Dancewear and air travel

Are you flying to a different city to compete in a dance competition, audition, or summer intensive?  It can be tricky to figure out what to pack in your carry-on, what to check, and what to leave at home.  In this post, I will give some guidelines about how to pack so that you are prepared and can easily follow airline rules.

If you have a costume, pack it in a garment bag (with a plastic hanger) or tutu bag and bring it as one of your carry-on items.  Make sure to include any props, headpieces, and jewelry in this bag.   (Note: If you have a prop that is heavy, bulky, or could be considered a weapon, you will have to check it.  It is your call whether you want to take that prop with the slight risk that it could get lost, or not use it for this event.)  It would be devastating if your costume was lost in checked baggage.  Be prepared to open the bag and show it to security. 

The first-class section on most planes has a wardrobe space (but some planes do not, so check with the airline).  First class passengers have priority to use it for storage, but since few people take garment bags on planes, there will most likely be space available even if you fly economy.  You may have to negotiate with flight attendants and first class passengers for the ability to use the space. 

Tutu bags can be gently rolled or folded to fit in the overhead storage bins, but they may take up more room than the average carry-on bag.

As your second carry-on, take a small dance bag with your most essential items bundled up as small as possible.  Usually one pair of pointe shoes (if you are doing pointe), one pair of flat shoes (or whatever shoes you will be wearing for your event), one or two leotards, a pair or two of tights, and your usual necessary supplies like toe tape will do it.  You do not need everything in your regular dance bag.  This way, if your checked luggage doesn’t make it, you will still be able to participate in your event.  Remember that any “weapons” or sharp things such as scissors, nail clippers, tweezers, and sewing supplies aren’t allowed.  Place these things in your checked baggage.  If your suitcase doesn’t arrive at your destination, these things are pretty easily replaced with a trip to Walmart. 

Don’t forget to tuck your wallet, phone, and other necessities in this bag!

Everything else you need for your event can go in your checked bag.  Use a larger wheeled suitcase as your checked bag.   If you have a lot of stuff to take to the theater with you for the competition or performance, you can empty the suitcase in your hotel room and pack it full of costumes and shoes.  This is especially useful if you will be taking public transportation to the theater and don’t want to be weighed down with multiple bags and packages.

Don’t be afraid to shop for some items after you arrive at your destination.  Almost everywhere has Target, Walmart, and a drugstore, so you don’t necessarily have to pack shampoo if you’re ok with picking some up after you arrive.  Pretty much all cities have at least one dancewear store where you can find everything from pointe shoes to hair nets.  Research the city you are visiting before you travel so you know where the nearest dancewear store is located.  You can stop by just to look around for fun, or to pick up something that you lost or forgot.