Everything I Pack for a Dance Competition (After Forgetting Everything Once)
If you’ve ever forgotten something on competition day… this is for you.
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The first dance competition I ever went to?
I forgot half of this list.
Hair spray. Bobby pins. Snacks. Sanity.
So if you’re trying to avoid a full-on dressing room meltdown… this is everything I now pack every single time.
Save this. Screenshot it. Tattoo it on your arm if you have to.
The Non-Negotiables (Do Not Skip These)
The Non-Negotiables (Do Not Skip These)
These are the things that will absolutely ruin your day if you forget them.
These are the things that will absolutely ruin your day if you forget them.
Costume (obviously… but still worth saying)
Extra tights (they WILL rip)
Dance shoes (check before you leave… seriously)
Garment bag
Safety pins
Bobby pins (not 5… like 50)
Makeup bag
👉 Start With Storage For All Those Bobby Pins
The Dance Mom Emergency Kit (This Saves You)
The Dance Mom Emergency Kit (This Saves You)
This is the stuff you don’t think you need… until you REALLY need it. And when you do? You become everyone’s favorite mom in the dressing room.
This is the stuff you don’t think you need… until you REALLY need it. And when you do? You become everyone’s favorite mom in the dressing room.
Stain remover pen (makeup on costume = panic)
Double-sided fashion tape
Mini sewing kit
Band-aids + blister care
Deodorant wipes
Pain reliever (for you… not just them)
Hair + Makeup Survival
Hair + Makeup Survival
If the bun falls apart, everything falls apart. That’s just facts.
If the bun falls apart, everything falls apart. That’s just facts.
Strong hold hairspray (the stronger the better)
Hair nets (don’t skip these)
Edge brush / comb
Hair ties (backup for your backups)
Setting spray
Snacks (Because a Hungry Dancer is a Problem)
Snacks (Because a Hungry Dancer is a Problem)
Long days. Early mornings. Random performance times. You need snacks… and not just for the kids.
Long days. Early mornings. Random performance times. You need snacks… and not just for the kids.
Protein bars
Crackers / easy snacks that won’t make a mess
Electrolyte drinks or water bottles
Gum or mints
👉 Start With Somewhere To Store All These Goodies
Mom Survival Kit (No One Talks About This)
Mom Survival Kit (No One Talks About This)
We’re there all day. Sitting. Running. Stressing. Reapplying lipstick for no reason. Pack for YOU too.
We’re there all day. Sitting. Running. Stressing. Reapplying lipstick for no reason. Pack for YOU too.
Portable phone charger (non-negotiable)
Comfy shoes or slides
Hoodie or blanket (those ballrooms get cold)
Coffee plan (figure this out ahead of time)
👉 Start With a Tumbler For that Coffee
Final Thoughts (From One Hot Mess to Another)
Final Thoughts (From One Hot Mess to Another)
Will you still forget something?
Probably.
Do I still forget things sometimes?
Also yes.
But this list will save you from most of the chaos — and at the very least, you’ll look like you have it together.
Even if you don’t.
Coming soon: a printable Dance Competition Checklist you can keep in your bag forever 👀 To receive that and more, let us know how to reach you:
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