Learn all about the best dance performance hacks that will literally save your life on and off stage!
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Dance performance season always feels so stressful when you get into the thick of things. I find I’m always turning to Pinterest and google for advice and life hacks to get me through each show. Now, I’ve found and approved some great dance performance hacks that you need to use this year.
You are going to learn the best dance life hacks that are going to save your life onstage, backstage, and even during rehearsals. You can even use these hacks for dance competitions!
After reading this post your will be prepared for your next dance performance with these ESSENTIAL life hacks.
This post is all about dance performance hacks
Dance Performance Hacks
1. Prepare EVERYTHING
The more prepared you are for your dance performance the more successful you will be. The best way to do this is preparing all of the things you will need for your performance a few days beforehand. This will give you time to purchase anything that might be missing without any extra stress.
2. Hairspray is your BFF
Hairspray will be your best friend during dance performances. It is such a universal tool. Use it on your dance shoes to keep them from slipping off, use it on your tights to prevent runs, and use it to keep your hair and makeup intact.
There are so many different uses for hair spray during dance performances that you won’t want to go without it!
This is some of my go-to hairspray for literally everything!
3. Bring Good Warm ups
Bringing good dance warm up clothing is a must, especially in cold theaters. Your muscles will thank you during your dance performance if you keep them warm beforehand.
You Might Also Like: Top Dancewear Essentials to be the Most Fashionable Dancer Ever
4. Have Extras
Having extras of everything you can will give you (and your friends) some insurance in case anything goes wrong. There are a million what-ifs and last minute needs for items like hair pins, tights, undergarments, and more so it will save you so much stress if you just pack extras.
5. Bring Snacks
When it comes to dress rehearsals and performances, you rarely have time to eat an entire meal, especially when things tend to run into the evening. That’s why you must pack some good snacks.
I recommend snacks full of protein and that are a quick grab and go option for those short performance and rehearsal breaks you might get.
6. HYDRATE
Staying hydrated is an absolute MUST when it comes to dance performances. This will help you avoid fatigue and dehydration from all of the sweat and energy you are surely using.
Also, be sure to try a hydration and electrolyte booster like Gatorade, Powerade, or (my favorite) Liquid IV. This will help you stay hydrated even more than water alone and replenish all of the electrolytes lost in your sweat.
7. Stretch and Warm Up
Always, always, ALWAYS stretch and warm up before a performance. This will keep your muscles and body healthy and ready to dance.
The best way to do this is to do a warm up similar to what you might do in a dance class for the genre of dance you are performing. For example, if you’re doing a ballet performance do a ballet barre and center to get your body ready for the style of dance you are performing.
If you’re doing a variety of genres do a mix of a warm up. This might look like a ballet barre warm up with full body exercises in the center.
8. Bring a Sewing Kit
You never know when there’s a costume or a dance shoe that needs mending.
Here is a great sewing kit for all of your dance performance needs
9. Use Powder for Makeup
Powder will help keep sweat and oil down and keep your makeup on. Every dancer MUST have a good powder in their makeup bag to keep their performance makeup fresh and clean through an entire show!
This is some of my favorite powder for dance/stage makeup
10. Corn Starch for Sweat & Odor
Similar to powder for makeup, corn starch will help you stay dry elsewhere and keep you fresh. I find it is less messy than baby powder and it is free from harmful chemicals!
11. Bring LOTS of First-Aid Supplies
Having first aid is super important for dancers in general but it is especially important during performances. You never know when an extra bandage or piece of tape will come in handy for a small injury backstage.
This on the go option is great to keep in your dance and performance bag for all your first-aid needs
12. Use Makeup Remover for Little Mistakes
Having makeup remover on hand during a dance performance or competition will save your life. While makeup wipes and cloths are great for taking all of your makeup off, makeup remover can save you from the little mistakes like getting mascara on your face.
This is some of the BEST Makeup remover for dancers out there
You Might Also Like: 9 Best Makeup Products Every Dancer Should Own
13. Use Dryer Sheets for Smelly Shoes
I use this hack regularly with my dance and street shoes. This will keep your shoes fresh and free from odor during dance performances and rehearsals.
Here are some of my favorite dryer sheets to use inside my dance bag and for dance shoes:
14. Hang out your Dance Clothing
Hang out your dance clothing whenever you are in the thick of rehearsals and performances. Rather than shoving your sweaty (sometimes stinky) costumes and clothing inside a garment bag in a hamper, let them hang out. Whether you hang them out outside or in the bathroom, they will stay so much fresher and smell less if you just let them air out.
I also HIGHLY recommend using Odoban or some form of odor eliminator. I swear by this stuff for smelly, sweaty costumes. It will make your dirty dance clothes smell fresh and odor-free!
15. Use Odor Eliminators
Using odor eliminators can save your life with smelly costumes, dance clothing, and shoes. There are some great options to choose from for fabric, shoe, and clothing refreshers that can keep your dance items fresh and odor-free.
Here are some of the best odor eliminators
16. Bring other things to do
Sometimes dance performances or rehearsals can have long breaks or periods of time where you aren’t needed on stage. That is why it can never hurt to bring other things to do while waiting.
Whether that is sewing pointe shoes, doing homework, or just reading a book, having something to do while waiting can save your from boredom.
17. Practice your Makeup
Practicing your dance performance makeup looks can save you lots of time and stress when you try them out before show time comes around.
18. Bring Dance Exercise Equipment
19. Use Vaseline on Your Teeth for Dry Mouth when Smiling
I learned this hack from a fellow dancer in the dressing room and it has changed my life! To keep your mouth from drying out and your lips from sticking to your teeth, use some vaseline or Aquaphor on your front teeth.
20. Bring an Extra Mirror
Sometimes mirror space can be tight backstage. That’s why having an extra mirror on hand to do your own makeup can save your life before a dance performance.
21. Use Organizers
Organizers for makeup, your dance bag, and more will literally help you stay ORGANIZED backstage when you need to find something in a hurry. They will also save your life when it comes to clean up and putting everything away after your dance show or performance is over.
Here are a few great organizers for your backstage dance needs!
22. Take Notes
Taking and writing notes from a performance or dress rehearsal is a dancer life hack that can literally transform your life as a dancer.
23. Have someone film rehearsals
If you’re allowed, have someone film your rehearsals. This can help you look back and see where you can improve and use the video as a reference for notes. This also can help you as you review your choreography.
24. Take LOTS of Photos
Once the performance gets going it can be hard to remember to take photos for memories backstage. So whenever you get the chance, grab a friend and take a photo in costume. Don’t forget to take some silly, goofy ones too!
25. Listen to Music for Motivation
Now that it is almost showtime, it is time to get pumped up and ready to dance! Make a playlist full of hype songs that will get you ready to perform and shine onstage.
Before You Go:
This has been the ultimate list of tips and trick for dance performances.
I hope these performance life hacks will help you wherever you go and perform next!
If you’d like to see more posts like this and dance lifestyle tips from The Charming Dancer Blog, be sure to subscribe down below!
This post was all about dance performance life hacks
