Oh yes, it’s that time of year again! It’s officially convention and intensive season aka the Christmas of dance! Dancers all over the world wait for this time of year as it brings about so many new experiences and aids so much in a dancers’ career. From gaining new knowledge to company training scholarships, conventions and intensives are definitely worth all the hype, and if you’re heading out to your first or next convention, you’re in for a treat! In today’s blog post, we are sharing with you our ultimate packing list for convention/intensive days, weekends or even extended stays! So, grab your leos, your dance bags and let’s jump right into it!
Dancewear – This is a rather obvious first step. When packing for a dance convention/intensive, make sure you pack plenty of leos, tights, jazz pants, shorts, sweats and warmups to last your entire stay. Whether the convention your attending lasts for a matter of a few days, an entire weekend or for the entire summer, make sure you have a full supply of dancewear to have yourself covered…no pun intended.If you just so happen to live in the city where the convention/intensive is being hosted, you have the advantage to only pack what you will need on a daily basis versus having to pack a suitcase full of items. However, it’s always a good idea to pack at least one extra pair of dance clothing since you never know what could happen within a day. It’s so much better to play it safe rather than sorry!
Streetwear & Personal Belongings – If you’re heading out of town for your convention/intensive, make sure you pack an abundance of streetwear clothes for your time away from the studio.This includes packing comfy outfits, your pajamas, a few going out outfits just in case you and your friends head out to dinner, as well as a few different pairs of shoes and socks. Next, is packing your toiletries and essentials. This includes items such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, lotion, hygiene products, hair products, daily medications, etc,. If you’re convention/intensive being hosted somewhere with a warm climate, bring along your favorite swimsuit to enjoy the pool, sun and waves in your down time. Work hard, play hard, am I right?
Shoes, shoes and more shoes – This may sound really dramatic, but I highly recommend bringing almost (if not every) pair of dance shoes that you own. A huge part of convention/intensive programs is being artistically pushed in more than one genre, even if the one particular genre is the main focus. For example, ballet company intensives, though the main style of education is ballet, there are also other class genres such as contemporary and jazz that you have to participate in during the intensive program as well. By bringing different genres of shoes in addition to the shoes that you know you’ll need for sure, you’ll be ready and prepared for anything and everything that is thrown your way.
Emergency dance kit and first aid kit – When packing for a convention/intensive, it is so, so, important to pack an emergency dance kit. Make sure to keep a small bag that holds items that will cover any dance related hiccups, such as extra pointe shoe ribbons, elastics, needle and thread and clear nail polish for any runs in your tights, extra pancake powder for your pointe shoes, etc,. It is also very important to pack a first aid, which you can put together yourself or you can purchase one that is already packed from Walmart, Target or a drugstore.
Convention/Intensive schedule – I’ve mentioned this in a previous convention/intensive blog post last year and that is to always keep your schedule on hand. Packing and regularly referring to your convention/intensive schedule is the perfect way to keep yourself organized during your upcoming busy days. For even more security, feel free to make copies of the schedule and bring them along with you as well. This way you won’t have to worry about losing your schedule.
Dance Bag – This is pretty self explanatory but if you’re going for an extended stay at a convention/intensive, make sure you don’t forget your dance bag. You will most definitely need this bad boy on a daily basis while you’re away!
Water, Gatorade and healthy snacks – Water, Gatorade and healthy snacks are always good to keep on hand to keep you hydrated and energized throughout the day. Snacks like granola bars and fruit snacks are great to munch on in between classes. And of course, water and sports drinks such as gatorade are awesome in replacing your electrolytes and keeping you hydrated during class. By packing these goodies, not only are you supplying yourself with a quick little pick-me-up, you’re also showing your body some love and giving it what it needs to stay strong during a long day of dancing. It’s a win-win situation!
And that’s all for today’s blog post! Wishing you the best of luck this convention/intensive season from all of your family at From the Top! Have a wonderful weekend and I’ll see you in the next one!
Keep dancing!
-Lexi
FROM THE TOP! 