Our team dancers are wrapping up another successful competition season, scheduling final practices before heading to nationals and looking towards next year with anticipation. At the same time, some of our recreational dancers may be wondering what competition dance is and if it’s a good fit for them. Here’s a quick glimpse into the life of a competitive dancer.
Sometimes there’s sweat…
Competition dancers are required to take extra technique classes to help with their dance training– this can include classes like ballet, leaps and turns, strength, and flex, or even hip hop and tap technique classes. The requirements vary depending on the team that you are on, offering a variety of choices for every experience level. There are also opportunities to take master classes from industry professionals at the studio or travel to attend dance convention weekends– this helps expose dancers to instructors with different teaching styles and personalities, giving them real world experience for the future no matter their career path. They also learn how to set goals, work towards them, achieve them and celebrate in style.
Sometimes there are awards…
Team dancers also have the opportunity to attend traveling dance competitions where they receive feedback from experienced instructors from across the globe. They gain valuable performance experience as well as proper stage etiquette, exposing them to a theater setting and all of the details that go into putting on a successful show. They also learn how to accept and implement critiques in a positive way, helping them improve and grow as dancers. Competitions generally have a system of recognition, but the emphasis is always put on improving yourself going forward rather than beating the other guys and good sportsmanship is often recognized and rewarded.
Then there’s that moment in the spotlight…
One of the greatest traits a dancer can gain from all of this is confidence. It takes a lot of guts to step on stage in front of an audience! Dancers put their heart and soul out there for the world to see each time they step out under those lights. It doesn’t mean they aren’t nervous or scared, it just means they work through it so that they can get out there and do what they love. We could all use more of that character strength in our day-to-day lives and dancers take it with them wherever they go.
Best of all, the friendships…
By far the best thing gained, however, are the amazing friendships they make along the way. Dancers work closely with their instructors and develop special bonds, parents support and help each other as well as the dancers, lifelong friends are made in the studio and outside of it, expanding our horizons. We call it our dance family and there’s always room for more!