Audition Dance Bag Essentials

Audition dance bag essentials that every dancer should have in their bag. Followed by an audition dance bag essentials checklist for your big dance audition!

We all know that packing your dance bag ahead of time is a must for pro cheer auditions and it is key in how to make a dance team. Without a dance bag packing list, there will always be something that you either forget or wish you would have thought to pack.

So you may be wondering, “What should I bring to a dance audition?” or “What should go in a dance bag?”

Let’s cover all of the dance bag essentials, dance bag must-haves, dance bag organization tips, and a dance bag checklist to use for your next big dance audition.

Preparing for the dance audition process or wondering how dance auditions work? Make sure to check out our article on preparing for pro dance auditions and tips for dance auditions:

13 Things to Prepare for Dance Auditions

Audition Dance Bag Essentials

Dance bag

Not only is it important to have a dance bag that will fit everything you need to bring for the dance team audition, but will also be convenient to carry around in an organized way. Some dance bag ideas for auditions include a dance duffle bag, dance backpack, or roller dance bags.

I recommend a hard-bottom dance bag that has a durable inside lining so that your bag does not fall flat on everything inside. It is much more convenient when everything inside of your dance bag stays organized verse compressed and everything mixing together.

Dance shoes

You need to come prepared with the specific shoes that the dance audition requirements call for. For pro cheer auditions, the dance requirements generally call for tennis shoes (white sneakers or a pair of sneakers that match your audition wear) and a pair of tan jazz shoes.

Make sure that the jazz shoes you wear during your audition showcase are in good condition. You do not want your first impression in front of the dance judges to be showing off a pair of run-down and stained jazz shoes.

Dance tights

Make sure to pack at least two extra pairs of the recommended cheerleader tights.

What kind of tights do cheerleaders wear? Check out our article on the best dance tights:

Top 3 Must-have Best Dance Tights for Professional Dancers and Cheerleaders

Hairbrush and teasing comb

Keeping our hair looking put together after hours of dancing is essential because when we look good, we feel good! Even if it is just a quick brush through after your dance performance!

Hairspray and dry shampoo

Hairspray is essential for dance auditions because it keeps your hair in place, helps keep the frizz away, and also helps bring your hair back to life after dancing for hours. A quick brush through your hair and a touch of hairspray goes a long way. These are two dance products you will never see me without.

Makeup
Make sure to pack your stage makeup bag essentials! Audition days are long and after dancing for hours you will definitely want to touch up - especially before running your routines in front of the judges or heading in for group interviews.
Extra outfit
The most random things happen, of course, on dance audition days. Make sure you are prepared if the one-off wardrobe malfunctions happen to you - your shorts rip or your dance audition top strap snaps. Have an extra audition outfit, just in case! Even if it is just a cute pair of dance shorts and a sports bra.
Mirror
Bring some type of mirror to dance auditions, whether you decide to carry in a body-length mirror or pack a small mirror that will fit in your dance bag. Full body mirrors are great because you can do quick makeup touchups and also use it to practice in front of.
Fan
Pack a portable fan that you can use in between practicing the audition choreography and performing for the dance judges.
Water bottle
Fill your water bottle before coming to the dance audition. You do not want to waste time filling up a small water bottle every chance you get or constantly running to the water fountain. I never do anything dance-related without my Hydro Flask!
Snacks
Make sure to pack nutritious dance snacks that will stay edible for the duration of your dance audition. Head to the store the night before or the week of auditions and stock up on the healthy snacks that you want to bring along. Nerves and anxiety can cause our appetite to be low during dance tryouts so make sure to pack light snacks.

Essentials Checklist