Proper storage of ballet shoes and dancewear extends the life of the kit and makes weekly preparation for class much faster. A ballet shoe stored damp in a sealed bag will develop odour and mould. A few minutes of organisation after class each week makes a noticeable difference to how long the kit lasts.
Short answer: Proper storage of ballet shoes and dancewear extends the life of the kit and makes weekly preparation for class much faster.
How to store soft ballet shoes between classes
After every class, remove ballet shoes from the dance bag and leave them to air dry in an open, ventilated space — not inside the bag. Sweat and moisture that sit inside a closed bag create the conditions for odour-causing bacteria and mould to develop. Leave the shoes upright or flat in a place with good airflow overnight. For canvas shoes, a small sachet of silica gel or a cedar ball placed inside the shoe helps absorb residual moisture and keeps the interior fresh.
How should pointe shoes be stored?
Pointe shoes should never be stored in a sealed bag or in a humid environment. After wearing, remove them from the bag and leave them to dry completely before storing — this can take several hours. The box (the hardened toe area) softens dramatically when wet from dancing and needs to be fully dried in its correct shape. Some dancers stuff the toe with tissue while drying to help the shoe hold its form. Once dry, store pointe shoes in a mesh bag or a breathable fabric pouch — not in plastic. Pressure on the sides of the box can permanently distort the shape.
What to pack in the dance bag each week
A well-organised dance bag makes the pre-class rush much calmer. Keep a checklist inside the bag and restock after each class rather than before. A standard kit list includes:
- Leotard (freshly washed)
- Ballet tights (check for ladders before packing)
- Soft ballet shoes
- Character shoes (if required)
- Hair supplies: elastic, pins, hairnet, gel
- Water bottle (closed, not a cup)
- Spare elastic and pins (small emergency supply)
How to keep the bag itself clean and fresh
Dance bags need regular airing and occasional washing. Canvas bags can usually be machine washed; check the care label. Leather or structured bags should be wiped down inside with a damp cloth and left open to air after class. If the bag smells despite these measures, a small open sachet of baking soda left inside the empty bag overnight removes residual odours effectively.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How should pointe shoes be stored between classes?
Take them out of the bag after class, remove toe pads, and place them in a breathable mesh bag or leave them open on a shelf. Allow them to dry completely before the next class — damp pointe shoes break down quickly.
Is it bad to leave ballet shoes in the car between classes?
Heat in a parked car can soften the glue in ballet shoes and accelerate the breakdown of pointe shoe shanks and boxes. Store shoes at room temperature and avoid leaving them in a hot car, especially in summer.
How do I prevent ballet tights from developing holes quickly?
Wash them inside-out in a mesh laundry bag, avoid stretching them when wet, and store them folded rather than stuffed into a tight space. Trim long toenails before class to avoid snagging the fabric from inside.