We’ve all done it. We’ve been halfway out the door or at the actual event, and realize that we managed to leave behind something crucial. At a ballroom competition, the solution can range from a quick trip to the convenience store or a full-out catastrophe. Here’s a checklist to help you pack for your next competition!
- Costume(s)– Please, please, please don’t forget your costume! This isn’t an inexpensive fix on competition day. If I can, I pack an extra costume or two in case of emergencies. Make sure you bring the underwear your costume requires!
- Shoes– Vendors sell shoes at many competitions, but it’s better to have the ones you’ve been practicing with that are broken in. This will allow you to better mimic your practice. Again, I will pack an extra pair of old shoes in case of emergency. We’ve had team members in the past break parts of their shoes, so it’s not a bad idea to be over-prepared.
- Shoe brush– Some comp floors are very slippery, and you need to be able to rough up the suede on the bottoms of your shoes.
- Lint roller– The best way to get the dust and pet hair off of your black clothes.
- Hair supplies
- Mousse, gel, and hair spray–the three combined create that sleek and shiny look
- Comb and brush
- Hair ties
- Bobby pins and hair pins
- Bun/hair net
- Hair jewelry, rhinestones and glue
- Makeup
- Primer (face and eyelids) — keeps makeup from sliding or sweating off
- Foundation
- Setting powder and/or setting spray
- Bronzer
- Blush
- Eyeliner
- Eyeshadow
- Lipstick or stain
- False eyelashes and glue
- Makeup remover
- Notebook– In Dancesport judge and coach Dan Calloway’s opinion, one competition is the equivalent of ten practices. Amidst all the chaos, try to write all of your findings down so you can take the time to soak it in later at a more leisurely pace.
- Sewing kit – Costume mishaps happen on and off of the dance floor. I can recall one competition where my partner stepped on a nearby follower’s float and tore it off in the middle of a heat. Keep a sewing kit handy with the basics: white and black thread, thread that matches your costume, sewing needles, scissors, tape, and safety pins for quick fixes. I like to also keep a bottle of Elmer’s glue around for shoe repair and clear nail polish for runs in tights. A stitch ripper and/or scissors can also be used to punch holes in shoe straps and belts to buckle them tighter.
- First aid kit– There’s nothing like walking off of the floor to realize that you’ve developed a huge blister and are only half-way through the day. Have a first aid kit with the following handy:
- Band-aids
- Ace bandage
- Ice pack
- Ibuprofen
- Arnica/Icy Hot/Tiger balm (gels used to reduce swelling and pain)
- Water bottle – Remember that dancing a lot means sweating a lot. Water replenishes your fluid supplies without the excess sugars of some sports drinks.
- Snacks
- Dark chocolate is a great source of energy. Plus the flavonoids in dark chocolate help combat the blood-pressure raising effect of dancing. Dark chocolate is also more filling than other chocolates, keeping you fuller for longer on the dance floor. It also reduces the effects of stress and optimizes short term performance with those helpful flavonoids.
- Almonds contain a lot of protein, which is a building block for many components of the body and helps curb appetites during the busy comp day. Like dark chocolate, almonds contain many flavonoids to reduce cravings, as well as a bevy of helpful vitamins.
- Bananas not only carry high amounts of potassium, know to help with blood pressure and cramping, but they also contain tryptophan, an amino acid that helps elevate mood.
- Fruit is another good source of quick energy for the body. Some particularly beneficial ones include apples, watermelon, cherries, and oranges
- Granola bars
- Toiletries– Because life continues off of the dance floor
- Pajamas/Change of Clothes
- A sweatshirt/sweater/wrap – Ballroom competitions are full of short bursts of energy followed by periods of waiting. Keep your muscles warm with some extra layers!
- Sleeping bag/pillow– You may need to supply your own bedding.
Did we forget something? Share more of your competition necessities in the comments below!
Bates Ballroom Team 