Competition Day Survival Guide for Studio Owners, Dancers, and Parents
Competition day is exciting, emotional, and—let’s be honest—a little chaotic. With early call times, quick changes, and high expectations, even the most experienced studios can feel the pressure. The good news? A little preparation goes a long way.
This survival guide will help studio owners, dancers, and parents stay organized, calm, and focused so everyone can perform at their best and actually enjoy the experience.
Start with a Solid Plan
Success on competition day begins long before you arrive at the venue.
As a studio owner, make sure families receive a clear schedule at least a week in advance. Include:
Arrival times (earlier than the official call time)
Performance order
Awards sessions
Studio meeting points
Encourage everyone to plan for extra time—traffic, parking, and long check-in lines are common. It’s always better to be early and relaxed than rushed and stressed.
The Ultimate Packing Checklist
One of the biggest competition day stressors? Forgetting something important.
Share a standardized packing list with your dancers and parents:
Essentials:
All costumes (labeled clearly)
Tights, socks, and undergarments
Dance shoes (plus backups if possible)
Hair supplies (brushes, gel, hairspray, bobby pins)
Makeup kit
Safety pins & sewing kit
Water bottle
Healthy snacks
Phone charger
Nice-to-have extras:
Blanket or sleeping bag (for long days)
Portable mirror
Flip-flops or slides
Mini first aid kit
Pro tip: Encourage dancers to pack the night before and double-check everything in the morning.
Backstage Organization is Everything
Backstage can quickly turn into controlled chaos—but your studio doesn’t have to be part of it.
Designate a backstage leader (teacher, assistant, or experienced parent) to:
Keep dancers together
Track performance times
Manage quick changes
Communicate with studio staff
Set expectations with dancers:
Stay in assigned areas
Keep belongings organized
Respect other studios’ space
Stay quiet and focused near the stage
A calm backstage environment leads to stronger, more confident performances.
Hair, Makeup, and Costumes: Be Ready Early
Avoid last-minute panic by having dancers arrive performance-ready whenever possible.
This means:
Hair and makeup fully done before arrival (unless instructed otherwise)
Costumes steamed, labeled, and hung properly
All accessories accounted for
For younger dancers, consider assigning parent helpers or creating a “getting ready team” to streamline the process.
Managing Nerves and Energy Levels
Competition days are long, and emotions run high.
Help dancers stay physically and mentally ready by encouraging:
Light stretching and warm-ups before performing
Staying hydrated throughout the day
Eating balanced snacks (not just sugar!)
Taking quiet breaks away from noise when needed
For nerves, remind dancers:
It’s okay to feel nervous—it means they care
Focus on performing, not perfection
Trust their training
A quick team huddle or positive pep talk can go a long way.
Communication is Key
Create a simple communication system so everyone stays informed.
Options include:
Group chats for parents
Studio apps or email updates
Printed schedules and reminders
Prosody Backstage
Make sure families know who to contact if they have questions during the event. Clear communication prevents confusion and keeps things running smoothly.
Set the Tone: Positive and Professional
As a studio owner, your energy sets the tone for your entire team.
Encourage:
Good sportsmanship
Respect for judges and competitors
Celebrating all performances—not just wins
Remind dancers and parents that competitions are about growth, teamwork, and experience—not just trophies.
After the Performance
Once routines are done, it’s tempting to mentally “check out”—but there’s still value in staying engaged.
Encourage dancers to:
Watch other performances
Support teammates
Attend awards (when possible)
After the event, consider sending a follow-up message celebrating effort, improvement, and standout moments—not just placements.
Final Thoughts
Competition day doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With thoughtful planning, clear communication, and a focus on positivity, it can become one of the most rewarding parts of the dance season.
When everyone knows what to expect and feels supported, dancers can step on stage with confidence—and that’s where the magic really happens.
