What I have in my dance bag, as a pro male ballet dancer

What’s in Nick’s Dance Bag?

• Outer Pocket:

  • Ballet flats: His go-to pair is well-worn and overdue for replacement.
  • Headphones: Essential for staying in the zone backstage.

• Front Pocket:

  • Resistance band: Perfect for stretching and warming up.
  • Wallet: A sentimental piece from a past summer.
  • Deodorant (x2): Ensures he’s always fresh and partner-friendly.
  • Protein bars: Convenient and compact, to stave off hunger during long rehearsals.
  • Perfume: A pre-dance ritual for extra confidence.
  • Kindle: Not dance-related, but a personal must-have.
  • Miscellaneous: Loose change, pepper spray, pen, and anti-inflammatory meds.

• Second Pocket:

  • Stretching block: A daily-use item for flexibility and warmups.
  • Sewing kit: Essential for costume emergencies, though scissors are missing post-customs.
  • Medical tape: Handy for injuries, blisters, or shoe adjustments.
  • More protein bars and deodorant: Overprepared is the way to go.
  • Elastic bands: Useful for tights adjustments, though less used nowadays.

• Hygiene Pocket:

  • Tweezers, floss, toothbrush, toothpaste, lotion, and chapstick.

• Bonus Side Pockets:

  • Napkins, nail clippers, and a portable battery (though it wasn’t charged).

• Dance Belt:

  • Arguably the most important item in the bag, with a spare for emergencies.

Why It Matters:

Nick’s thoroughness reflects his dedication to professionalism and preparation. His bag is a mix of essentials for performance, self-care, and practicality, emphasizing that even small items can make a big difference in a dancer’s day.

If you’re a dancer or someone who wants to be fully prepared in any profession, Nick’s approach is a great example to follow.