I have a couple of questions relating to competitions. I'm hoping to solve some problems i am experiencing.
How do you combat nerves and the inevitable tension, which ruins dance performance? How do others mentally and physically prepare themselves before going out to dance?

Yoga! I do it before every practice and comp. Slavik and Karina do too- believe me, it works. It helps you overcome mental blocks giving you time to visualize a great performance, looses up physical and mental tension, increases flexibility, strengthens the core, and helps with breathing.

Phil. A professional competitor friend of mine used to put a vidio of a competition on, and imagine he was out there on the floor. He would do this prior to the comp. even on the same day. I never suffered with nerves, just excitement. But what I did do was know my routine inside out, I never introduced any new groups, not like some who learn this week and next week are trying it in a contest.
This guy was a Latin specialist, at the time of this lecture he gave he was ranked seventh in the world. One of his messages was never introduce any new group untill it was practised for five months or so and at varying speeds.
You've played tennis I believe. One thing you was taught was keep your eye on the ball. Even if your own mother walked across the end of the court you would not see her. If you are aware of who is in the audiance and can see them when you are dancing. Thats wrong.
This particular coach said don't worry about things you have no control over. Like the music or the spectators or the floor all of which can be upsetting . This guy actually has a book which is currently available. Or you could try a hypnotist if it's that serious. A word once spoken by Steven Hillier, if any part of your routine is a worry, throw it out. The chances are you will never do it well, and it will be a constant worry, so don't waste time on it. Which goes back to the begginning. Know your routine inside out and your battle with nerves will be done.

Many thanks to you guys for coming back with interesting suggestions.
The problem is not related to new material or not knowing the routines. We don't change them much, and know them extremely well. In spite of this, there is the tension.
The point about distraction is interesting. In tennis, i can completely focus on the ball and my opponent's positioning, yet in dancing i do tend to look at the audience - even smile at people i know. I think i do this to help me relax. I don't think this is the problem.
One thing i didn't say in my earlier posting - i am seriously put off by the other competitors - i'm too concerned about avoiding them (or not being able to avoid them). I know this is related to floorcraft.
On the yoga thing, which is very interesting - what type of yoga? I believe there are several 'brands' or types of yoga. I do try to spend time focussing quietly on my routines and dancing in general - especially if there's another comp in progress and i can use the music.
However, here in Ireland, we don't always get much notice about when our comp is going to start (are you reading this guys???) so this sort of preparation isn't always effective.

There are many different types of yoga. Many people start with Hatha- a beginning level. Vinasa uses a series of poses to increase heat and breathing, while when you add Ashtanga (i think that's how its spelled) you're doing a lot of strength poses. You have to try different things to find out whats right for you, but I've found that Vinasa is best for before dancing. All I can suggest about not getting distracted is to keep 100% of your focus while dancing on your partner. Imagine that the audience, judges, other competitors aren't there or that they're like inanimate wallpaper or other objects, but that you and your partner are the only important things in the room.

This is what helped me and my partner the most...The week of the competition we would make an agreement that no new stuff would be discussed, and that no arguments or critiques of each other would be made. Only good, positive things could be said to one another. This helped tremendously because it took the pressure of messing up and disappointing my partner out of the equation (I think that is what makes competition so difficult--somebody else is depending on your ability). Knowing that my partner wouldn't be upset with any mistakes allowed my mind to concentrate on the important stuff. Just a suggestion...

Phil. I should have added last time, and this is worth remebering. Nobody can think of two things at the same time. In quick succesion yes. But not at the same time. So if you are gazing around at the audiance and seeing someone you know, then for one brief fraction you are not concentrating on your dancing. Name of the guy I am quoting here is. Dr. Ruud Vermeij. One of his bit of advice is . Don't say to the audiance, look at me. Instead show the audiance your dancing. Bring the audiance to you and not you to them, and again don't worry about things that you have no control over. This includes as well as the music and the floor, the judges.It's worth mentiong that a collision is unavoidable. This is what I have been told. In the event of a collision or being cut off. Don't lose your poise, Drop one arm the left maybe. And have an emergency step. Mine is a Travelling Contre into a Chasse if its Waltz. Or even a couple of side steps. I saw John Wood do this in the Tango at Blackpool when he got boxed in. I've always remembered that one. If I think I'm heading into a crowded part of the floor a Curving Three Step with an Open Impetus ending, will get a dancer out of trouble. I hope you are not one of those who if they get stopped have to start right from the begginning of their routine. There are a few around. Best of luck

..From the followers perspective... I know in a comp situation the lead has issues I dont, but!!

I did a comp last week end and again tommorrow. I changed things up a bit this time around. Due to the amount of comps we due, and limited vacation time, we usually either fly in or drive at the last minute. This time I took the day of the comp off.(Comp was local, dancing in the evening) It really made a difference. I was able to take my time getting everything ready and all day I was thinking comp. By the time we arrived I was in the right frame of mind and the transation from work to dance took place early. Spent the day stretching and listening to music.

It made a difference for me. We were dancing two new American Smooth routines that were no where near ready. We have been dancing strictly International Standard for two years. I dont care what anyone says, it is not an easy switch. Much to our surprise and pleasure we took a first in our waltz with tought competition.

BTY, I never look at the audience. If you were to watch our tapes you certainly would not know it, but I look above eye contact. Direct eye contact does break my concentration.

Just keep smilin' no matter what!

I agree with those who say don't look at the audience. Your attention will be distracted and, even if the person you are looking at is a supportive friend, it will still emphasize your awareness that you are being watched (and judged).

Do you get a chance to practice floorcraft? A lot of people I know deliberately practice when the studio is fairly crowded with lessons or go to social dances specifically to practice floorcraft. I've even heard of coaches who have a couple practice their routine and will walk in front of them at random intervals so they can practice floorcraft. Your follow also needs to practice floorcraft so she can switch from a routine to pure following and back to the routine without hesitation.

Ellen. I've seen a coach with somebody who was really bad at floor craft, keep putting chairs in their way for them to dance around.
Janet. Listening to music. I play dance music in my car all the time. I know it helps. With a better understanding of music and being able to pick in 4/4 timing which of the four beats is the heaviest, and to be able to tell where the eight bar phrasing starts. Only by listening is it possible to do this. And you will become a better dancer. I'll go on a bit here. As taught by top coaches . A slow has two beats. First of a Feather will do. Three 1/2 beats, come into neutral on the last 1/2. That does not mean come to a standstill. Just use the 1/2 beat in passing. I am saying without a knowledge of the music and being aware of the beats it's not going to happen. Best wishes.