The Pros and Cons of Competitions

Dance competitions have been around as long as I can remember. In the last few years they have increased both in popularity and exposure largely in part to the show, Dance Moms. This group travels around to a different dance competition every week and I am finding that more and more dance studios are following a similar model. At our studio we do two competitions each year and after our season is over we find ourselves questioning if we should we be doing more or if we should stop competing altogether. At our studio we feel that competitions are beneficial in some ways but create more problems in others. We want our dancers to learn and have fun at these events but still keep their eyes on the next step in their career.

Every studio has a different view and as a dance parent your job is to make sure you are in a studio that supports your feelings toward competitions.  Here I have laid out some pros and cons that we come back to year after year.

Pros:
-Competitions are an additional performance opportunity. As a dancer, you put in countless hours of work in the classroom and in return are on stage for minutes. Performance is the reward for all of that hard work. It is also something you have to practice; it isn't easy portraying an emotion while doing complicated choreography. Competitions not only allow dancers to get on stage but also practice the art of performance.
-It is exposure to what other dancers are doing. It gets them out of their "studio bubble" and allows them to see other dancers their age, different choreography, and different styles of dance.
-It allows dancers to have a tangible goal (trophies/titles). Some students work harder and smarter when they have something specific they are working toward.
-They are fun. Not only do the dancers get to perform but they also get to spend the whole day/weekend with their dance friends. During their down time, they get to talk about whatever kids/teens talk about, go out to eat, get ready together, and who can forget the giant dance party on stage before awards.

Cons:
- For the most part, dance competitions are not a reflection of what is happening in the college and professional dance scene. Aside from college or professional dance teams, the type of dance that is most often seen at competitions is not seen after high school.
- Dance is an art. Competitions often take the emphasis off of the artistry and onto the "tricks"-the fouettes, the illusions, the acrobatics, etc. I'm not saying that we shouldn't learn these things and can't use them in choreography but I can't tell you how many times I have seen the same copy and paste dance (a piece that could be done to any music with any costume) competition after competition. I worry that because of this, young dancers aren't being exposed to thoughtful choreography and therefore aren't being challenged artistically which could stunt their growth as a dancer moving beyond high school.
- Competition season can sometimes bring on the drama! Who is in front, who is in the "good dances", who got the highest score, etc. For some reason competitions can bring out the beast in all of us. This is not only a problem in the dancers but also with dance moms and teachers. In the midst of competition you may find yourself shooting other dance moms dirty looks because their daughter did a leap on the wrong count but don't worry, we have all had that moment. Maybe it is the hairspray or maybe it's the trophies but something at these events can bring out the worst in us all.
- Costume and music choices are not always age appropriate. At every competition I have ever been to, I manage to see an elementary age student in a half top and booty shorts while dancing to "My Humps" or something similar. As a teacher, choreographer, and mom, I can tell you that there is no artistic reason for these inappropriate choices and there are plenty of choices that are better suited.

There are of course exceptions to these pros and cons. I have been to competitions with thoughtful choreography and have been very impressed with the lack of drama at others but I am speaking through my over all experie
nces as a dancer, teacher, and director. To set your dancer up for success, it is crucial to align yourself with a studio that has the same outlook as you do.

Why Does Dress Code Matter?

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At my studio it seems like before the start of every new session we dedicate a little time to brainstorming ways to get students and parents on board with our dress code. Our dress code is pretty standard, and we have never faced huge resistance; it just seems like throughout the year things tend to get a little sloppy. The biggest challenge isn't the older students...it's the under 9 crowd that is still dependent on their parents help. It does feel a little condescending to reprimand parents for not getting their kid's hair in a bun or sending their child to class in the wrong color tight. As a parent, I can definitely understand that there are weeks where just getting your child to class is an accomplishment! I wanted to share a few reasons why these details matter and offer a few suggestions to set your student up for success:

- Dancers that are in properly fitting dance clothing are not distracted by their clothing. Tights should be specific dance tights (not sweater tights or something you would wear under a Christmas dress). Leotards should cover their bodies, provide adequate support where needed, and have enough stretch that they stay in place while dancing. Tank tops, pants, and shorts should stay put while dancing and not leave dancers exposed. Most leggings (unless they are specifically sold for athletic activities) are not going to work.

- Dancers shouldn't be concerned that their hair is going to fall out or be constantly pushing it out of their face. This is another distraction that pulls away from their training. Ballet dancers need a bun and all other dancers need a ponytail. Most students are going to need an extra hair tie, bobby pins, clips, and a little hairspray for it to be secure. Feeling lost? Ask your child's teacher. Most dance teachers have many years under their belt of putting their hair up and can offer some hints to make it easier. Youtube is another great resource.

-Dancers that look like dancers start to feel like dancers. Have you ever heard that you should dress for the job you want not the job you have? Same idea. Throughout college I always felt a little bit behind in my ballet training..you know what helped? Ditching my black tights for pink and taking the time to put my hair in a neat bun.

-Dress code can  help to remind dancers that they are a part of a group. This is especially true in ballet- nothing makes me happier then seeing a whole class room of students in black leotards and pink tights. It is also easier for the teacher and the students to spot mistakes.

-Dancers that are dressed appropriately are more confident. Most likely your student's teacher will remind the class about dress code from time to time. As a teacher, I always feel a little bad when it isn't really the child's fault that the parent isn't sending them to class prepared. Some kids really take these gentle reminders to heart! Give them one less thing to stress about in class.

-Dancers that are dressed appropriately allow the teacher to focus on the student- not what is wrong with what they are wearing. I am definitely guilty of this. If I have a student that isn't dressed appropriately I tend to focus on that rather then their dancing. A shirt that is constantly riding up isn't just distracting to the dancer, it is distracting to the teacher!

At the start of each session I would encourage parents to look at how much their child is dancing though out the week and take the time purchase enough dance wear. One nice leotard and a pair of dance tights is going to be better then several ill fitting options. Your child will most likely need to try things on to get a good fit. Make them jump up and down and stretch towards their toes. Does everything stay where it should? Dedicate these outfits only for dance class, not for everyday wear. Test run the hair. Find a small bag to keep their shoes in. By taking the time to purchase items specifically for dance class you are sending the message to your child that you believe in them, that what they are doing is really important, and that you are trusting that they are going to work hard and take their training seriously. Set them up for success and keep the focus where it should be..on their dancing!



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