to your house without the right sized screw driver. His visit would be completely pointless. Similarly, when you’re a dancer, there are some things you cannot perform without. Here is a list of essential items you must pack in your dance bag to ensure that you are properly prepared for all practices and performances:

1. Dance Shoes

This goes without saying – dance shoes are probably the most important element of your dance supplies. Make sure you pack different dance shoes for all the styles of dance you may be asked to perform. Some dancers also carry different shoes for practice versus performance. 

2. Extra Clothing

With all the movement and stretches a dancer is required to do, it is important for him/her to carry with themselves and extra pair of clothing – for example, tights, leotard and warmers – in case of a tear, stain, runs, or even excessive sweating. Warm clothes are also important for a dancer's muscles when leaving the studio and facing potential cold air.

3. Hair Accessories

Dancers, no matter male or female, should have a neat, swept back hairstyle to allow for proper spotting. In order to maintain your hair style, make sure you pack a brush, comb, hair tie, hairspray, hair pins and whatever else is necessary for styling. Apart from your own needs, a colleague might break their own hair tie and for a dancer, this is an emergency. Packing a couple of extra ones will always prove to be helpful. 

4. Towel

Whatever the forecast is, and whichever season it is, packing yourself a towel is important. You will sweat, and profusely, in this case. When working with a partner, it is especially necessary to constantly wipe off sweat and remain dry. It cannot only be unpleasant, but also your body becomes slippery which may it difficult for your partner to hold, which can lead to serious injuries.

5. Deodorant

Similar to number 4, keeping a supply of deodorant on hand to combat sweat (as well as odor) is highly essential for all dancers. 

6. Anti-Septic Wipes

Dancing can involve falls and injuries from time to time. For minor cuts and scrapes, and anti-septic wipe will come in quite handy to avoid an infection. Aside from this, if you want to quickly clean your dirty hands, an antiseptic wipe will definitely come in handy.

7. Band Aids

A wide variety of shapes and sizes will definitely be useful in case of minor injuries. Some cuts take a long time to stop bleeding, and in such cases a quick application of a band aid will do the trick. 

Feel free to pack anything else that you might personally need to get you through the day. Most dancers bring snacks and plenty of water to stay hydrated. Finally, if you have asthma, don’t forget your inhaler, or any other medications you might need.