Whether you and your dancer are about to embark upon your first event together, or you are veterans of the dance circuit, the competition scene can be fun, rewarding and stressful in equal measures. They say there’s no substitute for experience so dancedad.co.uk share’s some wisdom in this Surviving a Dance Comp Guide…
Surviving a Dance Comp – Do your Homework!
The variety of events that is available to dancers is increasing all the time, meaning opportunities are there for everyone to compete at a level and in an environment they feel comfortable with. From friendly local festivals, to the razzmatazz of spectacular touring events, each comp brings a different experience. If you’re not sure what to expect speak to a teacher or other parents. You can also check a hosts website or social media to get an idea of what the day will consist of. Each competition will have it’s own rules regarding such things as registration, dance style’s, song timings and music submission so if in doubt always check with your child’s dance teachers.
Our ‘Spotlight on’ posts also offer in depth information on some of the mainstays of the dance season.
Before you go
You know how the saying goes right? “Fail to Prepare…. prepare to be publicly chastised by your own child….” Seriously, make a list of EVERYTHING you will possibly need – whether it’s your job to take it or not.
To save time you can download our FREE dancedad.co.uk Complete Competition Checklist.
Your dancer will be nervous enough about their performance even if everything is going to plan. Imagine then having to tell them you haven’t packed the hair accessory they mentioned in passing three weeks ago. The amount of dances will dictate the number of costumes, hair accessories and types of footwear you will need. But what about props, make-up or music? Some competitions also require prior registration to their organisation and to see a membership card when you arrive.
A word of warning though – don’t leave it until the morning of the event start packing. Do this at least 2 nights before and that way you still have the time to send your significant other to ‘Superdrug’ to buy any last minute items. And don’t forget to give him your points card.
Music
It’s been briefly mentioned already, but experience has taught us that this one deserves it’s own section. Forgetting to take anything will cause your dancer anxiety and stress. Not having the right costume or having to borrow footwear will only add more nerves to their preparation. However if you forget, or take the wrong music and it’ likely to prevent a performance altogether.
Check with your dance teacher who is responsible and get it covered. Some organisers accept mp3 submissions with registrations which ticks the box beforehand. If it is your job to take the music with you, check the requirements. For CD’s, take two copies and ensure they are scratch free and mark them clearly. You may even be asked to take a cassette version (remember those) so make sure it is ready and in the right place when they press play. Above all, listen to make sure it is the right song and edit before you go – especially if it’s going to take you 3 hours to get there.
If it sounds like we are talking from experience, it’s because we are.
Planning Your Travel
The length of a competition can vary massively from a couple of hours to a whole week, so it’s vital to find out exactly what days and times your child will be competing and in which sections. You may be lucky enough to obtain a schedule ahead of time, but do not assume they will stick to those times. The rule of thumb is to arrive at least an hour before your dancers section starts, but be prepared to stay in radio contact with anyone you know that may already be at the venue (dance teachers/ other parents) to ensure they are running to time. Kids notice when you react to a text message by muttering under your breath and suddenly putting your foot down.
Getting To The Venue
If your dancer is starting out, they may sample competition firstly in a local dance festival. These are great because the venues are normally school halls or community centres nearby and possibly even somewhere you know. This makes travel considerations minimal, although its still a good idea to check that there will be adequate parking if you’re travelling by car. Allow for enough time particularly if you are travelling when traffic is likely to be heavy.
Some of the touring competitions offer participants the chance to dance on stage in established theatres or conference centres. This might mean travelling a little further, but the experience of performing on big stages in front of lots of supportive people is an incredible one. If situated out of town there is normally ample paid parking at these venues but as many are located in city centres parking can be difficult so it’s a good idea to do your research. An option is to car share with another parent to split the costs. If there are a group of you going you could even consider booking a coach or mini bus, making the trip all the more exciting.
Entry Fees and Schedules
Aside from the cost of the entry fee, many events will charge spectators for entry to watch, so remember to budget for this beforehand. It’s also likely you will have to pay to obtain a copy of the schedule which ranges from a single sheet printout to a professionally produced full glossy program. These are not just a necessity on the day to ensure you know when your dancer is on, but also provide a nice keepsake of the day – the first dozen are anyway.
Changing Areas
As backstage areas get very busy with limited space, do as much of the hair and makeup at home to make things easier when you do get there. As soon as you arrive locate the changing areas and mark your territory with your makeup case and costume bag.
The majority of backstage areas will be female only with separate areas for male dancers. You may need to speak to the venue if you are a male chaperone that needs an area to help your female dancer get ready. Or discuss your child’s hair and makeup requirements with another trusted ‘dancemom’ and see if they will help them get ready. Then reward them with gin.
Food and Drink
Most venues will have refreshments available, some even offering hot meals (specialities include chips and cheesy chips). Taking a packed lunch will again help to reduce what you spend when you are there and ensure that your dancer has snacks and drinks available to them that they both like and are suitable to eat around performing. Remember to pack your lunches separately as backstage access may be limited. It could be a case of dropping your dancer with their group at the beginning of the day and not seeing them again until their phone runs out of battery. And you have the phone charger.
Photo’s and Video’s
Do not assume you can film or take photo’s of a performance- at some competitions this is forbidden- so it’s worth checking the events rules and regulations beforehand. That said, others welcome this and many events have professionals in attendance who produce high quality photographs and video’s of dancers performances. Samples can be viewed at the venue* and prints and digital copies are usually available to purchase to take home that day.
*NB. Always view samples with your dancer. If they don’t agree that they got enough height in that ‘fame jump’ you’ve got no chance of being allowed to display that photo at home. Ever.
Prizegivings
It’s worth noting that some competitions announce results immediately following a section, others have prize givings later in the day. Some can be at the end of the final day of longer events. Depending on how far you are travelling you may decide to stay around to support the rest of the competition while you wait. It’s a good idea to pack a tablet for games or some colouring books – something for the kids too.
Staying Over
For competitions lasting more than one day, with travelling involved, it can make sense to book a hotel overnight. Obviously this increases the cost somewhat but chains such as Premier Inn and Holiday Inn Express offer reasonable nightly rates, especially if you can book early. The hotels.com app also offers a night free once you have booked ten, which if your dancer is a regular competitor you can accumulate quite quickly.
Sibling Support
Dance comps are great environments for younger siblings to make friends while supporting older brothers and sisters. Becoming familiar with the events maybe also encourage them to want to compete themselves. To prevent younger children becoming bored during long breaks, pack a bag of activities such as favourite toys and games. In the case of events lasting a few days, check out the locality beforehand. Visiting parks, beaches and indoor play areas make the trip fun for the whole family.
Everyone’s a winner
There can only be a handful of awards at any competitive event. Dance competitions provide more than an opportunity to showcase all the effort our dancers and teachers put into their training. By competing, each child is developing their self-esteem and value of perseverance and hard work. All this in an environment where they learn to socialise and empathise with other dancers. Important skills they will use their whole lives.
As for us parents? ……We learn the value of a full weekend off…..
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