The dance competition season is in full swing and even though our little dancing darlings are ecstatic and anxious for their turn in the spotlight, dance moms and dads are busy pulling our hair out. Each and every competition brings the frantic rehearsal times and the persistent problem of what to bring to the competition, there are times that you feel as if you’re preparing for a trip across the country and still turn out forgetting something important. Follow this advice to make certain that you have exactly what your kid needs for the competition.

The Basics: Pack the obvious items first, as these are the items that you are almost certainly to forget about as you concentrate on the smaller details. The dance competition basics change from dance studio to dance studio, but these are the across the board necessities.

Costumes

Dance Tights (extras of each color needed)

Tap, Ballet, or Jazz Shoes for Dances

Jewelry (only if part of costume)

Advanced: These are typically the pieces that you obsess about and still forget. As your dancer progresses, 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 Necessities: These are the items that will assist you through the stress filled day. I highly recommend these objects to be included in any dance parent’s strategy.

Coloring Books and Crayons-Fantastic for keeping small dancers occupied between performances

Bandages- Clear works best

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 clean little hands after snacks

Needle and Thread for quick costume repairs

Safety Pins for even quicker costume fixes

Oversized T-Shirt for little dancers-Changing rooms are crowded and often it is simpler to change little dancers under a large T-Shirt.

Nail Clippers

Camera-most competitions have guidelines about photography, but you’ll want a few shots backstage.

Try to organize these things into separate bags; doing this will keep you from having to rumage through so many items to locate what you need. Consider using one bag for hair and cosmetic items, another bag for amusements and snacks, and a garment bag for costumes.

On the day of the dance performance, try to remember to bring the most crucial item: Patience. Your child will likely be excited, but that can quickly change to stage fright. Be patient and bear in mind that these competitive events are intended to be for your dancer’s enjoyment, don’t let your tension level wreck it. Be encouraging and cheer your child on, with any luck , you’ll have to pack for this experience several 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!