Dance Mom Survival Kit

The Ultimate Dance Mom Survival Kit: For Competitions & Recitals

Dance recital and competitions can take dedication, hard work, sometimes a little wine and definitely great organisation. If you’re anything like me, you’re the type who carries a fully stocked bag of supplies—ready for any type of situation.  I stick to my tried-and-true essentials and I have put together my list to help you.

Sewing Essentials for Wardrobe/Costume fixes

• Needle and Thread: Include white, black, and other common colors, plus threads matching specific costumes that you child is wearing.
• Safety Pins: Keep a variety of sizes on hand. You’ll never have too many and make sure they are quality ones that wont come undone.
• Scissors: For the cotton, loose threats, opening bags of cookies. You name it, these come in handy.
• Double-Sided Tape: A lifesaver for securing costumes and accessories in place, especially if you dont have specific costume glue.
• Static Guard Spray: Especially handy for keeping tutus from clinging to tights.
• Additional Tools: Pack a pen or marker, measuring tape, fabric glue, a hot glue gun (with glue sticks), self-adhesive Velcro dots and small hair ties or elastics bands.

Hair, Makeup, and Personal Care Must-Haves:

Makeup

• Powder to reduce shine and a brush/applicator to put it on
• Concealer and blush to brighten faces under stage lights.
• Lipstick or gloss in a natural shade to make features stand out, or red for full colour depending on what your studio wear.
• Optional: Eye makeup and mascara
• False Lashes if required by the studio (usually for older dancers)
• Makeup remover wipes.

Hair Tools:

• Bobby pins—more than you think you’ll need. Get lots of them.
• Hair elastics, neatly organized
• Small combs, brushes, and bun makers for quick styling.
• Hair nets to secure buns.
• Hairspray (we love Got2B and it smells great as well)

Extras:

• Clear nail polish for minor snags and nail polish remover.
• Tissues, hand sanitizer, and baby wipes.
• Lint roller.
• Small first aid kit with bandages, pain relievers, and any necessary medications.
• Personal items: feminine products, lotion, deodorant, chapstick, and more

Tech and Organization Tools:

• Portable Charger or Power Bank: Keep phones and other devices ready.
• Detailed Schedule: Print out costume lists, including accessories like gloves or fishnets, and keep copies for everyone involved.  Even laminate them if you can.

Most Studios will provide costume checklists for each number with recitals and team competions but you will need to be much more organized if your child does solo competitions.

Snap pictures of these details, print them out, and include them in your kit. Organization is key to managing a busy recital and competition times.

With these essentials in your dance mom survival kit, you’ll be ready for anything. From last-minute costume repairs to quick touch-ups before your dancer’s big moment.

You’ve got this!

If you have any ideas or topics you want us to cover please contact us.