The Ultimate Dance Bag Must-Haves

  When you step onto that stage, you know you need the right amount of confidence and charisma that’ll keep your clients and audience engaged. But what else do you need? What did you need to get you on stage, and what do you still need to keep you fresh and ready for anything throughout your shift?

While every dancer has their preferred backstage must-haves (and some clubs are fortunate enough to have a house mom), there are a number of essentials the seasoned pros keep on-hand that cover everything — from products that ensure you look flawless to unexpected lifesavers that can salvage your entire shift.

Whether you’re a baby stripper or just looking to update your current bag, we’ve compiled the ultimate list of must-haves each stripper needs in their dance bag. Scroll down and be ready to take notes.

10 Must-Have Dance Bag Essentials

1. Multiple Outfits - Everyone has their own preference for how many dancewear outfits you should bring to each shift, but the average is about 3-5 different looks. There are a multitude of reasons to pack more than one outfit — someone could spill a drink on you, you might need to refresh after a hot and sweaty set, or you could just not be feeling your original choice (this is why we can’t even choose our everyday looks the night before). It also gives you the chance to step out in something new at various points in your shift. Just make sure it’s a good mix of basics and something extra. This also includes accessories!
   
   

2. Extra Shoes - If you’re only bringing one pair, choose clear heels. They match EVERYTHING. Tragically, wardrobe malfunctions can happen, and all it takes is one broken strap to ruin your whole night. So don’t forget a back-up pair in case of emergencies.

3. Locker or Bag Lock - If you’re fortunate to work for a club that has lockers available, get yourself a lock to keep your things safe. Otherwise, invest in a tiny bag lock to lock your zippers together. Better safe than screwed.

4. Makeup Bag - We could go very in depth here, but that’s a lot of words…so bring all the typical essentials in your makeup routine for touch-ups (meaning makeup and tools). A few extras that are also great to have handy:

1. Lash glue and nail glue - Lashes can come loose thanks to sweat and nails can break over literally anything. We speak from experience, and the experience is sad.

2. Tweezers - A must-have for applying lashes, pulling stray hairs, and threading tiny strings through outfits.

3. Setting spray - Do NOT forget this. You’re going to get sweaty and the spray will help keep everything in place. 

5. Perfume - You want to smell good enough to catch/hold clients attention, but not smell so strongly that your scent lingers. Let’s not get anyone in trouble.

6. Hair Tools - Like your makeup bag, pack everything you need to keep your hair gorgeous all night long. Besides the basics, like your brush, you’ll want to consider the following:

1. Styling tools - Heat tools, like a curling iron or a straightener. Unless your hair is magical and stays perfectly coiffed for hours. 

2. Styling products - This will depend on your hair type, but grab your hairspray, gel, pomade, etc., whatever you need to touch-up and refresh your style. 

3. Dry shampoo - A must-have if your hair gets oily very quickly.

4. Wig products - If you’re wearing a wig, grab a wig cap and wig glue, plus any tools/products needed for your wig care.

7. Hygiene Products - There are so many hygiene products you could use throughout your shift, but these are our favorites:

1. Baby wipes - An absolute MUST-HAVE. You’ll be using them for everything!!

2. Deodorant - Nobody wants their dancer to smell bad. Men’s spray deodorant is an industry favorite because it lasts longer than women’s deodorant (which, rude).

3. Mints or gum - Nobody wants their dancer having rank breath in their face either, so stay fresh with your favorite mints or chew gum when you’re off the floor.

4. Tampons - We don’t need to explain this one. Just be prepared.

5. Hand sanitizer - Stay clean, you just never know.

6. First aid essentials - Again, you never know. You can buy little first aid kids (like the ones for your car) and keep it on-hand for emergencies.

8. Tiny Scissors - You’re going to want these for clothing tags and tampon strings. They can also be helpful if you’re throwing on new lashes that need to be trimmed.

9. Money Bag - Cash is dirty, so keep all your tips in a bag instead of on your body. And bring rubber bands to keep your money organized. Our twinkle money bags are really cute and come in all your favorite colors, so you can easily coordinate with your sexy looks.
   
   

10. Sustenance - Water, electrolytes, and snacks. Stay hydrated, stay energized! 

4 Nice-to-Have Dance Bag Essentials

Everyone’s dance experience is a little different and they’ve all learned a few extra tips and tricks needed to work shifts. Here are a few extras that are nice to have, but you may not necessarily need every shift.

1. Floor Purse - A floor purse is exactly how it sounds, it’s a purse that you carry while you’re on the floor. It’s for basics like your phone, water, gloss, money, etc. so you don’t have to duck into the back as often. You can also keep a compact mirror and blotting papers on-hand, and a lighter for smoking clients. 

2. Sewing Kit/Super Glue - Even with back-up outfits and shoes, accidents happen. Sewing a strap back on so it’ll last through the rest of your shift will take only a couple minutes, and super glue can seriously save a good pair of heels. 

3. Razor - You most likely won’t always need a razor handy, but there’s nothing like slipping into your outfit only to discover you forgot to shave your pits. So it’s a perfect “just in case” item you’ll be grateful you have.

4. Jewelry - Jewelry is a super easy way to spice up any outfit and add to the aesthetic you’re going for. Just don’t wear anything too expensive, you don’t want to whip your favorite necklace on a big spin and have the chain go flying. Our beaded earrings are a fun way to dress-up any look, and they can absolutely be seen from the crowd. 

Stock Up On Dance Bag Essentials

TAP HERE to shop our collection of sexy dancewear clothing and accessories. We’ve got everything from essential sets and separates to money bags, and don’t forget you need multiples!