The first is that the recession has not seemed to impact the competition industry as much as I was expecting. I saw tons of dances from each studio, complete with gorgeous costumes and beautiful props. It is possible I saw costumes that were being used again from last year for a different number or were handed down to a younger dancer. It is possible that some studios purchased more costumes out of catalogs rather than having them custom made. Some might have reused a prop or maybe even did a few less numbers! That's all cool! The important thing is that dancers went to at least one competition again this season. The continuity of going back to competition each season is what helps build a great dancer. Getting used to the ins and outs of competition takes time and consistency, just like learning steps in class. This commitment to attending competitions in spite of a difficult economy really speaks to the commitment of the dancer's parents to their children. I am sure many of them made even more sacrifices so their children could compete again this year. That is amazing! Thank you to all the parents who did what needed to be done so their children could get on stage and shine. Dancers, please THANK your parents!

I noticed a lot of props this season. Awesome! But if you are going to bring something on stage with you, please, please, please use it! If you do not utilize the prop for a good portion of the piece, you will start to loose your audience. They will start to think about the prop and pay less attention to your dancing. Do not let them go there! Keep them focused on you! That being said, there are two pieces from this season that stick out in my head and will forever stay with me. One used a prop and the other did not. The first piece had the most ingenious prop I have even seen on the competition stage! This piece surprised me at every turn. Just when I thought it could not get any better, they did something else that I did not think was possible with their prop. The other piece that was so incredibly memorable for me was one with only brilliant choreography and amazing intensity from every dancer. I have rarely seen 25 dancers so together and on the same page, regarding the intent of the piece. They were so totally engaged in their piece down to every final detail. Amazing work to all of you!

Let's talk about the dancing! Technically, the most common mistakes were cheating pirouette preparations by popping the front heal. Also there were a ton of bent back legs in jetes. I would love so see more dancers engaging their core centers, ie their abs and remembering that their arms are supported from their back muscles. And the thing that would make me most happy would be to see the highest possible passe and highest possible releve on all pirouettes from every dancer. I cannot figure out how dancers turn in a low releve. If you are needing to improve your technique, ballet is the ONLY answer. And a lot of it! All, in all I saw some beautiful performances, some really intense and moving pieces, and some people who just love to dance!

My final thought is that while at competition, focus on positive energy. I know that sounds a bit mushy, but I am serious! Remember that the energy you put into the universe returns to you. Last weekend I was reminded of this and I was impressed! I saw dancers congratulating their fellow competitors, teachers congratulating other teachers AND other dancers. There was so much hugging and I loved it! It made the entire event so positive and stress-free. And when we talk about the talent - wow! It was some of the best I have ever seen! It IS possible to be nice, appreciative, humble AND incredibly talented!!!! It is even possible to win the highest score while being nice and supportive of your fellow competitors from other studios! Being a focused dancer does not mean you must have the biggest attitude. Be a good person and that will shine through your performance, and maybe even your score!

Bravo to all who competed on a wonderful season! You should be very proud. Now, make sure to listen to those critiques and read the score sheets to improve your performance for nationals. Work hard and have even more fun! Break a leg!

Competitions & Conventions (all tags)