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What I Actually Keep in My Dance Bag as a Dance Teacher

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From rehearsal days to long theatre weeks, these are the things I genuinely keep in my dance work bag to stay prepared, comfortable, and organized. A mix of practical essentials, backstage lifesavers, beauty favorites, and little things that make stu...
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Daily Essentials

These are the things that rarely leave my side and somehow keep my entire life functioning. Between dance rehearsals, arts administration, content creation, long studio days, and everyday chaos, my daily essentials help me stay organized, connected, ...

 
Sara Sanford profile picture
I’m absolutely a snob when it comes to how I listen to music. Whether I’m blasting Taylor Swift or Falling in Reverse, I want to feel it, and the sound quality has to be incredible. Music is such a huge part of my life, so good headphones are non-neg...
Shop Noise-Cancelling Headphones - Bose
 
Sara Sanford profile picture
I'm currently in between ear buds. I'm ready to up my game and get a really nice pair. If anyone has tried me please let me know what you think? I'm super tempted to grab these.
Status Pro X - Status Audio
 
Sara Sanford profile picture
This phone is basically a mobile office at this point. I do so much of my work from it every single day — from streaming music through Bluetooth during rehearsals and admin work to constantly creating and editing social media content on the go. I kno...
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max 128GB Sierra Blue
 
Sara Sanford profile picture
Driving to work can be hard on the eyes – or maybe sometimes you just want to throw some shades on so the person across from you can't tell what you're thinking. Either way … life is short and if you find something that gives you joy seize it. These ...
Women's Sunglasses | Designer Sunglasses | JIMMY CHOO US
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Sara Sanford profile picture
If I'm going to have a mobile office at my fingertips then I've got to keep the juice flowing. This charger is fast and relilable and keeps me in business.
iPhone 14 13 12 11 Fast Charger 10FT MFi
 
Sara Sanford profile picture
I do love my technology! Sometimes I really need more than just my phone. I need my computer when I'm away from my desk. I can use my laptop to show video footage for rehearsal when we're learning/setting new choreography. I can take it with me on tr...
Macbook Air - Amazon.com
 
Sara Sanford profile picture
My iPad is really just another extension of my technology setup, and I use it constantly. It’s perfect for days when I need an extra monitor or when I want to take notes during meetings in a more relaxed, freeform way without a laptop creating a barr...
Apple iPad Pro 13-Inch (M4) Ultra
 
Sara Sanford profile picture
Hands down, this is one of the most irreplaceable things I own as a dance teacher and choreographer. First of all, it’s a watch — which already makes life easier during long rehearsal days. But beyond that, being able to receive emergency alerts inst...
Apple Watch
 
Sara Sanford profile picture
Sometimes you just find that pen that does it for you. Anything by Uniball Zento is a must for me.
Uniball Zento Signature - Amazon.com
 
Sara Sanford profile picture
Fair warning: the Hobonichi rabbit hole is very real. Once you discover these planners, there’s a good chance there’s no turning back. The Hobonichi Weeks has completely changed the way I organize my life and see my schedule at a glance. Between rehe...
Hobonichi Weeks - Amazon.com
 
Sara Sanford profile picture
Carrying a book with me feels just about as essential as breathing. The one linked here is my current read, but honestly, I always need to have some kind of book tucked into my bag wherever I go. There are moments during long workdays, rehearsals, or...
Upstream: Selected Essays by Mary Oliver
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Sara Sanford profile picture
I try to always carry a charger that carries multiple functions with it. This is a tried and true brand that really takes care of all of my needs.
TOP-UP 4 in 1 Watch & Phone Charger Cable

Dance/Rehearsal Survival

Long rehearsal days, recital weekends, performances, and nonstop studio schedules can be surprisingly hard on both the body and the brain, so these are the products I rely on to help me keep going. From hydration and recovery tools to comfort items t...

 
Sara Sanford profile picture
Hydration is a non-negotiable. I always need fresh water at my fingertips, and I've recently been reaching for my Owala bottle more and more. I really love this color I found. It's called Black Cherry!
Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Bottle
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Sara Sanford profile picture
I have the Frost Buddy that looks like a Stanley. I get most of my use out of it at the beginning of the day if I stop to get an iced coffee. I can just sit that cup inside the frost buddy and have a cold drink for many hours after the fact! I hear i...
Frost Buddy - Amazon.com
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Sara Sanford profile picture
Listen. I know. I said I would never try Alani – and to be fair I've never bought an actual can drink from them. That being said … I found these packets you can put in your water at Dollar General… and I am sad to report that I found them delicious a...
Energy Sticks - Orange Kiss - Alani Nu
 
Sara Sanford profile picture
These Cirkul drink packets are delicious. They come in so many different flavors. I really like the apple one. It tastes just like apple juice.
Cirkul® Singles - Make water taste better one glass at a time.
 
Sara Sanford profile picture
This is my current work shoe. I know for a fact that if I did not wear these on the days I work I would not be sitting here typing to you today. I have lots of residual pain from dancing, and most of it tends to live in my knees. These shoes feel lik...
Hoka Bondi 9 (Black & White)
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Sara Sanford profile picture
I've been reaching for compression socks a lot lately. Combining them with my Hoka Bondi 9's I feel like it's a really solid set-up.
Ankle Compression Socks - Amazon.com
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Sara Sanford profile picture
I love using KT Tape on days where I need some extra support. I use it a lot on my knee and sometimes even on my shoulder.
Kt Tape Precut Strips - Amazon.com
 
Sara Sanford profile picture
I adore BioFreeze. It comes in many different forms, but I really enjoy the roller ball version. I feel like I can target exactly where I need it while not getting my hands messy. The roller ball itself can also add a nice massage aspect to the appli...
Cooling relief for aches and pains | Biofreeze US
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Sara Sanford profile picture
On the days when BioFreeze just isn't doing it for you? Look no further. Tiger Balm is your answer. Word of warning … do not use it, forget, and then rub your eyes like I did once upon a time. Mistakes were made!
Home - Tiger Balm US
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Sara Sanford profile picture
Rolling out my feet at the beginning of the day and at the end of the day is non-negotiable. It really is a life saver for me.
Foot Roller - Amazon.com
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Organization & Productivity

As someone balancing dance education, arts administration, rehearsals, content creation, and everyday life, staying organized is less of a luxury and more of a survival skill. These are the tools and essentials that help me keep everything functionin...

 
Sara Sanford profile picture
Just a small pouch to keep my makeup essentials inside. When I go to work I really only try to put a few things inside. Less is more these days!
Makeup Pouch - Amazon.com
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Sara Sanford profile picture
I keep another pouch to put things in it specifically related to anxiety. That can be mints, essential oils, medication, gum, or even a fidget toy. It's not something I reach for often, but it's great to know its there in case I feel like I need it.
Pouch - Amazon.com
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Sara Sanford profile picture
A medicine case that is filled and labeled with emergency medicine like tylonol, pepto and other things for those days when you need it.
Medication Travel Case - Amazon.com
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Sara Sanford profile picture
I have another smaller tin pillbox for my daily medicines that I take. It's easy to throw it in there every day before I leave for work.
Small Metal Waterproof Travel Pill Box
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Sara Sanford profile picture
I tend to switch back and forth from what I prefer to carry. Somedays I really need my backpack, and other days I want to take a big purse/laptop case. My favorite backpack at the moment is my Lovevook Backpack. It has great organization and is very ...
LOVEVOOK Backpacks & Travel Gear
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Sara Sanford profile picture
This is my new purse! The color I got is black. I love how much room it has. It can fit up to a 13 inch laptop. It has two drink holders inside. It also has a magnetic close. I just wanted something a little more professional when I go to work or to ...
NEWBELLA Marella Collapsible Top Handle Tote - TikTok Shop
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Comfort & Self-Care

Long days in the studio, busy schedules, and constant movement make the little comfort items feel surprisingly important. These are the things I keep with me to help me reset, recharge, and feel a little more grounded throughout the day. From calming...

 
Sara Sanford profile picture
I have to have lavender oil on me at all times. It centers me and calms me down like nothing other. Some days can be full of stress, and little things like this can really keep my day from spiraling inside my head.
UpNature Lavender Essential Oil Roll On
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Sara Sanford profile picture
I tend to keep some kind of perfume roller ball on me at all times. I like comforting scents – and right now there's something comforting to me about smokey scents. (Don't ask me why I like liquid smoke.) I've recently discovered this brand via tikto...
ZomethingStrange
 
Sara Sanford profile picture
Raise your hand if you like dry crusty hands. Absolutely not. I didn't think so. I've tried so many different brands and nothing really comes close to L'Occitaine. Get this and your hands will love you forever.
Shea Butter Hand Cream 5.1 fl. oz | L'Occitane en Provence
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Sara Sanford profile picture
I really do love this brand when it comes to hand sanitizer. They last forever and on my hands they're not overdrying. They also don't smell like straight alcohol. Using them throughout the day is a necessity and I like that when I use it it feels re...
Rainwater Hand Sanitizer - Touchland
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Sara Sanford profile picture
This gum. THIS GUM. Holy grail. All other gum can retire. But I definitely think you have to be a fan of sour patch to like this. It starts out sour but then mellows.
Trident Vibes SOUR PATCH KIDS Watermelon Sugar-Free
 
Sara Sanford profile picture
Love these sour mints. They serve two purposes. One for breath minty goodness, and the other is they're great for anxiety attacks. They center you right away.
Altoids Sours - Amazon.com