What’s In Your Gig Bag?

Everybody knows that belly dancers are mystical creatures. But let’s face it – even the most ethereal beings and the glammest of glam queens require some extent of earthly assistance when it comes to prepping for a gig and preventing the occasional SNAFU. This is where it can be a really fun and useful exercise to see what other dancers pack in their gig bags.

We’ll start first with my own. I use a little rolling suitcase, packed with the following items:

• 1. CD’s – TWO copies of my set. Of course, it’s best to test out your music at home, both on your PC and on your CD player. Still, having a backup is great in case one CD doesn’t work or you accidentally misplace the other.
• 2. Makeup Bag – In it, you’ll find everything I used to put on my “game face.”
• 3. Safety Pins – These are a dancer’s number one weapon in the war against costume malfunctions. Leave these bad boys at home and you’ve automatically tested Murphy’s Law.
• 4. Small Sewing Kit – I got mine at Jo-Ann Fabrics. This is teriffic in case one of your bra or belt closures feels a little looser than you’d like. Of course, if you perform regular upkeep on your costumes, this drastically reduces the likelihood that you’ll need to do a last-minute sartorial procedure pre-gig.
• 5. A Cute Business Card Case – Filled with cards, of course ;) You’re going to have a stack of cards on your person, anyway, so why not invest in a chic carrying case with rhinestones or a fun design? It’s one of those little things that makes your presentation more fun. I just got a great pink case with a rhinestone fleur-de-lis motif on it at one of those mall accessory stores.
• 6. My Veil – Neatly folded up in a big clear Ziploc bag.
• 7. A Belt – If I’m wearing a bedlah, that is. I like to put it in a pillowcase or one of those reusable shopping totes from Target
• 8. Dry Shampoo – Frederick Fekkai makes a lovely one. This is great for staving off post-show greasies and making sure you look just as fresh leaving as you did arriving.
• 9. MyChelle Fruit Enzyme Mist or a rosewater spray – You can get any of these at the health food store. Great for freshening up your skin.
• 10. Arnica Gel – Because pulled or strained muscles happen to the best of us sometimes. Arnica is a clear, non-greasy, odorless pain relieving gel found at the health food store.
• 11. Bach Flower Rescue Remedy drops – An all-natural anxiety reliever, great for easing any sort of butterflies that might be carousing in your stomach. Rescue Remedy is safe and allows you to remain 100% energetic, focused and clear-headed – unlike a glass of cabarnet. (I have no idea why some people think that’s an OK idea!)
• 12. Flesh-colored half-sole lyrical shoes, or ballet slippers – Once upon a time, as a baby dancer, a coffee shop owner told me that I would be dancing on a patio. I got there, and it was a bunch of loose rocks with a tarp thrown over it. Plus, I’ve heard horror stories about broken glass, filthy floors….yuck! Better to be safe than sorry.
• 13. Snacks – I like protein bars, almonds, and a bottle of Vitamin Water.

What’s in your gig bag?

Carrara