Competition Checklist by Joel Marasigan & Clara Shih

Competition Checklist by Joel Marasigan & Clara Shih – joelandclara.com

The competition atmosphere is nerve-racking enough, without getting to the venue and discovering that you forgot your favourite lipstick or bowtie! From experience, we know that this can cause added pressure that is really unnecessary. Here is a list of typical items that we normally bring to a competition. Make sure you check for these items a few days in advance, so that you still have a chance to go out and buy whatever you’re missing, or clean and repair your costumes.

Accessories for tailsuit (make sure everything is clean and pressed): Bowtie (makeup stains can be easily removed with soap and water using an old toothbrush); Collar; Cufflinks, studs and collar buttons; Suspenders; Waistcoat; Black socks; Safety pins (in case of emergency and for your number)

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Ladies costume (make sure everything is clean and pressed) : Dress (make sure stones or decorations are touched up); Floats and float attachments (check that the attachments are secure); Nylons or tights (check for snags or tears). Jewelry for ladies : earrings, necklace or bracelets, hair pieces, hair jewels or flowers

Makeup : eyelashes, eyelash glue, eye shadow, eye liner, eyebrow liner, mascara, blush, lipstick, lip liner, lip gloss, powder, foundation, small mirror, tissue, fake nails or nail polish. Hair products : gel, hairspray, comb and/or brush, bobby pins, elastics, hair nets.

Shoes: competition shoes (make sure they are clean and brushed), extra pair of competition shoes, extra pair of black shoe laces, shoe glue (in case your sole starts to peel off), shoe brush, castor oil (in case the floor is too slippery), vaseline (to prevent men’s patent shoes from sticking together), heel protectors, slippers (to rest tired feet in between rounds)

Snacks and drinks : energy bars, thirst quenchers or energy drinks, water bottle, water (if the venue is not a hotel)

Also : towel, deodorant, walkman and CDs (to visualize, prepare and inspire yourself before your event); $5 deposit for number (sometimes required); DanceSport association membership card or competitor book

Throughout the day and during the event: be sure to keep yourself hydrated, especially throughout the event. Try to test out new foods prior to the competition day to make sure they work for you. (Note: It is illegal to reproduce this article without the expressed written consent from Joel & Clara)