Dance competition season is one of the most exciting times of the year for studios, teachers, dancers, and families alike. It’s a time to showcase all the hard work and dedication that goes into training and rehearsing. However, with all the excitement comes a fair amount of stress, organization, and preparation. To ensure that your competition experience runs smoothly and everyone is prepared, here’s a guide with best practices for dance studio owners, teachers, parents, and dancers.
For Dance Studio Owners
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Plan Ahead: Start preparing for the competition season months in advance. Set clear goals for each class and group. Organize registration, costumes, and travel logistics early so there’s no last-minute scramble.
Create Clear Communication Channels: Set up a centralized place for all important information, whether it’s through a newsletter, an app, or a private Facebook group. Make sure both parents and teachers are always in the loop.
Prepare a Schedule: Keep a detailed schedule of rehearsals, travel times, and competition days. Ensure that everyone knows where they need to be and when, and remind them in advance.
Encourage Team Spirit: Foster a supportive and positive environment within your studio. Encourage dancers to cheer on their peers and support each other before, during, and after performances.
DON’T:
Leave Things to the Last Minute: Don’t wait until the week before the competition to finalize costumes, routines, or travel plans. Give yourself ample time for any last-minute changes or adjustments.
Overload Your Dancers: Don’t schedule too many routines for each dancer. Make sure that they’re not overexerted, which could lead to burnout or injuries.
Ignore Logistics: Don’t forget the smaller details — things like transportation, meals, and accommodations. If something goes wrong with these arrangements, it can cause stress for everyone involved.
For Dance Teachers
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Be Organized: Have clear choreography, music, and rehearsal schedules prepared well in advance. Keep a checklist of tasks to ensure you’re hitting all the necessary steps in your preparation.
Prepare Dancers for the Stage: Teach not only the dance but also stage presence. Remind your students about performance etiquette, such as projecting confidence, engaging with the audience, and respecting the judges.
Help With Mental Preparation: Competitions can be nerve-wracking. Give dancers confidence boosters and stress-reduction tips before they take the stage. Consider doing mock competitions to get them used to the environment.
Be Positive and Encouraging: Praise your dancers for their hard work, regardless of the outcome. Positive feedback goes a long way in building their confidence and making them feel valued.
DON’T:
Criticize Publicly: Always give constructive criticism in a private setting, not in front of the group or during a competition. Remember that competition is stressful enough without adding pressure.
Forget to Communicate with Parents: Keep open lines of communication with parents, especially when it comes to competition details, rehearsal schedules, and costume fittings.
Skip Warm-Ups: Never let your dancers go on stage without a proper warm-up. It’s essential for both their performance and injury prevention.
For Dance Parents
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Stay Organized: Keep track of the competition schedule, dancer’s costumes, and any required documentation. Have everything ready the night before the competition to ensure a smooth morning.
Be Supportive: Encourage your child to do their best, regardless of the outcome. Emphasize the importance of personal growth and teamwork over winning.
Respect the Rules: Follow the rules set by the competition organizers. Arrive on time, adhere to costume guidelines, and be mindful of backstage etiquette.
Stay Calm and Positive: If things don’t go as planned, remain calm and positive. Your child will look to you for reassurance, and a positive attitude can ease their nerves.
DON’T:
Engage in Drama: Avoid arguing with other parents or coaches, whether it’s about competition results or minor issues. It’s important to maintain a positive, professional environment for everyone.
Overwhelm Your Child: Don’t add extra pressure by focusing too much on the competition results. Encourage your dancer to enjoy the experience and focus on doing their best.
Forget to Pack Essentials: Always have a backup of everything — costumes, tights, shoes, makeup, snacks, and water. You never know when you’ll need a quick fix for something that goes wrong.
For Dancers
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Give Your Best Performance: Always put your heart and soul into your routine. Whether you win or lose, it’s the passion and energy you give that counts the most.
Stay Positive and Confident: Trust in your training, and don’t let nerves take over. Remember, the judges are looking for performance, not perfection.
Warm Up and Cool Down: Proper warm-ups and cool-downs are essential for preventing injuries. Stretch and practice mental focus techniques before stepping on stage.
Be Respectful to Fellow Dancers: Cheer for other dancers, whether they are from your studio or another. Remember, competitions are about community as much as they are about performance.
DON’T:
Let Nerves Get the Best of You: If you make a mistake on stage, don’t dwell on it. Keep going and finish your performance strong. The judges will notice your professionalism.
Forget to Follow the Routine: Stick to the choreography and timing you’ve practiced. Impromptu changes on stage can throw off your entire performance.
Get Distracted Backstage: Don’t get caught up in distractions before your performance. Stay focused, relaxed, and keep your energy positive.
Conclusion:
Dance competitions are an incredible opportunity for dancers to showcase their hard work and for everyone involved to celebrate their growth. By staying organized, positive, and focused on the bigger picture, the experience can be rewarding and enjoyable. Keep in mind the best practices listed here — from communication to preparation, stage presence to supporting one another — and you’ll set the stage for a successful and fun competition season!
Good luck, and may all your dancers shine on and off the stage!
