Act One

Act One helps dancers, families, studios, schools, and performers find practical hair accessories and performance basics for class, recital, competition, rehearsal, and stage.

Located in Chatham, Ontario, Act One offers a practical selection of commonly requested items that help dancers and performers feel prepared. We also help families understand studio, recital, school, and production requirements before they buy.

Practical Basics for Dance and Performance

Small items can make a big difference on class, recital, competition, and performance days. Hair supplies, tights, underlayers, shoe accessories, and backup items are easy to overlook until the last minute.

Act One may carry practical items such as:

• hair elastics
• hair nets
• bobby pins and hair pins
• bun pins
• bun makers and shaping tools
• headbands and selected hair accessories
• basic recital and performance supplies
• dance tights and underlayers
• selected shoe-care and replacement items
• selected costume-support basics
• special-order items when available through our suppliers

Availability changes by item, colour, size, season, and supplier. Please contact Act One before making a special trip for a specific product.

Hair Supplies for Dance Classes and Recitals

Many studios ask dancers to arrive with hair secured away from the face. Ballet classes and performances often require a neat bun, while other styles may use ponytails, braids, low buns, or another teacher-approved look.

Common dance-hair basics include:

• strong elastics that match the dancer’s hair colour when possible
• hair nets for a smooth, secure bun
• bobby pins for surface control
• hair pins or bun pins for anchoring the bun
• a bun maker when extra shape or support is helpful
• gel, spray, or another approved hair product brought from home
• backup elastics and pins for recital or competition day

If your studio has a specific hair requirement, bring the written instructions, a photo, or a message from the teacher. That helps us understand what style and supplies may be needed.

A Simple Dance Bun Supply Checklist

• brush or comb
• strong hair elastic
• hair net
• bobby pins
• hair pins or bun pins
• gel, spray, or another approved styling product
• small mirror
• extra elastics and pins

The exact method can vary by studio, dancer, hair type, and costume. When in doubt, follow the teacher’s instructions.

Recital and Competition Basics

Recital and competition preparation often includes more than costumes and shoes. Families may also need hair supplies, tights, undergarments, clear straps, safety pins, garment bags, labels, and backup items.

Before performance day, check:

• the required hairstyle
• the required tight colour and style
• whether undergarments or clear straps are allowed
• whether earrings, hairpieces, or other accessories are required
• whether shoes are clean, secure, and performance-ready
• whether spare tights, elastics, pins, and safety pins should be packed
• whether the studio has provided a specific costume or backstage checklist

Bring the studio or teacher checklist with you whenever possible. Act One will help you review the items we carry and identify anything that may need to be sourced elsewhere.

Performance Basics for Theatre and School Musicals

School musicals and theatre productions may require practical items such as character shoes, jazz shoes, dance tights, hair supplies, underlayers, and basic costume-support items.

Requirements can differ from one production to another. A director, choreographer, costume coordinator, or teacher may specify:

• shoe type
• shoe colour
• heel height
• tight colour
• hair style
• undergarment colour
• accessories that should or should not be visible
• when the item is needed for rehearsal or performance

Bring those instructions to Act One before buying. We can help you review available options and discuss special orders when appropriate.

Dance Tights and Underlayers

Dance tights, leotards, and underlayers are often part of a complete performance look. Studios and productions may require a specific style or colour, so it is important to confirm the exact wording before purchasing.

Act One may carry selected dance tights and dancewear basics in commonly requested children’s and adult sizes. We can also review supplier availability for selected items.

What to Pack in a Performance Emergency Kit

A small emergency kit can reduce stress on recital, competition, audition, and show days. Your studio or production may provide its own list, but common items include:

• extra hair elastics
• bobby pins and hair pins
• hair net
• safety pins
• small sewing kit
• fashion tape if permitted
• clear nail polish for temporary tight runs, if appropriate
• spare tights
• bandages and blister protection
• shoe-care items
• costume labels
• water and a clean snack, where allowed

Always follow venue, studio, backstage, and production rules. Some products may not be allowed in dressing rooms or backstage areas.

Bring Your Requirements

You do not need to know every product name before visiting. Bring whatever information you have, including:

• a studio dress code
• a recital checklist
• a costume note
• a teacher or choreographer email
• a production requirement
• a photo or product link
• the dancer’s or performer’s current item for comparison

Act One respects the requirements of each studio, school, teacher, choreographer, costume coordinator, and production team. Our role is to help customers understand those requirements and find practical options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you carry hair nets, pins, and bun supplies?

Act One may carry selected hair nets, elastics, bobby pins, hair pins, bun pins, and bun-making supplies as stock allows. Contact us before visiting if you need a specific colour, size, or item.

What do I need to make a dance bun?

A basic dance bun usually needs a brush, strong elastic, hair net, bobby pins, hair pins, and a styling product. Some dancers also use a bun maker. Follow your studio’s instructions because the required style may vary.

Do you carry recital and competition supplies?

Act One carries selected practical items for recital and performance preparation. Stock may include hair supplies, tights, dancewear basics, and other commonly requested items. Availability changes, so contact us if you need something specific.

Can you help with school musical or theatre requirements?

Yes. Bring the director, choreographer, costume, or school requirements. We can help review common needs such as character shoes, jazz shoes, tights, hair supplies, and selected performance basics.

Can you special order an item that is not in stock?

We may be able to place a special order through our suppliers. Product availability, timing, colour, size, and return conditions vary. We will explain the current options before confirming an order.

Does Act One serve all local studios and performance groups?

Yes. Act One welcomes dancers, families, studios, schools, theatre groups, and performers from across Chatham-Kent and nearby communities. We respect each organization’s own requirements.

Can I visit without an appointment?

Act One is currently open by appointment only until our Grand Opening on August 8, 2026. Please contact us and wait for confirmation before visiting.