There are lots of important things you will need at a dance competition. As a former competitive dancer, I've decided to narrow down what I feel are the nine most important.

9. Studio Merchandise

At a dance competition, there can be dozens of other studios. Studio merch not only makes it easier to spot others from your studio but is also a great way to show pride in your studio.

8. Bobby Pins

Big, small, twisty ones, the ones that come in packs of like 300, all the bobby pins. Stray hairs and bangs are a big no-no. Judges won’t be able to focus on your great lines or awesome facials if your hair is flying everywhere and blocking your face.

7. Hairspray

Another great way to make your hair stay picture perfect throughout a long day of routines, extreme hold hairspray and sometimes even hair gel are a must.

6. Makeup

To make sure your facial features aren’t washed out by those bright stage lights. Although you may receive some weird stares when getting your pre-competition Starbs, it’s completely necessary.

5. Fake lashes

Technically fake lashes could fall under the makeup category, but they’re so important (and magical), they deserve their own number.

4. Body Glue/ Tights

Body glue so when you’re wearing that one two-piece that always moves around, nothing shows that shouldn’t. And if your studio has their dancers wear tights as well, you’ll need to bring at least 3 pairs because someone will inevitably forget theirs and yours will get a huge run.

3. Costumes

Tops, bottoms, one-pieces, fishnets, shoes, skirts, headpieces, everything.

2. Music (and backup music)

Although competitions are starting to transition towards digital music uploads, studios should always have music downloaded onto a device as well as backup discs, you never know what could go wrong.

1. Smile

Not completely literal (because we’ve all been in a sad contemporary piece before), but I mostly mean a good attitude: wish fellow competitors good luck/good job, don’t pout over a low score, and most importantly, try and enjoy yourself. Dance competitions are supposed to be fun (and a little stressful, to be honest) and we’re all there for one reason: we love to dance. Keep that in mind, and break a leg!