Packing for a Highland Dance Competition
We’ve all been there…
You prepare for a dance competition for weeks. You practice your dances, book your hotel room, pack up the car, and get to the event venue to finally get started.
And you realise that you forgot something.
Whether it’s your lipstick, your socks, your sports bra, or half of the stuff you need, it’s never fun.
Today we’re sharing our packing list with you. It’ll be organised by costume, so you can reference the lists for various competitions with different dances.
Not everything on the list will apply to everyone (i.e. not everyone uses suspenders with their kilt), but we’re trying to list it ALL so you never end up at a competition without what you need again!
Bookmark this page for future reference!
Further Highland Dance Competition and Costume Reading
- Looking for a bit more of an explanation of the costumes and what they’re used for? Check out our previous post which is a complete guide to competitive highland dance costumes >
- Looking for more info on the (sometimes confusing) world of competitive highland dance? Here’s a few posts to get you started:
General Competition Checklist
What to pack for a dance competition
Before we get to the outfits, here are some general packing lists to make sure you never end up at a competition without what you need to succeed!
Everyone has their own bun and makeup routine, so you might not need all of this!
Hair supplies
- Gel
- Hairspray
- Hair elastics
- Comb/brush
- Bobby pins/hair pins
- Bun form/shaper
Makeup
- Primer
- Foundation
- Concealer
- Powder
- Blush
- Bronzer
- Highlight
- Eyebrow pencil/gel
- Eyeshadow
- Eyeliner
- Mascara
- Fake lashes
- Setting spray
- Lipstick
Everyone has their own wellness routine, so you might not need all of this!
- Lacrosse ball/roller ball
- Stick roller/foam roller
- Icy hot/numbing gel
- Advil
- Pre-workout/caffeine tablets/electrolytes
- Resistance bands
- Massage gun
- Dance mats
- Sweat towel
- Nail clippers
- Makeup wipes
- Warm up clothes/shoes
- Safety pins
- Water bottle
- Spray bottle
- Snacks
- Dance card
- Headphones
- Band-aids
- Deodorant
Kilt Outfit Checklist
Female-Presenting Dancer Outfit
- Ghillies
- Kilt socks (Pre-Premier option for white or plain coloured knee socks)
- Garters
- Black or kilt-coloured shorts/underwear
- Kilt
- Suspenders
- Sports bra/tank top
- Dickie and/or White blouse
- Jacket/Vest
Male-Presenting Dancer Outfit
- Ghillies
- Kilt socks (Pre-Premier option for white or plain coloured knee socks)
- Garters
- Garter flashes (optional)
- Black or kilt-coloured shorts/underwear
- Kilt
- Sporan
- Waistcoat (optional for Pre-Premiers)
- Jabot/White shirt
- Jacket (optional for Pre-Premiers)
- Balmoral hat (optional for Pre-Premiers)
- Tartan Trews (optional, only for dancing the Seann Triubhas)
National Outfit Checklist
Aboyne Outfit
- Ghillies
- White socks/Nylon tights
- White shorts/underwear
- White underskirt
- White blouse
- Aboyne skirt
- Vest
- Vest lace
- Plaidie
- Brooch
- Sports bra/tank top
Lilt Dress Outfit
- Ghillies
- White socks/Nylon tights
- White shorts/underwear
- White underskirt
- White lilt dress
- Plaidie
- Brooch
- Sports bra/tank top
Jig Outfit Checklist
Female-Presenting Dancer Outfit
- Jig shoes
- White socks/Nylon tights
- White shorts/underwear
- White underskirt
- White blouse (if applicable)
- Jig skirt/dress
- Cummerbund (if applicable)
- Apron
- Hair ribbon (optional)
- Sports bra/tank top
Male-Presenting Dancer Outfit
- Jig shoes
- Hat
- Coat
- Shillelagh
- Neckerchief
- Waistcoat
- Trousers
- Socks (red or green)
Hornpipe Outfit Checklist
- Ghillies
- White/navy knee socks
- Hornpipe pants
- Hornpipe jumper + make sure your ribbon is on there!
- Dickie
- Hornpipe hat
