JHU Ballroom Student Guide · Stage 4 of 6
Before the competition
Packing & Planning Before Your Competition
Start gathering your things before the competition so you have time to find or replace anything you need. Confirm your travel plans, keep event information handy, and leave time for a final check before you go.
Save the information you will need
Keep your registration confirmation, entry list, venue address, parking instructions, and latest schedule together on your phone. Save copies you can access if reception is unreliable. Check whether the organizer has updated arrival instructions, bag policies, or food rules.
Confirm transportation and a team meeting place with your partner and club leadership. Allow time for parking, check-in, changing, and warm-up before your first event. Tell your partner how you will reach each other if plans change.
Your competition packing list
Pack for your dances, outfit, and grooming plan. Use the checklist to gather what you need, and check the venue’s rules for food, drinks, and bags.
Clothing & warm-up
- Competition outfits
- Undergarments
- Socks or tights
- Dressing gown / robe
- Warm-up clothes
- Leg warmers
- Practice wear
- Warm layer
- Comfortable shoes
- Garment bag & hangers
- Spare outfit pieces
Shoes & shoe care
- Dance shoes for your styles
- Heel protectors, if required
- Shoe brush
- Shoe elastics
- Spare laces / straps
- Shoe bags
Hair
- Brush / comb
- Hair elastics
- Bobby pins / hairpins
- Hairspray
- Styling gel / products
- Hairnet / bun supplies
- Hair ornaments, if allowed
- Small mirror
- Hairdryer / styling tools
Makeup & nails
- Makeup & application tools
- False eyelashes
- Eyelash glue
- Makeup remover
- Cotton pads / swabs
- Touch-up makeup
- Powder / blotting paper
- Nail supplies
- Nail file
- Nail glue
Repairs & touch-ups
- Body / clothing tape
- Safety pins
- Small sewing kit
- Spare buttons / fastenings
- Costume repair supplies
- Rhinestones / costume glue, if used
- Small scissors
- Lint roller
Documents & essentials
- Registration / payment confirmation
- ID / membership details
- Latest schedule / entries
- Venue / parking / team details
- Phone / charger / power bank
- Water bottle
- Familiar snacks
- Personal-care items
- Medications
- Towel / wipes
Keep what you need easy to reach
Keep identification, confirmations, shoes, and the first outfit you need easy to find. Group hair, makeup, nail, and repair supplies in small bags so you can locate them without unpacking everything.
Use the blank space in each column of the printable checklist for any extra items you want to bring.
Before you leave
- Check the latest organizer updates and schedule.
- Charge your phone and set an alarm if you have an early departure.
- Confirm transportation, departure time, and how to reach your partner.
- Lay out your travel clothes and warm layer.
- Check that your packed bag, outfits, and dance shoes are ready.
For your last practice: Review your starts, timing, and recovery strategies. Ask Amanda & Corey if you’re unsure what to focus on.