Just Throw It In the Dance Bag

When it’s time to go to dance class, one thing every dancer needs is a dance bag.  There are many different styles to choose from.  First, a drawstring dance bag style can hold a couple of pairs of dance shoes and a few odds and ends; however, it doesn’t have extra pockets for any small items that you need to keep in your bag.  It is carried on your back and offers a great hands-free capability.  Another style is the dance duffel bag.  For younger dancers, a small duffel can hold all the necessary dance shoes as well as offer the option to carry the bag over your shoulder.  For older dancers, dance duffels begin to have pockets to separate shoes and accessories from one another.  Lastly, the messenger bag is another great option for dancers.  It has a large section for different shoes and usually sports an area for pens, business cards, iPods, or CDs.

Selecting the right one for you is important because these bags hold a lot of different must-have dance items.  Here is our list of what you may have (or want to have) in your dance bag:

• Extra hair-care items, including pony tails, bobby pins, and hairspray.  You always want to dance with your hair pulled away from your face for your own safety and the safety of those you dance with.  Also, while one class may call for a ponytail, you must always be ready to switch your hairstyle to a bun.  Having these items on hand will help you with this task.
• A second pair of tights because you never know when you might get a run in your tights.  Dancers always want to look their best, so having a pair of tights without holes in your bag will be helpful.
• All of your dance shoes.  This goes along with the first item above because you never know when you will need your tap or ballet shoes in an audition.  Be sure to bring all shoes to everything you attend to be ready for anything.
• A scented sachet or dryer sheet.  This is important to have in your bag because of the smell of dancers’ shoes.  Let’s face it — they smell pretty bad.  To help alleviate the odor, a dryer sheet or a small scented pouch or sachet can help with this.
• Rehearsal music.  Dancers should carry their music with them wherever they go to practice their routines.  Having your music and listening to it before a performance will be really helpful to your performance.
• A sewing kit because you never know when you may need it.  These kits come in handy a lot because anything can happen in the world of dance.  For example, your elastic on your ballet shoes may break, and with the sewing kit on hand, you can fix the problem in no time.

Some other items may include: water, snacks, first aid kit, or accessories.  What items do you feel we left out?  Please post them below!