Preparation

[Rugby]

I have a 'comp-kit'.  It has my makeup, jewelry hair spray, decoration etc.  All in one large bag - if necessary I have duplicated makeup items so that it is complete and i don't have to scramble.  The idea is to minimize the things you need to think about when you have time (that is not near a competition)

Local comps I do my makeup at home but stick the kit in the car for possible fixups. 

Same here.  One carry-on bag for me and one for my DP.  This way everything has been checked off after last comp and packed back in the bags for the next so it is ready to grab it and go.  He has his carry-on plus one bag for latin clothes and one for standard and I have the same.  I also have a photocopied checklist to make sure that everything is present and accounted for.  It has a space on the bottom where I can write notes like clean Kittius's litter box, put out food and water for him, check that everything is unplugged or turned off and doors locked etc.

[QPO]

really great ideas. checklist is a great idea.

[dream a little dream]

Iused to have a checklist....

[ttd]

I do not have a "set" routine, it depends on whether I am getting there the night before, or driving on the same day.

Some things I do more or less consistently

1. I check my costumes after I used them. Wash them if needed, fix the stones, or anything else. I just give them a quick visual check before the comp. When I do so, I put the jewelry I will use with the costume in the dance bag. I also pack my competition shoes at the same time.

2. I start getting fake tan several days before.

3. I pack my makeup bag. As I do so, I decide which makeup I am going to use. It depends, for example, if I will be wearing two dresses on the same day, I might have to chose makeup which goes with both.

4. I pack other dance-related items such as fishnets, clear bands for court shoes, satin pillowcases.

5. I pack other clothing I need - i.e. if I am sleeping on my updo for a couple of nights, I will pack shirts with buttons etc.

6. I stock up on power bars.

7. I usually get into the ballroom about an hour before I have to dance. I stretch and warm up there.

[QPO]

great ideas and I am compiling them to put on one thread....(I will do it on the week-end)

[elisedance]

most important thing to remember:

you are doing this to have fun....

[its also the easiest thing of all to forget]

[elisedance]

I have a 'comp-kit'.  It has my makeup, jewelry hair spray, decoration etc.  All in one large bag - if necessary I have duplicated makeup items so that it is complete and i don't have to scramble.  The idea is to minimize the things you need to think about when you have time (that is not near a competition)

Local comps I do my makeup at home but stick the kit in the car for possible fixups. 

Same here.  One carry-on bag for me and one for my DP.  This way everything has been checked off after last comp and packed back in the bags for the next so it is ready to grab it and go.  He has his carry-on plus one bag for latin clothes and one for standard and I have the same.  I also have a photocopied checklist to make sure that everything is present and accounted for.  It has a space on the bottom where I can write notes like clean Kittius's litter box, put out food and water for him, check that everything is unplugged or turned off and doors locked etc.

Doing both latin and standard - that makes you two pros at comp prep!!
maybe you want to run a column on that

[Rugby]

I think just certifiably insane.

[QPO]

most important thing to remember:

you are doing this to have fun....

[its also the easiest thing of all to forget]

Of course!!!! if it is not fun you have to wonder why you would do so 

[Rugby]

I think the word sadist comes to mind.   

[QPO]

I think the word sadist comes to mind.   

well then there are lots of us then.

[Lioness]

We have a 'dance bag'. In it we have hair brushes, hairspray, hair bands, clips, safety pins, sewing kit, spare shoes, I think at one stage we had spare bra straps, and tights. This is for the whole family.
Makeup goes separately. I have my own little makeup bag with concealer, foundation, blush, eyeshadow, and mascara. It has lip gloss in it and sometimes eyeliner, but I don't use either. My sisters either borrow a little bit of my makeup or go without. They don't really use it much (even less than me, which I didn't think possible)

The night before I make sure I have the appropriate dress and underwear ready (there's nothing like running around on comp morning because you can't find an appropriate bra for your dress...sister did that last time), attempt to get a good night's sleep, and try to make sure everything is in an easy place to find.
On the morning of the comp I give myself plenty of time to get ready. Shower and then wandering around in a dressing gown for an hour or so while I help prepare munchies. 3/4 of an hour before we leave I do my hair, 1/2 an hour before I do my makeup, and right before I go I put on my dress.

At the comp I find DP and cling to him until our first event, shaking partly from cold and partly from nerves the whole time. Then after that I'm fine.

[mummsie]

I have a special bag that only has comp stuff in it that is always ready to go.  I make sure it is rekitted after every comp so I don't have to worry.  I have our registrations cards, scissors, sewing kit, lots of safety pins, pain killers, some face washers to mop up perspiration, hand wash gel, strapping tape, an elastic bandage and a cold and hot pack that you activate if needed.  It also has a couple of biros and highlighters in different colours (especially if my kids are dancing so I can keep track of their events).  It also has a small emergency makeup kit which I have never used. Then all I have to do is throw in whatever lipstick I am wearing.  I also take a packet of glucose lollies (jelly beans) and some high protein bars.  I usually also cut up some fruit and vegies into sticks to munch on during the day. - mummsie

[elisedance]

I've' got a comp this weekend - first in 3 monthds  - come to think of it, I wonder where all my stuff is!

[QPO]

I have a special bag that only has comp stuff in it that is always ready to go.  I make sure it is rekitted after every comp so I don't have to worry.  I have our registrations cards, scissors, sewing kit, lots of safety pins, pain killers, some face washers to mop up perspiration, hand wash gel, strapping tape, an elastic bandage and a cold and hot pack that you activate if needed.  It also has a couple of biros and highlighters in different colours (especially if my kids are dancing so I can keep track of their events).  It also has a small emergency makeup kit which I have never used. Then all I have to do is throw in whatever lipstick I am wearing.  I also take a packet of glucose lollies (jelly beans) and some high protein bars.  I usually also cut up some fruit and vegies into sticks to munch on during the day. - mummsie

I also have something almost Identical....The last two times I have made soup to take with us in a thermos also. I just dont want to eat rubbish it defeats the purpose