Something that is and always will be essential to a dancer is their bag. Especially around recital time! Every dancer should have something to carry all their stuff in to help keep them organized, and optimize their ability to be successful. Though every dancer needs one what is in their bag varies given their ages, how many class they take, and what styles they take throughout the week.
Below we are going to list off something’s we as teacher kept in our dance bag to help us be prepared for a day full of dancing!
1. Dance Shoes 🩰
Dance shoes, though vital to class tend to be the most forgotten items. Keeping your shoes in your bag will limit the opportunity for them to be left behind. Dancing without shoes can make class harder, and especially for the younger dancers make them feel like they aren’t dressed the part.
2. Extra Clothes 👗
Always having extra dance clothes, especially tights will be beneficial for your dancer. Just in case they forget dance attire while getting ready for their day they already some waiting for them in their bag. Sometimes a leotard breaks or tights get ripped, and if you keep an extra pair on hand you will always be prepared. Or for our smaller dancers accidents do happen, and having those extra things can help them get right back to it!
3. Hair Products 💇♀️
Your dancers hair NEEDS to be out of their face for class, and sometimes it’s hard to get hair done in transition from school to dance class. When there is no time to run home for your hair products having them already in your bag will same you time and headache.
4. Water Bottle 💦
Water is essential for dancers. They are working up a sweat! They should be taking small sips throughout your classes, rehearsals, and performances. Drinking 5-15 minutes before class is also recommended, in addition to fluid during dance activity and recovery. Fluid intake plays an important part in a dancer’s pre-exercise, exercise, and post-exercise.
5. A small (non-messy snack) 🥨
We are getting busier and busier as people..and sometimes we don’t have enough time for full meals before we come to class or in-between classes. It is alway smart to keep something in your bag to snack on while your are en route to class from school, or to quickly nibble on in-between classes if you are taking multiple in a day.
6. Foam Rollers/Tennis Balls 🎾
Dancing is hard-work and can result is sore or stiff muscles. Which is why we recommend you carry these 2 things in your bag. A foam roller is great for working out your large muscles or simply cracking your back. Tennis balls are great for the small spots that need extra special attention. As well as loosen up the arches of your feet before and after a full dance day.
There is much more a dancer can add to their bag to ease the path to success.
All items that go into a dance bag are different and specific to each individual dancer, but these things we listed are simple additions that could be found in any dancers bag.
