Catchy music, scattered bobby pins and the smell of hairspray…welcome to the world of dance competitions! There’s always so much anticipation and excitement before attending your first dance competition and this feeling only grows as you become a mature dancer. Dance competitions feel like a life separate from reality, as they are oh so enthralling and equally unpredictable at the best of times. Although, there are an array of reasons why dance students attend and compete each year, one being the thrill of it all. So, to help you feel less stressed and little more prepared for that big day, here are some elements to expect:

Prior to the competition

Details such as the competition time, date and performance section will be provided by your dance teacher. If unsure, ask your principal or refer to the competition website.
They can often be scheduled within the school holidays.
Know that your performance time slot could be throughout the morning, afternoon and/or the night session.
Be conscious of the fact that competitions can run on time or behind. It’s better to arrive a tad earlier and be as prepared as possible wearing tights and Warm Up gear beneath your dance school uniform. It might also be a good idea to have either your hair or makeup complete prior to arriving.
Competitions may be held at a community or school theatre.

Zoe wears the Zara Stirrup Legging and Zara Shrug in Pink, the Ophelia Camisole in White and Energetiks Stella Pointe Shoe.

When you first enter the theatre

Upon entry, you may be required to wear a wristband or stamp to demonstrate that you’re a performer.
It may be tricky to locate your school backstage with many schools participating. For this reason, we would suggest having your teachers phone number should you wish to contact them.
A copy of the running sheet/program will be available. By collecting one you can doublecheck your performance time, the section you fall in and are aware of the dance schools you’re competing with.
Don’t fret if you forget to bring snacks! There will most likely be a kiosk to purchase that energy booster although you mustn’t forget a water bottle.

In the dressing rooms & backstage

There will be several dance schools housed backstage or in dressing rooms. Although, some theatres don’t have a designated backstage area, so you may find troupes in the foyer or a school classroom.
There will be wardrobe coat hangers for those that wish to hang The Comp Bag up and avoid those costume creases.
There are mirrors and bathrooms should you wish to do your hair and makeup at the theatre.
Not all theatres have a rehearsal room so as an alternative, find a space outside or in the foyer (if safe to do so) to warm up and go over your routine. Tip: Always be mindful of others around you and your level of noisiness.
You will be ushered sidestage, so we wouldn’t recommend walking there without instruction as there is limited space. However, it is also your responsibility to know what section you belong to prior to standing sidestage in case you miss their announcement.
Rock Rosin is not always provided. When in doubt, add a dabble of PVA glue to the sole of your dance shoe and scratch the surface with your bobby pin to increase grip.
A person will be responsible for handling music sidestage or at the sound booth.

SCIMM Dance Company members taking class

Onstage

Don’t enter the stage until you hear the adjudicators bell or your dance schools announcement.
Before entering the stage, curtains may lower or lights will most likely be dimmed. Alternatively, curtains may stay open with lights lit, in which case you would be required to enter the stage as per usual.
You will likely have at least 1 adjudicator scoring aspects such as your technique, stage presence, choreography and more! They will be located either in the sound booth or the top row of the auditorium.
A professional photographer will be located inside the auditorium so don’t be alarmed by the camera flash.
If your music happens to jump or stop unexpectedly due to technical issues, continue to dance and use your muscle memory!
If a small costume mishap or shoe falls off (believe us when we say this can happen), continue to dance and kick that prop or shoe aside if possible to avoid any trips or falls.

SCIMM Platforms Youth Company performing ‘Within Us’

As an audience member

Ensure you sit in the auditorium well before your performance time. Audience members can only enter in between dances and there may be a possibility of not being able to enter when the auditorium is at capacity.
As there are different sections/categories- and by that we mean each day competitions are separated by age groups, troupes and styles, you will receive the chance to watch a range of dances. This is a fabulous opportunity to gain inspiration from troupes, soloists and the like.

The Dream Dance Company performing ‘Prodigy’ at Australian Dance Festival

After all troupes/dancers in your section have performed

Before changing into another costume or Warm Up gear, you will be asked to go onstage wearing your costume or dance school uniform for the trophy/prize announcement.
Throughout trophy/prize announcements, 1-3 students will most likely be asked to represent each dance school onstage rather than the whole troupe for convenience.
Trophies and prizes will most likely be announced after all troupes in your section have performed. Although, depending on the competition, announcements can be made after each section concludes, eg. after the afternoon session.
For National dance competitions, the common prizes are as follows: 1st, 2nd, 3rd and HM=Honourable Mention. Although, some dance competitions may form unique prizes such as ‘Best Costume’.
Should you wish to purchase images, a professional photographer will be available (so make sure you’re wearing a big smile and those toes are pointed!)

Students at National College of Dance wearing their Energetiks printed uniforms

If there’s one piece of advice you should be made aware of, it’s to have fun! You can dance your little heart out, try your hardest to perform and place, but we can assure you that in years to come you’ll remember the experience and what you made of your first dance competition, over the outcome. You’ve got plenty of time to refine your technique and that performance face of yours. Chookas!

Article by Lara Divitcos

Photography by Elly Ford