Competition Hints

[Tips from Moms]

Get a kit of sorts to carry all your things. Canadian Tire sells some great containers [really tool boxes on wheels] -- starting at $49.95 -- will hold all your competitive needs in one spot [shoes, tights, make-up, brushes, etc…]

Suggestions of what to put in your kit:

• Make-up
• Make-up remover
• Face cloth [may want to put in small clear bag]
• Wipes
• Tweezers, scissors
• Screw drivers [for tap shoes]
• Extra tap shoe screws
• Hair spray & hair gel [Joyco "Ice Mist" and "Ice Gel" are best]
• Nail polish remover
• Extra tights
• Extra earrings
• Brush & comb
• Hair ties [to match hair]
• Hair nets [Bunhead are best]
• Bobby pins
• Safety pins
• Tylenol, Advil, etc..
• Bandages [first aid], moleskin [for shoe blisters]
• Polysporin
• Needle and thread to match costumes
• Extra elastic
• Tape
• Double-sided tape
• Masking tape
• Glue gun & glue sticks [depending on numbers]
• Vaseline
• Baby powder
• Static Guard
• Deodorant
• Highlighter & pen [to mark your program]
• Spray water bottle [easier to make pony tail with]
• Curlers [if needed] and container or bag to store them in when you take them out
• Curler/perm papers [if used]
• Hair straightener [if used]
• Shoe polish [colour of shoes]
• Cover-up [to cover costume]
• Shout fabric wipes, Oxi-clean fabric wipes or Tide-To-Go -- for taking stains [i.e.- lipstick] out of a costume at the last minute. Test in an inconspicuous spot on the costume before using.

You need to be completely ready one hour before your designated dance time. You may accomplish this by getting ready at home or arriving early to the competition and getting ready there. Add AT LEAST 15-30 minutes to your travel time for finding the building, parking and carrying things in, finding the changeroom when you get in the building and finding the rehearsal hall where your group/teacher will meet

Bring change and cash -- you may have to pay for parking and may want to buy a program.

A portable clothing rack may be helpful to hang costumes on. You may consider a sharing arrangement with someone if you do not have many costumes.

Bringing your own food & drinks will save lots of time and money. [There are not always places to purchase these nearby.] Parents sometimes even get together to make lists with each other and have large "picnics". [Remember -- bring extra… Annemarie is always on the lookout for something to eat!]

Always check and then re-check to make sure you have all your costume pieces, including shoes, tights, hair accessories or hats, props, etc. It is handy to make a list when you first get the costume and refer to it when packing.

When you leave, check your list again to make sure that you are taking every costume piece home [and that you have not accidentally picked up someone else's stuff.]

Always cover up your costume, especially when you are in the auditorium.

Never eat in your costume.

* If you have any more tips to share, please e-mail them to: marie@annemariesdanceacademy.com *