There are dance bags. And then there are competition dance bags. Those are two very different things. If your child takes one recreational class a week, she probably doesn't need a mobile command center strapped to her shoulder. Competition dance? That's another story. We're talking multiple styles of dance, multiple pairs of shoes, technique classes, rehearsals, long studio nights, snacks, hair supplies, stretch bands and the occasional, "Mom! She said we need our lyrical sh

Starting dance can feel overwhelming, especially when you're worried about buying the wrong things. Here's a practical guide to the dance class essentials worth purchasing before the first class—and the items you should wait on until your studio gives specific instructions.

Dance competition weekend feels overwhelming because no one explains what actually happens inside the venue. Whether it’s your first dance competition weekend or your fifth, here’s what to expect.