10 items to take with you when performing for a belly dance show
1. Make up and make up brushes
Make up and make up brushes - It is always useful to have these items with you when performing, even if you applied your make up before leaving your house, just in case you need to refresh your make up. Do not forget things such as blush, eyeliner, mascara, foundation, lipstick and glitter.
2. Costume and props
This may seem obvious, but make sure you do not forget your costume (including belt and bra set, skirt, baladi dress or whichever outfit you will be wearing) and props. If you are dancing with belly dance props, such as sagat, cane, veil, sword etc. it could be easy to forget them at home.
3. Items for the hair
These include hair spray, hair brush and comb, any bands or hairpins. Anything you may need to revamp your hair before going on stage.
4. Accessories
Including shoes, especially if you are dancing in a restaurant where you may need to protect your feet as the floor may be dirty; headpiece, if you have one; jewellery (rings, 
anklet, bracelets etc.). Last but not least, a cloak or a caftan could be useful to hide your costume, if the place where you are dancing does not have a reserved area just for dancers behind the stage.
5. Music CD and spare copy
In some venues, such as restaurants, you may need to take your own music CD and it is also a good idea to take with you more than 1 copy, just in case one got scratched and did not play well. Even when you can send your music to the venue beforehand, I still like to take with me a couple of CDs with my music just in case.
6. A bottle of water
To drink before and soon after your performance.
7. Printed directions to the venue
Including address and telephone number of the organiser.
8. Items for emergency adjustments to the costume
It can be useful to take with you some safety pins, to keep bits and pieces in place. Also, a travel sewing kit could be handy, just in case you need to make some emergency repair to your bellydance outfit.
9. Clean change of clothing and underwear for after the show
Also, if you are performing in a theatre with proper changing rooms and showers, you may want to take with you a towel, shampoo and soap to freshen up after performing (especially if you are performing to energetic music, such as a tabla solo).
10. More various items
Other things you may need are a spare pair of contact lenses, spectacles and a case to put them away; tissues; a couple of biscuits or nuts to nibble on (I find these particularly useful, as I do not like to eat much before the performance, but I do not like to perform when I am starving either ). Finally, you will of course need money, your mobile, house and car keys and all the things that you take with you when going out anyway.
