What's in Carolina Ballet's Principal Dancer, Amanda Gerhardt's Dance Bag?
- Jule Dancewear
- Jun 3
- 3 min read
Hi everyone!
My name is Amanda Gerhardt, but you can call me Mandy. I have 12 years of professional dancing under my belt and am a Principal dancer with the Carolina Ballet.
Over the years, I’ve figured out what works for me when it comes to tools, shoes, and everything in between—and let’s just say, I’m not a minimalist when it comes to my dance bag!
Here’s a peek at what I carry with me on a regular day:
Bloch Pointe Shoes
I recently switched to Bloch pointe shoes and have been really happy with their
consistency! I usually keep around 6 pairs in my bag—but sometimes that number gets
a little out of hand.
PerfectFit Toe Pads
These are hands down my favorite toe pads I’ve ever used. They’re made from a putty
that molds to your feet, which makes them totally customized to your feet and shoes. I
can dance longer without discomfort, and that’s everything.
Toe Tape & Corn Pads
A lifesaver on the daily. I use squishy tape to protect pain points and corn pads as a
little spacer between my fourth and fifth toes to prevent corns. I’ve had a lot of foot
issues over the years, so prevention is now a big focus for me. This trick has helped so
much!
Ballet/Flat Shoes
I wear these every morning for barre class and sometimes later in the day when I need
to re-warm up. They’re always in my bag.
Therabands
I use Therabands every single day—mainly for ankle and foot strengthening, but also
for glute work and PT exercises. They’re a total must-have.
Foam Roller
Right now I’m loving a smaller roller that’s easy to carry around and perfect for targeting
tight muscles, especially in my calves. Foam rolling is essential for keeping my body
feeling good.
Foot Roller
This little tool is great for targeting the small muscles in my feet. I use it every day,
usually on breaks—it feels wonderful!
Jet Glue
This is key for making my pointe shoes last longer. I use it all the time, on every single
pair I wear.
DaVinci Tool
I finally bought one of these last year and I’m so glad I did. It’s a multi-functional tool
(mine’s blue!) that I use to release neck and back tension—it’s become a favorite.
Arnica Gel
My go-to for muscle soreness and minor sprains. I love how natural it is, and it really
helps after long rehearsal days.
Hair Pin Holder
This one’s simple, but essential. My hair gets wild as the day goes on, so having pins
easily accessible is a game-changer.
Leg Warmers
I’m currently obsessed with my Jule leg warmers in the latte color. I wear them almost
daily—they keep my calves warm and I love their clean look!
My Pink Towel
I use this for stretching my upper body, especially to work on shoulder, arm, and chest
flexibility. Since I recently debuted as Odette/Odile in Swan Lake, I’ve been using it
even more!
Alright, that’s a wrap on what’s in my dance bag! Every item has earned its place
through years of trial, error, and experience. I hope this gives you a little insight into
what keeps me moving every day—in the studio and onstage.
Thanks for following along!
With love,
Mandy 💕
You can follow Amanda's dance journey on instagram at @mandyklev.
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