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PERFORMANCE CHECKLIST

The performance season is a magical time… and, let's be honest, sometimes a little stressful. Between checking your outfit, remembering to pack your tights, checking your flat shoes, doing your hair, and packing your bag, you quickly find yourself running around at the last minute.



To help you, I've prepared a simple and comprehensive checklist , designed for all disciplines (classical, jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, etc.) and all ages (children, teens, adults). The idea is very practical: you review it once 28/21 days before the event , then a second time 14 days before , and you'll avoid 90% of the oversights.


First, you'll find a checklist to copy and paste , followed by my expert advice (the most common mistakes, a mini fitting method, and a backup plan if something's missing). And if you're unsure about a size or an essential item, feel free to ask: I'd be happy to help.



1) Quick checklist (copy and paste)

Here is a simple checklist to save or print. Ideally: review it once at D-28/D-21 , then a second time at D-14 .

  • Outfit/costume : recently tried on, complete (top + bottom + accessories)

  • Bottoms : tights / leggings / knee-highs / socks depending on the sport + 1 spare pair

  • Underwear : skin-colored underwear if necessary (invisible, comfortable)

  • Slippers : clean, correct size, elastic/laces OK

  • Hair : hairnet/pins/elastics/hairspray/gel (or accessories as requested)

  • Makeup (if requested) : check what is allowed by the school

  • Emergency kit : bandages , accessories , pins , mini sewing kit (optional), arnica / cold pack (optional)

  • Transport : Dance bag ready + cover if the costume is fragile

  • Timing : meeting time, rehearsals, directions, parking

  • Plan B : Who to contact if you realize you've forgotten something the day before


2) Why prepare 3 to 4 weeks in advance (and not “the week of the show”)

From my point of view, the best way to avoid stress is not to do more at the last minute: it is to anticipate just what is necessary.

At 3–4 weeks , you still have time to:

  • Try on a whole new pair of clothes without any pressure

  • replace a size that has become too small (children) or uncomfortable

  • avoid panic buying (often more expensive and less suitable)

  • Check availability (especially for stockings, hair accessories, and shoes)

And above all, you avoid the classic scenario: “we discover two days before that a pair of tights is missing, a pin is missing, or that the shoe is causing pain”.


3) Variations by discipline (to adapt the checklist)

The goal is not to complicate things: just to add 2–3 points depending on the style.

  • Classical dance : tights + ballet slippers/demi-pointe shoes (and pointe shoes if applicable), hair accessories are often more strictly required.

  • Jazz/modern jazz : jazz shoes (or bare feet depending on the choreography), pay attention to invisible underlayers and support

  • Contemporary : often barefoot or in socks or foot protectors ; bring protective gear to prevent chafing.

  • Hip-hop/street : clean sneakers designed for the stage, laces OK, non-slip soles

  • Tap shoes : check the plates, screws, for a consistent noise, and have a mini screwdriver on hand if possible.

If you're unsure what's required, the simplest thing to do is ask the school for "exact outfit + shoes + hair". Then, tick the box.


4) The 7 most common oversights (and how to avoid them)

  1. No spare pair (tights, elastics, pins)

    Solution: plan to have 1 “mini emergency kit” which remains in the bag.

  2. Outfit tried on too late (and discovered discomfort)

    Solution: full fitting at D-21, then quick re-check at D-7.

  3. Slippers that cause injury (seams, elastic, friction)

    Solution: wear the slippers several times during class to 'break them in' + bandages/protective dressings.

  4. Hair: not enough bobby pins

    Solution: better too much than not enough. Plan for a small dedicated box.

  5. Underwear visible under the spotlights

    Solution: skin-coloured, seamless underwear.

  6. Missing accessory (ribbon, belt, stage jewelry)

    Solution: put everything in a "stage" pouch attached to the bag.

  7. Bag not packed (we're running around everywhere on the big day)

    Solution: prepare the bag the day before, with a "D-day" checklist (see below).


5) Mini “coach” method: trying things on avoids 80% of the problems

I recommend a very simple fitting (10 minutes), ideally 21 days before the event :

  • Put on the complete outfit (including stockings and shoes)

  • Perform movements : plié/squat, relevé, grand battement, light jump, rotation

  • Check for : discomfort, transparency, slipping straps, rubbing seams

  • For the slippers/shoes : walk, then perform 2–3 movements typical of the discipline

If something is bothersome at home, it will be even more bothersome on stage.


6) “D-Day” checklist (ultra short)

  • Full outfit + spare stockings

  • Slippers/shoes + protective gear/bandages

  • Hair: hairnet/pins/elastics/hairspray

  • Bottle of water + small snack (if permitted)

  • A warm jacket/top (backstage can sometimes be chilly)


7) Mini FAQ

  • Do you really need a spare pair of tights? Yes, especially for children: a snag can happen quickly, and this is what prevents panic.

  • What if my child grows very quickly? That's precisely why trying on the garment 21 days before the due date is helpful. If you're hesitating between two sizes, ask for advice: comfort and freedom of movement are key.

  • I don't know what to choose (socks, slippers/shoes, underwear) depending on the discipline. In this case, the simplest thing is to start with the outfit required by the school, and ask me for a recommendation that is "stage-compatible" (comfort + invisibility + outfit).


8) The essentials (direct links)

To save time, here are direct links to the most useful categories during the show season:


If you wish, you can:

  • Go to the store with your list : I'll help you check the sizes and fill in what's missing.

  • Send me a message with your discipline + age + size : I will quickly advise you on the essentials (socks, underlayers, hair accessories, protections).

  • Use the direct links above to prepare your list at your leisure, then get back to me if you have any doubts.


Preparing a show is not about “buying everything”: it’s mainly about avoiding oversights and ensuring comfort on the day.

With a simple checklist + a fitting 21 days before, you gain peace of mind and avoid last-minute emergencies.

My advice: save this list, and do a quick review 14 days before.

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