Share the wisdom, competition tips

[Stillharbor]

I'm going to post this in the General Discussion section too.There are alot of different posts that usually result from people talking about specific competitions, but I wanted a central thread.

I'm getting ready for my first competition in Arizona at the end of May. I've never even seen a competition and don't know what to expect. What are some things you wished someone had told you? Or some tips you found helpful there or getting ready for the competition?

I'm a little nervous that someone is going to forget to tell me something because they think I already know. Like one of the instructors made some comment about wearing "all the makeup and the fake eyelashes." (??????)

[SDsalsaguy]

I'm going to post this in the General Discussion section too.
Sorry SH, but threads may not be double posted.

[Terpsichorean Clod]

Question about competition (http://danceforums.com/showthread.php?t=23769)
what are judges looking for in a competition (http://danceforums.com/showthread.php?t=21252)
First competition thread -- again (http://danceforums.com/showthread.php?t=820)
Favorite part of competition? (http://danceforums.com/showthread.php?t=12820)
competition survival kit gift? (http://danceforums.com/showthread.php?t=11809)
First Competition.....Yay! (http://danceforums.com/showthread.php?t=11688)
Emergency Competition Kit (http://danceforums.com/showthread.php?t=11183)

[Easy]

Nude color shoes. Make-up more intense to make up for bright lighting and distance...it may seem like too much with lashes and all, but remember, it's expected at a competition. Think of your hairstyle...off the neck is best in order to show your neckline. Wear dance pants so when you kick or your dress flairs, you don't show all your goodies.

Go to have fun. Don't try to remember every single thing. Do what you know, and don't worry about the rest. If you're forgetting anything major, your instructor is right there with you...you're not out there alone :) If you go to have fun, your performance will be all the better and more natural.

[Izzy20]

Thanks for posting all those links. My first competition is in May as well and any tips are more than welcome (not trying to hijack this thread just will be following this one)

[Josh]

Go to have fun. Don't try to remember every single thing.

Easy's advice above is probably the best advice for a first comp you'll get anywhere. Give your mind a day's vacation, send it packing, and let your body do what it's been doing every time you've danced up to this point.

[fire_dancer]

Even if you mess up on the floor a bit (everyone does it :) ) don't forget to smile. It shows the judges you're having a great time, and it has the added psychological benefit of telling yourself that you're having a blast!

[madmaximus]

I'm going to post this in the General Discussion section too.There are alot of different posts that usually result from people talking about specific competitions, but I wanted a central thread.

I'm getting ready for my first competition in Arizona at the end of May. I've never even seen a competition and don't know what to expect. What are some things you wished someone had told you? Or some tips you found helpful there or getting ready for the competition?

I'm a little nervous that someone is going to forget to tell me something because they think I already know. Like one of the instructors made some comment about wearing "all the makeup and the fake eyelashes." (??????)

Have someone well-experienced in competition (instructor or seasoned competitor) go through the process of competing with you.

Make sure you are acquainted and comfortable with the following:
1. Registering for the comp (who will do it for you, what are the requirements, what levels you will be dancing).

2. Costuming/makeup rules.

3. The competition process:
--Registration during the comp (getting your couple number),
--Where you will meet your partner (if pro),
--Warmup areas,
--On-deck procedure,
--How and where to walk onto the dance floor to your (pre-arranged) starting position/location.
--How and where to exit from the dance floor.

4. It's the small things that make comps stressful or stress-free.
So deal with misc. little things ahead of time: things such as food & water (you don't want to compete thirsty or hungry), dancing with clean costume and shoes (Judges pet peeve: dirty shoes), and secure beforehand and check your costume (button buttons, zip zippers, tie shoelaces or straps well, you get the picture) so they don't suddenly fail at comp (sewing kit is always handy for last minute things).


5. Enjoy the event. At the end of the day, you're there because it is fun. :)




m

[jjs914]

One think you should know that I still have to remind myself: When you do mess up (it's inevitable at some point), it is far less noticable than it feels. My DP and I will walk off the floor thinking "That was terrible!" and we'll see it on video and realize it was really nothing.