What's in your Dance Bag?

[Swing Kitten]

Tonight I carpooled to a venue I had never been... so I had to prepare. What do you bring with you to dances?

My bag:
Water-- didn't know the availability
Deoderant
Small container of Talcum powder
hair brush (travel size)
Travel toothbrush
small pack of gum
EXTRA SHIRT!! (I'm a huge fan of the 2 shirt rule) -- I think I'll start bringing an extra under shirt as well for that added freshness! ;)
[I forgot: wallet, keys, and cell phone-- duh!]

I think I'll also add a small hand towel in the mix to help with sweat management ;)

How 'bout you?

[pygmalion]

Hmm.

Your stuff, plus check book, shoe brush, extra shoes, moist towelettes, fresh breath strips, scrunchie, extra hose, safety pins... Probably more I can't remember.

[Sagitta]

Dance shoes, spare briefs :) spare socks, spare tops to change into when the one that I am wearing gets too wet :) , chewing gum (prevents me feeling the need to get a drink too often and of course breath control, just in case), shoe brush, small hand towel, and water

[dancersdreamland]

Well, the shoes and costume change based on the type of dance I'm going to, but the staples include:


Hairspray
Bobby Pins
Scrunchie
Comb
Gel

Glitter
Black Eyeliner
Red Lipstick
Clear Gloss
Chapstick

Safety Pins
Deodorant
Foot Freshner Spray
Lotion
Nail File
Mirror

Emergency Cash (a few bucks)
Notebook (to write dance steps in)
Pen
Dance Binder - holds step sheets for dances previously learned and various dance notes/information

Zills (small enough to always stay in my bag)
Middle Eastern Music (also small enough to always stay in my bag)

I also usually grab a bottle of water before I head out the door.

[Swing Kitten]

How big is your bag DD?

[MadamSamba]

I've got my beloved shoes, spare stockings, a hand towel, water bottle, my dance book (you never know when you have to write some fancy new move down) and a pen, safety pins, hair pins (and hair grips/scrunchies) and a small sewing kit _ just in case. Usually I have a spare shirt as well, especially for those times when you've come straight from work...

Of course, then there's my handbag... :)

[dancersdreamland]

How big is your bag DD?

It's between a small to medium size duffle bag. It has the main middle section where I usually store my costume, shoes, notebook, and binder. There is an extra zipper pocket on each end, where I store all the toiletry items in a small makeup bag. Then there's another zipper pocket on the front side where I store the music.

It's actually pretty light and just the right size for everything I need.

[jenibelle]

LOL...did anyone remember to bring spare PANTS??? I was out the other night with my instructor and he split them from crotch to bum.

:lol:

Jeni

[Swing Kitten]

HAHAHAHA OHH NOOOO!!! that's hilarious!

I haven't seen you around... Welcome to the forums Jenibelle!!

[jenibelle]

Well I just got here, but i'm sure we'll be seeing each other around...i'm obsessed!

Thanks for the welcome!

Jeni :D

[pygmalion]

Well I just got here, but i'm sure we'll be seeing each other around...i'm obsessed!

Join the club! :lol: :lol:

[suek]

my dance bag itself needs revision...am using an old adobe illustrator canvas giveaway bag (version 6 so you know it's old old old--if you're a graphic design geek that is).

it's open at the top and has no compartments. i'm ready to revise this and am open to suggestions...don't really want to go to a full-size duffel because god knows I'd fill it!

right now I have socks, shoes, little and big dance journals, pen, cotton balls and tape (for the neuroma workaround), sugarless cough lozenges (my answer to thirst and breath control).

want to add a hand towel too...am always wiping my face with my shirt or skirt and I'm sure exposing too much skin.

i wear sleeveless or very short sleeved tops to dance and get enough air circulation that way that my tops don't get drenched, so I haven't brought spares. but i'm thinking spare pants...could you imagine: would hate to have a crotch rip ruin my dance night!

[Swing Kitten]

There are so many bags in so many sizes and you don't always know where you will find them (I found mine in a restuarant-- yes it was sold there). Compartments are good. I like compactness. I also like satchel types-- just a preference.

To be honest I've used a dance bag maybe three times. I generally keep my stuff in my car then I only have to bring one key inside with me. Like a really big purse on wheels-- that's all cars are anyways right? ;)

Granted the car is not always convienent so whenever I'm going to a new place, carpooling with someone else, or knowing that I will have to park a ways away then I bring a bag.

Interesting that so many people are talking about dance journals... makes sense. I bring notebooks to workshops but I never really thought about bringing one to social dances. Does everyone do this?

[suek]

Dance journals: Dnice suggested (strongly) that I start writing things down when he found himself telling me the same thing over and over again (or so he says; since I often don't hear something until I'm ready to really hear it, it's like the first time for me!).

So I have a kid's composition book that I take to all classes, workshops and privates in which I write notes. I also have a small notebook he suggested I take to social dancing to write down cool moves, etc. I'm afraid I don't use that one much.

[dancersdreamland]

jenibelle - Welcome to the Forum Family! This place is definately an obsession/addiction, but a good one. This group is FANTASTIC for dance stories/ideas, inspiration/humor, and all around life wisdom. Welcome and enjoy! By the way, thanks for the pants story...that is just TOO funny! :lol: but VERY unfortunate for your instructor.

suek - I use a simple small/medium size duffle bag I found in the suitcase area of target. It has one main pocket with a pocket on each end and another across the front. The main compartment and other pockets all zipper shut. Additionally, it has an over the shoulder strap and a clasp to carry by hand. If you want an actual dance bag, try these sites and links below:

Discount Dance Supply - http://www.discountdance.com/frame_set.php3?mf=/thumb.php

Dance Outlet - http://www.dance-outlet.com/accessories_gift_items.html

Dance 4 Less - http://www.dance4less.com/dance_bags.htm

Capezio - http://www.capeziony.com/searchpage.asp?nav=2&QueryString=bag

All the best on your search for the perfect bag!

Swing Kitten - I LOVE my dance journal. I try to write in it after each class I take. It helps me remember what I've just learned and serves as a GREAT reference before my next class. If we've learned a specific routine, I usually write the steps down after class then go home and type them up for future reference. Again, it just helps me remember. When I go out, I usually forget to take along my journal book, but when I do take it along I try to write down cool dance moves or specific dances I want to learn (especially helpful with line dance).

[Danish Guy]

The ladies bags and purses have always amazed me. :shock:
They seem to be bigger on the inside then the outside, and always have just what is needed.
I been thinking on black hole technology or dimensional distortion, but I cant figure it out. :oops:


Fortunately, I don’t need a bag when I go dancing. :)

My wallet is in my back pocket.
My dance notes are in the other back pocket.
(4* folded A4 paper, with a mini print font on both sides.)
The mobile phone is in my front pocket, so the kids can reach me.
The keys are in the other pocket.

If I need the extra T-shirt it’s in my car.

If it’s for training, I bring a bottle of water.

[SDsalsaguy]

I been thinking on black hole technology or dimensional distortion, but I cant figure it out. :oops:
Don’t be ridiculous John! Clearly this is where all the magic from ages past has gone!

[Danish Guy]

I bring notebooks to workshops but I never really thought about bringing one to social dances. Does everyone do this?

My dance notes are always in my pocket. You never know when you need them.

You don’t have to be bored travelling, waiting or looking for some papers to pass the time.

Sometimes at the social dances, there are those moves, which you just can’t remember the start or some part of. If you can’t remember it, you can’t lead it. Then you can look it up, and widen your repertoire. It’s mostly after several dances, I feel like looking something up. Or if I get the question, can you remember the move we did on the workshop 3 weeks ago. Often the notes just stay in my pocket.

The notes helped me a lot to remember the cool complicated things, but also the basic things you can use dancing with a beginner.

[Danish Guy]

I been thinking on black hole technology or dimensional distortion, but I cant figure it out. :oops:
Don’t be ridiculous John! Clearly this is where all the magic from ages past has gone!


But of course, Jonathan.

Not all the legendary magic is gone. 8) 8) 8)

[Sagitta]

I bring a dancebag as I hate changing my shoes to go out to get something. The clubs I go to in Ithaca, NY are safe in terms of keeping stuff unattended so I just bring it all in. Probably have to re-think this when I go to other places.

As for writing stuff down I got to do that as I am finding that I am forgetting stuff. I was using the lack of a notebook as a constant motivator to ensure I practiced. If I didn't I forgot!!! However, I know so much now that I can see where that would come in handy...

Not all the legendary magic is gone. :bouncy: I was worried for a little while there, but you came through for me!!! :)

[SwinginBoo]

What's in my dance bag?

CORNMEAL!!!! :D

[ballroomboilergirl]

I think the better question is "What ISN'T in my dance bag???" Haha...

Latin shoes
Smooth shoes
all the makeup I have on in case I need to reapply ANYTHING
hairspray
bobby pins and hair clips
hand lotion (to keep my hands from getting sweaty and I also smooth it on my legs to keep my dress from sticking to me)
bottled water
some kind of fruit (usually bananas for the energy)
USABDA manual
a pair of athletic pants, white tank top, nike running shoes, and team jacket to wear when I'm not dancing
camera
wallet
keys
cell phone
magazine in case I get bored
makeup remover towelettes
body deodorizing towelettes (I SWEAR by Dove Deodorizing body cloths!)
altoids
advil
shoe brush
mirror
pasties (I can't wear a bra with one of my dresses)
band-aids (for blisters and unexpected collisions with other females in sharp heels...ouch!)

Bah, there's always more that I can't think of...

[pygmalion]

body deodorizing towelettes (I SWEAR by Dove Deodorizing body cloths!)


I agree. They are great!

Um, by the way, how big is your dance bag? A suitcase? :wink: :roll: :lol:

[ballroomboilergirl]

LOL, no, its a medium-sized duffel bag, the key is placement and quantity...I buy travel-sized packages of towelettes, I put my jewelry in a small velvet drawstring bag, I fold up the clothes, I take the shoes out of the box and put them in a drawstring shoe bag, I put all my makeup in a medium-sized makeup bag...it takes a little ingenuity, but it works out alright for me :D My team just ordered official team duffel bags for everyone with our logo and our names embroidered on them, though, and I've been told they're HUGE with a lot of compartments, so I'm kinda excited...lol I'm such a nerd :lol:

[luh]

Water
Deoderant
2 extra t-shirts
dance shoes
wallett
towel
tooth brush,
tooth paste,
shower stuff
sleeping bag
and most of the times a thx to the host where i'm gonna stay over night

- i think it has happened ONCE that i've gone home after a dance occassion.

luh

[tanya_the_dancer]

Depends where I am going and what I'm doing. If it is just a regular party, all I really need is my shoes, my wallet, my car keys, my cellphone and my shoebrush. If I am doing something special, then I have to add things like makeup purse, spare clothes, etc. (and it ends up to be a different bag).

[fascination]

OMG...this will be the world's longest post.....

2 perfumes (chanel chance and GF ferre)
listerine breath strips
altoids
foot powder
sports tape
aleeve
bengay
ibuprophen
several pr of heel protectors
color swatches....
comp pix
make up
lotion
shoe brush
usually 2 pair of shoes....
sunflowr seeds and prunes...
$$
who knows what else...but there's alot of it rattling around in there
CDs
1000 appointment cards...schedules and instructions
corkscrew and wine on bad days
cell phone
safety pins and super glue
change of clothes
toothe paste and brush
water
deodorant
sometimes CD player
hair bands