There are many different aspects of competitive dance ranging from classes and training to makeup and hair. Competitive dance not only physically challenges a dancer, it also does so mentally by pushing them to be their best in a limited amount of time while remaining calm and collected. Competitive dance is often undermined and not considered a sport because dance is thought to be easy and effortless when in reality it is the complete opposite. People often speak about dance competitions without any previous knowledge or experience and completely ignore the challenging yet fulfilling aspect of dance.

For starters, dance studios often start rehearsals as early as three months before competition season or as late as a week before a competition, depending on the level of expertise of the starters. Before rehearsing, studios hold auditions to decide who is on the team according to age group and choreograph multiple group dances, solos, duets, and trios for each team.

Once the routine is choreographed and ready to be taught, the dance teachers teach it to the students in rehearsals ranging from one to three hours at least two times a week. Dancers not only have to focus on memorizing the choreography, but they also have to focus on stylistic details, technique, and spatial awareness to really make the routine good. As the competition looms closer, dancers have more frequent, longer, and intense rehearsals to assure that they know the material to the best of their ability.

“It takes a while to fully understand and perform the dance well, but we spend hours cleaning and routine and making adjustments to make sure it’s the best that it can be,” stated junior Emilie Conner.

In these rehearsals, dancers also have to work with costumes and props. Costumes are not often a problem and are not that difficult to adapt to. However, sometimes costumes may not fit well or be an obstacle in the routine, and dancers have to learn to adapt to that in short periods of time (usually less than a week). If the dance includes props, dancers have to mimic the feeling of dancing with the prop in the beginning and adapt to the weight and difficulties that come with dancing with a prop when it is brought in.

“Dancing with props is the most difficult part of dancing for me. It’s hard to think of your body and the prop at the same time and it’s easy to lose control.”, stated junior Sydney Yee.

Dancers also have to focus on makeup and hair as appearance is a crucial part of dance competitions. Young dancers learn how to do a full face of makeup and a full hair updo as young as six years old. In a dance competition, the hair must be out of the face for the entirety of the routine, requiring dancers to use copious amounts of hairspray and hair gel. The makeup must also match the theme of the dance and look presentable, as stage makeup is more colored and differs heavily from day-to-day makeup.

“Makeup is the hardest part for me because it’s hard to match the makeup to the routine. You never know how dramatic or natural it really needs to be so it’s hard to match it perfectly,” stated junior Leslie Lopez.

Finally, once all the preparations have been made, dancers arrive at the competition, usually in full costume (including hair and makeup), and wait backstage till it is their turn to perform. Backstage, a wave of nervousness washes over the dancers but once the stage lights hit their faces, it all disappears.

After performing, dancers wait for the rest of the day till all age divisions and sections of the competition have competed and then they attend the award ceremony. Awards are given to the top three in small competitions but to the top 10 in larger competitions, with overall awards scoring higher than anyone in the competition or in their division.

Overall, dance is not as easy as it looks to be. Yes, it may look graceful and flowy, but a lot of hard work and effort goes into making it look that way. Although dancers are constantly not recognized for their efforts, dance competitions validate their hard work and dedication.

Graphic courtesy of FREEPIK.COM