Back to Dance Must-Haves!

Well, it's usually a bittersweet state of affairs when dancers have to say goodbye to summer and start up a new season of dance classes and rehearsals. Whether you spent your summer toiling away at a summer intensive, or took some down time to soak up the sun, jumping back into classes can be tough on the body and the mind (what with figuring out how to manage new academic classes too!)

Here is my list of back to school must haves, minus the number 2 pencils and trapper keepers!
1. New Bag ~ Your dance bag is your life; it carries all the essentials you need when you are rushing from school to dance class to home and wherever. That's why it's crucial to have one that will help keep you prepared and organized, while also not being a huge weight to cart around. Treat yourself to a new bag that is clean and fresh and ready to take what this school year can dish out!
2. Hair Kit ~ Take the time to gather up plenty of hairpins, clips, ponytail elastics, a good smoothing boar bristle brush and your hairspray of choice into one convienent kit that you can throw into your dance bag and keep with you on the go. If one thing is for sure, you are going to need extra bobbypins throughout the year, so stock up now!
3. New Tights ~ A pair of pink, a pair of black...maybe even two or three new pairs of each if you can manage. It's good to start off the year with nice clean tights, store your old pairs with holes and runs for emergencies only!
4. Sewing Kit ~ The fine folks over at Bunheads make a great little "stitch kit" which includes two extra strong needles and waxed pink thread, perfect for sewing new pointe shoes. Throw in a pair of scissors, extra ribbon and elastic to make your own complete one-stop mending shop!
5. Foot Care Essentials ~ Tailor your own Dance First Aid Kit with Bandaids, tape, fresh toe pads, spacers and jellys (if you use those items.) Add a tiny bottle of hydrogen peroxide (to disinfect blisters and cuts) and some invigorating foot spray and you are ready for whatever your pointe shoes dish out!
6. Notepad ~ Put a notepad and pen in your bag to allow you to jot down any important steps or corrections given to you in class while their fresh in your mind. Going back and reading through your notes later will really help in comprehending difficult exercises and theories.
7. Something Special ~ Even if it's something of a frivolity, having some new leotard or stylish warm-ups to wear can help make you feel excited and confident as you begin the new school year. Treat yourself to something you think is flattering and that extra sparkle and dash of confidence will shine through in your dancing!

So start the year off right and get yourself ready! Happy Dancing!