Traveling to comps

There are about two local competitions per school year.
Others are 2-6 hours away, so we drive together.

Packing list

This list has recommended items, but you don’t have to bring everything on it. In fact, plan with friends to share some things. For example, not everyone needs to bring a container of shampoo/conditioner or their own hairspray.

Note — Make sure you try on the clothes you are planning to wear for the competition and try dancing in them to make sure they work and don’t have holes in them. Its always good to know in advance.

Tip — Try to avoid leaving out small items like articles of clothing, hair brushes, etc. out during a competition. Keep them in a bag at all times, so it’s less likely you’ll forget or mix it up with someone else’s belonging.

Everyone

  • Competition clothes & shoes

  • Hand towel to wipe off sweat

  • Safety pins that always come in handy

  • Shoe brush to keep your shoes clean and to roughen the soles if the floor is slippery

  • Breath mints to be nice to your partner

  • Water bottle

  • Snacks – it can be hard to find time to eat during a comp, but a quick snack (like granola bars or fruit) can help you keep up your energy. You also might want to snack on some stuff during the car ride.

  • Camera

  • Normal clothes and shoes for a trip. You will want comfy clothes for the drive and just to hang out in (like to wear in the morning on the way to the comp).

  • Some sort of clothes to sleep in. There is no way to tell how many people are going to be in the same room with you. You are not even guaranteed same sex roommates.

  • Blanket / sleeping bag / pillow

  • Towel, soap, and shampoo
    You might be in a dorm or other place that might not supply you with these.

  • Deodorant

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste

  • Usual travel bathroom supplies

  • Money/Credit Card —You will probably go out to dinner at least one night. And you can probably count on a stop or during the drive for a quick bite.

  • AAA card, license, insurance and registration

Men

  • Dark socks

  • Belt(s)

  • Shirt

  • Pants

  • Bowtie or necktie

  • Vest and/or jacket

Women

  • Standard/Smooth dress

  • Latin/Rhythm dress (or outfit)

  • Dance trunks

  • Dance shoes

  • Jewelry

  • Foundation

  • Blush

  • Face powder

  • Lipstick — a bright color

  • Eyeliner

  • Eye shadow

  • Mascara

  • Nail polish

  • If you are wearing fake nails: nail glue

  • Bobby pins

  • Hairspray

  • Gel

  • Hand cream — If you put it on your legs it keeps your dress from sticking

  • Baby powder

  • Aspirin is always a good idea

  • Something to wash your face off with at the end of the day
    especially if you are leaving right after the comp

  • A button-down shirt for the morning of the comp
    you don't want to ruin your hair after you spent so much time putting it up.

  • Razor to shave your legs