Our dance studio has several younger dancers participating in their first year on the studio’s competition team. Heading into their first dance competitions can be a nervous time for younger, first time dance competitors.
Here are some ideas to make sure you are prepared to perform at your highest level and have fun with the experience:
Practice!
Make sure you spend enough time practicing your competition routine so you can really nail the routine at your competitions.
Take the time to understand the timing of your movements, and make sure your breathing is right. Practice breeds confidence in dance, just like it does in any other sport.
Ask for feedback from your dance teachers, possibly parents too, and don’t be afraid to ask another dancer for their perspective as well.
Receiving ideas on how to improve your routine and implementing small changes are great ways to take your routine to the next level.
Take a Teacher’s Perspective
When practicing your routine, adjust your mindset to that of a dance teacher. Put yourself at ease by practicing as if you are teaching another dancer this routine.
This may help you to relax a little bit and not be under the pressure of performing.
Don’t Make Last-Minute Changes to Your Routine
Try to guard against making too many last minute changes to your routine. Spend the final stages of practice time making sure you have your routine nailed.
Do not spend your time focusing on, or worrying about, making changes.
Eat Right, Get Enough Sleep, and Hydrate
Heading into a competition weekend, make sure you are following a healthy diet, get plenty of sleep and you are properly hydrated. If you are in tip-top shape, along with practice, you are in position to deliver your best performance.
Let Loose, Be Confident, and Have Fun
Make sure you give it your all in terms of physical and emotional performance. Go in with confidence and have FUN.
