A large group of dancers onstage at a competition with their fists held over their heads. They are wearing black, red, and gold unitards.

3 Keys to Creating Age-Appropriate Competition Routines

When creating competition routines, the health and safety of young dancers should be a top priority. Definitions of “age-appropriate” choreography vary widely across the competitive-dance scene. It takes a concerted effort to shape pieces that push young dancers artistically and technically while avoiding steps or thematic elements that are too sensual or adult. Establish Guidelines […]

a large group of dancers on stage wearing bright colors and dancing big

How to Craft a Winning Production Number

With elaborate props, costume quick-changes, and dozens of dancers, today’s production numbers are bigger and more extravagant than ever. Onstage, they look magical—but every dazzling spectacle requires extensive planning and rehearsing.
While putting together a multifaceted production number can feel daunting, following a few guidelines can get any large-scale routine started on the right foot.

a female dancer standing in 4th position while holding the hand of a male dancer performing a developpe second with his downstage leg

Shifting the Comp Kid Stigma

The “comp kid” image has come a long way. Once viewed as over-the-top performers who prioritize tricks and trophies, competition dancers now fill the ranks of top colleges, conservatories, and companies around the globe. Competition studios are training dancers who aren’t just ready to win—they’re ready to work professionally. And the dance world is now making space for them to thrive.

a blonde female instructor talking into a microphone while holding two fingers out in front of her while leading a group of young students

How to Handle Competing Against Your Studio Teammates

At dance competitions, participants from the same studio often end up not just performing alongside but also competing against each other in solos and group routines—all within the same weekend. The situation can be stressful, confusing, and awkward, particularly for younger dancers. But it doesn’t have to result in comparisons and tears.

a group of students performing a chin stand with legs extended straight up on black mats

How to Thoughtfully Incorporate Acrobatics Into Competition Routines

Many of today’s versatile competitive dancers can highlight a choreographic phrase with a thrilling tumbling pass, kip-up, or aerial. But when it comes to acrobatics in competition routines, there’s a fine line between a captivating performance and a highlight reel of tricks. Finding the sweet spot between demonstrating a dancer’s skill and entertaining an audience—and the judges—is key.

a group of people putting their hands in the middle of a circle

How to Deal With Mid-Comp-Season Burnout

While full of excitement and fun, competitions are also mentally and physically taxing. It’s easy to find yourself run down after months of rehearsing and performing for hours on end every week. How can both teachers and dancers keep normal fatigue from turning into burnout? By recognizing the telltale signs and making small but meaningful changes.

a group of give female dancers leaving against each other onstage

The Evolution of Competition Contemporary

Contemporary dance doesn’t have a codified technique. True to its name, it looks remarkably different now than it did 10 or even five years ago. And at this point it’s several generations removed from its closest competition-world ancestor, the “lyrical” style of the 1990s. With its blend of lyrical, modern, postmodern, and commercial dance, comp contemporary is full of possibilities. Here, three competition-dance educators share how they’ve seen the genre evolve.

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