Top 20 Supplies Every Dancer Needs in Their Dance Bag!

There are a lot supplies that every dancer needs to have on hand whether at home or in their dance bag. There are so many different items that are required but change depending on the types of dance that they take. I'll start off naming the importance of these supplies based on the type of dance. Here is a list of the most important supplies that dancers need on a daily basis!

1. Shoes!!!

The most important essential for dancers are their shoes because without them it makes certain types of dance very difficult. For ballet classes the types of shoes you'll need include soft ballet shoes, broken downs/ soft blocks, character shoes (1 inch to 1.5 inch), and pointe shoes (depending on your level, age, and at your teacher's discretion of course). For jazz/ lyrical classes you'll need both black and nude jazz shoes that are slip on (typically however lyrical dances will require nude jazz shoes). For modern classes you will usually dance either bare foot, Footundeez, Lyrical Sandals, Half-Sole Lyrical turner, or Dance Paws, these can also be used in lyrical dances/ classes as well. For hip hop classes you'll need white sole sneakers (athletic sneakers). For tap dance you'll need tap shoes, for these shoes you can pick your favourite kind by Capezio, Bloch, etc. For ballroom or salsa you'll need heels with 1 inch- 3 inch depending on your preference and your instructor.

2. Elastic Bands

These are great for putting your hair up in pony tails, braids, and buns. One of the most important things about attending a dance class is to always have your hair out of your face, so these will do the trick. Depending on the thickness of your hair will determine how many you need. For me, I have really thick long hair so I use 2-3 elastics for a ponytail, 1 for a braid, and 3-4 for buns. For thin or short hair you may only need 1-2 on average. Also it's important that in ballet class to try to buy elastic bands that are similar to the colour of your hair. Along with that, thin elastics are great for those with thin or short hair or for braids. Although, typically thick elastics are better for keeping your hair in place.

3. Hair Pins/ Bobby Pins

Hair pins/ Bobby pins are great for making buns or keeping stray hairs out of your face. For long thick hair try to use 3 inch pins made by Capezio under the name Bunheads. They also make them in smaller sizes such as 2 inch and 2.5 inch. For younger children or those with thin or short hair you can either use the 2 inch or 2.5 inch or standard bobby pins are great for making buns. Standard bobby pins are also great for keeping your bangs off your face along with stray hairs.

4. Hair Net

Hair nets are important to make sure that your hair stays in place during all of your ballet classes. Also so your bun doesn't fall out, as elastic bands and hair pins can only do so much to help you out. I prefer these mesh almost like material hair nets that don't require looping them around your hair as much, but so far I've only seen them come in black so for those of you who have brown, blonde, red, white, or grey hair you can try using the invisible hair nets which are great for performances and day to day classes.

5. Hairspray & Gel

Hairspray and Gel are important to keep your hair in place. These help to make sure you aren't distracted while dancing and only focus on your dancing rather than your hair. These are especially important for year end recitals, dance class, competitions, etc.

6. Toe pads/ Lamb's Wool, Spacers, and Tape

These are essentials for all dancers who dance on pointe. However, not all dancers will require all of these items, in fact some such as professionals may not need any of these at all. Although, for me I like to protect my feet as I think about my future, so typically I use toe pads and spacers inside my pointe shoes. Tape is typically used for sore areas on your feet that you may want to protect from rubbing while dancing. Toe pads/ Lamb's wool are used mainly so that the impact of being on top of your pointe shoe isn't painful or tiring on your toes. I personally prefer toe pads because you just slip them on and then your pointe shoe, whereas with lamb's wool you need to bunch it up in a ball and then try to keep it in place. However, I found that it wasn't very cushioning and the lamb's wool would always move around. There are now lamb's wool toe pads so those are an option as well. Spacers are mainly used to prevent your big toe from overlapping over your middle toes, as well as keeping your toe in place.

7. Bandaids & Neosporin/ Polysporin

Bandaids & Neosporin/ Polysporin are a handy item to keep in your dance bag in case of cuts, blisters, etc. You never know when you're going to need them as they are important to keep around for any athlete.

8. Water Bottle

Having a water bottle handy is important to stay hydrated, whenever you're moving around and dancing you'll always need water. Also by having your own water bottle you can keep refilling it and save the planet at the same time :) Make sure that these water bottles are BPA free, so that every time you take a sip you aren't swallowing chemicals. Additionally, you'll know which water bottle is yours when you're in class rather than having a generic disposable water bottle. Make sure to make a label or write your name on it, to identify your water bottle in case of twin water bottles :)

9. Spare Food

Some spare food you can keep in your dance bag include granola bars, trail mix, fruit and veggies, etc. All of these are excellent examples of snacks that are needed for emergency snacking for those long days of dance. All of these are also great for boosting your energy up rather than slowing you down. Although, if you are spending a lot of time at your studio be sure to pack actual meals if you are there for lunch or dinner. Excellent examples include cheese and crackers with veggies and fruit, yogurt with granola and a sandwich, sushi and fruit, salad with protein (such as fish, chicken, turkey, etc.), and so much more!

10. Tennis Ball

Tennis balls are great tools for rolling out any knots you may have in your calves, hips, arches, etc. These are great for when you don't have time to see a massage therapist, chiropractor, or physiotherapist, and are a quick relief. However, if the pain persists for a few days make sure to have it checked out immediately!

11. Flexistretcher/ Stretcher Bands

Flexistretchers or stretcher bands are great for working on penchees, tilts, leg extensions, splits, and so much more. These are definitely a handy tool for any dancer trying to become more flexible.

12. Spare Tights

Spare tights are always a great idea to keep in your dance bag just in case your current pair becomes ripped, has a spill on it, or otherwise. The type of tights that will come in handy are convertible tights for older dancers with pointe shoes or younger dancers who take multiple dance classes or for free movement. Footed tights are mainly for those who don't have any free movement or pointe in their classes. Sunkiss/ tan tights are mainly for those in jazz/ lyrical dances and pink almost white tights are for those in ballet.

13. Extra Leotard

An extra leotard is always handy in case of spills or versatility in costume changes and for partnering in ballet.

14. Ribbons, Dental Floss, Lighter, MoleSkin, Elastics, Scissors, and a Needle

These are all essential for sewing pointe shoes. Some studios may not require moleskin on the tip of their pointe shoes, however they do prolong the life of your pointe shoes and prevent you from slipping as much. Ribbons are essential for keeping your pointe shoes on your feet while you dance. Depending on your teacher you may need either thin or thick ribbons. Dental floss is what I prefer when sewing my pointe shoes as it's extremely strong, fairly inexpensive, has a mint smell, and won't be seen. A lighter is important for the ends of your ribbons to make sure that they don't fray. Elastics are only required for dancers who need the extra ankle support due to a superior arch or otherwise. Scissors are needed for cutting the ribbons. A needle is needed for sewing the ribbons onto your pointe shoe. Personally, I sew my ribbons on the inside of the shoe so that they don't show on the outside, however many others sew right through to the outside.

15. Deodorant

I don't think I really need to explain this one.

16. Comb/ Brush

A comb/ brush is great for redoing your hair style and keeping your hair smooth for buns, braids, and ponytails.

17. Thera-band

Thera-bands are great for strengthening your ankles and feet. You can also use these for strengthening your back and arms. Be careful when using them however, as they snap quite easily. So make sure to research the meanings of the colours of the therabands before buying them, as each colour indicates their strength.

18. Hand Sanitizer

Hand sanitizer is absolutely needed whenever you need to eat something or after dance class, as you'll always be touching the floor, barres, your feet, and your shoes. All of these are fine as long you remember to clean your hands to prevent colds, etc.

19. Under Skin

Under skins are great for performances, especially for quick changes. There are both options for a full piece and a top and a bottom under skin. This allows the student to change without having to find a bathroom or put up a towel in a corner. It also prevents underwear and bra lines from showing underneath costumes. For older dancers there are also options of built in bras in both the full piece and a top and a bottom underskin.

20. Clothes for after class

Clothes for after class are important to keep your muscles warm, so that they don't experience a shock in the winter or cold weather. Also, so you can go to other places afterwards if needed.