Dance Competition - The Beginning

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Dance Competition - The first time you compete in a Dance Competition you will most likely be nervous and that's normal. Even though you love to dance the case of nerves will get you many times but you can use that to your benefit when competing in Dance Competition. Regardless if you are a pro dancer or not everyone is effected by nerves. The difference is you learn to handle the nerves better. That is just part of competitive dancing.


The fact that you have decided to compete in a Dance Competition, and following through with it no matter the outcome, is a big accomplishment.


You are doing something that most people only dream of doing. You have walked through the door and you made it to the Dance Competition. You're surrounded by dancers dressed in their best outfits their professional coaches are giving them last minute tips and advice. Your head feels like it is going to explode. You need to relax. Easier said then done right? Try meditating and do whatever it is that causes you to relax. Everyone has thier own routine when it comes to relaxing and killing time. From deep breathing ...
... to stretching, do what works the best for you.


No matter what skills or technique you use remember that you're doing this because you love to dance. If you didn't love to dance then you wouldn't have put in all that practice time and spent all that money on lessons and costumes. You there for a reason so enjoy it. Just remember one thing. Regardless of how experienced your competition is, they are all freaking out inside just like you are. Try and look at it this way: If you're new, then you're probably in one of the beginner or starter divisions. That means that for all the dancers at that Dance Competition, it is probably their first time too. At the very least, they haven't been doing it for long and are still pretty green behind the ears.


The best thing that you can do that will help you relax before the Dance Competition is PRACTICE!


The more you practice before the Dance Competition, the better you'll feel.


A special note: You want to give the leader a break and try hard to not to add to the leader's stress level during the Dance Competition. Remember, the leader has got twice as much going on inside the head because the leader not only is responsible for moving their own body, the leader is responsible for floor craft, the choreography and watching out for the follow. It is in your own best interest to have your leader as relaxed and confident as possible. Relax, have fun and breathe.


Do not wait until the last minute to work on your costumefor the Dance Competition. Since this is your first Dance Competition, which probably means that you'll be in one of the starter or beginner divisions. So you don't have to go onto the floor dressed to the nines, looking like someone who has been dancing for years.


What dances are you doing and what style? Is it Jazz or Ballroom? Maybe Hip-Hop? Each one can have different looks. Talk to your coach/instructor, do a search online for videos and photos to get ideas. Keep it simple though. The most important thing is to wear something comfortable and is easy to move around in during the Dance Competition. Especially, just starting out, if you can use something you already have that would be the best thing to do. Pick something you feel you look good in. Doing that will create a positive reaction. If you feel like you look good, that positive energy can be channeled into your dance. Whatever you decide to wear, make sure you have it and it is set a couple days before the Dance Competition. Put it this way. As soon as you decide to compete in a Dance Competition and know what your routine and theme is. Start thinking about your costume right away.


It is a very good idea to do a dress rehersal before any Dance Competition. This is your chance to put it all together and have a practice run at it like I live performance. This is a good time to ask your friends to come to the studio who might not be able to come to the actual Dance Competition. They get to see you dance and you get a chance to have a dress rehearsal with a real live audience. Plus, get some last minute critics that are always helpful. Dress rehearsals are important because that is when you find out what works and what does not work. For example: this is where you find out that outfit you thought looked great turns out to not be so great.


Dress rehearsals are also important because they allow you to get rid of some of the nerves before the actual Dance Competition. You're dancing for friends or the other dancers in the studio who have seen you practicing. They as well are working and getting ready for the Dance Competition. There is a comfortable feeling in the air. Unlike the day of the Dance Competiton filled with nerves of the unknown.


A dress rehearsal is also a good chance to see if there are any mechanical issues in the dance itself that have to be tweaked before the Dance Competition. When you start dancing in front of an audience your brain becomes mush. With experience you will be able to think in the moment and relax once you get into your routine. Until then, your mind will be mush and that is where all that practice comes in and everything should be second nature. If there is something like styling that does not feel right, do not worry about and move on. You will get it. But if is something that might put either you or your partner in danger of injury, that needs to be fixed. The dress rehearsal is where those types of things will show up. That is a good thing because it is still before the Dance Competition and you have to time. Just do not schedule your dress rehearsal the day before the Dance Competition.


For those all you "Newbies", the "Dance Bag" is a bag where you'll throw in all that stuff that you take to a Dance Competition to get you through. From your cell to food, anything you can think of that you might need for the Dance Competition. You can use just about any bag or backpack, but you will need one. Just make a list things and then throw them in. The list will grow for sure after you do a few Dance Competitions. Just remember, you have to carry it.


For every Dance Competition make a list at least a few days before it. So if you need something you are not scrambling at the last minute. Double check the competition schedules and times the night before, the morning of, and when you get to the event. Always try and have a backup plan in case something does go wrong and something eventually will, even if it is minor. It's practice, practice, practice and, preporation, preporation, preporation.


Some of the more popular Dance Competitons are "So you think you can Dance?", "Fire and Ice Dance Competition", "Encore Dance Competition""Showstoppers Dance Competition" and "Rising Star Dance Competition".


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