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, it’s better to 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 stuff.

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 and 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.

  • Normal clothes and shoes for a trip — You will want comfy clothes for the drive and downtime.

  • Sleepwear — At comps where hotel rooms or campus housing are provided, we do our best to accommodate preferences and assign rooms by gender. Even so, we expect you to maintain a modicum of decency with your roommates.

  • Towel, soap, and shampoo — We might not book a hotel at the next comp we attend. Sometimes you will have to make do with a dorm room or lodging that might not provide you with bathroom supplies.

  • Deodorant . . . because we all get sweaty

  • Money — Competitors are responsible for their own cost of food. You will probably go out to dinner or stop for gas station grub at least once.

  • AAA card, license, insurance and registration

  • Camera!

Men

  • Dark socks

  • Belt(s)

  • Shirt

  • Pants

  • Bowtie or necktie

  • Vest and/or jacket

Women

  • Standard/Smooth dress and/or Latin/Rhythm dress (or outfit)

  • Dance trunks

  • Jewelry

  • Foundation

  • Blush

  • Face powder

  • Lipstick — A bright color

  • Eyeliner

  • Eye shadow

  • Mascara

  • Nail polish

  • Nail glue . . . if you’re wearing fake nails

  • 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