Dance Teacher Survival Kit: My Favorite Practical Self-Care Items

Teachers give of themselves everyday. It can be an exhausting job because of the little minions you get to enlighten, discipline, and interact with everyday. Then there’s the fact that as a dance teacher, you’re on your feet a lot, walking, dancing, crawling–all of it. That’s why I’ve created this “dance teacher survival kit” made especially for teachers who need a little self-care.

We might be the instructors in the studio, yet we still end up sore and in need of a little self-care at the end of the day because, more often than not, we dance just as hard as our students. And talk at the same time. While yelling (I mean talking). And then sometimes we go to take classes of our own after. You get the picture. 

So who is ready for a few of my favorite, teacher appreciation, self-care products? These are the things I use on a daily basis. We can all use a little help when it comes to staying on track about small things as we go about our busy schedule. For me, these are the items that help me do just that.

Dance Teacher Survival Kit: 7 Dance Teaching Items That I Can’t Live Without

Starbucks 20oz Stainless Steel Water Bottle, Blue

Drinking water has always been a chore for me. For some reason I just can’t get myself to do it if it’s not just so. I’m not a fan of plastic water bottles. I like my water to be easy to haul around and refill or I won’t do it. I also like my water cold. I’m high maintenance, I know. 

This Starbucks stainless steel water bottle does the trick for me. At 20oz it is the perfect size for me–big enough that I get a good amount of fluids in one sitting and small enough that it’s convenient when going from class to class. 

The fact that in addition to the twist-off cap it also opens right in the center too is one of it’s best features in my opinion. This style makes it super easy to clean and also a breeze to put ice into. If you prefer ice water like I do and have ever tried maneuvering it through a bottle with a slim neck, it’s no fun. For this one, one scoop and you’re done–cold water for hours. 

You’ll stay hydrated with this one, I guarantee it!

This Starbucks stainless steel water bottle does the trick for me. At 20oz it is the perfect size for me–big enough that I get a good amount of fluids in one sitting and small enough that it’s convenient when going from class to class. 

You’ll stay hydrated with this one, I guarantee it!

What to Wear to Teach a Dance Class: My Current Favorite Leggings and Pants for Teaching

POLAR PACK Quilted Insulated Lunch Bag 9 Can Cooler Tote Bag Front Zipper Pocket, Picnic Bag Indoor Outdoor Carry Bag Portable Travel Bag for School Beach & Work

Jokes fly about how teachers never eat. There really isn’t a good time, is there? I prefer to eat a small snack before teaching so that I don’t feel weighed down, but when I have rehearsal later, I definitely need dinner. Yup, for me, eating a proper meal comes out under dance teacher self-care.

It gets expensive to eat out so I usually resort to packing a lunch that is required to sit in the car for a number of hours before consumption. However, if it’s not nice and cold as if I just packed it 10 minutes ago, I won’t eat it. I’m finicky like that. Maybe you are too. 

This lunch box keeps stuff so darn cold, you’re going to be excited for your dinner. It is thoroughly insulated and as long as I place an ice pack inside, this bag protects my food from perishing even when left in the hot car during the summer. 

No more excuses that you don’t want to eat a soggy sandwich or don’t have time to grab dinner. This lunch bag makes sure that even as a busy teacher you have a convenient and tasty meal on hand. 

CRYODERM 4 oz Spray (3 Pack) Cold Therapy Maximum Pain Relieving Spray!

I was introduced to this pain-relieving spray by my first ballet teacher when we sat in a cold studio during the dead of winter putting on leg warmers and sweaters as we waited for the heat to rev up while we prepared for barre. 

All dancers have their problem spots. Mine have always been my left knee and my ankles right along the line of the achilles tendon. Generally, I would pop a few Ibuprofen, tie on the pointe shoes and go.

However, this alternative was a game-changer for a couple of reasons: It gives me an option other than constantly ingesting pain relievers and it works FAST! 

All you need to do is spray it directly on the painful area, wait out the cold sensation while it dries, and go ahead into class. The pain relieving properties kick in in no time. No more ouchy spots.

I like these little bottles because they are easy to throw into a practice bag or purse while you can keep an extra at home or in the car. Conveniently sized and convenient when it comes to soothing those minor aches and pains in a natural way before class starts.

Wanna see a few more ‘must-haves’? Check out Dance Outfits: Under Armour Edition for Teachers.

What are the dance teacher self-care products you can’t imagine life without as a teacher? I’d love for you to add them to the comments!