PACK IT UP! The Dancer’s Guide to Surviving Competition Travel

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Well, here we are and it’s already mid-August! At my age, I really would appreciate it if Father Time could slow down a bit. But unless I’m planning an extended stay at a yoga and meditation retreat, I don’t think that’s going to happen anytime soon!

And honestly, at this point in August, it would almost seem strange if we weren’t feeling everything in the competitive dance world speeding up. The U.S. Championships are right around the corner, competitions are in full swing, and dancers are traveling weekend after weekend getting ready for the big one.

Which brings me to something every competitive dancer, teacher, judge and official knows all too well: We are NOT normal travelers.

Normal people pack a few outfits, a pair of comfortable shoes, some toiletries and maybe a good book. Us?

Costumes. Dance shoes. Practice shoes. Makeup. Hair products. Jewelry. Tanning supplies. Steamer. Chargers. Competition clothes. Evening clothes. Backup clothes.

And, of course, an extra one of practically everything because somewhere along the way we learned that if we don’t bring it, that will be the exact thing we need!

Basically, we are trying to move into a hotel room for four days while convincing the airline that everything we own weighs less than 50 pounds.

I actually weigh my suitcase on my bathroom scale before leaving for the airport. Unfortunately, my scale always seems to weigh a little light—which I absolutely LOVE when I’m standing on it, but not so much when my suitcase is!

So, what is the best way to pack for a dance competition?

After more years of traveling to competitions than I care to count, here are a few things I’ve learned along the way.

1. NEVER CHECK THE THINGS YOU CAN’T COMPETE WITHOUT

This is probably the most important rule.

If you are competing, your dance shoes, medications, essential makeup and anything absolutely necessary to get you onto that dance floor should be in your carry-on.

Costumes are trickier because of their size, but whenever possible, keep your most irreplaceable competition items with you.

Airlines can replace lost luggage. They cannot replace your custom gown at 7:30 Saturday morning when your first heat is at 8:00!

Ask yourself: “If my checked suitcase doesn't arrive, can I still compete tomorrow?”

Pack your carry-on accordingly.

2. YOUR DANCE SHOES ARE GOLD

Never treat your competition shoes like ordinary shoes.

Keep them protected, keep them together and, whenever possible, keep them with you. I would also recommend bringing a backup pair.

A broken strap, heel or buckle can happen at the worst possible moment—and somehow it always seems to happen five minutes before you are supposed to dance!

3. PACK BY CATEGORY, NOT BY PANIC

Packing cubes and separate bags can be lifesavers.

Think in categories:

• Competition

• Hair and makeup

• Shoes

• Evening wear

• Casual clothes

• Undergarments

• Electronics and chargers

• Toiletries

  
  

There is nothing worse than destroying your beautifully packed suitcase looking for one tiny cufflink, earring or tube of eyelash glue.

4. CREATE A COMPETITION EMERGENCY KIT

Every serious competitor should have a small emergency kit.

Safety pins, sewing kit, fashion tape, stain remover, Band-Aids, blister protection, shoe brush, extra shoelaces, hairpins, hairspray and whatever else has saved your life at a competition before!

You may never need half of it.

But the day you do, you'll feel like the smartest person in the ballroom.

And suddenly you’ll have ten new best friends asking, “Do you happen to have a safety pin?”

5. DON'T FORGET THE HOTEL ROOM

Remember that your hotel room becomes your home, dressing room, office, beauty salon, snack bar and recovery center.

I always like having chargers where I can find them, comfortable clothes for the room and a few things that make life easier after a long competition day.

And bring snacks!

Competition schedules and restaurant schedules don't always cooperate. Having something in your room that you can grab between sessions can save the day.

6. WEIGH THAT SUITCASE!

Airline baggage fees are bad enough. Standing at the ticket counter with your suitcase open while moving shoes and underwear from one bag to another in front of 200 strangers is even worse.

Know your airline's current baggage allowance before you leave home and weigh your bags.

And if your suitcase is already sitting at 49.8 pounds when you leave home, you might want to rethink things.

Remember—you may be bringing things home too!

7. TAKE A PICTURE BEFORE YOU ZIP IT UP

Here's one people don't always think about.

Before closing your suitcase, take a quick photo of what's inside, especially expensive costumes, shoes and accessories.

Also take photos of your luggage itself.

If something gets lost or damaged, you'll have a record of what you packed and what your bag looks like.

8. DON'T PACK YOUR ENTIRE HOUSE

Yes, I realize this completely contradicts everything I said at the beginning!

But sometimes we really do bring too much.

Lay everything out before you pack and ask yourself, “Am I actually going to use this?”

Five pairs of black pants probably aren't necessary.

Then again, this is Dancesport.

Maybe they are.

AND FINALLY...PACK YOUR PATIENCE

Flights get delayed. Bags get lost. Hotel rooms aren't ready. Ubers go to the wrong terminal. Competition schedules change.

Travel can test the nerves of even the calmest competitor.

But remember why you're there.

You've trained. You've practiced. You've invested the time, money and energy. Don't let a travel headache take your focus away from what you came to do.

Get yourself to the ballroom, take a breath, put on those dance shoes and GO FOR THE GOLD!

And if you see me at the airport standing next to an open suitcase desperately trying to move three pounds of clothing into my carry-on...

Please just keep walking.

Safe travels, everyone. See you on the dance floor!

— Dan, World DanceSport Network