Top 10 Simple Competition Tips!
You have had the bug to enter a competition for a while but haven’t voiced it yet. You are thinking “How do I get started? What song will I use? How do I make up a routine? What will my family say?” The anxiety to compete can be huge and nerve wracking but can also be very rewarding if you go into it prepared! Check out a few Tips and Tricks to get you ready!
Music Choice
Pick a song that speaks to you and you won’t get tired of hearing a million times. You will play this song so much you will be singing it in your dreams. Steer clear of the Top 40! Everyone in the audience has already heard that top 40 song one too many times just like you. Remember, If you pick that song when it first comes out, by the time the competition rolls around, it will be played out. Spotify has tons of artist making amazing music. Spend some time listening to different artists. If you really enjoy one of your instructors playlist in class, don’t be afraid to ask them for song suggestions and also ask your pole-mates who have competed before for song help!
Prepare. You need time to train.
Allow yourself at least 3 months of training before the competition. Begin putting flows together and work on making them fluid. The more time you take doing your spin and static passes, the more your body will adjust and muscle memory will kick in. Do not make the mistake of putting brand new moves in a routine if you haven’t been doing the moves at least 2 months in advance. 30 days before the competition is not the time to attempt to put in something you saw on Instagram. It’s a competition. The judges want to see you at your best. Do the moves you do exceptionally well and can execute no matter what. That is what you want to show off because you know without a doubt that you can hit it.
Point Your F*<KING Toes!
Need I say more? I didn't think so.
Invest in a coach.
Having a coach is one of the best things you can do. Even Lebron James and Serena Williams have coaches! You will always need another eye to watch your routine and a coach will see things you will not see. If you only get to train with them 2-3 times, it will greatly help the process and give you reassurance. Do not get a coach because you want to dance like them. Yes it’s okay to be inspired by them, but get a coach who will encourage you, tell you when you look bad and when to add or get rid of pole moves that aren’t working. Don’t be afraid of getting your feelings hurt a little. That person is really there to help push you past where you think you can go. They are not there to baby you. They mean well!
Stop Reaching!
What is your intention behind your movement? The dramatic reach to the audience with the fake sad face is a cop out. Why did you do that? What was the intention behind it? Did you do it to fill space or because it actually went with the concept of your piece. In your process of creating a routine, try free-styling to the song. More often than not, you will find the perfect movement that feels the most natural to you. You might surprise yourself once you look back on a freestyle video to see what you come up with.
Do NOT lip sync.
Just. Don't. It is an annoying distraction and takes away from your piece. The only person with the OK to lip sync is Roz the Diva. She is the diva and she does it oh so well. Unless you are in character and can lip sync the ENTIRE song, do not do it. A lot of judges, me included, will dock points.
Costumes
Waiting until the last minute to put together a costume is stressful. Your costume should match the concept of your routine. Black leather thigh high boots with a thong dancing to gospel music will raise eyebrows and not in the good way. Before the competition, it is imperative to do your routine full out in full costume and makeup. No one wants to see your nipple come out and no one wants to see your vagina lips or testicles make an appearance. Test out your makeup beforehand. Will you need help putting on lashes? Will someone else have to do your hair? Having a strap break mid routine or your hair piece fall out is amateur and is something that could have been fixed during one of your run-throughs. Double sided tape, safety pins, Bobby pins , Super Glue…Whatever you need to do, you should never have a costume malfunction.
Props.
If you are going to use props you best make sure that prop feels like an extension of your body. If you can’t stay in character, keep your toes pointed and keep your engagement with the audience without a prop, how do you think you will be able to do it with one? Newsflash…You won’t! Practice with the prop a lot. Become one with it before stepping on stage. What is the point of the prop if you are only going to use it the first 10 seconds of your routine and then throw it to the side and never touch it again. Why did you even bother to have it? Give yourself enough time to see where you can incorporate it in different places of your routine.
Read the rules.
You do not want points taken off because you did not read the rules. Double check to see how many points of contact you can have, if you can aerial invert and anything else for the level you enter in. This is also where a coach comes in handy because they would make sure you are following rules for your level. Speaking of levels, Sandbagging isn't cool. (Sandbagging-the cruel art of downplaying your talent and deceiving others so you can beat your opponent.) Do the level for you but also do not drop down a level to guarantee a win. Don't be lame. Train for your level.
My last point out of all of this and it’s probably the most important. Have fun! Go out there, leave your heart on the stage and do it for yourself. Performing is so nerve wrecking. I still, to this day get nervous any time I am getting ready to perform and I have performed hundreds of times thus far in my dance career. It comes with the territory. You are sharing yourself with an audience. You are sharing your vulnerability and really showing them a piece of you. You get to show your family what you have been up to! There is nothing more exciting than when your family and friends see you and they say "WOW You are so strong" I remember my mom telling me after I did my first competition "Dalijah I am blown away, you were so artistic, I didn’t know how strong you were!" It’s an awesome feeling.
Performing and competing is not for everyone and guess what, It’s okay! Do not feel pressured to do but in the same breath I will say it doesn’t hurt to try it once. Honestly you just never know. You might love it!