Melissa Tuplin

I am a persistent overpacker. I carry a large, overstuffed weekender bag with me to festivals and choreographic intensives. I only work on dance projects once or twice a year, while focusing on my career as an arts administrator, so when I am choreographing, it’s research and time intensive. I live out of this bag!

 

I don’t go anywhere without my bullet journal to keep track of my life. I also have a dedicated journal for each project I work on, and I usually carry a stack of books (in the shoe pocket of my bag) for the works I’m creating and for inspiration (Feelings are Facts by Yvonne Rainer is a must-read!). When I’m working on a piece with my collective, I carry three copies of the script, one for each hat I wear: choreographer, dancer, director.

 

I carry an iPad mini in a folio, my iPhone, headphones and a charger. My independent choreographic practice is as a solo performer, so I use the iPad to record rehearsals. The larger screen makes it easier to review choreography when I don’t have a rehearsal director in the room.

 

I’m a triple-layer dancer. I always have multiple pairs of socks and legwarmers, a toque and a blanket scarf. I bundle up and huddle in the corner of the studio to make notes, stretch and snooze.

 

I am notoriously bad at taking care of myself. (I don’t think dancers are supposed to admit that!) I’d survive on coffee if I could, so I keep a meal replacement drink, some chocolate and a granola bar in my bag in case of a “hangry” emergency.

 

A stocked bag with first aid essentials, my medication and a bottle of painkillers and various “dancer detritus” ensure that I’m ready for whatever might happen in the studio. I also carry a small makeup bag and some perfume. Sometimes it’s easier to choreograph with lipstick on, and a little spritz of scent makes me feel like a human when I leave the studio.