Preparing For Your Performance
We all know that you have to be prepared for a show, not only with the choreography stuck under your belt, but also with a few little objects tucked away backstage. Lets face it, Belly Dance gear is usually something that you only need on special occasions, so take the time to prepare yourself a survival kit to avoid any last minute disasters.
I recommend getting a container or bag that is easy to carry so that you can “grab and go” before every performance and know that you have everything that you need. Separating your costuming needs into separate bags really helps when you are pressed for time. Do this by keeping your jewelry together in one , makeup in another, and miscellaneous needs once again together.
If you have more than one costume, try keeping all the pieces together so you never end up with something missing. This can be done by getting everything on one hanger, with your name clearly labeled on it (especially if you are doing a troupe performance performance – you don’t want to wear the dress!) or you can use a clothing bag.
What you should keep in your Belly Dance survival kit:
| ● A copy of your music | It is good practice to always have a backup copy if you are doing a solo performance, just in case something happens to your original. Even if you are doing a troupe performance, don’t assume “somebody else” will take care of it. |
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| ● Make-up kit | This should include all you Belly Dance make-up. I recommend keeping a separate kit that has your specialty make-up together. Although you may use everyday makeup for your shows (just more of it), make sure that when you leave for a show you have all the makeup you have on your face with you for touchups. |
| ● Pins | Ahhh the Belly Dancer’s best friend. Keep a selection of different size pins in your “travel” bag for emergencies. We all hope that we never have to use them, but never say never. |
| ● Small sewing kit | This should consist of a needle and thread and some extra “hooks” whatever type you have on your costume. Things break at the worst time. Don’t be caught without a “quick fix”. |
| ● Zills | Who knows…you might need them! Fake eyelashes. These may already be a part of your makeup kit, and if not they should be. Don’t forget the glue! |
| ● Hairspray | always a good idea. Performance hair is not everyday hair! |
| ● Bobby pins | just in case things get out of place. |
| ● Deodorant | for after the show. |
| ● Small towel | once again for after the show…we don’t sweat do we? |
| ● Baby powder | This will actually help absorb body sweat and prevent “thigh chaffing”. Remember to apply this before you put on your costume, and wash your hands before you touch your costume to prevent leaving leaving hand prints. Apply after you dance for the same purpose. |
Sooooo, when you get home and come down from your fabulous evening, it is time to air out your costume, spray it with Febreeze and pack it away for next time. Also take the time to replenish anything that you have run out of (pins, etc) and make sure that everything is put away in its proper bags for next time. Taking the time now will avoid losing something later.
Happy Dancing!