THE ULTIMATE DANCE MUM SURVIVAL GUIDE
Welcome to the organised chaos of competition days — early mornings, costumes, hair, makeup, missing shoes, snacks and plenty of coffee!
PREPARED MUM • CALM MIND • HAPPY DANCER
THE NIGHT BEFORE IS YOUR BEST FRIEND
PACK THE BAG
Get costumes, shoes, accessories and essentials packed before bed.
CHECK THE COSTUME
Check rhinestones, fastenings and accessories before competition morning.
CHARGE EVERYTHING
Phones, tablets and portable chargers.
CHECK THE DETAILS
Competition venue, arrival time, performance times and anything your coach/team leader has asked you to bring.
Future-you will thank you. 💕
WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENS ON COMPETITION DAY?
Competition days can involve lots of waiting between performances, so being prepared makes the day much easier.
THE DANCE MUM PACKING ESSENTIALS
Phone
Portable charger
Competition information
Water
Snacks
Extra layers
Tissues/wipes
Hair & makeup supplies
Emergency kit
Coffee!
BUILD YOUR DANCE MUM EMERGENCY KIT 🚨
THE BAG YOU HOPE YOU DON'T NEED... UNTIL YOU REALLY NEED IT.
SAFETY PINS
For unexpected costume emergencies.
NEEDLE & THREAD
For quick repairs.
HAIR GRIPS & BANDS
Because somehow they're always disappearing.
PLASTERS
Competition-day lifesaver.
SPARE TIGHTS / SOCKS
Because accidents happen.
WIPES & TISSUES
STAIN REMOVER
SPARE RHINESTONES
Where appropriate.
HAIR & MAKEUP: COME PREPARED 💄
HAIR KIT
Brushes, combs, grips, bands, hairspray and gel.
MAKEUP KIT
Competition makeup and everything needed for touch-ups.
THE FINAL CHECK
Check hairpieces and accessories are secure before your dancer performs.
SNACKS, DRINKS & CAFFEINE ☕
FOR THE DANCER
Water and suitable snacks to keep them going.
FOR MUM
Food and drinks for what could become a very long day.
THE ESSENTIAL
Coffee — because sometimes competition day starts far too early!
KEEPING COSTUMES COMPETITION READY ✨
Transport costumes carefully
Check rhinestones before leaving
Check all fastenings
Keep costumes protected until needed
Pack every costume accessory
"MUM, WHERE'S MY...?" 😅
5 MINUTES UNTIL THEY'RE ON STAGE...
"MUM, WHERE'S MY BATON?"
"I CAN'T FIND MY HAIRPIECE!"
"WHERE ARE MY SHOES?"
"HAVE YOU GOT ANY HAIR GRIPS?"
"I'M HUNGRY!"
This is exactly why Dance Mum comes prepared. 😂
SURVIVING THE WAITING AROUND
Competition days can involve plenty of downtime.
PORTABLE CHARGER
ENTERTAINMENT
EXTRA LAYERS
SNACKS
COMFY SHOES
PATIENCE
WHEN THINGS DON'T GO TO PLAN...
MISSING RHINESTONE?
Fix what you can.
HAIR NOT COOPERATING?
That's what the emergency kit is for.
RUNNING BEHIND?
Focus on what actually needs doing.
FORGOTTEN SOMETHING?
Ask around — dance mums are usually very good at helping each other out!
SOLVE IT • SMILE • CARRY ON 💕
DON'T FORGET TO ACTUALLY ENJOY IT
Underneath all the packing, early starts, hairspray and organised chaos is the opportunity to watch your dancer perform and make memories.
WATCH THEM. CHEER LOUDLY. TAKE THE PHOTOS. ENJOY THE MOMENT. 💕