5 Ways Dancers Can Benefit From Competition
If we have learned anything from the challenges of the past year, it’s that you don’t need a big audience, a bright spotlight, or the promise of a prize to reap the amazing rewards of dance. Simply sharing the joy of movement with our studio communities, either in person or on a computer screen, can uplift and empower us while also helping us to grow.
That said, nothing beats getting all decked out in amazing dance competition costumes, stepping into the spotlight and putting our talent and technique to the test!
Dancing in front of judges might seem intimidating, even a little scary, to young dancers and their parents. However, when approached with a growth mindset, competition is a great way to augment all the other great physical, mental and social benefits of dance. Here are five reasons why:
Raise The Bar
The atmosphere at a competition is like nothing a dancer can experience in the studio, and while that brings a unique set of challenges, those challenges can inspire a dancer to excel. Preparing for a competition is great motivation, even if it’s a little bit nerve-wracking!
Gain New Skills
After all those hours spent in the studio perfecting technique, competition helps hone a different skill: performing! The goal is to take all those steps you’ve been rehearsing and tell a compelling story through your choreography. The goal is to really connect with an audience, and that takes a lot of practice! Those intimidating judges offer the perfect opportunity to work on your showmanship.
Learn To Accept and Apply Feedback
Perhaps the most beneficial aspect of a competition is hearing what experienced judges think of your performance and how they think you can improve. Yes, they’re “judging” you, but with the right attitude, that can be an extremely good thing. The ability to take constructive criticism as inspiration, fueling you to work harder and perform better, will serve you well, long after you’ve stopped dancing.
Expand Social Network
You’re technically there to compete against other dancers, but any big dance event is a great chance to form valuable connections and friendships that could last a lifetime. They’re also a great chance for exposure; you’re likely to meet professionals who could serve as mentors or help give you a boost on the path to your dance goals!
Build Resilience
Competition is about so much more than winning and losing. It’s about learning valuable lessons that you can use to improve as a dancer and as a person. Competition teaches you to bounce back when things don’t go your way. As Winston Churchill once said: “Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.” And if you have that courage to compete, you’re sure to be a success in whatever you choose to do in the future.
Here at Art Stone, we love everything about competitive dance, and we strive to provide our customers with the one-of-a-kind styles they need to feel confident on stage and connect with their audiences. Whether those audiences are in the room or watching on Zoom, our competition costumes are sure to help your dancers shine! Explore our collection and find the perfect looks to take your 2021 performances to the next level!
