Teachers, each competition you attend with your students is a new and wonderful learning experience! It is important to approach this experience with a calm and positive attitude, so you can get the most out of it. Negativity and stress are sure to ruin a competition experience and prevent it from being the productive, skill-building moment that it is.
Be Patient
Stage frights and nerves are common side effects of competing. Do your best to be patient and make each of your students feel as though they are contributing greatly to your team’s successes and your pride as a studio. This will keep them excited and happy during the competition and make them less likely to clam up and make mistakes on stage.
Be Clear
Dance competitions can be crowded and confusing as you move between stages and try to keep up with dozens of excited students who want to explore the venue and hangout with all of their dance besties. To keep everything running as smoothly as possible, make sure you give your dancers clear directions about what you expect from them from the beginning to the end of the competition. This will prevent mistakes and mishaps and make it easier to keep track of your busy schedule.
Have Fun!
This is a chance for you and your dancers to show off your best moves outside of your studio (and maybe even outside of your town). It is also an amazing opportunity for you to network with other dance teachers and spend time with your dance parents. Make the most of it! It is important to enjoy yourself. Everything else will fall in place around your positive outlook on the event.