Competition dance trends become popular for a reason, but even the most exciting fads eventually run their course. Four competition judges discuss the dance trends they believe it’s time to leave behind, and offer suggestions on how to refocus routines on clarity, safety, and individual artistry. Nonstop Gymnastics While a well-executed tumbling or gymnastic element […]

In the competition dance world, with its high stakes and high tensions, difficult parental behavior—from complaining about scoring to offering unsolicited corrections—is especially common and can be seriously disruptive. Yet most dance parents believe they’re acting in their child’s best interest. So what can studio owners, competition directors, and students do to navigate problematic parent […]

Many competitive dancers are eager to land coveted convention scholarships. But why are these awards so sought-after? How can dancers increase their odds of winning them—and who might they not be right for? The Scholarship Advantage One of the largest benefits to convention scholarships is perhap­s the most obvious: financial relief. Attending conventions­ can be […]

Most dancers who participate in competitions and conventions attend with a dance studio. But each year, a small group of soloists opt to go for it as independents, without a studio affiliation. There are plenty of benefits to this approach—as well as a few possible drawbacks. Before you sign up, consider what you’re willing to […]

Strikingly few women direct dance competitions and conventions. “I think you could probably count all of us on two hands, and that’s out of hundreds of competitions,” says Starbound National Talent Competition founder and director Sandra Coyte. But the women who do make their way to the top are also strikingly influential. We caught up […]

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

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

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