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
Instant ice packs and/or heat packs
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
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!)
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!