Whats in my Dance bag?

My dance bag is often a big expanse of space filled with various bits of wonderful fabric, shoes, ribbons, snacks, CD’s, hair pins and goodness knows what else. In fact…I really ought to clear it out more regularly – I’m sure there’s a KitKat in the bottom that went off in 2005…! 

I thought you’d be interested to see (a slightly edited, minus the moldy KitKat) exactly what it is a dancer and dance teacher really keeps in her Dance bag…

I never rely on having one leotard with me – you never know what disasters can happen (teaching primaries in a halter-neck leotard that pinged undone once) So in my bag I tend to have one or two camisole leotards – here there are two Capezio camisole leotards in navy and black (for variety!) which are great for going under teaching wear or for practice and a Capezio Meryl camisole dress in glacier which is perfect when you’re dancing and want something that bit more special that a leotard.

 Now the weather is getting chillier it’s important to have something to cover my arms with – especially if I’m teaching as I’m not moving around as much as when I’m in class, so the Harmonie shrug is perfect, it’s warm and comfortable but also looks very stylish. And of course, no dance bag would be complete without a pair of convertible tights! 

My ballet shoes are rather battered – they’re worn constantly, and sometimes I am dancing so much at home that they act really as a second pair of slippers (oppps!). The drawstring shoes are very comfortable – and come with the elastic already stitched on so saves you having to get out your sewing kit when you’re very busy! I also keep a foot roller in my bag for long days of teaching when a quick foot massage can definitely help! 

It’s important to keep hydrated and your blood sugars level when dancing a lot, so I always keep water in my bag with some healthy snacks – whether that’s fruit, or nuts, cereal bar or rice cakes.

And finally – a teachers, dancers and choreographers life saver…a small iPod and headphones! Usually attached to my leotard so I can dance and choreograph anywhere!

Of course, among these afore mentioned items –I must confess there is a random mess of hair pins, hair ties, old foundation and scraps of paper and pens where I’ve scribbled down ideas – but I have saved you the sore sights of these!