Recital Season 2022 is here and as you all know, this is one of our favorite times of year! The hustle and bustle of dance recital season is something that you most definitely have to see to believe, and if you have seen it, you know that is something that you can’t describe. But along with the hustle and bustle comes lots of preparation and one of the biggest ways to be prepared for a dance recital is to be well packed. That is why today we are breaking down 8 key things that we believe dancers should pack in their bags during recital season! Now as much as we love the classic dance bag packing tips,(i.e. the hairspray, bobby pins and garment bag), in this post we’ll be listing a few other items that may not be listed as frequently, but still hold the utmost importance. Let’s dive right into it!
- Clear Nail Polish
Many moons ago we released a “Dance Recital Hack” video that included this tip and it was so well received, we’ve decided to bring it back for this post because well! One of the biggest oopsies during recital season is getting a run in your tights. I mean seriously, the horror of acquiring a run, followed by the horror of the run getting BIGGER is the stuff of recital nightmares. However, the kryptonite to an unwanted tight run is good old clear nail polish! Apply a small amount of quick drying clear polish to the sight of the run and not only watch it dry in minutes, but it will freeze the run in its tracks and prevent it from spreading. To seal everything extra tight, apply a little hairspray to the sight after you’ve applied the nail polish. Trust me, that baby isn’t going anywhere.
- Extra Tights
Let’s go ahead and stay on theme, shall we? When all else fails and you possibly encounter a tight problem that is beyond repair, that’s where packing a second pair of tights comes in clutch! I can’t stress this packing tip enough because it really gives you so much peace of mind. Whatever color tights go with your costumes, pack an extra pair of each. That way you won’t feel like you’re so out of luck if any major complications happen.
- High Protein Snacks
It’s no secret that recital days are some of the longest days of the dance season (that, and competition days). And while we encourage everyone to eat a nutritious breakfast the morning of, we also encourage you to pack a good amount of high protein snacks as well! Snacks like protein bars, protein cookies, Slim Jims and beef jerky can be a wonderful, quick snack that dancers can eat on the go throughout the day. We definitely recommend protein over sugar when it comes to recital day snacks, seeing as though sugar may give you adrenaline, but protein will give you extra (and necessary) strength.
- Steamer For Your Costumes
Because we’d much rather be safe than sorry. As dancers, we always want to make sure our costumes look their best. And while no doubt, you’ve probably steamed the living daylights out of your platter tutu at home, a lot can happen between the car and the dressing room. That’s why packing a small, portable steamer in your bag can definitely be advantageous! Just in case your tutu somehow gets wrinkled again, you can fix it and have it looking beautiful in a jiffy. I’m sure your dance friends will thank you too, as this is a recital day hack that every dancer can benefit from!
- Water and/or Recovery Drinks
From running around backstage to the actual performances themselves, it is so important to stay hydrated throughout the day. Packing water and/or recovery drinks will ensure that you have all of the hydration and electrolytes that your body needs to get through the day. Note: We suggest staying faaaar away from energy drinks on recital day. Your adrenaline may elevate, but that crash is nooo joke.
- First Aid Kit (Because you literally never know)
If there is one thing I’ve learned during my career as a dancer, it’s that first aid kits come in clutch in the most uncertain, yet necessary circumstances. We’re not talking about anything too crazy however. In a catchall box or even a zip lock bag, packing band aids, icy hot, tylenol, ace bandages and neosporin are excellent to keep on hand simply in the name of “just in case”. We hope you nor any of your friends will ever have to use it during this time, but it is much better to be on the safe side.
- Sewing Kit
I’ve been there. You’re about to put your pointe shoes on and out of nowhere, pop goes the ribbon. Luckily, a safety pin was able to save the day (discreetly placed, of course) but it was at that moment that I realized that I should have brought my sewing kit! In a small catch all box or once again, a small zip lock bag, feel free to pack a needle, thread, small scissors with extra ribbon and elastics. This will ensure that just in case there are any pointe hiccups, there is a fast solution!
- Portable Phone Charger
And last but not least is an item that I really wish I had thought of back in the day, and that is packing a portable phone charger! This tip really doesn’t take that much explanation as we all know the lifesaver that packing a portable phone charger can be. By packing a portable phone charger in your bag, you can be sure that your phone will last the entire duration of the day and be completely charged for all those family phone calls, dance friend meet up texts and of course, backstage photos. 😉
As always, we thank you all so much for hanging out with us on this lovely Friday! We hope that you found some helpful packing tips on today’s list that could be useful this recital season. We wish you all a wonderful show, filled with great times and even better performances!
Keep dancing!
Lexi
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