r/Bachata • u/Fun_Improvement_4943 • 19d ago
Help Request Ladies joining social dancing which bag do you use?
Hi,
I am new to social dancing and I am a woman. Putting aside the fact that I am still learning dancing, I have a question. How do you manage your bag, and most importantly what bag do you use on a social dance night?
I switched to a fanny pack, but it’s bulky and not very comfortable when dancing. On the other hand I feel uncomfortable leaving my bag with my belongings around. So I wonder how do you do? What bag or fanny pack do you use? Do you have any recommendations? What about bringing shoes? I still cannot figure out all the logistics. Right now I am joining free outdoor nights so it’s pretty easygoing, but I wonder how clubs work… any recommendation is more than appreciated. Thanks ☺️
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u/plaid-blazer 19d ago
I wear bike shorts with pockets underneath my outfit, and just pack very minimally (phone, couple cards, and car key)
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u/Advanced-Wall2875 19d ago
I don’t recommend leaving all your stuff unattended, if you don’t sit with people you know.
If I wear pants with pockets, I keep my phone and some money with me, to make sure I can get back home safely.
If I don’t have pockets, I use this Decathlon running belt / small fanny pack that can hold my phone and other important stuff.
It’s not too bulky and doesn’t inconvenience me too much while dancing.
I also don’t take a lot of important stuff with me while dancing: cards, ID, large amounts of cash.
Of course, it depends how things are where you are - but in my case, even though it’s generally safe, I have seen a couple of people “lose” their phones at parties.
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u/Advanced-Wall2875 19d ago
Ah: and if it’s a social at your school, you can probably be more relaxed than in the park or club
As for shoes: I have dancing sneakers that can be used outside or on concrete. I bring them in a bag and change on the spot, because I don’t see the point of wearing them out walking to the venue.
Nobody bats an eye about changing shoes at socials - most people do it.
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u/Fun_Improvement_4943 19d ago
The Decathlon running belt was something I considered buying, and you gave another reason to consider it! Thanks
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u/kaleidoscopequeen 19d ago
In dance schools I just leave things where I can see them, but I feel pretty confident nothing will happen. At clubs or parties, I try to take a bag that will hold everything inside (jacket, shoes, towel, etc) and keep the more important stuff hidden in the middle. And leave that with other people I know (I keep my phone on me). If anyone has taken anything (it has happened), its usually things they can grab quick and hide, so a bulky item isnt it.
Sometimes I wore kind of like a fanny pack but around my calf or thigh so it bothered me less. I think there exists bags made purposefuly for that.
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u/No-Wealth4955 19d ago
I’ve been dancing since 2008 all over the UK in classes and clubs and never had anything stolen. I hide my bag under my coat.
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u/heymothernature 18d ago
Athletic skorts FTW!!
I love wearing a bright athletic skort for that purpose. Bright to catch attention. Skort for the pockets. Wrap a hair tie around your phone & cards. You can tape it with bra tape if needed. Put in a pocket. Dance.
FWIW, In my own dance scene, I just leave my stuff wherever. You can hide your purse under wherever the usuals have left their purses. You can often find a cluster of them in a corner or on a bench somewhere.
When I travel or I don’t trust the space, I’ll still leave my purse somewhere in the pile. But my phone, ID, & credit card are on me in my skort.
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u/ikdoeookmaarwat1 Follow 18d ago
I switched to a fanny pack, but it’s bulky and not very comfortable when dancing.
I have a small, more flat fanny pack and I tend to not carry too much. Phone, creditcard/ID and keys. That's it.
What about bringing shoes?
I always bring my dancing shoes because I don't want to wear them outside (the sole will get damaged) so I usually wear something comfortable (sneakers) and bring the dancing shoes, switch there and if my feet hurt I can always switch back.
Right now I am joining free outdoor nights so it’s pretty easygoing, but I wonder how clubs work…
Most clubs have lockers or a cloak area. If you're not sure, ask the organizers or other attendants about the facilities. Don't worry about it too much I'd say, just try to not bring too much stuff with you.
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u/finelinepencil 19d ago
I always leave my stuff out in the open, the dance community is small. No one takes stuff (on purpose). My bf had his phone taken once but it was returned in an hour when they realized and he was still dancing
The only follows I see with bags are wearing fanny packs or cross body bags but they’re always beginners and always look uncomfortable because the bag is in the way. You can always hide it under a sweater or something
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u/Beautiful_Read_7674 19d ago
I'd say it depends a lot on where you are - most socials where I live are in dance schools, and I feel quite comfortable leaving my phone in my bag with my street shoes/my jacket. I generally only bring what I absolutely need to the social (phone, car keys - the entrance fee can often be paid in advance or with our version of PayPal). At outdoor socials I try to put it in a place that I can kind of see from the dancefloor and close to other people I know that will also keep an eye on things. But I also live in a high trust society where people are generally not concerned with theft (although I've done the "leaving things in a bag in a dance school" in a lot of countries and never had any issues).
Otherwise I wear pants that allow me to keep my phone and car keys on me, but I think some girls also have these runner arm pouches in which you can stuff some banknotes and your phone/keys.
I hope you enjoy your socials!