Weekend after weekend, I find myself standing on stage, hosting competitions and reminding dancers, “Don’t define yourself by a trophy.” The true value of competing lies not in the awards but in the personal growth it fosters. Competition can shape young dancers into hardworking, goal-oriented individuals and teach them to be team players. These experiences lay the foundation for future success and help them build meaningful connections within their communities. However, this growth only happens with the right mindset. As you step into competition season, here are 20 key things to keep in mind:
Set Clear Goals
Define specific objectives for the season, such as improving a particular skill, having smoother transitions, improving your technique, having clean group choreography, or mastering performance quality. Do not set a goal of obtaining a particular score, medal, or trophy. There are too many factors involved in the judges scoring that you cannot control.
Prioritize Consistent Practice
Regular practice builds muscle memory and confidence. Focus on both technical drills and full-out performance runs.
Maintain Physical Health
Stay hydrated, eat nutritious meals, and get enough rest to ensure your body is competition ready.
Warm Up Properly
Always warm up before dancing. Doing a bar warm-up before competing helps you perform better and helps prevent injury.
Try to Perfect Transitions and Details
Pay attention to the smaller details like transitions between moves, hand placement, and facial expressions—they make a huge difference.
Work on Stamina
Build your endurance with cardio and repeated run-throughs to ensure your energy lasts through every performance.
Strengthen Mental Preparation
Practice visualization and positive self-talk to stay focused and calm under pressure.
Be Versatile
Stay adaptable to changes, whether it’s adjustments to choreography or unexpected delays in competition schedules – being versatile helps you perform better because you can focus on what is most important in the moment.
Polish Presentation Skills
Focus on projecting confidence, engaging with the audience, and expressing the story of your piece.
Perfect Your Costume and Makeup
Double-check that costumes fit well and are competition ready. Practice your makeup to ensure it complements your routine and stays intact during performances.
Review Judges’ Feedback
Take constructive criticism from past competitions seriously to improve and grow.
Work as a Team (if applicable)
If you’re part of a group, prioritize synchronization, trust, and communication.
Rehearse in Costume
Practice dancing in your costume to identify potential wardrobe malfunctions or movement restrictions.
Study the Music
Know your music inside and out, including every beat, accent, and transition.
Stay Organized
Keep a checklist for costumes, shoes, makeup, accessories, and snacks to avoid last minute stress.
Be Professional Backstage
Stay courteous to other dancers, respect the competition staff, and follow all rules and guidelines.
Stay Resilient
Mistakes happen. Bounce back quickly and finish your routine with confidence.
Film Rehearsals
Record and watch your practices to spot areas for improvement.
Celebrate Small Wins
Acknowledge progress and milestones along the way, whether it’s nailing a challenging move or receiving positive feedback.
Remember the Joy of Dance
Amidst the competition, don’t lose sight of your love for dancing. Enjoy the experience and let your passion shine on stage!