How To Prepare For a Dance Competition

Dance competitions can be exciting but equally as nerve-racking, especially if it's your first dance competition. Success doesn't come overnight, proper preparation can make the difference between feeling overwhelmed and performing your best. There is a lot that goes into a dance competition, from training to choosing your costume. This guide covers everything you need to know about how to prepare for a dance competition with confidence. 

Start preparing early 

Dance competitions require a lot of preparation, so you have to start early, dancers should start preparing weeks or months in advance, depending on the level of the dance competition. Starting prep early helps to safely build your stamina, feel confident with the choreography and reduce stress. 

TIP: Make sure you create a realistic rehearsal schedule, consistency is key but try not to over-rehearse. Over-rehearsing can create muscle fatigue which can lead to injury, not to mention the mental strain and stress it can often cause. Aim for 2-3 rehearsals a week and then as the competition gets closer, try to do 3-4 if you can. Remember, consistency always beats last-minute cramming. 

Train smarter, not just harder

More rehearsals don’t always mean better results, smart training focuses on quality, efficiency, and injury prevention. While you are training for your dance competition you should prioritise refining your technique, enhancing your performance quality and improving your endurance. Elements such as clean lines, control, facial expression and musicality can all contribute to a successful performance. 

TIP: Make sure to include rest days in your routine, listen to your body; it is good at telling you what it needs! 

Perfect Your Choreography

The week before your dance competition the choreography should feel like second nature. Knowing your choreography well allows you to focus on more important things, such as performance and enjoying yourself. Strategies such as filming your routine so you can watch back on the choreography whilst resting, practicing entrances and exits and rehearsing in costume will really help you memorise your routine. Practicing in your costume will make it feel like the day so therefore you will feel more confident dancing in those dance costumes on the actual competition day.  

TIP: Constructive criticism is good! Ask your teacher or coach for detailed feedback. Small adjustments can make a big impact on stage.

Choose the right costume and music 

Having the right costume can really enhance your performance, not distract from it. Before your competition, make sure your costume fits properly and does not restrict your movement, all embellishments are competition safe and the music has been correctly edited and submitted on time.

Our Jolista costumes are the perfect choice for a dance competition, from ballet, tap or jazz there is something for every routine. 

TIP: You can never be too prepared; always pack extra tights, hair accessories, makeup, and safety pins. 

Know the competition rules 

Every dance competition has its own rules regarding time limits, music format, costumes, and age categories. Not knowing the rules can result in penalties or worse, disqualification so make sure you are fully prepared. Your dance teacher will likely already have this figured out for you, but checking yourself will help ease your mind before performances. 

TIP: Being organised helps you stay calm and professional.

Take care of your body 

In the days leading up to the competition, it is really important to prioritise recovery and wellness. Make sure you are staying hydrated, eating balanced, energy supporting meals and getting enough sleep. 

TIP: Avoid trying new skills or extreme training right before competition's, now is not the time to take risks.

Competition day tips

Competition day can feel chaotic and overwhelming, so having a plan is crucial for you to have a successful and enjoyable day. We would advise arriving early to warm up properly (make sure this is just a gentle warm up, you need to save your energy for the stage) and bring plenty of snacks that are easy to digest. 

Most importantly, enjoy the experience. Dance competitions are opportunities to grow, perform and connect with the dance community.

Preparing for a dance competition isn't just about rehearsing the choreography, it's about training smart, looking after your body and staying mentally strong. With the right preparation, dance competitions are nothing to be afraid of,you will step on the stage feeling confident, focused and ready to perform your best. No matter the outcome, every competition is a learning opportunity, success isn't just about trophies, it's about growth and the joy of dancing.

Good luck, you’ve got this! 

The Move Dance Team