What’s in a Professional Dancer’s Gym Bag?

For most of us, simply remembering to pack a gym bag is a victory. But for those who’ve made careers out of health and fitness, it’s all in a day’s work. In this series, we’ll take you inside those expertly packed bags.

Haley Day’s gym bag/Photo provided

The pro: Haley Day, a company dancer at Urbanity Dance. Day is also the principal of Urbanity’s youth dance school, and will appear in the company’s next show: “Neruda’s Book of Questions: An Exploration Through Music and Dance,” on display at the Villa Victoria Center for the Arts February 3 and 4.

The contents:

1. Fleece-lined leggings: Day faces winter head-on with these cozy leggings, which she wears over her dance clothes during warmup. 

2. The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho: “My current reading material for the train ride to and from rehearsals and classes,” Day says.

3. TheraBand: This resistance band is crucial for foot and ankle exercises.

4. Emergen-C: Day stays illness-free with an assist from Emergen-C.

5. Notebook and pen: “For rehearsal notes and class planning,” she explains.

6. Yoga strap: Day uses this simple tool to keep her shoulders nice and loose.

7. Ballet shoes: Obviously.

8. Rubber ball: Adding to her body work arsenal, Day uses this rubber ball for foot and calf massages.

9. Advil.

10. Bubbles: “Just for fun,” Day says.

11. Headphones.

Purchase tickets to Urbanity’s upcoming “Neruda” show here.