Dance competitions are an exciting way to show off your skills, either in groups, trios or as a solo. But if it’s your first competition, they can be daunting.
More often than not, you’ll have multiple dances to remember and lots of costumes to bring with you. So, you should always be prepared!
That’s why we’ve put together this full guide, giving you useful tips on how to prepare for a dance competition.
What should I bring to a dance competition?
A quality dance bag, if you haven’t already got one, it’s best to buy one that will fit all your costumes, makeup and accessories. It’s great to have one organised bag with all your gear, rather than loads of small ones that you’ll spend half the time rummaging through.
It’s definitely best to pack your bag the day before the competition, this way you’re not adding more stress to your morning (you’ll surely be feeling it already).
All of your costumes, sometimes it’s worth making a list of all the different aspects of each costume that you’ll need. This way, on the day before you can run through the list as you pack it.
Fashion tape is great for when your costume wants to shift position, it’ll hold you in position and keep your modesty.
Adhesive bra, you’ll know if you need this when you try on your costumes. If you’ve got a backless costume, you’ll probably want a bra that won’t show, and an adhesive bra is the best option.
Make-up, it’s good to pack this before the day. I love to practice my make-up during dress rehearsals and then I know exactly what I’ll be needing on the day.
Hair accessories, including grips, ties and hairspray
How to Prepare for Your First Dance Competition?
Practice, practice and practice some more. The more confident you feel in the run up, the more confident you’ll feel when you hit the stage. Attend all the classes you can, and practice lots’ at home.
It’s important that you practice at least once in full costume. This way you’ll know that everything stays where it should and that it fits you well. Do this with enough time to make changes to it, if necessary.
Try to avoid last minute routine changes as this will only confuse you when the nerves hit. If there are changes to the routine, run through it many times with your group.
Stay positive. You’ve got lot’s of dances to get through so it’s important to keep you and your friends’ spirits high. Even if something goes wrong in one dance, try and remain positive and you’ll do great in your next ones.
5 Useful Tips to Help You Survive a Dance Competition
1. Stretching
You’ll want to be as limber as possible when you hit the stage. So, as soon as you get to the venue you’ll want to run through a routine that stretches all of the appropriate muscle groups.
Take some tips from class, and make yourself a routine that works for you.
2. Stay Warmed up in Between Numbers
Once you’ve finished your first routine, you have to stay warmed up for the next ones. You’ll want to keep your muscles warm and your temperature up, to avoid injuring yourself in the next routine.
3. Hydrate
This is really important, keep sipping water throughout the day. You’re sure to be sweating more than normal due to nerves and excitement and you need to replace that water.
4. Eat Healthy
It’s smart to pack your food the day before, this will stop you from snacking on foods that are high in sugar or salt. Focus on fuelling your body often with snacks that are high in protein and nutrients.
5. Bring Headphones
Headphones are a really great way of zoning out of the stress and buzz of the room. They’re great if you’re getting ready for a solo, plug in some music that chills you or run through your solo dance in peace.
Dance competitions are an amazing way for you to show off your hard work and make new friends. Try and enjoy the experience, as long as you follow these steps, you’ll have an amazing time.
If you haven’t signed up for a dance competition yet, check out this list of the best dance competitions, and get yourself signed up!
Thank you for reading our guide, please leave us a comment with any of your personal tips or tricks and we’ll be sure to add them!
