How to prepare for a dance competition or show

Dance competitions and shows can be both exciting yet nerve-wracking. It's essential to prepare well to ensure that you perform your best and feel confident on stage.

Let's first dive into how dancers can prepare during the run-up to the show or competition and then we'll look at a few tips to help beat nerves and unnecessary stress on the day.

Preparing before the show/competition

Don't delay

Don't wait until the last minute to start preparing for a competition or show. Give yourself plenty of time to learn the choreography, refine your technique, and polish your performance. Starting early can help reduce stress and anxiety as the competition or show approaches. During the last decade I have spent performing, I would say most of the stress from dancers, dance teachers and rehearsal directors stems from the choreography, spacing or cues being unclear or rushed.

Know your part inside out

Attending rehearsals regularly and doing your own practise at home is the simplest way to feel prepared. You should know your routine(s) backwards, blindfolded and even whilst feeling a bit bemused! This is because the combination of dancing in a new space, under bright lights and perhaps with a smattering of pre-show nerves, might feel very different to your rehearsals in the studio. Going over your your steps, counts and cues will help you adapt to the new space even faster. The better you know your piece, the more in control you will be of potential challenges, so don't be shy to ask questions if you're unsure about anything. Asking your dance teacher or coach for feedback on your performance can givevaluable insights on how to improve technique, timing, and expression. Don't take feedback personally; use it to improve your performance.

Your body is your instrument

Whether you're performing or not, you should take good care of your body as a dancer. Dance competitions and shows can be physically demanding, as well as the numerous rehearsals before the big day, so eating a healthily, resting, staying hydrated, warming up properly all goes without saying. You may even want to check in with a physiotherapist if you feel the need.

Prepare your costume and hair/make-up in advance

You should be instructed on what kind of costume you'll need, if you should make it or buy and and how your hair and make-up should look. Some dance schools offer tutorials on how to do stage make-up, but if not you'll want to practise at home and perhaps even take a few photos to show your teacher.

Prepare your costume and accessories well in advance so that you have the chance to fix any issues and rehearse in your outfit a few times. Never eat whilst wearing your costume and store it somewhere clean and dry. If you have fabric that creases easily, you might want to ask your teacher if there will be a steam machine or even iron available on the day.

Visualisation

It is well known that professional athletes and performers use visualisation as a technique to boost confidence and reduce anxiety. It can also be a great way to train the brain to lay down memories where you execute a step successfully, even if it felt wobbly in rehearsals. Start by closing your eyes and imagining yourself performing a section of your dance that you're most nervous about. Imagine yourself doing the steps perfectly and the positive feelings that would accompany it. Repeat this a few times each day and not only are you likely to feel calmer about the section, but you may also notice an improvement in your dancing.

On the day of the show/competition

Make a list

This is a great way to feel more organised and calm, which in turn will allow you to focus more on your performance and less on the little details than can add stress. You’ll want to note down all the hair and make-up products you think you’ll need, your costumes, spare clothes or accessories, music, warm-ups, chargers, battery pack, snacks, toe tape, scissors, resin and anything else you or your teacher think is important before, during and after the show.

Once in the theatre you might be given space in a dressing room, but at busy competitions it could just be a space on the floor. In either scenario, keep your belongings in one area (toe separators are always the first to go missing!) and avoid bringing valuables if possible.

Do you hair and makeup in advance

You definitely don't want to rush hair and make-up, especially if your group piece requires you to match the other dancers. Try using a primer and a setting spray to make it last longer.

False eyelashes should be properly secured in place and make sure you wear them in you dress rehearsal if you're not used to the feeling.

I would recommend putting make-up on before your costume, but do be careful when getting dressed that your make-up doesn't transfer onto the costume.

As a general rule, all jewellery should be taken off before the show, but check first in case small studs are allowed.

Warm-up properly

All dancers should warm-up properly before any kind of exercise, but a pulled hamstring on stage is far from ideal. Company dancers will do a full class before dress rehearsals or shows, but even a thorough barre and stretch should be enough if you have limited space and time. Preparing your body properly for the show will also allow you to perform at your best as well as reducing the risk of injury.

Know the schedule

If you are doing a competition it is likely you will be given a number to wear. Check who is on before you and what their music sounds like. The same goes for dancers doing a show- know the show order and what your musical cues are. The wings should always be kept clear, so you may not be able to rely on visual cues to prepare you to standby.

Dress rehearsals are key

Your dress rehearsal is not a time to drift off and daydream about Svetlana Zakharova’s extensions! It is your chance to memorise your spacing on the stage, learn your cues, check for costume malfunctions, get a feel for the floor, adjust to the bright lights and practise bows. Dancers often only get one dress run, so use it wisely!

Nerves

A small amount of nerves can sometimes be a good thing and help you to dance with extra zest, but you’ll want to make sure they don’t interfere with your concentration or enjoyment of the event. You’ll know your own limits and what helps you to stay clam, but personally I like to find a quiet corner to stretch, listen to music (that’s quiet enough to hear the tannoy in case you’re needed), meditate and distance yourself from other dancers momentarily if you feel like their enthusiasm or excitement is a bit too distracting.

It’s a cliché, but the most important thing truly is to enjoy yourself! No dancer or show is perfect, we all have things we wished we’d done a bit better but that’s what helps us to improve and develop our skills. The more you enjoy yourself, the more exhilarating the whole experience feels and the greater your sense of accomplishment is.

As much as preparing for a dance competition or show requires dedication, hard work, and attention to detail, it is often one of the highlights of a dancer's training or career. With the right preparation and mindset, you can perform to your best ability and enjoy the experience. Once you've followed the steps above all that's left is to take plenty of photos and savour each moment!

Copyright My Ballet Coach Ltd 2023

All images from Pixabay