The Ultimate Dance Recital Checklist
Find everything you need to make sure your little one’s dance recital runs smoothly!
From a Last-Time Dance Mom to a First-Time Dance Mom
This year, my daughter had a brave, but heart-wrenching realization–she loved her dance teacher more than she actually loved to dance. She’s been going to the same dance school since she was two and a half, but just no longer feels the same passion she once had for it.
But as heartbreaking as that was for all of us, it made me think of my daughter’s first recital, and how overwhelmed I felt when packing her dance bag. You don’t quite realize just how much stuff you need to pack for a one or two-hour performance! (I was never a dance kid, just a proud dance mom.)
So I thought I’d round up all our dance recital must-haves and share my knowledge with a newbie who might be panicking a bit.
[This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. Learn more about affiliate marketing here!]
But First, Want to Save on Dance Recital Stuff?
Feel free to check out these three coupon apps!
The Checklist You Need Most
1-Your Dance Costume & Headpiece
Most dance costumes come with a bow or other accessory, so make sure you have all the pieces your dance needs! (And a dance bag doesn’t hurt either!)
2-Stockings
We always get these caramel ones from Capezios, but your dance teacher might have a different one in mind.
3-Dance Shoes
Make sure to get the right ones for the style of dance your child does!
4- A Dance Bag to Hold Everything
You will definitely need this!
5-A Bunmaker
We usually get the snappy one, but I don’t hate the donut!
6-A Comb Set
Make sure every hair is in place with these combs!
7-Extra Strength Hairspray
Is it even hairspray if it can’t make a hole in the ozone layer the size of Antarctica.
8-Bobby Pins
Seriously, you can’t allow a single strand of hair to escape.
9-Eyeshadow, Blush, & Mascara
Feel free to have fun with it (unless your dance instructor says otherwise!)
10-Lipstick
You’ll want a relatively bright red so people can see it from the audience.
11-Makeup Setting Spray
Keep all the makeup in place and out of their eyes!
12-A Make-Up Bag
To keep all their beauty products together!
13-Makeup Wipes
To get all that makeup off the end!
14-Water Bottle
Because every dancer needs to drink enough water so they can pee before the show. (Keep us backstage moms on our toes!
15-Dry Snacks, Like Pretzels
Even though you’ll feed them a HUGE breakfast or lunch before the show, they’ll be STARVING as soon as they get backstage.
16-Tide Pens
Just trust me on this one!
17-Regular Wipes
Trust me on this one, too!
18-A Fun Craft, Coloring Book, or Cheap Game
They don’t have quite as much time as you’d think to get bored, but it doesn’t hurt to have something fun on hand.
19-First Aid Kit
Just in case!
20-A Gift for Your Little Star!
Because they deserve it!
Want even more ideas? Check out these 25 Dance Recital Gifts!
You May Also Like
Discover the 50 Hottest Toys for Christmas in 2023
The 25+ Best Amazon Cyber Monday Deals on Toys in 2022
