First competition thread -- again [Archive]

pygmalion

10-09-2003, 12:05 PM

The bit of conversation I remember from yesterday (or day before?) went like this, with a few changes and additions (my memory ain't as good as it used to be :lol: ):

Here's how my comp worked, and I think this is how it often works. The dance teacher/pro/studio gets a wholesalers' package for many competitions. They decide which competitions to promote to their students, add their mark-up and ask their students to participate.

The students can enter based on the rules set up by competition organizers. Things like age group and proficiency level, among other things, are what determine which heats you can enter.

In my case, you're allowed to enter as a newcomer only if you've had fifty hours of instruction or less. Other than that, it's bronze, silver, or gold, with each division being divided in two (Bronze 1 and Bronze 2, for example).

So, for my comp, I've decided to max out in terms of dances I know and can be competitive in. That works out to twenty heats. My choice, all the way. I have a no-pressure dance coach. (I opted to enter only one age division. Up to two are allowed.)

Others are less lucky, and have coaches or studios that pressure students to enter as many heats as possible, in order to maximize the monies spent up front and to get the teacher in the running for prize money.

SwinginBoo

10-09-2003, 01:25 PM

Wow, that's awesome. I'm supporting you all the way. :D

pygmalion

10-09-2003, 01:57 PM

Thanks. I've been feeling the love on that one since I first posted about this comp a couple weeks ago. It's so exciting! :D

Vince A

10-09-2003, 02:38 PM

And although we're competing three hours apart that day, just remember that I will be there dancing with you . . .

Anyone else? Will you be there with her??? Let her know it! I'm looking for 351 replies here!

Come on guys . . . in spirit only???

SwinginBoo

10-09-2003, 05:01 PM

Remind me of the date and time and I'll mark it down on my calendar. I'll send you my thoughts and prayers.

Vince A

10-09-2003, 05:07 PM

Jenn, correct if I'm wrong, but I thought the time was 9:00 on Nov 2.

pygmalion

10-09-2003, 05:40 PM

Yup. 9:00 AM on Sunday, November 2. :D :shock: :D

MissAlyssa

10-11-2003, 04:08 PM

good luck! what dances and what competion?

SalsaGeek

10-14-2003, 03:47 PM

wow, 20 heats???
that's a lot of money :shock:

dancergal

10-14-2003, 03:58 PM

Good luck, I'll be sending good thoughts your way on that day!! :D (I hope you don't exhaust yourself. It sounds like a lot of dancing!!)

Vince A

10-15-2003, 01:23 PM

Jenn,
Two weeks to go . . . how are you doing??? Are the routines solid yet???
Spotting . . . spins and turns . . . arms . . . hands???

SDsalsaguy

10-15-2003, 01:46 PM

arms . . . hands???
Hopefully!

pygmalion

10-15-2003, 02:00 PM

Wow! I'm feeling the love! :D

First, believe it or not, twenty heats is not a lot of money. A whole lot depends on how much markup your instructor or studio adds. I'm not going to post what I paid, just because I don't want to make trouble for anyone. I will say this, though. What I paid for the teacher's fee plus entries to this competition would buy about 13 lessons at my previous studio. Do the math. Not a lot of money, if you ask me.

Yes, twenty heats is a lot, but I did that deliberately. I haven't competed before, but I have performed a lot, and for me, the worst possible thing to do is to sit down and watch too much. That's when you get cold and stiff and nervous. And twenty heats is spread over several hours, you know. The tough part is when you start to tire physically, but that's usually near the end. I get such a performance high, that I usually just keep going. The next day, I crash like the worst hangover you've ever had. Fun! :lol: :D 8)

Vince, yes, the routines are starting to come together, but more importantly, all my dances are starting to look more and more unique from each other, especially in smooth. The waltz, foxtrot and tango are looking more different from each other than ever before. Still doing those arm drills, though. I need a couple thousand more reps to make my arm naturally hit that track -- across the boobs, around the face, and straight up the side with attitude. Getting there, though.

Dances: waltz, foxtrot, tango, WCS, ECS, merengue, mambo, bolero, cha cha, rumba. All at Bronze 1 and Full bronze, so the steps aren't an issue. It's the styling, snap, body movement, spotting, size and boldness of the moves, and character of each dance that I'm working on.

Yay! :D

SDsalsaguy

10-15-2003, 02:19 PM

Funny how relative everything can get... in my universe the cost of 13 lessons at your old studio is expensive! But, as I pointed out in the franchise thread, price and value are, ultimately, two different things. If its worth it to you then it's not too expensive. Enjoy! :D :D :D

pygmalion

10-15-2003, 02:27 PM

Vince A

10-16-2003, 09:10 AM

Thanks. Yes. I know what you mean. Everything is relative. But some of the horror stories I've heard from other people about their competition price tags. :shock: I'm paying a small fraction of what other people pay.
And you know that those stories are probably "stretched very far . . ." start your own log or diary . . . write your own horror stories, if, you have any!!!

pygmalion

10-16-2003, 03:12 PM

A diary of my experiences is a great idea. Plus video, and lots of still photos. :D

About the competition prices, though, I'm pretty sure the stuff I've been hearing is true. When I consider that the competition I'm in is quite small (therefore inexpensive), it's only one day (therefore limited heats), it's local (therefore no hotel fees), and that I study at an independent studio (therefore no studio fees or overhead), the figures I've heard seem entirely plausible to me.

The people I've talked to have quoted figures four or more times what I'm paying. And I believe them. Quite shocking, the price people will pay to dance. *shrug* :?

SDsalsaguy

10-16-2003, 03:21 PM

Quite shocking, the price people will pay to dance. *shrug* :?
To my mind, however, there's a significant distinction between the price one will pay vs. the price one will pay if they don't know there are other options. In the first scenario the choice is theirs. Good judegement or poor, it's all in their own hands.

pygmalion

10-16-2003, 03:57 PM

Exactly, SD. How do I put this? In the past year, my eyes have been opened to a lot of options I didn't know existed.

This is slightly off-point, but what the heck. When I first started dancing, it took me about three months to get dissatisfied with the type of instruction - social dance - that I was receiving. When it came time to buy more lessons, I told them, "what you're doing is very nice, but I really want to learn to dance." At the time, I didn't realize what I was saying. I was saying that I wanted to learn competitive dance. But you know why I continued to take lessons there for another nine months before going somewhere else? Because I didn't know that I had other options, and, to me, any dance was better than no dance.

Yes, the price you're knowingly willing to pay is a whole lot different from the price you can be duped into paying if you don't know better. :?

Vince A

10-22-2003, 10:46 AM

Jenn,
How are you feeling? Excited? Nervous? Pumped up? Lots of energy?

pygmalion

10-22-2003, 01:05 PM

Vince A

10-22-2003, 02:45 PM

Hey Vince!

Feeling really good right now. Not too nervous. Right at the moment, the biggest issue for me is building some aerobic stamina, so I'm ramping up the number of miles I run at the gym. I'm already very fit, but I'm dancing very hard in rehearsals and practice sessions, so a little more staying power can't hurt. Other than that, things are starting to fall into place. Feeling good. And excited. :D
Don't go too far or peak too early as I did for World's . . . I simply was too tired to compete when that day arrived.
How about you? You have a comp on November 2, too, don't you? Is everything in place? Let us know, so we can pull for you. :D
Not too good, but hanging in. With work taking up so much time and me being diagnosed with diabetes (Type 2) early last month, I'm out of energy. With just eating more veggies and fruits (not much of anything else) and adding morning running to my daily routine, I have added 18 pounds to my frame - in six weeks! I danced Sunday at a reception with Carolyn (and dancergal too) and was just "off." No, not just off . . . REALLY OFF!

So, competition will be a joke, but as soon as I get things under control and get my motivation back up . . . the dancing will come back even more stronger! I'm on the South Beach Diet, running, and Carolyn wants to start practicing out on our floor more. I guess she felt I was off too! Or knew that I was frustrated.

Keep me posted on your progress . . . I'm keeping you in the daily prayers, so that your talents will be at their very best that day!

SDsalsaguy

10-22-2003, 03:20 PM

Sorry to hear about the rough go you're having Vince... know that you're in my prayers.

--Jonathan

pygmalion

10-22-2003, 03:25 PM

Vince A

10-22-2003, 03:29 PM

Sorry to hear about the rough go you're having Vince... know that you're in my prayers.

--Jonathan
Thanks Jonathan . . . it's just one thing after another, but I'm learning to juggle very well!

Vince A

10-22-2003, 03:38 PM

Yeah. I know what you mean. There's only so much energy to spend, so spend it wisely. I'm trying not to overdo it. Instead of 3 -4 miles a day, I'm doing 4 - 5. Lots of leg lifts with low weights. Lots of stretching. And going out to clubs or parties a lot more than usual, to practice dancing, but without pressure. Trying to have fun with the whole thing. When the second gets here, that will be the time to just enjoy.
Jenn, you mentioned the "key" word for getting through a competion. Remember to keep it FUN! It's not life or death, It's not the end of the world. And lastly, agian, remember that feeling as you walk off the floor after a dance!

Sorry to hear about the diabetes, Vince. It runs in my family, so I have an idea of what you're going through. The weight gain thing just happens, especially if you're on insulin, but even if it's just pills. It takes a while for you, your doctor, and your body to figure out the right combination of diet and exercise to keep you feeling good while keeping your weight under control. It takes a while. If you wear glasses or contacts, even your prescription may change. The local Lenscrafters even offers a "diabetic" prescription, where they'll replace your lenses as many times as needed for a six month period, if you're diagnosed diabetic. It's serious stuff. But it's manageable. Hang in. You'll feel better soon. :? :) You are also in my daily prayers. Hugs. :)
Thanks to you too, Jenn.

It is Type 2 - only take the meds! The doctor said it would take, as you say, "a while" to get things under control. But he promised, if I get the weight down (and I'm not fat - I have a 32 inch waist), he'll take me off the meds. So, a lot of work ahead. More running, more dieting, and MORE DANCING should do the trick. Gimme 6 to 8 months. I hope to be somewhat in shape for the DF reunion!

Thanks for tips on 'glasses' . . . the prayers . . . and the hugs!

pygmalion

11-03-2003, 06:44 AM

I'm going to divide this into several posts. First, I don't want to write a book. Plus, I learned things in several logical categories.

Things I learned about myself.
1. I learned that I should follow my instincts. At my coach's (good) advice and urgings, I entered both smooth and rhythm events, even though I didn't want to do smooth. While I understand and respect the advice, I didn't enjoy the smooth at all -- not the training, not the practice, and not the competition. Why? Because my instincts told me I didn't have enough time to prepare to my own satsfaction. And I didn't. Or maybe I just want to be a rhythm dancer? I'm not sure yet which is true.

2. I love performing. Even in the middle of the most crowded and contested heat, I had a total blast! Next time, I'm going to sign up to do a solo routine, too. Fun! :D

3. I don't have a competitive spirit -- comps are just fun for me. Winning is immaterial. The only times I really hoped for a win, was for the other women from my studio who competed. Hmm.

4. I just plain love dancing, and it will be a part of my life, for the rest of my life. It has a high value to me. In the past month, totally without warning, I have scrounged up multiple thousands of dollars -- to pay for the comp, buy shoes, costumes, makeup, etc. And I don't care about the sacrifice. I love dancing that much.

5. I prefer to plan ahead. One month is not long enough for me to prepare for a competition.

6. I greatly prefer open choreography to closed -- it allows a lot more freedonm of expression for the follow.

Probably more later -- I'll edit if I think of anything else.

pygmalion

11-03-2003, 07:10 AM

1. There are a lot of NICE people out there. Competitions are not all nastiness and back-biting. There are people actually cheering for and supporting each other. I met quite a few of these people yesterday. :D

2. Different things motivate different people. Some people there were clearly competing to win, and take this stuff seriously. Some people were there to socialize and hang out with their friends. Some were there out of loyalty to a teacher. Some were there because they're lonely and need an outlet. Some were there for sheer love of dance.

3. If you're kind to others, they'll be kind to you. Several people I met starting cheering for me, AFTER I introduced myself and made a little conversation.

4. Almost everybody thrives with positive feedback, from the top pros I met to the newest newcomer. Cheering and clapping doesn't hurt either. :lol:

pygmalion

11-03-2003, 08:13 AM

A lot of this stuff probably applies to dance in general, as well.

1. Dancing is a sport, and as such requires energy. I didn't eat much for breakfast the day of my comp, and boy did I regret it. By the end of the morning, my blood sugar was so low, I felt like I'd faint. I spent the rest of the afternoon consuming energy drinks, chocolate candies, and granola bars! Oh yeah, and stay hydrated.

2. While it's not required, being in good physical condition helps a lot.

3. There's no substitute for practice, practice, practice.

4. Good technique shows. Bad technique also shows. Footwork and legwork shows most of all. And arm styling is a nice plus. :D

5. Good solid, simple choreography done well is better than flashy choreography done badly.

6. Everybody makes mistakes, even pros. Perfection doesn't happen, so strive for excellence. And learning to lead/follow is a good idea, too. :lol:

7. People with previous dance training have a serious advantage.

pygmalion

11-03-2003, 08:25 AM

I'll try to stay away from things specific to this comp, and give some general observations.

1. If you're the student, knowing your own stuff helps the pro. Be on time. Know which heats are yours, and what you're dancing. Line up on time, so you don't miss your heats. Your pro may have several students competing, and it makes life a lot easier for everybody if the pro doesn't have to police you, as well.

2. (This is just my opinion. Don't forget.) The more heats you can afford to be in, the better, within reason. It keeps you warm and comfortable on the dance floor. Plus, depending on how your comp is structured, you may get more points just for being in more heats, regardless of your scores.

3. Your view and the judges' view may not be the same. My top scoring heats were among my least favorite, and vice versa. If you afford it, buy the video of your performance and review it.

4. Come prepared for anything. My comp was at a nice hotel, but the changing facilites were far away, and sparce. My comp-mates and I split the cost of a day room in the hotel, and used it for changing, etc.

5. Beware of high cost extras. Bottled water -- $2.50 each. I brought along a six-pack from home. Cost: $2 total.

6. I got this sggestion from my coach, and from another lady in my studio who also competed. If possible, bring along back-up clothes. Pants may split. A costume may not work out.

7. Take an emergency kit. Sewing kit, headache pills, extra hose, hair stuff, make-up. Whatever you think you may need.

8. If you're providing your own music, such as for a solo performance, burn a backup CD.

pygmalion

11-03-2003, 08:39 AM

1. Competitions are money-making enterprises, first, last and always. In his speeches, the comp organizer kept referring to the teachers and competitors present as customers, and that's what we are.

2. Some comp promoters also do good work. World Promotions, which sponsored my comp, offeres free entries to juniors and subsidizes a fair amount of ballroom education for school-aged children. It was great to see them compete -- some of them nine, ten, eleven years old. :D

3. Top teacher prizes go to top salespeople, not necessarily the best dancers or the best teachers.

Adwiz

11-03-2003, 08:11 PM

My wife and I are entering our first competition this coming weekend.

We were going to wait until the Snowball Classic in February but our studio is holding the second largest competition in the Vancouver area this weekend and our teacher encouraged us to give it a try, even though we don't really feel ready. I guess you never do. When I broke my pelvis five weeks ago it actually increased my resolve to see if I could still dance to competitive form.

Because it's our first one, we can enter the Newcomer division and we're doing that as well as Bronze, both in Latin only.

We videotaped ourselves on the weekend at a private lesson and gained lots of value from watching that. We've already improved a bunch of little technique shortcomings that were obvious. One thing that really struck me is how difficult it can be to look expansive. We both felt as if we were being "large" in our performance movements but on the video it didn't look nearly as big as it felt. We realized how much harder we have to work to add the extra energy needed to look really good. By making our steps even smaller we were able to add the extra hip and body movements that dramatically increased the overall styling.

Worked 3 hours today and will be practicing between 4 and 6 hours each day this week. We perform Friday night in a one-heat, two-dance Senior (over 35) competition, then again Saturday for two others. We're only up against one other couple on our Newcomer routine, but there are more than 20 couples in the Adult Bronze division so that will involve several heats.

I'm not terribly nervous, because I just love dancing and am in it for the sheer joy of the experience of performing with my lovely wife. She's pretty nervous though, even though she was a competitive dancer in her youth and has a wall full of trophies. Maybe that's why! The only thing that worries me is being off time. I've been sweating buckets over missing the beat on the Rhumba, because we both do that from time to time. Aaarrrgghh! For the past week, I've been listening to Rhumba music lots just to try and feel the beat so I nail it every time. Some songs just give us trouble because they are so similar that you can miss the bar transitions.

Wish me luck.

Anyone know how Vince did, or did I just miss his post about the competition results?

SDsalsaguy

11-03-2003, 10:14 PM

Vince didn't actually compete this weekend. The finals for his events were orignially scheduled for Sunday morning which is when he and Carolyn were heading out. As things worked out the finals were conducted Saturday afternoon, so he couldv'e participated, but that was an on the spot scheduling shift. Carloyn, however, took home #1 place overall!

Adwiz

11-04-2003, 01:35 AM

Vince didn't actually compete this weekend... Carolyn, however, took home #1 place overall!

That's an awesome achievement! Thanks for the update.

Vince A

11-04-2003, 09:40 AM

SDsalsaguy

11-04-2003, 11:40 AM

SD . . . thanks!!!
No problem Vince... I've got you covered!!!

samba ajr

11-04-2003, 10:54 PM

Congratulations to Carolyn (and Vince!)

Pygmalion--I'm sure you did great. You've given us a another great Competition todo list. Maybe these could be compiled in an article "Competition FAQS"?
I'm dying to know how you did. I bet you even did well in Smooth!?! 8)

pygmalion

11-05-2003, 06:16 AM

Vince A

11-05-2003, 10:22 AM

Yup, samba ajr. I did very well overall. I won a few heats, placed last in a few, but overall did quite well. Even in smooth. I'm happy with the results. I will create a comp FAQ index thread. I'm not sure where I'll put it. Probably at the top of the ballroom forum. Hmm. I'll figure out how and set that up within a day or two.

Jenn
Again Jenn. . . congratulations! I'm so proud of you . . .

Will the results be posted on a website somewhere???

So . . when is the next event? I guarantee . . . this time next year . . . you will not be the same dancer that you were before this past weekend.

dancergal

11-05-2003, 12:34 PM

Congrats Jenn!! Good for you and thanks for all the competition advice. I think I'm going to print out your list and keep it. Do you have any photos for us?

pygmalion

11-05-2003, 04:57 PM

:D Thanks for the positive feedback, dancergal. It makes the effort of writing all that stuff worthwhile. Yup. I got some good photos -- some of me standing around in my costumes, some of me dancing. And they'll be up for viewing ASAP. :D

pygmalion

11-05-2003, 04:59 PM

And oh yeah. DF has three members coming up on their first comps this coming weekend. I won't mention names in case you don't want me to, but you know who you are. :D Best of luck to you all. If you have questions, please post. I may not be able to answer, but DF has quite a few experienced competitors who probably can. :D

pygmalion

11-07-2003, 08:30 AM

Congrats Jenn!! Good for you and thanks for all the competition advice. I think I'm going to print out your list and keep it. Do you have any photos for us?

Check out this link. :D

http://www.thedancedoctormd.com/photopgBrBlitz.htm

Fortunately, somebody is set up for uploading pictures. Not me, but someone! :D

pygmalion

11-07-2003, 12:08 PM

Oh by the way, I posted a few more photos in the album, for sake of completeness. :D

pygmalion

11-10-2003, 12:11 PM

Does anyone that competed this past weekend have insights or stories to share? :?: I hope your experience far exceeded your expectations, all of you. :D

samba ajr

11-10-2003, 04:47 PM

I’m back from beautiful Puerto Rico! Had a wonderful experience--lots of great dancing, and best of all, went swimming in the ocean in November! Oh, and I won over $100 in roulette at the casino (it paid for my video!).

This was the biggest comp I’ve been to, over 5000 entries (I did 24.) Lots more competition than I’m used too--usually have been only to franchise comps. I was pleased with my results-- got 3rd, 4th, 5ths in closed smooth and rhythm. 1st in Peabody (Yeah Peabody! :D ), 3rd in Quickstep (my first time with Q).

In Open Rhythm, I aced them all! :bouncy: Did all dances available except for Paso Doble--I didn’t even know you could do that in Rhythm?

There was extremely exciting Pro competition and a remarkable show by Micheal Weatink and Beata (and we saw him at breakfast the next morning.)

I’ll have some photos to upload soon--stay tuned!

pygmalion

11-10-2003, 05:04 PM

Yay! :D Glad to hear things went well. I like Peabody as well. Don't know many people who do it, though. :?

Cool. Brushes with greatness. Look forward to seeing the photos. :D

Jenn

Adwiz

11-11-2003, 07:40 PM

Does anyone that competed this past weekend have insights or stories to share?

My wife and I competed for the first time this weekend. A World Championships finalist told me recently that one competition is worth 10 lessons, and he wasn't kidding!

Huge event at our studio, the second largest comp in Western Canada. Almost three full days, going till nearly 2AM each night with more than 700 spectators and competitors from Russia, Hungary, England and across the continent.

With my pelvis broken just over five weeks earlier, I didn't expect much but wanted the experience. We managed to garner a second-place finish in a Newcomer category with two out of five judges putting us in first place for both dances so I was pleased with that. We were outclassed in the other categories, but most of it was my own lack of confidence.

I'm so pleased that I did push myself to the limit to be in it despite my injury because the experience gained was worth, in my opinion, much more than 10 lessons. In short, I learned how to get past the pressure of being judged and that cannot be taught any other way.

Our first event blew up. I've often danced as the only couple on a floor with an audience, but never in this kind of situation, knowing that you're being judged and evaluated against much more experienced dancers. It made me incredibly nervous. I can get up and speak in front of 10,000 people without batting an eye, but this really freaked me out. We hadn't practiced that day, expecting there to be a practice area. There wasn't, so I felt uncomfortable. As we stood in the lineup waiting to go on, I also realized with horror that we had never rehearsed some of the most basic elements of competing, such as presenting the woman as we walk on the floor. My confidence collapsed. I began to doubt everything about myself. I was tense and made many mistakes.

Our second event the next day was a 1000% improvement. Most of my nerves were gone and I could focus on the event, but I still felt an enormous pressure just knowing that we were being judged. Didn't make any grave mistakes but my nervousness affected form and enjoyment of the dance and judges never miss that. Surprisingly we did have some callback marks in our Cha Cha Cha but I couldn't find the beat in the Rumba (it was a very difficult song) and got off time, killing our chances.

Our final event was another 1000% improvement. I was now relaxed and confident. I enjoyed myself and it showed. My wife and I were connecting and working as a team with lots of energy. The first dance wasn't up to our usual form and I believe we could have nailed a first place finish if I had been even a little more relaxed before the second dance.

From here on it will only get better because I'm now at a point where I can include the audience in the performance, something I'm used to doing from a long background as a stage actor and public speaker. During the first two events I was so freaked out I couldn't even think about the audience. By the third one I was already making some eye contact. As a result, we've both gained enormous confidence and expect to do much better in the next comp, especially with a healed body.

If you've been thinking about competing, don't delay. Get into it. It may be the hardest thing you've ever done but the mental rewards afterwards will be huge. :D

samba ajr

11-11-2003, 08:46 PM

Check out my photos ( :wink: can't believe I said that) in the Member Galleries. I'll add a few more soon.

Samba AJR (aka Alicia)

pygmalion

11-12-2003, 06:42 AM

Hey adwiz.

Thanks for sharing your experiences. You captured the feeling so well. I'm going to compile these threads into an index, so that other new competitors can benefit from your having gone before. Thank you for being so genuine. :D

Vince A

11-12-2003, 09:29 AM

adwiz,
Congratulations to you and your wife . . . pretty darn good for your first time out.

And nice write-up too. You truly captured the essence of what competing is all about.

Keep up the good work!!!

Vince

pygmalion

11-15-2003, 03:09 PM

A nice listing of tips and pointers for competitive dancers -- some already covered, some not. 8) :D

http://www.ee.princeton.edu/~aria/comp_tips.html

mamboqueen

05-01-2004, 08:36 AM

Great info here. I'm doing my second comp ever in 2 weeks. The last one was 2-1/2 years ago, so this might as well be my first. It's a small one which will help me prep for the bigger one in June. I'm sure you get better with each experience, like any other discipline or sport. I just don't know how many of these I can do in a year because of the $$$ aspect. I have two kids and the time away from them for lessons, practice and the comps is already a stretch. I pretty much need (another) part-time job to pay for the comps. In any event, I'm planning on getting A LOT of use out of my gown and latin dress.

Jenn - you look fantastic in your pictures. Have you done any comps since? (I haven't read that much of this board yet, so if it's posted elsewhere, my apologies).

So, a few questions....

My hair is chin length at the moment; too long? It can't be put up. Should I get it cut some more? What about coloring it? I have a pretty "standard" brown hair (with the obligatory smatterng of grey that came after having 2 kids).

I have regular flesh fishnets for the latin, but I plan on picking up a spare pair. Can I get away with regular pantyhose for the smooth? I mean, only about 3" of my leg is probably going to be showing.

What would be your tips on focus? I obviously don't want to appear to be focusing on every move, step, turn, etc., but I want to be able to block out the others around me while trying to connect with the judges and/or audience.

I'm sure I'll think of more. Thanks in advance for your help. Sometimes when I speak to people or ask questions, I don't feel like people want to really help by divulging their "secrets."

pygmalion

05-01-2004, 11:25 AM

Hey mamboqueen! :D

Good luck on your upcoming comp. That is SO exciting! I'll come back and answer your questions a little later -- busy, busy day here for me today.

In the meantime, did you see the first time competitors' index at the top of ballroom? I assume you did, but just in case you didn't, I think there are some pretty in depth discussions about hair, hose, and costumes imbedded in the threads there. I love talking about such stuff, though, so I'll be back to post later. :wink:

chachagirlie

05-02-2004, 12:51 PM

Hi mamboqueen!

Congrats on your comp! You must be really excited!

On your questions regarding hosiery...If you have firm muscular legs, consider not wearing tights, fishnet or otherwise. You can use a waterproof bronzer if you think you are too pale. If you feel you must wear the fishnets make sure you've practiced wearing them. You can get a very nasty and painful blister on your heel on comp day from the fishnets.

On tights or pantyhose for ballroom...if you must wear them...check out the "sheer to waist" Body Smoothers by Givenchy. These are fabulous and absolutely sheer to waist with some nice spandex content. I love them.

pygmalion

05-02-2004, 03:02 PM

Thanks for the tips, cha cha girlie. Also, check out the "pantyhose" threads for a bunch more hosiery, costume and accesory discussion. 8) :D

mamboqueen

05-02-2004, 03:37 PM

Thanks for the tips. Even with a fake-tan, I'm still pretty pale (it takes until about early August for me to *start* to look like I have some color!) I will buy the pantyhose you suggested. The last time I did rythym, I'm pretty sure I had the fishnets, so I'll use 'em again.

What about the hair?? I have pretty wavy hair that tends to do it's own thing (especially when there's the slightest hint of humidity). Meaning, I can generally pull off the sloppy look really well without trying, but trying to tame it to a style isn't the easiest. I think I'm going to hack it and go a couple of shades lighter.

mamboqueen

05-02-2004, 03:38 PM

...forgot to ask...what type of bronzer would you recommend? I don't want to be orange. I have the typical Irish complexion.

pygmalion

05-02-2004, 03:44 PM

Take a look at the "Competitors need a tan" thread. I've never used bronzer, so I don't know. But Larinda makes a good suggestion there, that you may be able to take advantage of. :wink: There are also a couple suggestions in that thread.

http://www.dance-forums.com/viewtopic.php?t=943

Chris Stratton

05-02-2004, 03:48 PM

On the hair thing, I'd recommend letting it grow out a bit to make it easier to put up in the future. Hair put up and cemented in place with gobs of gel or hairspray is such an established tradition that there really isn't any option if you want to look like you made a reasonable effort to prepare for a comp.
I'd rate this as substantially more of a priority than bronzer.

Even guys with short hair are expected to completely immobilize it in some way.

mamboqueen

05-03-2004, 05:57 AM

Thanks Chris. I'm so inept with hair. I have a six-year old daughter and I keep her hair short because I can't do all the cute girly things. Poor thing...got mistaken for a boy a couple of times. Ouch!

I'll let it grow out after the June comp. It won't grow long enough between now and then to do anything with.

Of course, I can always add a personal hairdresser to my list of necessities...

pygmalion

05-03-2004, 05:58 AM

Gel can do wonders. :wink: :D

mamboqueen

05-03-2004, 09:10 AM

Yes, in the hands of the right person it does!

I think there should be an extreme makeover show for us dancers!

Chris Stratton

05-03-2004, 11:14 AM

I think there should be an extreme makeover show for us dancers!

There was actually a situation once where I only recognized this teammate by the fact that she was sanding with her usual partner.

But it gets worse.

Someone I was dancing with last year got talked into a 'free' hairdo at a mall salon that was opening or doing a promo. I showed up where we usual met for practice, saw she wasn't there and sat on a bench across the way. I kept looking, but no partner... just this punk with spiked hair who also seemed to be waiting for someone.

pygmalion

05-03-2004, 12:01 PM

Ha! You should've seen it the first time I got hair extensions. My hair "grew" something like a foot in one afternoon. My dance teacher at the time didn't recognize me when I showed up for our exhibition that night. He came over and introduced himself. What a hoot! :twisted: :lol: :lol:

(btw, hair extensions, while expensive, are another option for women who have short hair, but want the ballerina/bun look for their dancing. I've done it. :wink: :D )

love2swing

10-23-2004, 06:26 PM

Sorry to bump this thread again, but I was reading it and it has some great advice! Just had a few questions of my own about my first comp that's still a little bit away yet, but my partner and I are getting started at working on it this next week I believe. We will be doing a comp in July as a pro couple. We will compete in American style dances. I want to do both rhythm and smooth, and he is unsure as to whether or not we will be able to accomplish that in the time frame we have. If we chose rhythm the dances we have to do are Cha-cha, Rumba, Swing, Bolero, and Mambo. If we choose smooth it's Waltz, VW, Tango, and Foxtrot. I would love to do both. Does anyone think this is feasible at all? We have 8 and a half months to prepare. Well, if I could pick and choose the dances I wanted to do I would choose Waltz, VW, Foxtrot, Cha-Cha, Rumba, Swing, and maybe Bolero. However, I cannot mix and match! :cry:

Anyway, after that rambling, I guess my question is this. Which would be the easier set for us to concentrate on first? I don't think either of us is stronger in any set-- him maybe slightly in rhythm, but not much of a difference. And, as I said before, I would love to do both. Thoughts anyone?

Laura

10-23-2004, 06:36 PM

If you are only going to pick one, and you don't really care one way or the other, then let the leader pick. After all, he's the one who is going to have to be leading, and you want him to be as confident and comfortable and focussed and prepared as possible.

SDsalsaguy

10-23-2004, 06:41 PM

Laura's advice is very good... confidence seems to be an often and overly underestimated element of immense importance.

sunderi

10-25-2004, 11:45 AM

Yes, twenty heats is a lot, but I did that deliberately. I haven't competed before, but I have performed a lot, and for me, the worst possible thing to do is to sit down and watch too much. That's when you get cold and stiff and nervous.

I couldn't agree more. That's why I always do AT LEAST 20 heats when I compete. I've done as many as 40 before -- which was TOO many (by the end I was just getting out there & going through the motions -- my heart wasn't in it anymore). This week I've got 26 (or is it 28?) but that's spread out over 3 days, so it won't be bad.

Joe

10-26-2004, 06:15 AM

I can't imagine dancing 20 heats...

Kitty

10-26-2004, 07:23 AM

I can't imagine dancing 20 heats...

Say you are competing in 10-dance, and there is a semifinal, and you are called back for the final. Then you have danced 20 dances. How is that different from dancing 20 pro-am heats? In pro-am it is usually a direct final...

sunderi

10-26-2004, 09:36 AM

Oh, and on top of the 26 (I checked) heats I have this weekend, I'm also doing 5 dance rhythm scholarship and 4 dance smooth scholarship (don't know if those exist in the "real" world or if they are just an AMI thing). I expect there to be a quarter and a semi for BOTH of those, so if all goes well, I'll get to do those both 3x, for a total of . . . 26 + (9 x 3) = 53 dances! Of course, that's only if I MAKE the final (which is my goal -- wish me luck!).

love2swing

10-26-2004, 10:00 AM

Good luck sunderi! Anyone else have comp's coming up soon?

sunderi

11-02-2004, 09:27 AM

Well, I did it! I made the finals in both rhythm & smooth! Woo hoo! I'm really happy. We got 3rd in rhythm and 5th in smooth. I've never made the finals in smooth before, so that was a big accomplishment for me. And, that was against the best people in Arthur Murray -- it was the Arthur Murray Superama, which is the National Championships (more like North American Championships, though -- both of the couples that beat us in rhythm are Canadian).

It was a fantastic time. :-D In addition to dancing the best I've ever danced, we got to see shows by Slavik & Karina, and Jonathin & Katusha AND we got to Nick & Lena compete, as well as Bob & Julia compete for the last time. :shock: What a weekend.

Laura

11-02-2004, 11:23 AM

Good luck sunderi! Anyone else have comp's coming up soon?

My first comp with my new Standard partner is 11 days away. I still don't have anything to wear, sigh, I just haven't had the time to deal with it. We've been practicing a lot though and feel very prepared. I'm so excited!! I waited a year for this guy while he suffered through knee injuries, surgery, and rehabilitation, and now we're finally going to get to dance.

Joe

11-03-2004, 06:10 AM

How can possibly not have anything to wear? :shock:

Laura

11-03-2004, 10:26 AM

I sold off a big bunch of my dresses last year when I was burnt out and was considering quitting dancing. I still have a couple, but they're from back before I gained 20 pounds. Basically all I have now is an undecorated black Smooth gown that is too short. I'm thinking of adding some satin to the bottom to lengthen it and then stoning it because at this point I can't imagine sewing a whole new dress in nine days, even though I've already drafted the pattern for it. Procrastination is a fun game...heh.

love2swing

11-03-2004, 12:18 PM

mamboqueen

11-03-2004, 01:27 PM

Congratulations on your achievements, Sunderi! I hope you got some pictures. And to see Bob and Julia and Slavik....ahhh.... a dream come true!

standardgirl

11-03-2004, 08:38 PM

love2swing wrote:
Good luck sunderi! Anyone else have comp's coming up soon?

My first comp is OSB, which is coming up in two weeks. I am not nervious since I am used to competitions. I am looking forward to it.

mamboqueen

11-04-2004, 06:15 AM

I'm doing a small one this weekend. Unfortunately, the schedule is such that I have to dance Friday night, Saturday afternoon, Saturday night and Sunday morning. Sound like fun??? Ugh!

alemana

01-04-2005, 03:50 PM

i think i may be gearing up for my first competition with my first-ever partner.

we got matched a few weeks ago and he said right away, to my amusement, that he wanted to dance two dances at a local comp in March. oh, and he needs to take the month of January off. that gives us the shortest month in the calendar year to learn a bronze routine for two dances (latin), polish them, and steel our nerves for our first turn on the floor. for me, it'll be my first time ever competing.

our coach supports the idea, so i'm going to go for it. but i'm nervous as hell and frantically reading the boards here for war stories and support!

Laura

01-04-2005, 04:22 PM

Hey, good luck and go for it!!! Just do the best you can with the time you have -- don't beat yourself up over things that you can't control, and make the most of what you can control. Most of all: enjoy it! Enjoy the new partnership, enjoy the learning, enjoy the discovery, enjoy making something out of you + him on the dance floor!

Larinda McRaven

01-04-2005, 04:22 PM

Alemana, perhaps we can meet up at the comp...and anyone else who is going to Tri-State. I assume that is the one you are talking about!?!

tasche

01-05-2005, 12:11 PM

alemana

01-05-2005, 12:45 PM

yes, larinda, that's the one. what will you be dancing?

Larinda McRaven

01-05-2005, 07:45 PM

The Pro Open Smooth is Friday night. Perhaps I will have students doing something on another day, but haven't solidified anyone yet.

setsuna713

01-05-2005, 11:58 PM

How long do most people take to prepare for a competition? I am helping to run one in February and I'm already competing in two ballroom formations and some swing, but some people are trying to talk me into doing some smooth and latin (which I've done for three years now, but never competed in). Should I go ahead and say no?

standardgirl

01-06-2005, 12:13 AM

How long do most people take to prepare for a competition?

My teacher and I are just starting to get ready for a comp in late March. We started talking about ideas on dresses, and routines for the dances. However, we are not sure how many and which levels we are entering yet.

Rainbow

01-19-2005, 02:26 AM

Hi,

Just came across this thread and I think it's wonderful.

pygmalion - way to go with 20 heats, really admire your attitude towards dancing and love the "Great Competition todo list" ...

Adwiz - reminded me when i started my 1st competition, great experience ... Hope you will enjoy even more on your next competition.

Sunderi - That's incredible with 53 dances, I wish I could do that ... The most I could do so far is 15 ... And very happy for your performance in the rhythm & Smooth finals.

alemana - Good luck on your competition in March ...

chiwenl - I wish you and your teacher the best performance in the late March Competition.

Vince - I wish the best of health and hope you will get well soon.

Sorry if I have missed anyone, ^_^

Rainbow ^_^

dadutchdancer

01-19-2005, 12:37 PM

im having my second comp on sunday over here, but reading through your posts ive noticed that it works really different over here in holland :shock: but anyway getting more nervous and training everywhere i can(even at work getting some weird looks :oops: anyway ill let u know how ill do cu later

dadutchdancer

mamboqueen

01-20-2005, 08:35 AM

Good luck to you!

dadutchdancer

01-23-2005, 12:27 PM

hi everyone i just came home from my comp i got 3rd place in ballroom and 5th place in latin, but i think we can do a lot better b'cause nothing went right 2day and i know we can do a whole lot better but well c;) bye 4 now dadutchdancer

alemana

01-24-2006, 10:26 AM

DanceBeat has an interesting first-person account of a "first comp" this month. it's by a male pro-am dancer. worth reading.

alemana

03-02-2006, 08:46 AM

people who have recently started competing, i have a question for you.

what lessons did you learn at your first two or three comps? by that i mean, what mistakes did you make overall (not just with dancing, but with competing generally) that you will be sure to correct next time?

i've now done three comps, and my takeaways are as follows:

1. hair and makeup must be complete EARLY EARLY EARLY.

i used to think this was silly, but now i know better.

this last comp i arrived at the venue at 2 with just eyeshadow on - and i was doing my makeup myself for the first time - and was extremely crunched considering i was supposed to dance at 4. i wound up dancing without eyelashes completely because i couldn't get them on, and my makeup in general looked crappy because my hands were shaking, etc.

what suffered? my warmup and my mental state, which are the two things that should be PARAMOUNT in the hours before a comp.

lesson learned. from now on, makeup on and hair done 2 hours prior.

2. chill out on the caffeine.

i have a pretty big addiction, so i can't cut it completely out without getting an incapacitating headache. but i shouldn't drink more than usual just because i'm competing.

3. hydrate the 24 hours before like crazy.

this reduces the need to gulp water just beforehand, which is inconvenient in many respects.

4. warm up and up and up.

two comps ago i took a full hour with my resistance band in a quiet corner, and the difference was intense.

what about you?

mamboqueen

03-02-2006, 08:54 AM

I just purchased a portable DVD player and plan on bringing my yoga and stretching DVD's with me to help chill me out/warm me up. Thanks for the hair/make-up tip; I'm going to actually call today and schedule that. I don't know the time I'm competing at, but I know it's after dinner. I'm hoping it's a couple of hours after and not 5 minutes after.

I also brought with me my protein powder in a plastic "water" type container and filled it with milk and drank that down a few hours beforehand.

pygmalion

03-02-2006, 09:15 AM

Protein powder?

pygmalion

03-02-2006, 09:16 AM

1. hair and makeup must be complete EARLY EARLY EARLY.

i used to think this was silly, but now i know better.

this last comp i arrived at the venue at 2 with just eyeshadow on - and i was doing my makeup myself for the first time - and was extremely crunched considering i was supposed to dance at 4. i wound up dancing without eyelashes completely because i couldn't get them on, and my makeup in general looked crappy because my hands were shaking, etc.

what suffered? my warmup and my mental state, which are the two things that should be PARAMOUNT in the hours before a comp.

lesson learned. from now on, makeup on and hair done 2 hours prior.

Does anyone think it's better to just have someone else do the hair? Or does the scheduling make that a stressful option, as well?

mamboqueen

03-02-2006, 09:17 AM

Protein powder?

An energy drink....

pygmalion

03-02-2006, 09:21 AM

An energy drink....

Ah. When folks have mentioned protein powder, I've always envisioned those big-necked, bulky, weight-lifting guys. Maybe because the only people I've known who used it, up to now, have been big-necked, bulky, weight-lifting guys. :lol: I didn't know protein powder had other uses. :cool: :)

caityrosey

03-02-2006, 10:16 AM

Does anyone think it's better to just have someone else do the hair? Or does the scheduling make that a stressful option, as well?

Someone else on our team did my hair last time. I think that was a great option. We got it done super early and cemented it down and I didn't need to worry about it all day. Plus she can see the back of my head and can tell right away if what she is trying to do isn't working or is creating an unsightly lump.

alemana

03-02-2006, 11:56 AM

interesting. who else, new competitors? let's hear ya.

Magdalenka

03-08-2006, 07:51 PM

[quote=pygmalion]The getting ready for a first competition thread disappeared, too. Another three-pager, so I won't attempt to recreate. But here's a link to an interesting poem I found.
Neat, huh?

Hello, I'm relatively new to the whole realm of ballroom dancing. For some reason the link does not work anymore, ( at least when I tried it) do you still have a copy of it?

Keelzorz

03-09-2006, 09:12 PM

Based off the constant influx of new dancers, would this be a useful thread to make sticky or make prominent in the sticky list? New DF members might not be fluent in the search feature....let's try and include them, make their first spot of post an obvious one!

Besides, all the answers are (comparatively) easy- but infinitly helpful before a first competition!!!

Magdalenka

03-17-2006, 06:15 PM

Laura

03-17-2006, 06:23 PM

In my first one I thought I looked so hot...and then when I went back and looked at the tape a few years later I nearly died laughing. I was wearing god-awful black shoes, my hair was held back with metal clips in like gymnasts use, I had on barely any makeup, and I looked at the floor the whole time. My teacher didn't have at tail suit that day for some reason, and his hair was done kind of Vanilla Ice style. Oh man it was funny. I was uncontested in all dances, which was kind of boring in retrospect. It all went by so quickly that day, that's for sure.

tanya_the_dancer

03-17-2006, 06:35 PM

On my first comp I realized that I was the only woman wearing eyeglasses on the dance floor. This gave me enough motivation to switch to contacts (something I was thinking about for years but always found excuses not to).

waltzgirl

03-17-2006, 06:38 PM

When someone in the "cheering section" from our studio yelled out my name while I was dancing, I was so startled that I looked over at them and totally lost my place in the routine. Now everyone knows they can yell out my pro's number, but not my name!

apeacock

03-17-2006, 07:49 PM

I had a fun one - my first comp (collegiate, I had been really for only about 2 months), I was invigilated from newcomer after 1 round of a waltz. Aperantly it was enough that I was in our school's ballroom dancing club (not competition prep, the waltz is a box step with an underarm turn, no international anything, not a drop of technique, etc). That threw me for a serious loop... though my 2nd comp a month I placed in an international waltz, so I guess the invigilation was warrented.

fascination

03-17-2006, 08:25 PM

ya know it was only last year and I am doing silver now but at the time I was in heaven in love, 30 pounds heavier and thought I was great...I cherish that

dressgirl

03-17-2006, 11:39 PM

My first comp was way back in the dark ages - when we used porcupines instead of shoe brushes. Back when bronze was bronze and didn't have an open. (I know that seems unimaginable. :)) I made my first two dresses and although it was the start of something great for me, they were not great. They were my interpretation of something my teacher had said dresses should look like. (Honestly, I am not kidding when I say it was before "THE INTERNET"). So I had no pictures - new studio with no photo album, no female teacher owned a dress and NO ONE could tell me what they looked like - only that I couldn't buy one in a store. So my ballgown was made of all silk - organza, taffeta, charmeuse (that was the bodice :0) and had sweet maribou feathers on the bottom - did I mention the puffed sleeves? And the latin.......well it had.......40 ft. of gold lame ruffle around the bottom. And also made of silk. Only the best for a ball.

A lady about 75 years old and in a raunchy "las vegas showgirl style" latin that was basically a 2-piece with nude fabric stopped me in the bathroom with a pat on the shoulder. "Its so nice that sweet young girls can stay innocent and not look like a hussy" I went in a bathroom stall and cried - I prayed that God would make me a hussy. :)

And pretty much he did and now I make other people hussies too!!!!

fascination

03-18-2006, 12:10 AM

that's so cute dressgirl...I was in fact well advised by my boss, a ballroom dancer, to spare no expense on my first outfits and really love them...but I felt downright puritan in my rhythym outfit compared to everyone else...although that is how my pro would have it anyway...we gotta work on not looking like two standard dancers:rolleyes: ...must tap into my inner hussy much much better in the future

liangjz

03-20-2006, 11:04 PM

I had been taking group lessons 4 a week for a month before I got enrolled in competing in the American style 3-dance rythm and 3-dance smooths.

My instructors didn't believe much in amalgamations and thought we should sort out our own pieces. It definitely benefited me in the long run since I really like social dancing, but made a bit more nervous since I was trying to chain stuff togther that I was only sorta understanding.

The funniest part is that my instructor only taught the left turn(reverse turn), promenade, and walk-around turn for waltz. Something distinctly missing? Yes... the freakin' right turn!! I actually though it was in illegal move until a few days before when someone asked me why I only turned left.

Luckily, my got to shake out my nerves a bit by getting sucked into a performance in front of 50,000 basketball fans 12 hours before the comp started. By the time the actual comp started, I sorted decided there was no point in being nervous.

NielsenE

03-20-2006, 11:32 PM

I remember the extreme panic of realizing I was standing in rather large accousticly dead-zone for my second or third round of newcomer swing at the Harvard Beginner Comp in Lowell Lecture Hall.... A square area about 5' per side where the music was completely inaudible (bad speaker placement)... finally just started dancing, and hope the people around me were on time so I could sync to them....

Keelzorz

03-20-2006, 11:41 PM

RIdancer82

03-20-2006, 11:49 PM

I've looked over pictures my 1st comp (Brown 2003), and well, I looked like a hot dog. I had taken the advice of having a leotard and two interchangable skirts for the day, and the rhythm skirt I got my hands on was strait, thick and the exact same red as my leotard. Add big black shoes, tortoiseshell glasses, and my _1st_ attempt at makeup, and you have somewhat of a photographic disaster. Oye.

I think I'm going to have to see those pics.... don't worry though, I have some pretty, um, interesting ones myself from those good old days (and of course they all came out crystal clear too).... now that I look much better, my pics all come out blurry.... go figure.

oh, and btw.... I was at Brown 2003 and I don't recall seeing any dancing hot dogs....how could I have missed that?? :D

redhead

03-21-2006, 07:24 AM

I cried and cried and cried at my first comp, right after my first few heats... and then had to dance some more. And swore to never compete again. yeah, right.

cl5814

03-21-2006, 07:31 AM

I cried and cried and cried at my first comp, right after my first few heats... and then had to dance some more. And swore to never compete again. yeah, right.

If i may ask, what happened that made you cry ? Nervousness, too much excitement ?

redhead

03-21-2006, 07:56 AM

If i may ask, what happened that made you cry ? Nervousness, too much excitement ?
My first comp was pro/am, open bronze. I felt prepared for it, was a little nervous - but that's normal. And guess what, there was only like 3 couples on the floor, and in my favorite dance (and my best, too) my instructor kept doing basic step over and over again, for 2 friggin' minutes... and when I asked him why he did it, he said the other coupels didn't let him move and we got stuck in the corner and he couldn't move... he freaked out more than I did! Then I realized he just was not proficient in that style of dance and it was such a bitter disappointment for me, to all of a sudden see that I had just wasted several months of my time with someone who didn't have the tools to teach me.

wyllo

03-21-2006, 08:29 AM

When I look back at my first comp I can't believe how little I knew. I was on a collegiate team and they had never even uttered the word "syllabus" or explained there was more than one style of dance. A friend of mine was invigilated for doing a lift in beginner swing -- that's how little we knew about dance competitions! Plus, they had been telling me that all I had to do was show up and I'd win a ribbon -- but neglected to tell me that the comp was actually our area's Amateur Regionals for that year.

And I guess flourescent colors were in for ballgowns that year (along with the double row of ostrich feathers) so I remember watching the green, pink and orange dresses and thinking 'why?!'

Purr

03-21-2006, 09:10 AM

I have good memories of my first pro/am competition, which was over 3 years ago. For American Smooth, I wore a long black dress with fuchsia floral pattern that I purchased at Macy’s. For American Rhythm, I wore a Ralph Lauren sequined cocktail dress than I purchased on clearance (80% off!) at Marshall Field’s. I found ridiculously expensive Swarovski jewelry – earrings, necklace and bracelets – for both dresses. I bought two new pairs of dance shoes from Showtime Dance Shoes just for the competition. The Latin shoes were a great fit, but the court shoes hurt my feet horribly (I retired them after the competition). I was very fortunate that I received a lot of great tips on hair and makeup prior to the competition. While I wouldn't say I'm particularily photogenic, I did get several good photographs. As for the dancing, well let's just say that I exceeded everyone's expectations. :)

fire_dancer

03-21-2006, 11:36 AM

My first comp was only a few months ago, but already I look back and laugh! :) I was wearing a standard dress that I got off of the internet.... with about 3 Korean rhinestones on it, vs. the thousands of crystals everyone else had. My latin dress was a regular salsa dress that I MADE MY OWN BRA for (sewed it together with straps that matched my dress and tied in back) and hand-sewed little fringe on the bottom. I thought I looked amazing, but in every picture from the back you can see the big ugly bow that ties my bra together :) And as much as I thought I looked up, most of my pictures show me intently studying the cracks on the floor. ROFL. I guess it's true when they say your first dance competition is more for the experience than anything else!

arianiah

03-21-2006, 01:28 PM

my first comp was a college competition. I had just entered my silver classes for both standard and latin and was pleasantly surpised when i won first place on triple step swing..i had an awesome partner..we just went out and made up our own routine as we went..which anyone can do with swing. then i took fifth in tango and third in quickstep..funny story about it was that a guy couldn't find his partner and so asked if i would follow/fudge through it with him..He really wanted to compete. boy was i suprised as we made it through to the next rounds and placed third..hats of to the guy for allowing me to step on his feet. But i guess we must of looked good doing it..all i remember was thinking to myself "just keep smiling and look over his shoulder"

LXC

03-21-2006, 02:49 PM

Had about 2 months of group lessons before entering first comp as newcomers. The thing I remembered the most is how we keep screwing up the natural spin turn in waltz. Every time when it came to natural spin turn, he would stumble and do some un-recognizable things and I had to follow. We danced several rounds and made to the final without doing one natural spin turn right. For 6 months afterwards, he would lead 10 natural spin turns in one song.

JohnLL

03-21-2006, 02:58 PM

I've looked over pictures my 1st comp (Brown 2003), and well, I looked like a hot dog. I had taken the advice of having a leotard and two interchangable skirts for the day, and the rhythm skirt I got my hands on was strait, thick and the exact same red as my leotard. Add big black shoes, tortoiseshell glasses, and my _1st_ attempt at makeup, and you have somewhat of a photographic disaster. Oye.

I really would like to see those pictures Keelzorz. :D
My first comp was a pro-am comp through the studio I was taking lessons at. Not only do I have pictures (bad enough I know) but my mom came and video taped the competition. When I get depressed about my dancing I just go back and watch that tape from my first comp. Makes feel better right away! I managed to dance my triple-swing off time for the entire song and not even realize it. My arms looked like they had lead weights attached because they dropped as soon as I went into any kind of open position. Yes I looked down for most of the dances too!

Mr. Dance

03-21-2006, 03:49 PM

Hi guys!

I thought it would be fun if anyone had a story that they would like to share about their first comp. It could be anything you want.
Wish I could share mine, but I can't because I'm still working towards it! I also thought it would be interesting to see how it really goes down!

So lets kick back with a few "brewskies" j.k. (or your beverage of choice) and enjoy!

This is me as well.. Im not there yet, but from what Ive read about here on DF, seen on TV, read about on the net, etc. Its gonna be something that I'll probably be scared to death to do the first time but yet excited to finally do it too.

alemana

03-23-2006, 12:30 PM

the hot dog comment makes me laugh every time i read it.

HCMikeC

03-23-2006, 12:50 PM

I'm right there with you Keelzorz-

My first comp I believe was Harvard Beginner's Invitational in 1999 (wow..I'm OLD). I had my trustly glasses (no contacts yet) and I thought my arm styling in swing was SO cool (...umm...it wasn't). I have been putting together a DVD of all my competitions and still laugh when I see my first triple step. Hard work pays off...that's my moral to witnessing embarrassment on video:)

Porfirio Landeros

03-23-2006, 12:53 PM

In my first one I thought I looked so hot...and then when I went back and looked at the tape a few years later I nearly died laughing.We cannot even look at our first comp video for more than a few seconds... we entered with our collegiate group, and because I was the 'advanced' guy, and there were only two levels at this comp for American style, Laetitia and I entered in Open, and our peers entered in Novice... we all got slammed, so looking back we should have just done novice :-)

http://www.porfland.com/hosting/ballroom_1998-2005.jpg

1998: Laetitia borrowed the dress, I rented my 'costume' from a tux shop. No tans and I'm about 30 lbs heavier.

2005: Laetitia makes/sells her own gowns, I'm sporting LeNique. Fake tans and post-Atkins... not to mention TONS of coaching and practice after I finally graduated ;)

Keelzorz

03-24-2006, 01:12 AM

the hot dog comment makes me laugh every time i read it.
That's how my SO describes it when he's commenting on my progress. I thought it was a great description
I really would like to see those pictures Keelzorz. :D

Well, if you insist......

Let's start with a good-natured swing (http://users.wpi.edu/~dance/photos/11.16.2003-BrownCompetition/02%20-%20052%20-%2003.11.16%20Ballroom%20-%20Brown%20Comp.jpg) and move onto us waiting (http://users.wpi.edu/~dance/photos/11.16.2003-BrownCompetition/14%20-%20050%20-%2003.11.16%20Ballroom%20-%20Brown%20Comp.jpg) for the music to start. And then we have smooth (http://users.wpi.edu/~dance/photos/11.16.2003-BrownCompetition/36%20-%20085%20-%2003.11.16%20Ballroom%20-%20Brown%20Comp.jpg), where I had "amazing" frame (http://users.wpi.edu/~dance/photos/11.16.2003-BrownCompetition/25%20-%20087%20-%2003.11.16%20Ballroom%20-%20Brown%20Comp.jpg) (I hope it's okay to direct link these pictures - the URL's are big and ugly)

As a contrast, and to somewhat reedem myself, here's one of the better pictures from Harvard Invitational last weekend.
http:// supershag .com/gallery/Harvard-Invitational%2C-Smooth-Goddardphoto/031206_4089

Keelzorz

03-24-2006, 01:16 AM

Part of the reason I stopped back by here was I just had another first, not in comps, but in significant costume work. I'm trying to get a new-to-me gown together for Holy Cross Comp this weekend, and it required a lot of work. (Luckily, it doesnt seem to need to major structural overhall we thought might be needed, so I have more time to work on the asthetics)

The big wow-moment was when I cut out floats out freehand from a big piece of chiffon and held them up with spare elastics on my arms, I couldn't believe what I had just made! I can't wait to finish the armbands and edge the floats so I can wear 'em for real!!

HCMikeC

03-24-2006, 08:57 AM

alemana

03-24-2006, 09:22 AM

porfirio, the before/after is PRICELESS. i am personally SO inspired by that. thank you for posting it.

JohnLL

03-24-2006, 10:33 AM

Yes, thanks for posting Keelzorz. :-) Looking forward to seeing you and everybody else tomorrow! Can't wait to see the new costume too!

fluffy

03-24-2006, 12:10 PM

porfirio, the before/after is PRICELESS. i am personally SO inspired by that. thank you for posting it.
I second that! Laetitia's dress is beautiful. The first picture is kinda cute though :)

This is a terrible picture of me in my first comp, with non matching shoes and a terrible dress with bits of feathers on because my college team couldn't afford the whole boa!
http://uoblbdc.com/images/1996-97/Warwick/bill2.sm.gif

Porfirio Landeros

03-24-2006, 12:18 PM

Just don't ask me to post the video :-)

and123

03-26-2006, 08:15 PM

The big wow-moment was when I cut out floats out freehand from a big piece of chiffon and held them up with spare elastics on my arms, I couldn't believe what I had just made! I can't wait to finish the armbands and edge the floats so I can wear 'em for real!!

Sorry to see you discover firsthand that chiffon plus prong-set rhinestones = lethal mixture :( Prong-set rhinestones are EVIL. They get caught in your hair, your costume, your partner's costume, your pantyhose/fishnets.... and usually at the worst possible moments. Glued rhinestones may fall off now and then, but at least they don't "bite".

Keelzorz

03-27-2006, 08:53 AM

and123

03-27-2006, 09:34 AM

Ah. I thought it got caught on your necklace or something. That gown does have *gorgeous* rhinestones on it. That was a fantastic find. There's always Fray-Check for a quick hem on chiffon. Even with a sewing machine it takes a lot of patience (especially 30+ feet of skirtage hems :shock:). One of these days I'd like to invest in a serger. Several passes of tight zigzag on a regular machine can be brutal.

Keelzorz

03-27-2006, 02:41 PM

I only found out about Fray-Check on Saturday from Angela, after she saved me during one of my callback rounds by un-catching my float - I couldn't move my arm! I'm definatly going to pick up some the next time I'm at JoAnn's, but Im not sure if I can salvage that chiffon. It got pretty ripped up, and I havent taken it out of the bag since the comp.

cornutt

03-27-2006, 09:22 PM

Not a "first" comp story, but a funny comp story nonetheless...

Tom Langford told me once that in a comp some years ago he found himself in the same heat with David Hamilton. I forget what dance he said it was, but apparently the DJ played some horribly off-style song, and Tom said he couldn't find the beat in it. So, he said, "Aha, I'll just watch David and I'll start when he does." Only David couldn't find it either -- in fact, nobody in that heat could find the beat, and apparently they all just stood there looking at each other! And then, after thirty seconds or so, the DJ stopped the music, and then he chewed them all out. :shock:

standardgirl

03-31-2006, 12:12 AM

musicchica86

03-31-2006, 12:19 AM

This is indeed funny, and I just can't stop laughing especially after my coaching lesson with David today! should've read this earlier, then I would have something to ask him, aha :raisebro:
Hey, were you at DanceWorld for the social Saturday night? 'Cause I was totally there! Were you the people that David so graciously introduced and felt the need to embarrass in front of everybody?:p He's an interesting character, that's for sure...

standardgirl

03-31-2006, 12:23 AM

Hey, were you at DanceWorld for the social Saturday night? 'Cause I was totally there! Were you the people that David so graciously introduced and felt the need to embarrass in front of everybody?:p He's an interesting character, that's for sure...

Sorry, but I am not......I don't live in Nashville. David is coaching *up here* (hint! hint!) yesterday and today. He is indeed an interesting character, and I absolutely love our lesson today!

musicchica86

03-31-2006, 12:27 AM

LOL you never can tell with the man...there was a couple there Saturday night that he introduced as "personal friends that came down to have some lessons with me." Don't know why he felt the need to do that in front of the whole studio haha...an interesting man for sure, but also quite a brilliant dancer. When he's not absolutely cracking me up with something, I'm trying to soak up every bit of information I can from him even though smooth's not my strong suit by a long shot.

chachachikka

03-31-2006, 11:11 AM

Actually, those floats mishaps were my own dang fault. The chiffon was unhemmed, as I wasnt about to do a handhem on twelve feet of chiffon the night before a comp, and our sewing machine kicked the brick right about that time. So it was already fraying when I put them on. The stones on that dress aren't even prong-set, they're just standard glue-on swarovski. The floats were just in such a bad condition that they would catch on anything.

But at least now I know shape/fall/dimensions of a good float when I hem/remake those. It was my first significant dress-fixing, making that gown really fit and making the floats for standard. It'll get better for MIT.

Neat trick to hemming fabric like that... my mommy taught me... light a candle, quickly run the edge of the fabric through the middle of the flame. Key is QUICKLY so that it singes the ends and the speed of the movement through the air blows out the flame as soon as it leaves the wick. I can show you how this works sometime if you can't figure it out. This trick works best on thin fabric like your floats that would be a pain to stitch hem. And it seals up the edges nice and clean.

chachachikka

03-31-2006, 11:14 AM

...I had my trustly glasses (no contacts yet) ...

I still wear glasses... Is that bad?

HCMikeC

03-31-2006, 11:22 AM

I still wear glasses... Is that bad?

I wouldn't say that is bad. My glasses always used to fog up from working so hard...tough to manage floorcraft when you can't see:)

RIdancer82

03-31-2006, 04:37 PM

I wouldn't say that is bad. My glasses always used to fog up from working so hard...tough to manage floorcraft when you can't see:)

how about a pair with those little windshield wipers?? hahaha:lol: :lol:

alemana

03-31-2006, 04:39 PM

in my first comp, i had a little pink bottle of Pepto-Bismol in my hand right until the moment i walked out onto the floor. i was still swilling from it on the on-deck area, i believe.

i was glued to that thing like i was Dean Martin and it was the last martini on the earth.

liz

11-03-2006, 08:18 PM

wow, 20 heats???
that's a lot of money :shock:
You would not believe how many heats my last teacher wanted everyone to be in..... Let's just say it is a good thing that I started checking around... plus, he was running up the cost and the cost of the packages.

fascination

11-04-2006, 06:54 AM

meh, 20...a mere pittance

little_mouse

11-04-2006, 08:50 AM

I've seen where someone entered Newcomer and Bronze I categories. Why would they do that?

Laura

11-04-2006, 11:03 AM

Because under the amateur rules you are allowed to do your lowest proficiency category and the next one higher. Also, under Pro/Am rules you are allowed to do two proficiency levels -- and sometimes more depending on the competition organizer's rules for that competition.

People like to do multiple levels for a variety of reasons: more time on the floor, to earn more points if they are trying for some point-based award like top teacher/top studio/or to get points in the DanceSport or Dancer's Cup series.

When I go to Pro/Am competitions I like to do the minimum number of single-dance heats that will qualify me for my scholarship (that is usually five heats, but I've been in competitions where it is eight), plus whatever other multi-dance event is offered (like the DanceSport Series qualifiers). I've never been a big fan of the single-dance events simply because, over the years, I've rarely had more than a couple of people to dance in them. It seems really silly for me to go out there and dance a lot of heats if it's just me and one or two other couples. But that's just me, and fortunately in the multi-dance events there are more people to dance against because the sub-level, age, and gender divisions are collapsed.

gtdaniel

05-09-2007, 11:22 AM

I've seen where someone entered Newcomer and Bronze I categories. Why would they do that?

I am doing my first competition tomorrow and that is exactly what I am doing. I've only been dancing ballroom for 9 weeks, so I am definitely a newcomer, but I also picked things up relatively quickly and I practice a lot, so we decided to do Bronze I. I decided to do one level lower as well though because it is allowed, and I want to dance as much as possible for my first competition. I have no idea what to expect...are there usually a lot of people in the lower levels like newcomer and bronze I? I'm doing this competition more as a goal for myself then to compete against others, but I'd still like to know what I'm up against. ;-)

fascination

05-09-2007, 11:25 AM

it really all depends upon the comp to which you are attending...they vary so much in size and competitiveness...but certainly your reasoning is sound

ACtenDance

05-09-2007, 11:26 AM

I'm doing this competition more as a goal for myself then to compete against others, but I'd still like to know what I'm up against. ;-)

Try not to get upset if you end up dancing your events by yourself or with just a few couples. Sometimes there's lots of people to compete with, sometimes there's nobody. Good luck at your first competition!

fascination

05-09-2007, 11:29 AM

exactly...part of doing your first handful of comps is discovering that personal goals are wise...expectations are lethal

waltzgirl

05-09-2007, 01:34 PM

I am doing my first competition tomorrow and that is exactly what I am doing. I've only been dancing ballroom for 9 weeks, so I am definitely a newcomer, but I also picked things up relatively quickly and I practice a lot, so we decided to do Bronze I. I decided to do one level lower as well though because it is allowed, and I want to dance as much as possible for my first competition. I have no idea what to expect...are there usually a lot of people in the lower levels like newcomer and bronze I? I'm doing this competition more as a goal for myself then to compete against others, but I'd still like to know what I'm up against. ;-)

It really depends on the comp. In general, the bigger the comp, the more likely you'll have more people on the dance floor. But it is possible to dance uncontested. But don't worry, in that case, you won't be on the floor alone. If there are only one or two people in a certain categoy, they will put several levels on the floor at the same time (but the judges know that they are different levels and only judge you against those at your own level).

The most important thing to do at your first comp is have fun! Good luck!

reb

05-09-2007, 03:15 PM

I am doing my first competition tomorrow and that is exactly what I am doing. I've only been dancing ballroom for 9 weeks, so I am definitely a newcomer, but I also picked things up relatively quickly and I practice a lot, so we decided to do Bronze I. I decided to do one level lower as well though because it is allowed, and I want to dance as much as possible for my first competition. I have no idea what to expect...are there usually a lot of people in the lower levels like newcomer and bronze I? I'm doing this competition more as a goal for myself then to compete against others, but I'd still like to know what I'm up against. ;-)
Making a guess here - wil you be at the Atlanta Open this weekend?

If so, you can get a pretty good idea about the size of the heats by looking at the results (from last year). I quickly scanned the website for several age groups/levels/styles and there seemed to be a spread of several couples (2 - 6) per age/level/style at the prelim bronze level - last year - and most comps tend to be relatively consistent or generally growing each year.

Also, the organizers will likely be running more than one age/level at a time, so the floor will generally hold more than just your age/level - don't worry, the judges will know whos who. As you spend time watching, you'll see more and more how this works.

An important thing at this stage is to do, listen, and learn so you can accelerate coming out of this comp! Get a variety of opinions and continue to seek out advice.

In addition to your events, watch the scholarships and best of the best events to see where you'll be next!

Have a blast!:D

WorksForShoes

05-09-2007, 03:40 PM

samina

05-09-2007, 03:44 PM

that was about my own goal for first comp, WFS... LOL... fwiw, #2 was a challenge.:rolleyes:

all the best to you, GTdaniel! enjoy yourself, maintain sense of humour & fun... and have a cocktail to celebrate when all is done!

word of wisdom from recent first-comper... GO FOR IT... DO NOT HOLD BACK A THING! :D

Laura

05-09-2007, 03:45 PM

Good luck to you! Make sure all you first-timers come back and tell us how it went, we're rooting for you!

gtdaniel

05-09-2007, 04:24 PM

Making a guess here - wil you be at the Atlanta Open this weekend?

If so, you can get a pretty good idea about the size of the heats by looking at the results (from last year). I quickly scanned the website for several age groups/levels/styles and there seemed to be a spread of several couples (2 - 6) per age/level/style at the prelim bronze level - last year - and most comps tend to be relatively consistent or generally growing each year.

Also, the organizers will likely be running more than one age/level at a time, so the floor will generally hold more than just your age/level - don't worry, the judges will know whos who. As you spend time watching, you'll see more and more how this works.

An important thing at this stage is to do, listen, and learn so you can accelerate coming out of this comp! Get a variety of opinions and continue to seek out advice.

In addition to your events, watch the scholarships and best of the best events to see where you'll be next!

Have a blast!:D

Yep, I'm dancing at the Atlanta Open, since its about 5 minutes from where I live. ;-)

I had only looked at the results for prelim bronze, and for all 3 dances there were only 3 places listed, so I just assumed that they only listed the top 3. I checked intermediate bronze now, and there were 5 couples listed...so does that mean they list everyone who dances?

reb

05-09-2007, 04:39 PM

Yep, I'm dancing at the Atlanta Open, since its about 5 minutes from where I live. ;-)

I had only looked at the results for prelim bronze, and for all 3 dances there were only 3 places listed, so I just assumed that they only listed the top 3. I checked intermediate bronze now, and there were 5 couples listed...so does that mean they list everyone who dances?
Yes, In this instance they list everyone who dances. You'll notice that on some news services ;) , such as SuperShag, they may only list the finalists, but on the comp websites, they list everyone.

Keep us posted - we'd like to hear your thoughts. Others will be learning through your experience. For perspective, I'd say this is a small-medium sized comp and is probably a great way to start.

Make sure that you go to Hotlanta in October.

gtdaniel

05-09-2007, 04:56 PM

Yes, In this instance they list everyone who dances. You'll notice that on some news services ;) , such as SuperShag, they may only list the finalists, but on the comp websites, they list everyone.

Keep us posted - we'd like to hear your thoughts. Others will be learning through your experience. For perspective, I'd say this is a small-medium sized comp and is probably a great way to start.

Make sure that you go to Hotlanta in October.

Of course, I'm hoping to be doing 9 dance by then. ;-)

gtdaniel

05-09-2007, 05:48 PM

By the way, how long does it usually take to get results? Is it in the same day, or not until the end of the whole competition?

reb

05-09-2007, 05:52 PM

You'll see in the program that every so often (hour, 2 hours?) they'll break to announce placements and make awards. So you'll know relatively quickly.

Other awards are announced at the end of the comp - top bronze student, etc.

WorksForShoes

05-14-2007, 08:43 AM

I'll chime in. DH and I are doing our first comp on Saturday. Goals for the day include: 1) Getting number pinned on right side up; 2) Remaining standing upright and moving under own power for the entire time on the floor; 3) After our events and results, remembering that its 5 o'clock somewhere!

And....we're back!

As Samina correctly pointed out, goal #2 was the hard one. But I am getting out of order. A brief report on our first comp:

We danced 6 heats that day, newcomer W/F/T, and Bronze I W/F/T. I was not really nervous until a bit before our first heat. So, getting our number pinned on right side up, and all of the preparations, created a feeling of excitement that I really haven't felt in a long time. I guess it has been a long time since I've really done anything truly new to me, and this had that feeling of exquisitely experiencing every moment because everything is like a foreign land that you've gained entry to. Kind of like those opening scenes in Willy Wonka where the kids and parents first get into the room with the chocolate river and the edible landscape (the Gene Wilder version that I grew up with, if that helps date me a little!).

Our first heat was newcomer W. Of course, the adrenaline and nerves hit 10 seconds into the dance, and I was struck with the absurdity of what I was actually doing, thinking that anyone would want to see me dance in a competition! DH was nervous too, and we made 3 or 4 silly mistakes that included a missed syncopation on a chasse, a late follow on a free spin, and an awkward move into a pose. All in all, not our best dance ever, but what can you do? Later, I have been very zen about this -- these certainly aren't the biggest or stupidest mistakes I've ever made in my life.

After that, we stayed on the floor for tango. I think it helped me that subconsciously I had decided that newcomer W was the only dance we had any kind of a chance in, so once we had an uneven performance in that, I think I had sort of given the others up. So, newcomer T actually went very well, and we sort of fell into the groove. Newcomer F, after a couple of heats, went equally well.

By the time we came back for the Bronze I W/T/F heats, I actually felt very good. I was able to breathe and remember that I was dancing with my very favorite partner, DH, and enjoy the lights and the heat that had overwhelmed me on our first heat. I had settled into the "speaker's rush" that I enjoy. (Side note: much like a previous poster, I had assumed that public speaking experiences would translate directly into comfort here, and it was certainly not one-to-one. But, I did get that pleasant sense of excitement and heightened feeling that is the reason that I ever do anything in front of a crowd.)

So, the Bronze I heats felt good. I felt that we had reasonable technique for our level, our floorcraft seemed to be working well, and I had no trouble following deviations from our routine when we needed to make adjustments. Also, I came around from a free spin to see DH just smiling happily, which was something that I never saw once when we practiced. That made me grin even wider.

Results: 2 in newcomer W, 1 in the rest, and all of our heats were contested. Very surprised to have done OK, very pleased, can't wait to do it again!

samina

05-14-2007, 08:54 AM

worksforshoes... GREAT report! sounds like an excellent first-comp experience! and i love your willy wonka analogy. :)

getting your jitters out of the after the way first dance must've gone a long way for your ability to enjoy what came thereafter.
am so happy to hear that thing went so well for you...

do you have plans yet for your next comp?

fwiw, i discovered that very intense crunches/situp sort of exercises before getting dressed puts me in a state of calm for relaxed & focused performance. i do it before i get dressed, and to the point of exhausting my tum. just something to keep in mind for the next comp... have always been curious if it helps others like it does me, but no one every tries it out. lol.

again, congrats! :D

WorksForShoes

05-14-2007, 09:11 AM

Samina, plans right now are to definitely do the studio-sponsored showcase/comp in October. But we have a general plan to just keep preparing, and when we see a comp that we want to do, we will just go with whatever dances and material we feel ready to use. We want to keep working on these routines and add more dances and work to higher levels.

Will have to try your crunches technique for helping squelch the nevers. Might do the trick, and a few extra crunches can never hurt my abs!

DancinProf

07-24-2007, 02:48 PM

Woohoo! My partner and I have committed to (not actually mailed our entries, but made the decision) dancing at the USA Dance Southeast Regional in October. We are dancing Bronze American Smooth & Rhythm, and I think I have him convinced to enter Novice as well. I have no idea if we'll be competitive, but I'm sure we'll have a great time.

I've perused all the "first competition" threads I could find and I'm still feeling bewildered about clothing choices. In Adult Syllabus events, costumes are not allowed; in Novice, they are allowed but not required. For simplicity's sake I think we will wear the same thing for both. I have the impression from what I've read that evening/prom/cocktail dresses are a good choice (for ladies, anyway:tongue:) under these circumstances. What kinds of dresses should I be looking at? Should I definitely get a long dress for Smooth? Does anyone have pictures of what they've worn that they'd be willing to share?

I know this has been discussed ad nauseam, and I apologize for the further abuse of already dead equines. I'm just having a brain block here--probably because I'm so ridiculously excited!

ACtenDance

07-24-2007, 03:01 PM

Not all inclusive but it's a start

http://ycn-usadance.blogspot.com/2007/03/typical-ladies-competition-wear.html

DancinProf

07-24-2007, 09:35 PM

Not all inclusive but it's a start

That's fantastic; thank you!

reb

07-25-2007, 11:29 AM

DancinProf,

Its exciting to read your excitement! Good luck.

I am curious about the rationale for dancing Bronze and Novice. I'm laboring under the assumption that the progression went through Silver and Gold.

regardless . . . have a blast!

DancinProf

07-25-2007, 12:02 PM

Its exciting to read your excitement! Good luck.

I am curious about the rationale for dancing Bronze and Novice. I'm laboring under the assumption that the progression went through Silver and Gold.

regardless . . . have a blast!

Thanks!
It was the organizer's suggestion, actually. We can dance Novice (handy "Events I Can Enter" chart here (http://atlantasrc.org/html/EventsICanEnter.html)), so we want to do it just for the extra exposure/floor time. Silver and Gold dancers can also dance in Novice, so I'm sure we'll hardly be noticed, but at least we'll be out there.

kimV6

07-25-2007, 12:29 PM

Thanks!
It was the organizer's suggestion, actually. We can dance Novice (handy "Events I Can Enter" chart here (http://atlantasrc.org/html/EventsICanEnter.html)), so we want to do it just for the extra exposure/floor time. Silver and Gold dancers can also dance in Novice, so I'm sure we'll hardly be noticed, but at least we'll be out there.

wow, dancing novice in your first comp, which is a regional. that's gutsy. kudos.

reb

07-25-2007, 12:35 PM

Ahh - and that's a good chart.

ACtenDance

07-25-2007, 12:43 PM

Thanks!
It was the organizer's suggestion, actually. We can dance Novice (handy "Events I Can Enter" chart here (http://atlantasrc.org/html/EventsICanEnter.html)), so we want to do it just for the extra exposure/floor time. Silver and Gold dancers can also dance in Novice, so I'm sure we'll hardly be noticed, but at least we'll be out there.

Why not dance silver too? It won't hurt and it would be even more floor time. My first time out at SRC I danced bronze, silver, and novice latin.

reb

07-25-2007, 01:08 PM

I agree - floor time is valuable.

DancinProf

07-25-2007, 01:19 PM

Why not dance silver too? It won't hurt and it would be even more floor time.
If it were just up to me, we probably would. But my partner is oddly apprehensive about getting in over our heads. I had a hard time convincing him to do both Bronze and Novice. I think if we added Silver, his head might explode.

We haven't sent our entry forms yet, though. Perhaps I'll ask him again. The more I think about it, the more I think we should dance absolutely as much as we can, especially for one fixed (and relatively small) price.

ACtenDance

07-25-2007, 01:34 PM

The more I think about it, the more I think we should dance absolutely as much as we can, especially for one fixed (and relatively small) price.

Wow, never heard anyone refer to the cost of SRC as "relatively small", but you're right, it's a flat fee so you might as well. A lot of new dancers from the NC State team will be competing for the first time at SRC as well and they'll all be doing Bronze, Silver, and Novice Standard and Latin, so you wouldn't be the only couple doing it. Worst case is that you won't be noticed... as long as your boob doesn't fall out and stay out like what happened to one lady down there a couple years ago.

DancinProf

07-25-2007, 02:49 PM

Worst case is that you won't be noticed... as long as your boob doesn't fall out and stay out like what happened to one lady down there a couple years ago.
Gaaah! Well, it's always good to have a benchmark in my mind for the worst thing that could possibly happen! *knocks wood*

As for the cost, I think I've read so many threads here on DF about the crazy cost of Pro-Am competition that SRC seems like a bargain to me, especially because I live within easy driving distance and will not have to deal with travel expenses other than gas and one hotel night.

reb

07-25-2007, 03:16 PM

:shock:

NielsenE

07-25-2007, 03:23 PM

Well I would think that doing Bronze +Silver would be less intimidating that Bronze+Novice if you're only going to do two levels. Though Bronze+Novice events might be better spaced out during the event....

DancinProf

07-25-2007, 09:31 PM

NielsenE, thanks for your input. Scheduling will be a consideration; my parents will be there :shock: from out of state. I want to make sure I spend time with them, but I also want to make sure they get to see us dance more than a tiny bit.

Anyway, I'll keep y'all posted with frequent screaming for advice!

fascination

10-04-2007, 10:07 PM

so?...how'd it go?

Terpsichorean Clod

10-04-2007, 10:16 PM

Isn't that in 2 weeks?

fascination

10-04-2007, 10:48 PM

ooops

Terpsichorean Clod

10-04-2007, 10:51 PM

Daylight savings messed ya up, eh?

samina

10-05-2007, 06:17 AM

isn't daylight savings in two weeks, too? ;)

fascination

10-05-2007, 06:41 AM

Daylight savings messed ya up, eh?
lord no...I can do messed up with no help AT ALL

uh but I do hope it hurries up and gets here b/c my kid is walking to the bus in pitch black

rjcbear

10-05-2007, 09:23 AM

lord no...I can do messed up with no help AT ALL

uh but I do hope it hurries up and gets here b/c my kid is walking to the bus in pitch black

I was the impression that was change to the first Sunday in November.

DancinProf

10-05-2007, 09:44 AM

so?...how'd it go?

Unfortunately it's going ahead without us. My brother decided to get married that weekend, so instead of dancing I'm going to Arkansas to be Maid of Honor. I'm disappointed, but it's probably a blessing in disguise. In the interim, a couple of good instructors have come out of the woodwork in our dance-deprived town. By the time we get to compete we might actually know how to dance!

Terpsichorean Clod

10-06-2007, 05:02 AM

isn't daylight savings in two weeks, too? ;)
It isn't for another few weeks? Well, I guess I can stop wondering why all my coworkers kept heading home an hour early. ;)

Terpsichorean Clod

10-06-2007, 06:16 AM

10 hours and 18 minutes till H-Hour. We're doing reverse role Standard (not the lady whom I usually lead). No, I'm not wearing a dress - or kilt. We couldn't find any in my size. ;) It's pretty low key and we'll probably be uncontested. I'm a little nervous about my partner remembering the routines. A friend told me to think of it as social dancing. It's on the same floor where we social dance and there'll be friends both on and off the floor. He also told me not to rush through it, rather, savoring that first experience.

Terpsichorean Clod

10-06-2007, 02:38 PM

1 hour and 50 minutes till H-Hour. She's wearing black pants, red shirt, and striped vest. I'm supposed to wear black pants, white shirt, and red tie. It seems that the white shirt in question is (and has been for the last 4 months) at my parents'. I think I'll go out and buy a shirt, now. :cool:

Terpsichorean Clod

10-06-2007, 03:32 PM

58 minutes till H-Hour. Thank you, Sears! I guess wrinkle-free shirts still have to be ironed after purchase.

waltzgirl

10-06-2007, 03:54 PM

Sounds like fun! Good luck!

Terpsichorean Clod

10-06-2007, 04:03 PM

25 minutes till H-Hour. Remembered to clip the tag.

Terpsichorean Clod

10-06-2007, 04:04 PM

Sounds like fun! Good luck!
Thanks, waltzgirl!

Terpsichorean Clod

10-06-2007, 04:13 PM

15 minutes till H-Hour. Remembered dance shoes and heading out the door

Laura

10-06-2007, 04:45 PM

This is so cute, I can't wait to hear how it went TC!

etp777

10-06-2007, 04:49 PM

Hopefully TC didn't forget his partner at home. ;)

latingal

10-06-2007, 10:10 PM

Hope it went well TC!

Terpsichorean Clod

10-07-2007, 03:41 AM

Hopefully TC didn't forget his partner at home. ;)
Ha! She knows better than to rely on me to get her there.

Terpsichorean Clod

10-07-2007, 03:43 AM

I didn't throw up!

First, everyone did waltz, tango, and quickstep for the grading. The first time around the floor, some friends cheered us loudly. I looked up, smiled at them, and then froze completely. We collected ourselves and continued on. I froze again on the second time around the floor. Thankfully, by the third time, I was starting to get the hang of multi-tasking - smiling at the people who yelled our number while continuing to dance. :grins at waltzgirl: My partner blanked a few times, too. It was a little disorienting for her trying to fit routines designed for a rectangular floor at another studio onto the square floor we danced on today. At one point, she was muttering, "Samba, samba, samba!" (censored) so I was growling back at her, "Link, link, link!" Otherwise, whenever we got stuck, she did a nice job of putting me on the right foot and getting back into the routine.

Grades:
C - waltz, tango, quickstep
B - waltz, tango, foxtrot, quickstep
A - waltz, tango, Viennese waltz, foxtrot, quickstep

We were placed into grade C (thankfully as I can't follow heel turns). As the only reverse-rolers, we shared the floor with three grade C women couples. The grade C event went much more smoothly than the initial grading. I felt a touch of wistfulness as the quickstep music faded ("It's over already?"). I didn't realize until the awards that we weren't just sharing the floor, but were actually absorbed into the grade C women's event. We took 3rd of the four couples. It's nice to know that were competing against other couples. Though if I'd known going into the event that we weren't uncontested, I know I would've thrown up.

We decided to do this 3 weeks ago, managing 2 coachings and 6 hours of practice. We've agreed that if we ever do this again, we'll try for 10 hours. And after she rolls me out at the end of a dance, I need to do a little better than flinging my arms to the sides and bobbing my head. (where's that thread on curtsying?)

All in all, a very pleasant experience. I think I'd like to do it again - leading, perhaps.

Oh, and the shirt never did get ironed.

etp777

10-07-2007, 03:48 AM

VERY cool TC, thanks for sharing. Well, except the shirt. Get that done early next time. ;)

COngrats, sounds like a great day and great results. :)

Laura

10-07-2007, 03:50 AM

I think I'd like to do it again - leading, perhaps.
Then come to the comp my club is putting on Oct. 27th! PM me for details!

I'm glad to hear that you didn't throw up, that's a huge plus :) Thanks for letting us know how it went, it sounds like a fun and exciting day and I'm happy for your success!

Terpsichorean Clod

10-07-2007, 04:13 AM

VERY cool TC, thanks for sharing. Well, except the shirt. Get that done early next time. ;)

COngrats, sounds like a great day and great results. :)
Thanks, etp777!

Next time, instead of going shirt-hunting at 12:30pm, I'll try to do it at 9am when the store opens.

Terpsichorean Clod

10-07-2007, 04:25 AM

Then come to the comp my club is putting on Oct. 27th! PM me for details!

I'm glad to hear that you didn't throw up, that's a huge plus :) Thanks for letting us know how it went, it sounds like a fun and exciting day and I'm happy for your success!
Thanks, Laura!

I'm planning on spectating at Cal State as my quickstep isn't ready. I actually started learning quickstep first as a follower. :D

lcdancesport

11-14-2007, 03:40 PM

Twilight_Elena

11-14-2007, 05:58 PM

This thread cracks me up. My first comp is in 10 days. I know something will go horribly wrong (or not so horribly) and I have very low expectations (unlike my partner who wants us to get to the finals! Crazy dude.), so it should be cool. :D

lcdancesport

11-14-2007, 06:06 PM

Izzy20

04-21-2008, 01:17 AM

Okay, I am reviving this thread because i have my first competition in *gasp* under a month.

I am competing in Newcommer and Pre Bronze Cha cha rumba and swing.

I have yet to ask what I need to wear.

I think I've gone from the oh ya I'll be fine to I AM TOTALLY UNPREPARED recently.

I enjoyed reading this thread. It has a lot of good advice. Only one question, how in the world did people stay calm before their comp? I'm excited but also extremely nervous.

Easy

04-21-2008, 02:13 AM

Goodluck. Sounds like you have the competition possiblities down. Besides the obvious teacher wanting to be in the running for top teacher/money, just remember, the more you dance, the warmer and more confident you usually get. With my students, I usually am not in the running, but I love to dance, and when they enter the other age divisions as well, it gives us more dance time. If you only do one rumba, hopefully it's great, but if you get to do it again, usually it's better the second time and so on....more floor time means more warm up and experience.

Although I love to watch, when I do, I'd rather be out there with them :)

Easy

04-21-2008, 02:18 AM

Izzy, I've been dancing a long time. I still get nervous...but that's because I care about how well my partner and I do. The butterflies, IMO, never disappear, but if you take a few slow deep breaths, you can at least get them all flying in the same direction. As I just posted above, the more you dance, the more comfortable you'll become. Remeber, you're not out there alone, and they're not just watching only you. Look at your teacher for reassurance every now and then when appropriate...you should be fine. Good luck and have fun...that's what it's all about. The improvement is a natural by-product :)

samina

04-21-2008, 06:50 AM

Good luck, izzy!
That first comp is definitely exciting in its own special way, and I hope you continue to share with us about your experience!

I'd recommend a trial run with hair and makeup (I remember being so nervous about those things at my first comp), and every time you get nervous think about how you *want* to be doing it, and how fun it will be. :)

lcdancesport

06-19-2008, 09:29 AM

First comp coming up for me this August. I was going to be in one this past Spring, but students weren't ready. I'm starting routines and on the hunt for a dress, which is much more difficult than I thought it would be! Once I know when the heats are I'll be booking hair and make up. So. Much. To. Learn...

QPO

06-20-2008, 05:53 AM

Well that is not far away, good luck, it is expensive there to compete. What I dont like is that you pay to enter the comps and then have to pay again on the day to get in. You would like to think your entry fee would cover the lot!

First comp coming up for me this August. I was going to be in one this past Spring, but students weren't ready. I'm starting routines and on the hunt for a dress, which is much more difficult than I thought it would be! Once I know when the heats are I'll be booking hair and make up. So. Much. To. Learn...

fascination

06-22-2008, 01:22 AM

my first comp was 3 years ago last weekend...it was one of the happiest days of my life...I hope that it will be the same for anyone approaching the same circumstance...savor the moment

etp777

06-22-2008, 01:25 AM

You'll love it LC. I've only done the one so far, but looking forward to October when I'll get back into it. Well, looking forward to it and dreading that I might not be ready to compete again by then after the time off.

Andd I'll hopefully be there to cheer you on in August, suspect other DF'ers will be too, I know there were several at that comp last year.

fascination

10-06-2008, 08:53 PM

Hi guys!

I thought it would be fun if anyone had a story that they would like to share about their first comp. It could be anything you want.
Wish I could share mine, but I can't because I'm still working towards it! I also thought it would be interesting to see how it really goes down!

So lets kick back with a few "brewskies" j.k. (or your beverage of choice) and enjoy!

my first comp was the chicago crystal ball (2005) I believe...I danced smooth only...2 levels and the bronze scholarship b/c pro didn't have anyone else...the first waltz I danced to was "fascination" the nat king cole version, and I won the waltz in the scholarship placing third overall as a newb...it was one of the most wonderful days of my dance life...

etp777

10-06-2008, 09:08 PM

My first comp was the 2007 March FADS regionals for CHicagoland area. I danced 12 entries (2 levels on each of "my" 6 dances, as they didn't have mambo at social foundation or newcomer bronze), and I only remember two things. First was that I messed up my bronze Rumba TWICE (still don't know why they redid that heat), and that the social chacha that I was happy with was only first I got. all 12 heats I was competing against same guy, only beat him once.

Second comp will be this weekend, hopefully I'll remember more of it. :)

WaltzElf

10-06-2008, 09:53 PM

Yeah. In my first comp I went against line of dance in New Vogue by accident.

Rugby

10-06-2008, 10:18 PM

In my first comp I was surprised to see other people out on the floor with me. I assumed I would be out there on my own, they would judge me, give me a mark and the next person would come on like in horse shows. I kept thinking that I was in the wrong heat or something.
In the standard my strapless dress came undone and slid down to just above my, well, I'll let you imagine that. I didn't break contact for the world and believe me everyone was watching to see if I did.
In the latin I was so ready to show the judges my fantastic arm and hip movements. Later when I got the video I realized that it looked like I was swishing away farts. :banana:

SwingWaltz

10-07-2008, 01:22 AM

Yeah. In my first comp I went against line of dance in New Vogue by accident.

LoL Classic!

elisedance

10-07-2008, 06:35 AM

Rugby - with that banana you are too much. Thank goodness we don't have a girating brussel sprout here...

elisedance

10-07-2008, 06:38 AM

First comp was also my coaches first pro/am. So he entered me into open silver at the Embassy ball. (I should have been in newcomer). And, since it was 'open' silver we did an open routine....

Oddly, we did not come last. I wonder what the other competitors were doing? :banana:?

PretzelsAndBeer

10-07-2008, 09:05 AM

In ... my strapless dress came undone and slid down to just above my, well, I'll let you imagine that. ...

After I stop hyperventilating, may I have the next dance?

My first comp was a huge three-day event in Minnesota, after taking lessons (starting from absolutely zero experience) for about six months. My waltzes and tangos were not too disgraceful for a beginner. Did the foxtrot twice and both times lead my teacher to crash into someone else. At the rumba I started with a chacha step. At the chacha I couldn't hear the beat of the music. And in the swing, well, the less said about that, the better. And I'm here to tell you, mi amigas y amigos, the first chug of beer after my last heat was the most wonderful elixir in the cosmos.

The whole thing was a dizzying spectacle. In spite of the unintentional slapstick on the floor, it was a great experience. Best part was that I got to know some of other dancers at my studio a little better, including Dear Teacher (about whom I have previously rhapsodized).

samina

10-07-2008, 09:09 AM

cute story, P&B. :)

samina

10-07-2008, 09:12 AM

my first comp, january 2007, northeastern dancesport event in stamford, CT. bronze pro-am waltz/tango/foxtrot. where my poor pro couldn't get me to move, even though i felt like i was racing across the floor. that's where i closely resembled a bejeweled fire hydrant.

meh, i was so new...had only just started learning foxtrot that month. still didn't know VW or QS. despite my acute frustration at the time, i totally fell in love with the whole thing.

PretzelsAndBeer

10-07-2008, 09:21 AM

... i closely resembled a bejeweled fire hydrant...

Snort! That's hysterical!

I think I resembled Bela Lugosi in "The Mummy".

2totango

10-07-2008, 09:53 AM

My first comp was a few months ago. I had just been switched from Smooth to Standard and was having major problems in waltz with whisk to chasse. My instructor realized I had a mental block and told me we wouldn't dance them during my rounds (Newcomer and pre-Bronze). I was totally surprised when I felt him leading me into whisk to chasse and I broke frame (not that it was any good anyway), turned to him and whispered (or so I thought) *bastard*! He told me later I talked in a normal tone and we were right in front of a judge! Good thing I was uncontested!

waltzguy

10-07-2008, 11:07 AM

My first comp was the reason why my then dance partner and I split, very soon afterwards. We did very bad. It was doomed for failure anyways.

Since then, my comps have been much better, partner-wise and award-wise.

ashybang

10-07-2008, 02:04 PM

I have magical memories of my first ever competition.
It took place at the De Montford Hall Championships in Leicester, U.K.
Quite a prestigious event too.
My partner and i placed first in both Modern and Latin in the Novice section.
The whole competition went like a dream and we were thrilled to bits.

(My Avatar) is a memory from that first ever competition.
My partner and i are front row left hand side. (I wasn`t too keen on that catsuit though) lol.

Pictured next to me (in my avatar) on the front row are Sammy Stopford & partner, who won the De Montford Professional Latin Championship, and went on to be Professional World Latin Champions.
Next in line are Alan McCormack and Dawn Westwood who won the
De Montford Amateur Latin Championship. They were one of the best Amateur Latin dancers in the world.
So it was a fairytale start for my partner and i to be pictured with such illustrious company.

I don`t recall much about the dancing but it must have gone well.

It was a nine Judge panel and we got firsts off all judges in every dance. :)

We returned 12 months later to the De Montford Championships to dance in the Pre Championship Modern & Latin.
We won both events, again scoring firsts of all judges in each dance. :D

What a happy place it is.:D :D

_malakawa_

10-07-2008, 02:22 PM

my first competition was a long, long time ago. middle of '90s. :cool: I was 10 years old.

we decided to go on that competition in the last moment. I had a pink dress and a borrowed shoes which were half size smaller. But I was properly tan and with a make up. :p

I remember every thing, like that competition was yesterday. My partner was so nervous.

We danced three dances - samba, cha cha and jive. At the end of samba we danced out of the rhythm, but we still placed 3rd, out of 8 couples. When I got home, I falll a sleep in a second, because I was so tired.

Now, I hate when my mother is showing that tape to anybody. :oops:

elisedance

10-07-2008, 02:25 PM

I have magical memories of my first ever competition.
It took place at the De Montford Hall Championships in Leicester, U.K.
.....

What was the date? I grew up near Leicester (Oadby, just to the south) and remember the hall well. I sang in the county joint school choir and heard Manitas de Plata (the flamenco guitarist) play there :)

ashybang

10-07-2008, 02:39 PM

What was the date? I grew up near Leicester (Oadby, just to the south) and remember the hall well. I sang in the county joint school choir and heard Manitas de Plata (the flamenco guitarist) play there :)

1977/78 ? was the year of my first competition, sorry i can`t remember the date. It`s a brilliant venue for dancing though.

elisedance

10-07-2008, 02:54 PM

Thats just after my time there :) Lovely location - do they still have competitions? It would be neat to go there sometime and compete after all these years.

VM09

10-07-2008, 10:10 PM

My first comp was HBC 2005. My shoes were WAY too tight (you know how they tell you they're going to loosen if you practice on them... well they didn't.>__< ) and all I remember from the comp is pain, immense pain. But I managed to make it through the day, and participate in the rookie-vet team match at the end the comp. I remember having fun at that one, and that's maybe why I'm still doing ballroom :)

Shoes were put in a box and never seen again. Hm, I wonder if I still have them...

fascination

10-07-2008, 10:13 PM

welcome to DF VM09

mangos

10-07-2008, 10:29 PM

My boyfriend told me that, at his first comp, he was having trouble hearing the beat in the jive and ended up double-timing it for some reason, so he and his partner looked like two insane people practically running around the floor, twice as fast as everyone else. He said his partner was about ready to kill him after that :D

elisedance

10-08-2008, 12:09 AM

SwingWaltz

10-09-2008, 12:26 AM

For my first competition, I won my individual silver standard in quickstep but didn't even make the final for my bronze waltz. I didn't know how to count 1 2 3 back then. =P

Lioness

10-09-2008, 01:40 AM

My first comp was last year, about September. I'd been dancing about 3 months, and had very little grace. My partner was looking at his feet, his cha cha had no hips, and the waltz was like we were just walking normally. No rise and fall or anything. TO top it all off, everyone we were competing against had been doing it for 5+ years or something like that, so we didn't come close to winning anything. At some stage they got me into my partners bowtie (not while I was dancing thankfully!) and I have photographic evidence of me looking very stupid.
Oh, apparently my butt stuck out constantly in any kind of waltz. I die with embarrassment looking at photos.