Dance Bag Essentials

What do I need in my dance bag? Packing for dance classes is hard. Just like packing for a holiday, it can be frustrating trying to remember everything that you need whilst keeping your bag light and manageable. We often end up hauling everything but the kitchen sink between school, work, the studio, and auditions, and we need to be prepared for all possibilities. So we’ve compiled a list of all the things you won’t want to forget on your way to rehearsals, so you can relax knowing that you’ve got all bases covered.

First and foremost: the bag.

You won’t be carrying anything around without somewhere to keep all your essentials, and we’re loving this one from Bloch. It’s the perfect size to fit in everything you need, but won’t weigh you down while you’re on the go. The adjustable shoulder strap makes it easy to sling across your body, whilst the carry handles are convenient for quick pick-ups on the go. With plenty of handy compartments for drinks bottles, shoes, and accessories, this roomy bag is the perfect companion for those super busy days.

Thinking of the kids?

Something smaller will suffice. We’ve fallen in love with the Ballet Rosa Petit Allegro bag harder than we’d like to admit. It’s so soft and fluffy, so little ones are bound to fall for it as hard as we have, and it serves as the perfect companion for that transition from school to dance class. The interior mesh pockets are perfect for storing away ballet shoes and hair bands, and if you’re head over heels for this too, you can snatch this up in adult size too!

Now that we’ve got the bags covered, it’s time to start packing. The most important thing to have on hand (apart from your leotard and shoes, of course!) is water. You should always keep a water bottle handy to stay hydrated through those high-energy dance classes. Grabbing a reusable bottle is convenient for you and better for our planet, so you can easily fill back up on the go. It’s also a good idea to keep a snack or two close by too, so sneak in a banana or a protein bar to keep you going.

On long days, it’s a good idea to throw some conditioning accessories into your bag to soothe aching muscles and prepare your body for some intense dancing.

We recommend the Bunheads exercise bands which are great for preparing the feet for pointe work, stretching muscles, and helping to recover from injuries. Another one of our favourites is the Bunheads footsie roller to massage tired muscles during breaks or at the end of a long day in the studio. Trust us - this is something you won’t want to live without. Roll it over those aching spots and easily relieve built up tension, so you’re ready to get back on your feet in no time. Both these items are small enough to slip into your dance bag with no problem, so you don’t have to worry about hauling bulky kit around.

And we mustn’t forget protective accessories. For ballerinas, some gel toe pads can be a life saver, rescuing your toes from the peril of pointe. These ones from Leo mould to the shape of your foot and are great for shock absorption and pressure distribution. Plus, they can easily be refreshed with a bit of talcum powder when they need freshening up. Next up: hair. Keep pesky fly away hairs at bay and that ballerina bun in place with some hair accessories. Whatever you call them – bobby pins, grips, slides… - we go through millions. It feels like they disappear and turn up at their own will, but luckily you don’t have to spend a fortune on them, and these Roch Valley ones come in three different colours to keep them discreet amidst your bun. Keep some extras in the side pocket of your bag in case of hair emergencies, so you’re not puffing bits of hair out of your face as you go. It might actually be a good idea to keep hair accessories (along with any other accessories and makeup for touch ups) in a little makeup bag. It keeps all those little bits and bobs in one place, so you don’t have to dig around in the bottom of your bag for your lip balm or that one clip that you’re sure you had somewhere. This one from Danzarte is a firm favourite for us, and is just the right size to slip in your dance bag with deodorant, a mini bottle of hairspray, and bobbles in tow. Now it’s time to focus on dancewear. Although it goes without saying that you’ll already be armed with a leotard and tights, warm-up wear can often be overlooked. It’s important to have something cosy to keep your muscles warm and prevent them from seizing up, especially in the colder months. Ideally, you’ll want something that’s quick to throw on over your usual kit and allows you to be fully flexible. We love the Capezio sweetheart jumpsuit from their Dirty Dancing inspired range, so you can live out your dreams of being Baby with no shame. As for the younger ones, this Saarika jumpsuit from Bloch is a great choice, and is easy to pull on and off before and after class. Plus, with an easily washable fabric, it’s easy to just throw in the wash worry free. Missed something off? Let us know what your essentials are for dance class!