What's In Your Bag?

Being prepared for anything is very important as a dancer.  Shoes can break, ribbons can fall off, and injuries can occur. Be sure to stock your dance bag with all of the items you need.  Here is a list of the top ten things you should carry in your bag.

1. Dance Shoes!- This item is a no brainer, but double check your bag every time you leave the house. Make sure you have all shoes, for example tap, jazz, ballet, character or whatever shoes you need, and that you have a right and left of each.  There is nothing more embarrassing then only having your right tap shoe!

2. Hair Accessories- This includes bobby pins, hairspray, hairnets, hair ties, and headbands.  No matter how often you wear a hairstyle, there is always a chance that it could fall out and you need to re-do it.

3. Extra Clothing - Always be prepared with an extra pair of tights, a leotard, long pants, and knee pads.  Tights are easily ruined and sometimes rips and spills are inevitable, so throw tights and a leo in your bag just to be safe. As for long pants and knee pads you never know when a class is going to require floor work so they can help protect you from Marley burn and your knees from injury. 

4. A Sewing Kit - This is especially important for ballet dancers.  Ribbons and elastics often need to be reattached.  Be sure you kit includes, a needle, thread, and scissors. It is also not a bad idea to keep an extra set of ribbons and elastics in your sewing kit.

5. Thera-Bands - Thera Band exercises are a great way to warm up and stretch your feet before class begins.  You can purchase therabands at our product store website. 

6. A Snack - Keeping a granola or power bar in your dance bag helps for times when you are exhausted and begin to feel lightheaded or dizzy.  Eating a snack will help boost your energy.

7. Water - Water is extremely important for any type or exercise. Be sure you always come to class with plenty of water to make it through the day.

8. Deodorant - No one likes to smell!

9. A Notebook - Keep a notebook in your bag to jot down notes and corrections right after class while they are fresh in your mind.

10. A First-Aid Kit - Bring tylenol, baind-aids, toe tape, and other pain relievers.