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“Always Bring a Towel”: 6 Things to Pack for Your Next Pole Event

Whether you’re someone who makes multiple lists when packing (me, a Virgo rising), or a “toss things in and hopes for the best,” packer (my friend, a Sagittarius), some things are fairly obvious and easy to remember.

Of course, you’ll pack your costume, makeup, props, pole wear, jammy jams (pajamas), medications (for the love of God pack your medications!), chargers, and extra underwear.  If you’ve ever packed for a slumber party, you have the basics down pretty well.

I have been traveling to competitions for 5 years, and PoleCon for going on 3 and I have discovered a few often-overlooked items that may save you in the long run.

Whether it’s for warming up, cooling down, or keeping yourself grounded, there is something for everyone.

1. Loose Sweats and Sweatshirt

When competing in Orlando in August, this is always a must for me.  Just because the temperature is one way outside, it doesn’t dictate how it’s going to be in a venue, especially ones often held in hotels like PoleCon and competitions.  It’s good to have some loose-fitting sweats you can easily throw on and off of a costume or pole wear for warming up and keeping muscles warm while waiting for your turn to perform, or a workshop to start.  It can also help prevent dry slipping as air conditioning tends to dry our skin.  I often put on sweatpants up until the last minute before going on stage to keep me not just warm but also create a dewy light sweat layer on my skin.  Then, just as I’m about to go (usually as the pole cleaners are exiting the stage) I’ll slap on some grip and I’m off to the races.  Not to mention, sweats are comfy to run around during events and not break the rules some event spaces have for body exposure in common areas.  (Remember guys, no showing buttholes on the PoleCon stage!!)

2. Robe

To piggyback off the first item, many event spaces such as hotels (and casinos) will have strict rules against performers running around in their costumes, and terrifying families with the sight of a human body. *Gasps and clutches pearls.*  If sweats aren’t your thing or just too hot, a robe is a great substitute.  You can wear it from a hotel room to a dressing room, dressing room to the stage, and back and forth.  Very handy if you’re like me who’ll need to run to the restroom to nervous pee about 17 times before going on stage.

3. Wet Wipes

Some may already pack sanitizing wipes when they travel to wipe down surfaces of hotel rooms but in this case, I’m talking about… OUR FEET.  Yes, I’m serious.  How many times have you been in a pole class and looked at the bottom feet and were appalled at how dirty they’ve gotten during training?  That little detail can bring down an amazing picture or video from performing.   Imagine PoleCon’s official photographer, Lakin, (or another photographer) captures a stunning picture of you nailing a plus sign or spatchcock but your eyes immediately go to the souls of your feet that look as if you’ve just walked on stage from working the fields barefoot.

4. Flip Flops or Slides

Again, you may find yourself running from place to place at a pole event where lacing and untying shoes repeatedly can be annoying and take up too much time.  Having a pair of flip-flops to slide into to run to workshops or showcases while in the event space is such a clutch item to pack, thank me later.

5. Massage Ball

Sometimes I can fit my mini foam roller in my luggage, sometimes not.  Especially if you are traveling with heels, often packing space is limited.  I like bringing a massage back to roll out tight muscles after traveling.  Whether you’re flying across the country or on a 3-hour train ride, your muscles are bound to tighten up.  Remember to toss in your bag a massage ball, lacrosse ball, or even a tennis ball to use before pole testing, training, and performing to loosen up those hamstrings and smooth those shoulder knots. Proper stretching and warming up paired with this rounded little friend will do you wonders in mobility and prevent injury.

6. A Bit of Home

This is important to remember for your mental health and calming nerves.  Most likely if you are traveling for pole, you’re nervous.  Maybe you’re competing or performing in a showcase.  Maybe you finally booked that workshop with your bucket list poling all-star. Maybe you’re like me who’s a homebody and immediately misses their kitty the minute their away.  Having some comfort pieces can go a long way to keep you grounded in places out of your comfort zone.  For example, I always bring my sparkly llama pillow with me to PoleCon and competitions.  It’s just so sparkly and silly and whimsical it makes me smile, even when I’m doing the nervous pee marathon.  Scented candles and crystals for the hotel room can also bring a nice vibe.  Not that I ever burn scented candles in a hotel… *cough*.  This can also go for snacks to pack.  Do you have a certain protein bar you love that doesn’t taste like sand and chalk?  Pack a few, you never know what you’ll have access to so I always toss in a few PowerCrunch bars and liquid IV packets for myself.

 

The more you travel and perform and gain experiences, the more you will find your flow and system that works for you.

You’ll start to realize what works for you and what you can leave behind.  There is no perfect packing list, or solid travel science, just the advice and things we learn along the way. I hope I can help just a little.

Oh, and if you’re flying, keep your costume in your carry-on! You don’t want to land in Boston for competition, but your costume is in your checked luggage that somehow ended up in St. Thomas.

You’re welcome.

Casey Danzig
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