Competition Survival Kit: Pack Like A Pro!

Created April 16th, 2026  |  Maya Johnson

If there's one thing dance parents learn quickly, it's that preparation is everything. Competition days are notorious for their surprises — ripped tights, stained costumes, allergic reactions, broken clasps, random injuries, and many, many more (unfortunately). Things happen! Immersed in a fast-paced, hectic environment, parents must save the day efficiently and calmly — the hardest part. To prevent this anxiety and frantic problem-solving for you and your dancer(s), a survival kit is your best friend! With the right items, you'll stay one step ahead, keeping your dancer comfortable, confident, and ready to hit the stage! Use this guide as your go-to checklist for competition success! 

These items are not mandatory by any means — however, to create the most productive survival kit, we recommend packing all these essentials! You already have most of these items at home!

FOR MANDATORY COMPETITIVE DANCE PRODUCTS, CLICK HERE!

⭐ PRO TIP: Create a list of all your survival kit items, print out your list, and ensure everything is stocked before each competition! If your survival kit really works, you'll have to restock some essential items!

COMPETITION SURVIVAL KIT ITEMS:

(Specific item recommendations linked and underlined)

(Medication recommendations to your preference)

HEALTH/WELLNESS:

• AT LEAST ONE COPY OF YOUR CHILD'S REQUIRED MEDICATION (EpiPen, Inhaler, Antihistamines, etc)

  • IMPORTANT NOTE: Please ensure all NLC Staff are informed of your dancer's immediate health concerns, ensuring we are aware of their accommodations and emergency procedure)

• First Aid Kit

• BANDAIDS! TONS!

• Deodorant (clear or spray)

• Polysporin

• Ibuprofen

• Tylenol

• Benadryl

• Aleve

• Pepto Bismol

• Gravol

• Cough drops 

• Eye drops

• Ear drops 

• Medical tape 

• Tensor bandage

• Icy Hot, Biofreeze, Salonpas, A535, etc

• Anti-Itch spray 

• Instant ice packs and/or heat packs

• KT Tape (matching dancer's skin tone)

• Feminine hygiene products (pads, tampons, liners, etc)

• Extra pair of nude underwear 

BEAUTY/WELLNESS:

• Lotion

• Makeup remover wipes

• Clean face cloth

• Headband

• Q-Tips (LOTS!)

• Cotton pads

• Single-use razors 

• Extra toothbrush/toothpaste/floss

• Hair ties (matching dancer's hair colour)

• Bobby pins (matching dancer's hair colour)

• Hair pins (matching dancer's hair colour)

• Hair nets (matching dancer's hair colour)

• Extra hair brush (mini)

• Extra styling comb (mini)

• Extra pair of false eyelashes

• Clear hair ties

• Setting spray

• Heat protectant spray

• Styling clips 

• Spray water bottle

MISCELLANEOUS MUST-HAVES: 

NOTE: TRAVEL-SIZED EVERYTHING!

• ⭐ Master packing list - keep in dance bag, helps when packing!

• Earbuds/headphones

• Copy of music, downloaded

• Wet wipes

• Super glue

• Zip ties

• Safety pins

• Tweezers

• Nail file

• Nail clippers

• Sewing kit

• Tide To-Go Pen

• Hand sanitizer

• Spray rosin

• Body glue

• Lint roller

• X-ACTO Knife

• Scissors

• Lighter (for frayed fabric/stitching)

• Toothpicks

• Ziploc bags

• Clear nail polish

• Elastic bands

• Electrical tape

• Multitool and extra screws (for tap shoes)

• Black sharpie

• Sticky notes

• Steamer

• Extra pair of socks

• Extra contacts

• Extra clear bra straps

• Extra reusable water bottle (empty, stays in dance bag)

• Paper towel roll

• Shower cap

• Plastic/garbage bag

• Extra bag (grocery bag, Lulu bag, etc)

• Towel

• Tiny container for jewelry (so it doesn't get lost in the dance bag!)

DANCE PARENTS: (keep this in a separate bag from your purse that stays in the dance bag permanently)

• Extra pen

• Extra highlighter

• Extra charger (stays in dance bag!)

• Tissues (lots! 🥲)

• Mints

• Hand sanitizer

• Hand cream

• Lip balm

• Portable charger

• Hair clip and hair ties

• Dry shampoo

• Cash 

• Handheld fan

• Paper or binder clips

• Ear plugs

• Feminine hygiene products (pads, tampons, liners, etc)

• Pain relief (Tylenol, Advil, Aleve)

• Water bottle

• Electrolyte or caffeine packets

Again, these items are not mandatory to purchase whatsoever, and you may not find all these recommendations helpful or useful; however, as previous Captains of university dance teams, we included most of these items in our survival kits for our dancers! Most of these items can be purchased at the dollar store or found at home! There are also A LOT of items recommended here — to be as spacious as possible, we recommend either purchasing travel-sized products or only packing a few of each item (ex, 5-10 Advil in a small container, travel-sized deodorant, etc).

CREATING A SURVIVAL KIT: EFFECTIVE ORGANIZATION + PRODUCTIVE TRAVEL

So, how do you organize your survival kit?

Seasoned dance parents typically organize their survival kits similarly, purchasing a separate kit or bag to store everything effectively. These kits can be organized in large plastic containers, hanging bags, caboodles, or any storage device with a number of compartments. Honestly, any toolbox-type storage kit is exactly what you're looking for!

Below, we have linked and provided some recommendations and inspiration for your survival kit storage container. 

⭐ PRO TIP: Clearly label your survival kit with your last name and contact number! Changerooms get chaotic!

STORAGE KIT INSPO:

(links attached to pictures!)

RELATED ARTICLES:

Tututix: Creating a Dance Competition Survival Kit

The Dancing Dance Moms: First Year Dance Moms – 7 Practical Tips 

Chin up, dance parent —  if you're reading this article, you're already demonstrating how much you care about your dancer's success. YOU'VE GOT THIS!