I’ve been seeing a lot of posts lately about dancers starting their cycles and moms asking for advice on how to handle this next chapter and honestly? Same here!!
This has been me all season long: secretly crossing my fingers that my dancer doesn’t start her period on competition weekend. But let’s be real, it’s gonna happen sooner or later, and it’s better to be prepared than panicked.
So after a little frantic Googling and mom-to-mom research, I wanted to pull together what I’ve found in one place. Because if you’re the mom of a young dancer entering puberty, you’re probably feeling all the feels—especially when it comes to that time of the month. Between tight costumes, quick changes, and nonstop movement, periods can bring a whole new layer of stress. So LET’s DIVE IN!
In some of my mom-to-mom conversations and advice threads, I heard things like, “You have to use tampons—that’s the only thing that works.” But… hmm, not so fast.
Not every dancer is comfortable with tampons, especially at a younger age. Some aren’t ready, some simply don’t want to, and as moms, we need to respect that. Personally, I’m not comfortable with my 11-year-old using tampons yet, so I knew there had to be other options.
And guess what? There are. More than ever, we have choices that can help our dancers feel protected and confident without pushing something that doesn’t feel right.
Our job isn’t to force one solution. It’s to help our dancers explore what works best for them.
For dancers (and dance mommas) who aren’t ready for internal products, period underwear is a solid choice. These undies are absorbent, reusable, and often feel just like regular underwear—just with discreet built-in protection. Many brands even offer sleek, leotard-friendly styles that work well under tights and costumes.
While we’ve managed to avoid needing period underwear so far this season, my daughter wears them to school and they’ve worked great. When the time comes for comp days, this is likely the route we plan to start with and possibly pads.
One thing to note, some styles can be a little bulky or show lines under costumes. If that’s a concern, look for seamless options, which are now offered by several brands and designed specifically with dancers and athletes in mind.
Brands to explore:
Knixteen / Knix – leakproof, soft, and dancer-approved
Modibodi – offers activewear styles, high absorbency, and some seamless options
✨ Dance Mom Tip: Pack an extra pair in your dancer’s bag for long competition days—just in case!
Some dancers still prefer pads, and that can work too—with the right dance underwear. Look for high-waisted briefs or full-coverage seamless styles that can hold a pad in place without showing lines.
Dance mom tip: Do a dress rehearsal at home. Let your dancer try out different combos with their costume to see what feels most secure.
For comp weekends or recital days with fast costume changes, talk to your studio about how to make your dancer feel comfortable. A quick-change assistant (even a trusted dance mom) who knows the situation can help ease anxiety.
Here’s a helpful trick:
Pre-line the costume with a no-wing pad that fits neatly in the lining. I recently did this for a photoshoot, and it worked out perfectly. This way, during a quick change, your dancer isn’t fumbling with underwear or trying to place a pad—everything is already in place. It saves time and helps them get back on stage with confidence. Just be sure to pack a small, discreet bag for disposing of used pads when needed.
And if the bathroom is far away or lines are long, this is where having a pop-up tent or a tent cover can be a game-changer. It gives your dancer privacy for a quick change or pad swap, right there at your comp setup.
Prepare them for anything with a small pouch that includes:
An extra pair of period underwear or regular briefs
Pads or tampons (just in case they change their mind)
Wipes
A small bag for used items
Chocolate, because why not?
Having their own little kit gives them confidence and control—even when you’re not backstage.
This topic might feel a little uncomfortable at first, but it’s a normal part of growing up. Avoiding it only makes it more stressful for your dancer. The truth is, every dancer will face this, and it’s okay for them (and you!) to feel a little weird or anxious about it.
Just remember: you’ll figure it out together.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. What works for one dancer might not work for another—and that’s totally okay. Your role is to support them, help explore their options, answer their questions, and remind them:
they’ve got this… and so do you.
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