Getting Convention ready
Our first competition/convention is a week away so it is time to GET ORGANIZED! To clarify, conventions are where dancers have the opportunity to compete AND take 2 days of Master Classes with world renowned instructors. Our studio only does conventions, because we place the value on the instruction and connections that our dancers are able to make.
We began attending conventions in 2014 and have been hooked ever since. We love, love, love our weekends. We dance, we perform, and we spend the weekend with our favorite people. It has been something that we look forward to every dance season.
After many years, we have come up with lists, tips, tricks to make the weekend run smoothly.
Our very first convention! DMI
9 years into the game, we have made a crap ton of mistakes! A LOT. But that means we have amazing resources to share. Learn from our failures. You can check out my amazon list here: Must Have Dance Items. I will highlight a few of my favs below.
Packing Lists:
Costumes: Remember to pack your costumes! (you may laugh, but I’ve seen it happen)
Performance Accessories: earrings, tights, shoes, etc. (see garment organizer bag below)
Hair stuff: Bobbi pins, hairspray, hairnets, extra hair bands. ***Pro Tip: practice hairstyles MANY times prior to performance day! You don’t want to stress on performance day. You also want to make sure your dancer has done a run through with full hair and make up.
STEAMER: No matter what happens, turn up on time and with steamed costumes. You will get your use out of a steamer! This is guaranteed. You know, one of your team mates will show up looking disheveled… you’ll be the savior with a steamer on hand.
Tide to Go pens and Clorox Wipes: Girl, you know one of those little kids is going to spill something on themselves. Don’t worry, you’ll be ready.
Sewing Kit: Again expect the unexpected. Reinforce ALL straps, you don’t want a mishap on stage.
Make up: My pro tips are here: Make Up Tips
Snacks: Convention days are LONG and tiresome. I am not the one dancing and I am tired all day! Pack snacks, keep your dancer hydrated and fueled. Protein Bars, Trail Mix, and bananas are great for grab and go. Make your own bento box, grapes, pretzels, turkey, cheese, crackers, anything that is quick and ready to go.
Dance Families: Trade Joes makes a GREAT instant to go packet that includes sugar and creamer. Get a handful of these for the hotel. You will need it! (see below for pic TJ instant packet.
COSTUME GARMENT BAGS
Costumes: If you are competing, you cannot forget those costumes (including the accessories). You don’t want to be THAT parent. C’mon! You know who they are.
TIDE TO GO
Accidents happen! Have these in your arsenal, you will thank me later!
SAFETY PINS
Trust me, you will never regret this purchase. There is always a need for safety pins in the dance world.
BUY A STEAMER
I’ve tried many steamers and I have found that this one is the best for traveling. Pop it into your luggage and be ready to steam those costumes. Touch ups are always needed.
COFFEE, COFFEE, COFFEE
Trader Joes instant coffee has everything you need! Creamer and Sugar already added. Just add water and run! You know the Starbucks line is going to be packed with Dance cranky moms!
Part I of my weekend convention tips and tricks. It can be overwhelming but being organized can relieve the tension. Convention weekends are filled with excitement, nerves, drama, talent, and lots of fun! What is better than a weekend watching artists do what they love with the people that you love the most? Nothing.
Happy convention season!
