How to Create the Ultimate Dance Competition Survival Kit

Every dancer prepping for dance competition season needs to pack a dance competition survival kit, which is exactly what you’re going to learn in this post!

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As you prepare for dance competition season and pack all of your dance competition necessities, you’ll want to make sure you are prepared for every possible situation. And one of the best ways to do that is by creating a designated dance competition survival kit.

In this post you are going to learn all about how to create a dance competition survival kit, what to pack in a dance competition survival kit, competition day hacks, backstage essentials, and more.

After reading this post you will be the most confident and prepared dancer ever for your next dance competition and the entire dance competition season!

This post is all about how to make a dance competition survival kit

Table of Contents

What is a Dance Competition Survival Kit?

Why Do I Need a Dance Competition Survival Kit?

Core Dance Competition Survival Kit Essentials

How to Pack a Dance Competition Survival Kit

Dance Competition Emergency Kit Checklist

Before You Go

What is a Dance Competition Survival Kit?

A dance competition survival kit is like your kit of last minute must haves, emergency items, and motivational treats that will keep you going through every scenario you might face during a dance competition.

There are typically two types of dance competition survival kits out there. One is more of a dance competition emergency kit for all of your last minute mishaps. The other is meant to help motivate you and get you through the competition.

In this post, I recommend creating both or combining them to stay prepared and motivated all competition long.

Why Do I Need a Dance Competition Survival Kit?

You might be thinking that because you’ve already packed all of your dance competition essentials and followed your dance competition checklist in detail you don’t need to make this dance competition emergency kit.

However, having a separate dance competition survival kit can save you a lot of stress. This is because when you create your competition survival kit you have it all in one place.

That way when you are in the midst of a quick change or stressful dressing room moment you have all of your last minute dance competition essentials ready to go and you aren’t scrambling to find everything.

Recommended Post: The Ultimate Dance Competition Gift Basket Guide

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The Core Dance Competition Survival Kit Essentials

Now that you know what a dance competition survival kit is and why every dancer should have one, it’s time to learn what to put in your dance competition survival kit. This section is full of the best items to add to your dance competition emergency kit.

Hair and Makeup Fixes

This part of the section will cover what you need to add to your dance competition emergency kit for all of your last minute hair and makeup needs.

Portable Hair Kit

While you can absolutely create your own dance competition hair kit I recommend getting one of these pre-made hair kits. It will save you a lot of stress because it already has everything you need inside.

However, if you decide to make your own dance hair kit here is everything you need to add:

• Neutral colored hair ties
• Bobby pins
• Hair pins
• Hair clips

Mini Hair Gel

Grab a mini hair gel to your dance competition emergency hair kit for quick fixes and to tame loose fly aways. This is one of my go to products to pack in a dance bag or emergency kit for all your last minute and backstage hair needs!

Mini Hair Spray

Once you’ve got your hair gel you are going to want to set your hair style with some hair spray.

Makeup Remover and Cotton Pads

Makeup remover and cotton pads are a must-have in any dance competition survival kit because quick touch-ups or complete resets can save your look between routines. They help you fix smudges, refresh your face, and keep stage makeup flawless under bright lights.

Powder

Having a setting or pressed powder like this can help keep your makeup fresh through sweat and quick changes.

Makeup Touch Ups

A couple of extra items you might want to add to your dance competition emergency kit are some makeup basics for quick touch ups.

Makeup touch up products you might want to add include:

• Lip liner
• Concealer
• Makeup sponges
• Eyeliner pencil

Costume and Wardrobe Emergencies

These are all of the items you’ll want to add to your dance competition emergency kit to cover costume and wardrobe mishaps and emergencies.

Sewing Kit

A mini sewing kit is one of the smartest dance competition essentials to pack. From loose sequins to ripped straps, having needles, thread, and scissors on hand means you can handle costume emergencies backstage without stress.

Super Glue

Super glue is the ultimate backstage lifesaver for broken rhinestones, snapped shoe soles, or quick prop repairs. Adding it to your survival kit ensures you’re prepared for unexpected mishaps that could otherwise throw off your performance.

Fashion Tape

Fashion tape keeps costumes secure and in place during high-energy routines. It’s perfect for preventing wardrobe malfunctions and maintaining confidence on stage, making it a non-negotiable item in your dance competition survival kit.

Spare Undergarments

Spare undergarments are an often-overlooked but essential part of a dancer’s emergency kit. Having extras ensures you’re comfortable, supported, and ready for quick changes without worrying about laundry mishaps or forgotten pieces.

Stain Remover

A portable stain remover stick or wipes can rescue costumes from last-minute spills, makeup smudges, or sweat marks. Keeping one in your survival kit helps maintain a polished, professional look throughout the competition.

Health and Comfort Must-Haves

This section is all about the health, comfort, and hygiene items to include in your kit of last-minute dance competition essentials.

First Aid Supplies

A mini first aid kit is great to have in your dance competition emergency kit. You can find some premade or I highly recommend making your own in a ziplock bag.

Here are some great items to include in your dance competition first aid kit:

• Blister bandages
• Bandages
• Alcohol wipes
• Pain relief cream
• Instant ice pack
• Pain reliever

Hygiene Essentials

Of course you’ll want to stay fresh and clean all competition long. Which is why packing some hygiene essentials like the items listed below is essential for your dance competition survival kit.

• Deodorant
• Deodorizing wipes
• Feminine hygiene products (if needed)
• Portable toothbrush
• Hand sanitizer
• Tissues
• Travel razor (if needed)

Staying Fueled and Hydrated

Throughout your dance competition it is so important to stay hydrated and fueled so you can perform your best on stage.

• Portable small water bottle
• Electrolyte powder
• Energy drink
• Protein bar
• Snack packs

Mental and Emotional Boosters

And finally, to keep you encouraged and motivated throughout the competition you want to be sure to add some encouraging items along with your survival items.

• Portable charger
• Stress or fidget toy
• Writing utensil
• Journal or note pad
• Gum

You Might Also Like: Your Complete Dance Competition Checklist

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How to Pack Your Dance Competition Survival Kit

Now that you have an idea of what items to put in your dance competition kit, it is time to start putting it together. In this section you’ll learn how to pack your dance competition emergency kit for success!

Choose the Right Container

The best way to choose your right container is to go ahead and collect all of your dance competition emergency kit items and then choosing a container that will fit everything in it.

I recommend packing each of the different categories in their own Ziplock bag with labels and then placing all of those bags into a larger box or kit.

Here are some great containers for your dance competition kit

Keep it Travel Sized

Because your dance competition kit is meant to be accessible and quick to get to you probably want to keep everything travel sized.

Luckily you can find all of your travel sized items needs at a store like Target or just shopping online on Amazon.

Make it Easily Accessible

This is where choosing the right container and keeping everything travel sized will come in handy. Don’t mix it all up with everything else where it will get lost or mixed up. Be sure to

Personalize it

Make your dance competition survival kit yours by adding some personalized details to it. Feel free to add stickers, write your name, and make it motivating for your dance competition weekend!

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Dance Competition Survival Kit Checklist

Just so you have it all in one easy to access place, here is everything we’ve already talked about adding to your dance competition emergency kit in once simple checklist!

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Before You Go

I can’t wait to hear all about how you created the best dance competition survival kit ever this competition season.

If you want to have an even more successful competition season, be sure to grab my dance competition checklist below!

This post was all about dance competition survival kit