Packing for a convention can be fun and easy if you have a good system in place. I like to keep things separate and organized. I pack in several small bags and then put it all into a suitcase. Here is a breakdown of how I pack.

Bag One: The Costume Bag

If I am competing at convention, the very first thing I pack are my costumes, accessories and shoes. These go into their own costume bags. I use costume bags that have little zippers, so the tights, shoes and accessories all get zipped up in one place.

Bag Two: The Backpack

Next, I pack dance shoes for every style featured at the convention. Usually this means I am packing ballet, tap, jazz and hip hop. Don’t forget the socks and tights! Some dancers prefer to dance in socks, so if this is you, make sure you pack those too. All of the shoes and accessories go into my company backpack.

Bag Three: Hair and Makeup

                The next things I pack are my hair accessories and makeup. Storage is key! I have zippered bags that hold bobby pins, hair ties, hair nets and bun makers. I pack a good brush and parting comb as well as any hair accessories I might want to wear that weekend. I also pack a spray bottle, gel and hairspray. The makeup I pack is usually pretty simple- blush, eyeshadow, liquid eyeliner, fake lashes and glue and a good mascara. I also pack whatever earrings I am going to wear for the weekend. This goes into a zippered makeup bag.

Bag Four: Dancewear

                I always choose 4 different outfits so I can have an alternate just in case. I like to dance in something comfortable so I have a full range of motion. I prefer fitted dancewear that doesn’t get in my way. Make sure that whatever you are wearing is something that you love! You don’t want to be worried about uncomfortable clothes when you’re trying to pick up choreography. I also include a light jacket and leggings because convention rooms can be freezing! I pack all of my dancewear into a packing cube, zip it up and throw it into the suitcase.

Bag Five: Street Clothes

                This part it easy. Pack your pajamas, socks, under garments and a couple of simple causal outfits to change into after you dance. I usually pack a swimsuit too since most convention hotels have a pool. This all goes into its own packing cube too.

Bag Six: Sugar Backpack

                This is my favorite bag to pack. I throw in a few snacks, a book, a notebook and some pens. I also take a muscle roller or small foam roller to work out any kinks. I throw in a TheraBand for stretching too. Sometimes I include the latest goodies from my last Sugarhaul.

                Once each of these small bags is packed. I put everything into a suitcase, zip it up and I am ready to go! 

Love,

Vivi

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