A Guide to a Ballet Dancer’s Wardrobe: Dance Bag Must-Haves

Key Takeaways

• Foundational elements – Specific types of tights (convertible vs. footed) are beneficial for certain uses, and being mindful of color and sizing choices is also essential
• Footwear management – Add essential accessories needed for pointe shoe care, from sewing kits to mesh bags
• Performance tools – Warm-up gear, hair supplies, and recovery tools (like massage balls) can prevent injury and keep you professional

A ballet dancer needs the right equipment to be able to move freely and confidently on stage and perform at their best. A well-packed dance bag isn’t just for simple storage – it’s a way to effectively prepare for rehearsals, recitals, repeat performances, and any mishaps. In fact, professional dancers often over-prepare, ensuring they have everything they need for every scenario, from quick shoe changes to injury recovery and beyond.

Let’s take a look at key clothing and equipment to have in your dance bag to ensure everything goes off without a hitch when you step on stage.

1. The Daily Uniform: Tights and Leotards

You’ll want to have tights and leotards that you can trust to perform well, while keeping backups on hand in case of any tears, snags, or other wardrobe malfunctions. For tights and leotards, consider the following:

• Convertible/transition tights – Many dancers consider convertible tights to be must-haves, as they are versatile and able to be used in diverse styles of performance, and they feature a hole in the bottom that allows them to become footless when needed.
• Footed vs. footless – You could also acquire footed and footless tights, saving your convertible options for specific occasions. Footed tights are ideal for classical performances, while footless tights are often used in more contemporary work.
• Leotard styles – You have varied options for leotard styles, including high-neck, cutout, open back, and scoop designs, with the latter perfect for highlighting the neck and posture.
• Color and sizing – It’s a good idea to have some color options on hand for tights and leotards, like pink for many ballet performances, along with light suntan and other variations. Some schools require specific colors based on level as well. You will also want to be mindful of sizing, as different companies’ tights can run smaller or larger.

2. Footwear and Pointe Shoe Essentials

Any dancer should have reliable shoes as part of their standard wardrobe, with flats, such as a canvas split-sole, being ideal for many performances, and pointe shoes being required for others. Pointe shoes should always undergo proper fitting, and our team at Movement Connection is proud to hold a certification in pointe shoe fitting, so we can ensure you’re perfectly sized.

To go along with your shoes, you will want to have:

• Proper storage – Pointe shoes can break down from exposure to moisture, so you should use a mesh bag for storage to allow them to breathe and dry out
• Sewing kit – Emergencies can happen, and when they do, you’ll want needles, thread (or even dental floss for added strength), and scissors ready to go to make repairs
• Padding – Be sure to have some spare toe pads, either gel or fabric, along with spacers and lambswool to ensure a comfortable fit
• Ribbons and elastic – To customize your fit, you will likely need to sew these elements onto your shoes yourself

3. Warm-Up and Injury Prevention Gear

Cold muscles are prone to tears and strains, so keep yourself healthy with the proper warm-up gear. These items will help you retain body heat, making your muscles more pliable and less susceptible to injury. Be sure to pack:

• Leg warmers and booties – These are vital for keeping feet and ankles warm, particularly in the winter months

4. Emergency and Recovery Kit

When you have a performance to deliver, it’s better to be safe than sorry, so be sure to have key items in your dance bag to address problems that can emerge. We suggest:

• Hair accessories – Loose hair can be a safety hazard, so be sure to stock up on hair nets, heavy-duty bobby pins, and hair ties
• Hygiene products – Nail clippers, hand sanitizer, and deodorant (preferably clear gel to avoid creating stains in costumes), are all standard items to have at the ready
• First aid – Save some space for first aid items like bandages, toe tape, blister pads, and skin glue to ensure you’re prepared if something goes wrong
• Recovery tools – Staying limber is important, so, when you need to stretch or work out the cramps, items like Therabands, tennis balls, and foot rollers are lifesavers
• Snacks – Granola and protein bars and other healthy snacks can keep you moving, while a trusty water bottle will ensure you’re properly hydrated

FAQs on Putting Together Your Dance Bag

Why do pointe shoes come without ribbons and elastics attached?

Manufacturers will leave them unattached because every dancer’s arch and ankle structure is different. You will need to sew them yourself, or have a professional fitter guide you, to ensure the ribbons are angled perfectly to keep the shoe adhered properly to your foot.

How do I know when my pointe shoes need replacing?

Signs of a worn-out pointe shoe include a shank that’s too floppy to provide support, a softened platform where you can feel the floor, or a box that no longer supports your toes, causing you to sink.

Why do ballet dancers wear convertible tights?

Convertible tights allow dancers to transition easily between styles (like ballet to modern) and provide access to the toes for taping or adjusting pads without removing the tights entirely.

Need Some Help Planning Your Dance Bag? Reach Out to Us!

The Movement Connection team is made up of dancers, so when it comes to performance, we’ve seen it all and done it all. Along with supplying the best dancing clothing and equipment, we’re happy to help our fellow dancers when the need arises. So, if you have any questions for us, feel free to reach out!