What's in my dance bag? Moving to Malta edition

As you all know I Will be moving to Malta as part of my Erasmus year and I could not be more excited. Here brings the time to re-pack my dance bag and justify why everything is there. When I go to classes, I do not want to be the unprepared one, but someone who shows my passion and commitment to dance and being able to support myself and others from my bag.

Below is my bag;

1. Change of clothes- leotard, tights

2. Pointe shoes

3. Ballet shoes

4. Tap shoes

5. Plasters and bandage

6. Anti bacterial gel

7. Clear nail polish\hairspray

8. Thera-band

9. Tennis balls

10. Hair ties and hair grips

11. Face towel

12. Notebook and pen

13. Diary

14. Sewing kit

15. Box (small)

16. Phone charger

17. Water bottle

Each item is placed in my bag for two reasons being: practical and motivational. Each day, I will probably not need pointe and tap shoes yet having them in my bag ensures I think to additionally practice in my free time. By seeing my pointe shoes, with an hour break I find something to improve and occupy myself. As a dancer I strive to increase my performance and skills under my belt, yet like everybody else it can be hard to find the get-up-and-go. By packing for a potential I am also supplying myself with the tools to better myself should I have an urge to rehearse.

By packing all essential, you are lowering your chance of turning up unprepared. Should you get a ladder in your tights, you have polish or spray to stop it increasing and even a change of clothes. Should you end up in classes longer than intended you have clothes, water and enough study equipment to log what you’re learning.

A diary will ensure you can keep on top of your day. Say I am at university, I know where I am what to do and have a safe place to write (or record) my ideas and what I have learnt.

A good dancer is prepared. Not only doesn’t directly benefit your lessons but:

• People will see you as organised and trustworthy

• You will feel more prepared which can bring confidence

• You ensure you can participate in classes by having correct clothing, including being able to tie back hair

• You ensure you can document and remember what you have learnt

Be prepared, be amazing, be you.