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.