Competition weekends can be very demanding for dancers, coaches, judges, and parents. Months of grueling rehearsals, arrive at the venue, costumes in hand, and you are ready to hit the stage in full out mode! Then latterly graciously accept whichever award comes your way. And while your onstage performance is very important, what you need to know is you are also being watched by judges off the floor as well. A bad attitude, poor choice of words, and sarcasm towards your fellow opponents could be just the thing that turned your 1st place to a 3rd. Here are what some competition pro’s love and hate to see from dancers.
DO spend time rehearsing before you compete. At your studio dedicate yourself to learning to master your dance number. That way when you get on stage you will know it front to back, inwards and outwards, giving you the chance to really enjoy it.
DON’T rush around.. Get dressed and ready first thing in full hair and makeup. Then begin your warm up and pre-performance routine.
Do check in on time. Managers and event staff always recognize prompt dancers. When you check in you are telling the organization you are ready to perform! Be sure to always tell someone where you are going.
Do give yourself the benefit of time. Be sure to arrive at least two hours before to dress, and warm up properly without being rushed. If you end up rushing it can really throw you off your game.
Do remember it’s not the audiences job to love you. You must learn to entertain them! So now go and do your job!
DON’T be late. Tardiness does not only affect your mental capability for your performance, it translates to onlookers as lazy, lack of care, and lack of respect. That’s not the reaction you want from onlookers at the competition.
DO realize you are a part of a larger picture. Everyone wants things over the weekend to run smoothly, be professional and do your part.
DON’T hoot and holler during performances. Although your excitement and enthusiasm is appreciated, it’s distracting and low-class to yell during a performance.
DON’T make someone else pick up after you. Be mindful backstage and in your dressing rooms. In South Africa most are spoiled with domestics or a cleaning service to come in and clean after, but do it out of respect for your art!
DON’T peek out of curtains or wings. If you can see the audience or judges, they can see you!
DO clap for every studio at awards. One of the biggest peeves in the industry is when a school or studio only claps for their pieces. Be supportive of those around you.
DO show how much you love dancing. When you are in the dressing room, be sure to smile and talk to other dancers. Always say thank you when you are spoken to or complimented in any way. I always have my students make one new friend at every competition we go to.
DO be aware that your attitude and behavior is a direct reflection of you studio. Make sure you represent it well.
DON’T let the results of the competition dictate your reaction to the experience or dump pressure on to your teacher. There will always be a time when you walk out of a competition disappointed in the awards. Consider dance competitions like a progress report, take something from it, work on it, go back better than before. A medal doesn’t make you a winner, doing the best you can do!
Lastly… DO make new friends at competitions. One of these days you will end up working together. The dance industry is a very small world.
Chace Dance Company 