Top Tips for Dance Comps

Survival Edition from a Seasoned Dance Mum

Ah, dance competitions. The magical times of year when your tiny human transforms into a glitter-covered whirlwind of nerves and excitement… and you become a part-time chauffeur, costume manager, snack supplier, and emotional support unit. After surviving many competitions, I’ve picked up a few tips that’ll make your life a little less chaotic (and maybe even fun).

Pack Everything… Twice

Trust me, your child will definitely forget something essential. Extra tights? Check. Backup shoes? Check. Diamonte earrings? Check. Emergency hairspray, pins, snacks, water, Band-Aids, emotional support? Double check. Not all competitions will have our ‘Dance Moves dancewear’ pop-up stall available and so you need to be ready for every mis-hap!

Hair and Makeup: Practice Makes Perfect (or Not)

Nothing screams “dance comp mum” like the frantic last-minute search for bobby pins while your kid’s yelling “my bun isn’t tight enough!” Do a trial run before the big day and learn to love hairspray and gel. Bobby pin holders and an organised pin case can ease the stress of all the changing hairstyles. 

Warm Up Your Patience

Your child may or may not stretch properly. They may ignore your advice. They may get stage fright. That’s fine. Just breathe. And maybe breathe again. And if all else fails, remind yourself: you survived all the costume organising, you can survive this too.

Be the Cheerleader You Pretend to Hate

Yes, yes, everyone’s tired. Yes, you’ve been waiting in line for hours. Yes, you’ve heard this music for the fifth time today. But smile, clap, and cheer anyway, audience vibes are contagious. Bonus points if you can discreetly devour snacks without the rustling noise. 

Remember: It’s Supposed to Be Fun

Honestly, the medals are great and all, but the real memories are the chaos, the glitter in places you didn’t know existed, and the small victories (like getting that headpiece on the right side of the head). But mostly, it is the sense of community and friendships you build along with these experiences, that is what you will cherish. Laugh, enjoy the ridiculousness, and maybe document it all on Instagram for blackmail purposes later.

So there you have it, your completely unglamorous but honest guide to surviving dance competitions. With the right tights, a reliable shoe bag, and snacks in strategic pockets, you just might make it through in one piece!

Becci 💛🩵💜