THE DANCE PROCESS
Supporting Your Dancer At Competition
Cody Green
January 20, 2023
As a parent of a dancer who competes regularly, you know the dedication and hard work that goes into preparing for these competitions. Your child’s passion for dance is inspiring, and you want to support them as much as possible. It's not just about being present at rehearsals and competitions, but about providing the right kind of support that your child needs to thrive. Here are five tips that can help you best support your dancer.
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Show up, listen and learn
When you attend your child's competitions and rehearsals, make an effort to be present and engaged. Be their biggest cheerleader, but also take the time to listen and learn. Try to understand what they're going through, ask questions, and show interest in their progress. By being present, you can better gauge how they're feeling, provide comfort and encouragement when they're nervous or stressed, and offer suggestions on how they can improve.
Create a supportive environment
Dance competitions require a lot of preparation and can be mentally and physically taxing for your child. You can help by creating a supportive environment at home. Make sure they have everything they need, such as healthy meals, plenty of water, and good rest. Encourage them to practice their routines at home and make sure they are present for studio rehearsals. You can offer to film their rehearsal if their teacher or coach allows it, so they can see their progress and remember their choreography. Most importantly, let them know that you support them no matter what the outcome of the competition is.
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Foster a positive mindset
Dance competitions can be nerve-wracking, and it's natural for your child to experience self-doubt or anxiety. You can help by encouraging them to develop a positive mindset. Focus on their strengths and accomplishments, help them set realistic goals, and remind them that dancing is about having fun and expressing themselves. Celebrate small victories and progress and remind them that they are unique and talented. This may look like saying, “What was your favorite part about your performance today?” or “Tell me how you felt on stage!” Offering open ended questions allows your child to fill in the blanks, and allows you to encourage the positive things they say and support them in the things they felt negatively about.
Offer emotional support
Competitions can be emotionally taxing for your child, and they may need emotional support from you. Be there to listen to their concerns and anxieties, and offer a shoulder to lean on. Ask open ended questions and validate their responses, acknowledge their emotions and validate their feelings, and remind them that it's okay to feel nervous or stressed. If they don't perform as well as they had hoped, remind them that it's not a reflection of their worth as a dancer, and that there's always another opportunity to try again.
Competition Excellence
A Competition Prep Course by The Dance Process in partnership with Star Dance Alliance
Celebrate their achievements
Finally, it's important to celebrate your child's achievements, regardless of the outcome of the competition. Take the time to acknowledge their hard work and dedication, and show them that you're proud of their progress as a dancer. Celebrate their achievements as a family and make them feel loved and appreciated. This will help them build their confidence and grow their love for dance. Try setting a tradition of doing something together after a competition, go out to eat with the team, or get a celebratory treat on the way home!
Supporting your child as a dancer requires a thoughtful and intentional approach. By being present, creating a supportive environment, fostering a positive mindset, offering emotional support, and celebrating their achievements, you can help your child become a confident and successful dancer. You know that your child is unique, and you can always adjust your support according to their individual needs. With the right kind of support, your child can thrive as a dancer, and you can be there to share in their journey: Successes, failures, and all that comes with their love for dance.
See More From Our Comp Prep Series!
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What Does Your Dancer Need?
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