Getting ready for your first feis? We’ve curated a thorough packing list – from shoes to costumes, first aid, and more!

For some categories, we’ve created multiple lists to cater to different situations or types of dancers. We think you can usually pick one list from each category. Doing hair/makeup “at venue” could refer to an out-of-town competition where everything must be packed, or a local scenario where a dancer volunteers as a stage manager in the morning and competes in the afternoon, getting ready at the feis instead of at home.

Hoping to pack light? Items we think are the most important are listed in bold text.

SHOES

• Hard Shoes
• Soft Shoes or Reel Shoes
• Shoe buckles, if you wear
• Spare shoelaces
• Gaff tape (for slippery floors)
• Electrical tape, if you use – white and/or black
• Scissors (for cutting tape)
• Shoe polish

COSTUME

HAIR

Most dance schools publish a list of wig supplies they recommend.  If you are new to wigs, reach out to a teacher or other parents to get a tutorial.

MAKEUP

This is a rather extensive list geared towards older and champ dancers.  Younger dancers should talk to their teacher about what kind of makeup is suggested or allowed at their level.

WELLNESS & FIRST AID

• Band-aids (regular and blister)
• Painkillers, such as Ibuprofen or Children’s Tylenol
• Any medications the dancer usually takes throughout the day
• Instant Ice Pack
• Athletic tape / KT tape
• Deodorant
• Tissues
• Small towel or washcloth to blot away sweat after dancing

DANCER PERSONAL ITEMS

• WATER (preferably a refillable water bottle)
• Snack or light lunch ²
• Hand wipes and dental floss for after eating
• Dance music on a portable device, for practicing (cell phone, iPod, etc)
• Headphones or ear plugs (for practice music, or relaxation ³)
• Comfortable, supportive footwear (when not dancing)
• Comfortable clothing to change in and out of
• Foam roller
• Book or compact entertainment if there are long breaks

FAMILY PERSONAL ITEMS

• Water
• Cell phone
• Camera
• Comfortable, supportive footwear
• Dance school T-shirt (go team!)
• Schedule of competitions (this can usually be picked up at check-in)
• Pen or pencil, marker, highlighter
• Snack or light lunch
• Compact entertainment for parents and/or siblings
• Cash for snacks or parking
• Blankets or portable chairs, if camping is allowed by the venue

¹ Rhinestone glue: We use both E-6000 and GemTac for stoning dresses, but recommend E-6000 for your feis kit because GemTac takes too long to dry to be useful at a venue.

² Dancer food: Aim for a mix of carbs and protein for mid-competition snacking, and avoid heavy and greasy foods. Our favorites include whole wheat crackers, fresh or dried fruit, protein bars, nuts, cheese sticks, applesauce, hummus, and yogurt.

³ Headphones: For neurodivergent dancers, or those easily overstimulated, noise-cancelling earbuds or headphones can help them keep calm and conserve energy amongst feis noise and crowds. While many noise-cancelling headphones may not fit over a wig, products like Loops Engage (or Kids Engage) can help cut out a baseline of noise. Their favorite fidget toys may also help!

We’d love to hear from you – what can’t you live without at a feis? Let us know in the comments!