| Hi,
I decided to take your advice and go to my first competition.
Now a have a question. How do you prepare yourself mentally before the competition if you do. I know that I will be nervous. Please don't tell me "just go out there and have fun".
What do you think about when you are on the floor: music, passion, attitude, technique...? |
| This truly is a tricky question, because everyone has their own method. I've been in comps where all I want is first place. When this happens, I dance very aggressive. My energy level is high. This was good for my confidence. I constantly thought of foot placement, arm styling and body movement. The music which was played didn't matter. Unfortunately, being all hyped up also made my muscles tense. It's difficult to relax muscles when you're tense. My last comp was done for fun. I didn't care where I placed, or if I placed at all. Went out to the floor when the heat was called and danced like no one was watching. Had lots of fun, was very intune and connected with my instructor (pro/am competition), and realized which songs were playing and enjoyed them, too. I'll agree with Laura, "just go out there and have fun." There's a website that has stuff for competitions. As soon as I find it's exact URL, I'll let you know. Regards  |
| Okay, my first competition story... I did American Smooth newcomer, Waltz, Tango, and Foxtrot. Waltz appened to be the first heat of the day. (9:00 am, full hair, makeup, and a god-awful outfit, I didn't know better).
But did the waltz, feeling kind of calm and detached. Does anyone else get like this, where the more nervous everyone else gets around you the more level-headed you get, but in a detached kind of way? Then I had a break, my hands started shaking, and I felt almost like a wreck. Though I had a friend ask me if I was nervous, asked him, "Did I look it?" He said no.
Went out and did an awful Tango, must have felt like a ton of bricks. Seems like I couldn't do anything right. Came back to wait another couple of songs, at this point, I'm like, well that was a flop.
When the Foxtrot came up, I didn't have a care in the world. I had already fallen on my face, and it didn't kill me. Had a ton of fun during the Foxtrot and it showed.
So how did I do.... 2 out of 3 in Waltz, 2 out of 2 in Tango (all the judges agreed on ranking), 1st out of 3 in Foxtrot. Having fun works, it allows the body to do what you trained it to do, without the brain interferring, and helps you to wear a genuine smile.
2 other tips, if you can do a showcase dance the week before, that really helps. I'm lucky enough that my instructor has his own dance party, so he makes all his students perform the Friday before the competition as a dry run. It'll get you through most of the jitters.
And get a video tape. I think I cried the first time I saw it, but it's good for a laugh nowadays.
-TheDitz |
| You're not going to like this but "just go out there and have fun" is really good advice for your very first competion. Unless you are already a high-level dancer with lots of competitive and performance experience, telling you what to think and do while out there won't mean a lot. Also, to tell you the truth, the first few times you go out there you in all likelyhood will be NUMB. You will be lucky if you remember your routines, luckier if you can actually hear the music while you're trying to dance to it, and still luckier if you feel like you're connecting with the spectators.
If you're new at this, then it's probably enough to think about your routine, keeping your posture upright, and smiling.
I've received two very good pieces of advice regarding ballroom dance competitions.
The first is "Your first 20 competitions don't count." What they mean is do your best, but don't stress about them before, during, or after. Treat them as a learning experience: you are learning how to compete. I know 20 sounds like a LONG time, but that's what this person said to me. I have done well over 20 competitions, and it is true that I'm a zillion times more comfortable and aware about what I'm doing, a zillion times more present in the moment, than when I started.
The second piece of advice came from Heather Smith, 5-time US Professional Standard Champion -- so I'd say she knows what she is talking about. She said that the competition goes by so fast that you should really just relax and enjoy it. She said to do all your homework in advance in your lessons and practice, and then just go our there and enjoy the moment. |
| Everything that's been said is very true. i'm a relative newcomer myself and was told to "relax and enjoy it" which, of course, i couldn't do at all for my first 10 or so comps.
So here is some "do this - do that" type of advice.
DANCE IN TIME WITH THE MUSIC.
Don't start off on beat 2 in the slow waltz. Assuming you're starting in beginner grade, the judges will know you're not experienced, and will look for good basics. Dancing out of time is a serious basic flaw. I found i had to make a conscious effort to listen to the music to pick up the beat.
KEEP IT SIMPLE.
simple steps danced well look MUCH better than fancy stuff danced badly.
SUPPORT YOU PARTNER
who will also be very nervous
And of course -
LOOK AS IF YOU'RE ENJOYING IT - and try to enjoy it!! At least SMILE.
Only experience will allow you to dance with confidence and assurance. there are no short cuts. Dance in as many comps and as many events in those comps as you can. When i started as a ballroom beginner, i was also allowed to dance in novice (that's the rules here in Ireland). I soon realised that if i learnt a tango routine, i could also gain experience in over -35 comps dancing against much better dancers, so i did this to gain experience. We came last every time, but it didn't matter - it was important and useful experience.
Good luck in your dancing career |
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