BLOCH Pointe Shoes and ribbons

Dance Bag Checklist: 8 Dance Bag Essentials

Dance Bag Checklist: 8 Dance Bag Essentials

When it comes to assembling the ultimate dance kit, what's equally as important as the perfect-fitting leotard, ballet shoes or jazz pants, is a well-packed dance bag full of those extra essentials. From school to the studio and everywhere in between, your bag basically becomes an extension of you, so it's important to pack it right.

While how your bag looks and feels are most definitely things to consider, it's what you pack inside that can really make or break a day of dancing.
So, what should you take to dance class? Here are eight BLOCH essentials we recommend keeping in your dance bag at all times, so you're always prepared for whatever happens in class or rehearsal.


1. Hair accessories

First up on our dance class checklist – it’s all about the hair accessories. How many times has your hairband snapped mid-class? Probably more times than you can count, right? Loose hairs escaping and distracting you while working on your pirouettes is no fun at all, so having a hair kit with grips, bun covers, hairbands and travel sized bottle of hairspray or gel on hand to alleviate those hair emergencies is ideal. Plus, there is no such thing as too many bobby pins, so stockpile as many sets as you can to make sure you're always prepared.
BLOCH Hair Kit


2. Body fuel

Healthy snacks can be hard to come by if you're frequently on the move, so be sure to keep some nutritious food choices in your dance bag to help keep hunger pangs at bay. A protein bar, some dried fruit or a pack of tasty trail mix are all foodie picks loaded with energy and protein, making them perfect on-the-go options. An added bonus is that these snacks won’t perish overnight so can be kept in your bag for a week or two if you forget about them. 


3. Stretching equipment

Just as your body needs to remain energised and hydrated to perform at it's best, maintaining happy, supple muscles is also key to peak dancer health. To tackle an unannounced bout of metatarsal cramp, make sure you always have a foot roller or Flexiband as part of your dance bag checklist — these hero accessories will halt any pain in its tracks.

What's more, these essentials double up as the perfect tools for building foot strength too. Whether you're hopping between classes during a packed day or travelling to and from the studio, carry them with you and you'll always be able to squeeze in some important warm-up prep.
BLOCH Resistance Band


4. First aid

Your hard work training as a dancer will inevitably produce some blood, sweat and tears at some point, so keeping a first aid kit as part of your dance class checklist is a must. A pesky blister from hours en pointe or a scrape on your knee from an intense floor work combo are highly likely, but no need to worry because those bandages tucked away in your dance bag will keep you safe and comfortable. It's also good to invest in some accessories to help you dance safely such as our BLOCHspot Stickers which help prevent traction and sticking to the floor. 

5. Spare dance outfit

Tights rip, shoes break and the studio’s temperature could change at any moment, so having an extra stash of dance clothes (including a few spare pairs of tights and socks!) in your bag will come in handy. As you become more experienced, investing in a classic ribbon kit or screws for your tap shoes will also be beneficial for those unforeseen mishaps.

BLOCH Tights

 

6. Water bottle

Of all the things needed for ballet or dance, water is a must. Dance can be hard work. We all know the importance of staying hydrated – especially during those long studio sessions – so always keep a reusable water bottle handy in your dance bag. A reusable water bottle can easily be topped up when you need it, making sure you’re never caught short without a drink after a dance workout. 

 

7. Notebook and pen

You never know when you’ll need to write down important information! From notes on dances and dance terminology to dates of rehearsals, shows or auditions, equipping your dance bag with a notebook and pen means you can always keep on top of your dance ventures. Opt for an inspirational dance notebook or dancers journal to keep all your important notes, dates, goals, achievements and dancing aspirations organized in one neat place.

 

 

8. Hygiene accessories

Finally on our list of dance and ballet bag essentials – hygiene. Dancing is a workout which means, if you’re working hard, sweat is probably involved! When you pack your dance or ballet bag, keep it well stocked up with a small towel, wipes and deodorant to keep you feeling fresh between pirouettes. Antiseptic wipes, face masks and handwash are also really useful to have to hand, to ensure you’re always keeping on top of safety and cleanliness in and around the studio.

 

Are you heading back to ballet or dance class? Need to top up on any essentials in your dance kit? Now you know exactly what to take to dance class, shop our full footwear, dancewear and accessories ranges for everything you'll need to tick off your dance and ballet checklist.