Heading to your first dance competition and not sure what to pack? Whether you’re a seasoned dance mom or new to the world of rhinestones and rehearsals, having a list of dance competition essentials can save the day. Here’s everything you’ll want to bring to stay organized and stress-free.
Dance Competition Essentials: What Every Dance Mom Needs to Pack
What do you need for a dance competition? We are on our 5th year of competition season and I finally feel like I have a handle on the basic essentials for dance (plus some). The Houston crew has come a long way since Annabelle’s first competition in 2021 where clear masks were required to perform. We arrived at the hotel in full costume, makeup and hair, with nothing but a company jacket and tap shoes. Four years later, competitions are back to normal chaos and require a lot of packing and prep for not just the dancer, but dance parents too! Not only do I have another dancer in tow to each competition, but also two giant rolling bags and way more costumes.
Our First Dance Competition in 2021
Our 12th Dance Competition – 2025
What to Pack for a Dance Competition
Looking for a round-up of dance competition must haves? Here is a list of what to pack for a dance competition – keep scrolling for a free printable dance competition checklist!
- Rolling Rack Dance Bag (bought ours secondhand)
- Donut Hair Bun Set (donut, hair net, bobby pin and elastic included) OR Hair Bun Helper
- Taming Flyaways Mascara or Smoothing Wax Stick – to make sure your hairstyles are smooth!
- Makeup Remover Wipes – try the brand at home beforehand to check for skin sensitivity
- Safety Pins (in all sizes)
- Deodorant – for both you and your dancer
- Blister Bandaids (new shoes can ruin a foot) or Gel Blister Pads
- Portable Phone Charger – you can’t always count on a free wall outlet to charge your phone
- Mini Sewing Kit w/ scissors – if I had a dollar for every time we needed scissors or to make a quick stitch I’d be able to buy every one of you the dance comp essentials
- Hairspray – strongest hold you can find
- Fine Tooth Comb with Pick – perfect for smoothing hair back, creating parts, etc.
- Makeup – this is different for every studio! We wear moisturizer, tinted BB cream, bronzer, blush, eyeliner, cream/brown eyeshadow, mascara, red lipstick. Check out our makeup favorites in my Amazon storefront.
- Medicine – I always bring a variety of meds (antacid, anti-inflammatory, pain relief, allergy, etc.) ever since my oldest needed a Tums from too much candy during competition. This is the cutest labeled medicine pill box ever.
- Mini Hot Glue Gun – the fastest way to fix a bedazzled mess or hairpiece! My friend has a mini stitch gun that’s faster than sewing too.
- Nude Undergarments – Leotard / High Cut Seamless Underwear / Bra with Clear Straps / Sticky Bra
- Company Warm-Ups – Ask your studio – but my daughters wear a zip up jacket and leggings
- Company Slides, Dancer Warm-Up Booties, or slide on shoes to wear when dancer isn’t dancing
Click here to shop the Ultimate List of Dance Competition Must Haves for a Dancer AND Dance Parent.
Dance Competition Packing Checklist – FREE PRINTABLE
Dance Competition Packing Checklist by Caitlin Houston BlogView and Print Dance Competition Packing Checklist here!
Tips for Competition Dance Moms (and Dads!)
- Label everything! If you can’t label the item, make sure it has a labeled storage bag or designated space to live. I can’t tell you how many times we have misplaced a hairpiece or ended up with an extra from a friend.
- Print the costume/hair guide and keep it somewhere safe. You may have to reference the guide for necessary accessories for similar costumes.
- Bring TWO pairs of new tights in case of snags, rips, stains, etc.
- Pack snacks and extra hydration – for both YOU and the dancer. Easy to eat, non-messy snacks include: pretzels, goldfish, beef sticks, and power bars.
- When choosing an outfit for competition day, consider the following: it may be hot in the dressing room and you may be running from the audience to backstage. I always wear some form of sneakers, leggings, and layers on top. Sweatshirt, tshirt, tank top – by the end of a busy session I am usually sweating.
- Whether it’s a rule or not, most competitions do not allow personal photography or video of the dancers on stage. Judges and officials will ask you to leave if you are caught!
- Make sure dancer’s nail polish and piercings are removed prior to competition day.
- Always use a checklist when preparing for the competition.
Click here to shop the Ultimate List of Dance Competition Must Haves for a Dancer AND Dance Parent.
Quick Tips for Competition Hair and Makeup
Before you begin hair and makeup, your dancer should not be wearing anything that has to be taken off over her head. I always start hair and makeup after my girls are in tights and leotards.
Hair: Always begin by combing hair and lightly dampen by spritzing with a spray bottle of water. Make sure hair is just slightly damp because soaking hair will become slippery and difficult to work with. Use mousse or gel to flatten hair. Pull hair into a ponytail (high or low depending on the bun placement). A fine tooth comb or edge brush works well to smooth bumps and flyaways. Use a donut or bun helper AND a hair net.
Makeup: I’m still getting a hang of makeup on my daughters because they have different skin tones and skin types. We always start with clean moisturized skin and then apply makeup in the following order:
- Tinted BB Cream or Foundation
- Under eye brightener
- Bronzer + Blush
- Eyeshadow
- Eyeliner
- Mascara
- Lipstick
- Setting Spray
Dance Competition FAQ
What should I pack in my child’s dance bag for a competition?
Include costume(s), tights, shoes, hair accessories, makeup, safety pins, extra snacks, and water.
How early should I arrive at a dance competition?
It’s recommended to arrive at least 1 1/2 to 2 hours before your scheduled performance time to allow for check-in, prep, and warm-ups. Always consult your dance studio!
What are the most forgotten items for a dance competition?
Some of the most commonly forgotten items include extra tights, bobby pins, eyelash glue, performance earrings, sewing kits, and phone chargers. It’s helpful to keep a “just in case” bag for these last-minute emergencies.
What snacks should I bring to a dance competition?
Pack mess-free, high-energy snacks like granola bars, fruit snacks, trail mix, and bottled water. Avoid anything greasy, chocolate, or sticky that could damage costumes or interfere with makeup.
What should dance moms wear to a competition?
Comfort is key—opt for leggings, layered tops, supportive shoes, and a crossbody bag or backpack.
This is so helpful! This is my daughter’s first dance competition season, and it’s a real whirlwind for all involved!