Create a Dance Competition Checklist

!±8± Create a Dance Competition Checklist

Competition, nervous anticipation, and butterflies come hand in hand. You think about your performance, and also if you have packed everything you need. If you are prepared with a checklist ahead of time you can stop fretting about forgetting something and let your hard work and many hours of dance practice shine through. Being prepared will help you perform at your highest level. Moms, dancers, cheerleaders, and teachers have all weighed in as I compiled a list of must haves for performance weekends. These seven categories will guide you to ensure you don't forget anything you need to make your experience the best you can at your next performance.

Makeup: Makeup is a crucial part of a dancer's appearance. You'll need to have the makeup to execute the look that your studio owner/director/ or cheer coach has planned. It is important that a dancer's makeup to be water-resistant, highly pigmented, and long lasting.

Select the products you plan to use on your skin with care. On a performance day you are going to be wearing your makeup look for a long time. You certainly don't want to end the weekend with your skin irritated or broken out. You should use hypo-allergenic/non-comedogenic, talc and paraben-free products that are as naturally derived as possible for the best results. Pack all of your application tools, such as foundation brushes and sponges, as well as your makeup brushes for lip, eye, blush, and brow to ensure a smooth application. If you are using JAM cosmetics, bring a small water dropper bottle with you. You can use it to turn your black eye shadow into a water-resistant, smudge-resistant eyeliner.

Beauty Aids: You'll be cleaning and caring for the skin that will be in makeup for long days of performing. This means you'll need makeup remover wipes, tissues, cotton pads, moisturizers, and skincare products. If you know that you have a razor and shaving cream packed it will spare you the panic when you realize you have forgotten to shave! And of course be ready for a broken or torn nail with a nail clippers and file, nail polish remover, and clear nail polish.

Hair Products: Having hair gel, hairspray, hairnets, and bobby pins will allow you to keep your hair in order. If your look requires hair pieces, hair jewelry, or hair glitter double check that you have packed them in your bag as well. Finally a spray bottle of water, brush, hair dryer, and curling iron will help you complete your hair. Well executed hair will eliminate one more distraction between you and your performance.

Costume Stuff: Check that you have all of your costumes; this includes the head/arm/leg/and body pieces. You'll need all the jewelry or props you may be responsible for. Spare yourself from having to tear through bags or ask everyone around you when a fabric emergency hits, pack a mini sewing kit and thread that matches all of your costumes. This sewing kit needs to include needles, safety pins, and scissors.

Make certain that everything stays in place, not only on your costume, but also on you by packing not only hot glue or super glue, double sided tape, and body adhesive. Rips, scuffs, or snaps are no longer a worry if you pack shoe polish to match your shoes, spare tights in the appropriate color, and a spare set of clear and tan bra straps.

First Aid: To guarantee that the occasional bump, scrape, or pain won't take you out of your game, you have to come with the correct first aid supplies. Antacid, Tylenol, and Dramamine are good basics to start with. In addition clear Band-aids, Neosporin, Icy Hot/Biofreeze and instant ice packs can be very helpful. And also remember to pack an ace bandage. When performing in an ace bandage cover it with foundation so it matches your skin and so it will draw as little attention as possible.

Food/Drink: Resist fast, easy, and unhealthy food that will weaken your performance by having snacks on hand. Water and juice boxes will help keep your energy up through the day. Food that is portable and won't stain such as veggies, granola bars, cheese sticks, raisins, trail mix, or goldfish are good choices.

Miscellaneous/Comfort Stuff: Being relaxed and comfortable allows you to perform better, so don't forget the "extra" stuff. Make your down time more relaxing with a pillow, blanket, warm-ups and slippers or flip flops. Remember to pack pens, a notepad, an iPod, and magazines for quiet time you may have in between performances. Because you will be in a busy venue packing extra tissues for the bathroom, in case your location runs out, has the potential to make your day much more comfortable.

When preparing a bag for a competition the list of things to remember is long and wide-ranging, but having the things you need will make for a much better experience. Make certain you have everything you need to perform to your peak level. In order to be prepared and successful at your next event please view my complete competition checklist.