The night before

Pack, Lay Out, Breathe

The best concert days start the evening before. Lay everything out on your bed, check it against your costume list, then pack it in the order you will need it.

• Costumes, in order. Hang each costume in a garment bag in running order, with the first change at the front. Pin a note to each one listing the matching tights, shoes and accessories.
• Shoes, checked and ready. Try every pair on one last time. Sew on any loose ribbons or elastics tonight, not in the dressing room.
• Hair kit. Pack more bobby pins, hair ties and hairnets than you think you could possibly need. Add hairspray and a small brush.
• Name everything. Dressing rooms are a sea of identical black bags. Label shoes, tights, water bottles and costume bags with your name.
• Early night. Aim for a proper sleep. A rested dancer remembers choreography far better than a tired one.

Morning of

Fuel, Hair and a Calm Start

Concert morning should feel unhurried. Build in more time than you think you need, because something always takes longer than planned.

• Eat a proper breakfast. Choose something steady like porridge, eggs on toast or yoghurt with fruit. You will be running on this for hours.
• Hydrate early. Sip water through the morning, especially in a Queensland summer. Dancing in stage lights is hot work.
• Hair first, costume last. Get your hair done at home before you leave, exactly as your teacher has asked. Anything that sits neatly now will survive a whole day of nerves and changes.
• Arrive early, dressed comfortably. Wear loose, easy clothes that button or zip at the front, so you never have to pull anything over your hair and makeup.
• Check the schedule. Know your call time, your running order and where the dressing room is. Take a photo of the run sheet so you have it on your phone.

Dressing room

The Survival Kit

Pack these in a small pouch you can find in two seconds. Tap each item as you pack it.

Costume care

Quick Fixes and Careful Hands

Your costume only has to look perfect for a few minutes on stage, but it has to survive the whole day to get there.

• Stay in the garment bag. Keep each costume zipped up and hanging until it is time to change. Sequins and tulle snag easily.
• Clean hands, clean costume. Wipe hands before touching costumes, and keep drinks and snacks well away from them.
• Fix it fast. A loose strap or popped hook is a safety pin job. Find your teacher or a backstage helper and fix it before your cue.
• Practise the quick change. If you have a tight turnaround between numbers, rehearse it at home with a timer so the real thing feels easy.
• Hang it up afterwards. Once the show is over, air your costumes out before packing them away so they are fresh for next time.

For the grown-ups

Dance Mums and Teachers: Your Day Matters Too

Concert day is a big one for the grown-ups as well. A few small habits make the day smoother for everyone.

• Keep a spare kit in your own bag. Pins, tights, plasters, a hairbrush and a few snacks will rescue someone's day, and it is usually not your own child's.
• Read the run sheet twice. Know drop-off, pick-up, ticket and photo rules before the day begins.
• Teachers, delegate. Share backstage jobs with trusted helpers so you can focus on your dancers and enjoy the show.
• Charge your phone, pack a seat cushion. Long days in theatre seats are easier with a little comfort.

Backstage

Between Performances: Rest, Refuel, Reset

There is often a lot of waiting on concert day. Use it well.

• Snack little and often. Small bites keep energy steady without leaving you heavy before a performance.
• Keep warm. Pull on your robe or warm-ups between numbers so your muscles are ready when your cue arrives.
• Stay calm. Try a few slow breaths, a gentle stretch or a quiet chat with a friend. Nerves are normal, and they mean you care.
• Cheer on your friends. Watching from the wings is one of the best parts of a concert. Be the dancer everyone wants beside them backstage.
• Remember the work is done. You have rehearsed for months. Trust your training.

Curtain call

After the Final Bow

When the curtain falls, take a moment to soak it in. Hug your dance friends, thank your teachers and say well done to yourself. Then head home for a big drink of water, a proper meal and a very good sleep.

Unpack your bag the next day, hang your costumes to air and tuck your shoes away until next time. Most importantly, remember how it felt to be on that stage.