Back when I was training more intensively in ballet, and was essentially living at the studio, my ballet bag was incredibly heavy, filled with everything I needed for class, rehearsals, 3 meals, recovery, doing my homework and more, whilst at the studios all day long. Nowadays, as I’m only going for one technique class at a time, my bag is much smaller and much lighter. Some of the items from back in the day have stuck around, and some have changed. Now, my bag is filled with only the essentials for me to have my best class.
1. Ballet Shoes
Probably the most obvious thing to bring with you, but I have accidentally left for class without them in the past. Oops! I now check that I have them every time I walk out the door. I’m currently between two pairs of shoes as I’m not sure which I prefer. I mostly wear the Angelo Luzio Stretch Canvas Split Sole shoes, which I like because of the slim profile on the foot, and how light they are. These are a new shoe to me, as I used to be loyal to the Sansha Pro 1 Canvas Split Sole shoe when I was training more intensively. The Sansha shoes are the second pair that I currently wear.
2. Water and Electrolytes
I work hard in class, and am definitely a sweaty betty, which means that replenishing water and electrolytes is especially important. I take a 750ml bottle, which I will refill. I tend to go through around 1L of water a class where I feel good, hydrated, and energised. I leave the other 500ml for my walk home. As for electrolytes, this is something I assess on a day to day basis, and depending on the class I’m taking. For two of my classes a week, the teacher moves the class quickly, there are little breaks and a lot of jumps. I find on these days that I need that something extra in class to keep my energy levels up, and my calves and shins from spasming. I’ve been trying two things currently. I either add a dash of lemonade to my water for some added sugars, or I bring a separate mini bottle of coconut water. I usually only need a few sips of the coconut water between barre and centre, and then a few more during jumps. For any other classes in the week, I just bring water. I especially love the S’well bottle, in the largest size, for my water during class. I don’t like cold water, so you won’t find me adding ice cubes, but I like the water to be room temperature to cool, and I find that this bottle keeps my water at the perfect temperature all class long. What more can I ask?
3. Warm Ups
I unfortunately got rid of most of my warm ups from when I was younger, and I really do miss them. Eventually, I’ll build this back up again. For now, this means a pair of knitted warm-up shorts, which I wear all class long, and a long sleeved top. I like the knitted shorts for a few reasons but mainly they keep my really tight hips warm through class, and they cover an area that I’m not the most fond of. I can’t find the exact pair that I have, but these are very similar. This type of knitted warm up short is made my most dance brands. The top I wear is a very old Lululemon long sleeved top. I forget the name, but it’s this lovely soft cotton material that has stood the test of time, many ballet classes and a tonne of washes. They don’t have it anymore, but their aptly named, Principle Dancer Long Sleeve is very similar. Turns out, this top, and the rest of the dance related line are all in collaboration with Francesca Hayward, a principal dancer with the Royal Ballet!
4. Foot Massage Ball
This is a new addition to my ballet bag. I used to have the classic foot roller, but since coming back to classes a few months ago, I’ve been experiencing massive foot cramping. Some days are worse than others, but when I have those cramps, this is what gets me through the class. This is the ball I have, but you can really get any ball that you feel will do the job. Look for a ball that is firm and dense, like a lacrosse ball, and that has spikes along it. This will make sure that the ball will work through your shoe during class. If you have smaller feet, I suggest getting a smaller ball to really get into specific areas of the foot.
5. Ballet Hair Tools
I walk to and from class and prefer to do my hair when I get to the studio. I bring a brush, a few hair elastics, many hair pins and bobbi pins and 2 hair nets. Back in the day, I would also have hairspray and gel, but now I can get my hair done neatly without it, and there’s no need for me to wash my hair every night. A little dry shampoo in the roots works well to keep your hair from looking oily, but also gives your hair a little more grit and helps it stay in place in your bun. My go to hairstyle for class is a low bun, but sometimes I alternate with a french twist.
6. Earphones
This is especially because I walk to and from class, but also because I arrive at the studios well before class to warm up. I’m usually one of the first people to arrive, and I like to continue listening to my podcast from my walk whilst I warm up and do my hair. Earphones are key! I bring a pair of wireless earbuds, as well as a backup pair of regular earbuds.
7. Portable Charger
I have a very old phone, and the battery is not great. There’s nothing worse than your phone dying, mid-podcast, on the walk home. I also use it to charge my wireless earbuds. I make sure to tuck this into my bag, and I haven’t have this issue since.
8. Microfiber Cloth
As I said earlier, I’m a sweaty betty, and I make sure to bring a microfibre cloth to every class. I bought mine from a local grocery store here, but these are good too. The reason I like the microfibre cloth is that is carries more water for it’s weight than other fabrics and so the towel never feels wet and gross throughout the class – which avoids having to hang a wet towel over the barres in class. These cloths are also really inexpensive. Win!
9. Leotard and Tights
I always get partially dressed for class at home, and put on my leotard and tights before I walk to class. So, technically they aren’t in my bag, but I prefer to get dressed at home and just add on my warm ups once I arrive.
As well as my wallet, that is everything I bring to a ballet class. I like to keep it as simple and light as possible. I’m pretty happy with my streamlined ballet bag, though I’m sure that it’ll change again soon.
What do you keep in your bag?