Hey SewCC fam!!
Are you new to the world of studio dance or competitive dance? We have 3 tips to make your transition a bit easier!
(Sesame Street has Never looked so CUTE!)
Whether you’ve just signed your little up for their first dance class or you’re transitioning into the competition world, we’ve got you covered with our Dance Parent Survival Guide! (While this guide is more geared towards competition parents, the info is definitely transferable to studio or recreational dance too! :))
First of all, welcome to the wonderful, inspiring, and (occasionally) frustrating dance family! I know everything seems shiny and new right now, but you’ll surely encounter some unfamiliar situations in the months to come. So get ready for your three lessons crash course!!
Lesson 1: Be your dancer’s biggest fan!
This may seem like a no brainer, but you’d be surprised how easily some parents seem to forget that they signed their dancer up for dance because they genuinely enjoy it. The world of competition is full of just that, competition. Don’t forget to let your dancer have some fun and enjoy the friendships, travel, and empowerment that comes with the turf. Your dancer is learning from how you respond to their wins and losses, so be mindful to set a good example and remind them of what’s really important. Along those same lines, your dancer is watching how you treat other dancers and other studios. I know they are competition, but they’re also kids just like yours. Shows like Dance Moms give the competition dance world a bad rep for being instigators of drama, but, really, the drama is only as bad as you allow it to be. Plus, you’re not just paying for dance classes, you’re helping build teamwork skills, sportsmanship, and perseverance!
Part of supporting your dancer means that you don’t constantly compare them to other dancers. These dancers might be from an older and more advanced class, a different studio, or even the same age and class as your dancer.
"Remember, popcorn is prepared in the same pot, in the same heat, in the same oil, but the kernels do not pop at the same time. Don't compare your child to other children, his/her turn to pop is coming."
Here are some remarks from our 2020 ambassador parents:
“Most importantly.... stay out of the drama. You are there to support your kiddo. Do your part to be their BIGGEST cheerleader, but don’t get caught up in the drama!!!!! Just cheer loud and have FUN! I’ve always told Camryn it’s ok to be disappointed. However, do it gracefully. You are not “competing” against anyone except yourself. If you messed up on some turns in the last competition, set the goal to work on those for the next competition. You are always striving to make YOURSELF better. Don’t compare yourself. Everyone is awesome in their own ways and celebrate your dance family!!!!!!!!!!” -Shannon Blake (Camryn’s mom)
“Enjoy the ride of being a dance dad or mom. Be prepared for tons of memories and DON’T BULLY other dancers or parents. Your child will grow in their own way if they have a hard time with something that other dancers find easy...keep supporting your dancer and vise versa. Teach your child to be nice to other dancers. Encourage them and always be positive with each other. Olivia is already hearing nasty girls talk about other dancers behind their backs. She ignores it and pushes herself to always be kind.” -Alex Buck (Olivia’s mom)
“My biggest advice to her, and what I recommend to other parents, is to have fun, no matter what. After all kids are, and should be, kids. Remember to work hard, try your best, but always have fun!! I also have always taught Dalia to focus on herself, not what others can do. I tell her to compare herself to herself and nobody else. Work hard at what you want to improve on and try to improve your scores at each competition. Does she get inspired and try to work harder because of other dancers? Yes, of course. But focusing on oneself is how you’ll get better. And I highly recommend that approach to other families.” -Stephanie Torres (Dalia’s mom)
(SewCC Season 5 Ambassador- Olivia modeling her Perseverance Set)
Lesson 2: Trust your studio and teachers
Whether you researched for hours finding out all you could about which competitive studio was right for your dancer or decided to enroll in the first studio you found, once you’re established in classes and have rapport with the staff, trust them to do their job. It’s easy to want to help the staff understand your dancer better (and, let’s be honest, who knows them better than you??), but keep in mind that all the dance staff do what they do because they love it. They have spent their life training in dance, take nights and weekends planning costuming and music, hold your dancer’s hand backstage, and they’re there, above anything else, to support your dancer. The amount of thought, love, and dedication that your studio staff has put into teaching your dancer and choreographing their routines is far more than you see at the studio. The staff is there for you, and they want to see the best for your dancer, so trust their judgement.
Here’s what our 2020 ambassador parents have to say:
“Trust your studio and the teachers. They love your kid and have their best interest at heart.” - Shannon Blake (Camryn’s mom)
Lesson 3: Know your and your dancer’s limits
Competition can cultivate a mentality that more is better, in every way, and while that can be true for some things (rhinestones, anyone?!), knowing the limits is essential in creating a sustainable dance lifestyle. These limits can look like not taking on the extra class or group dance, opting out of an optional convention, and continually reassessing if what you’re doing is fitting your families’ needs. A few areas to pay special attention to are the time and physical commitment of both your family and your dancer as well as the cost. Some dancers thrive on dancing several days a week from after school until bedtime, and that’s great! However, if that’s not your daner, that’s okay too. Similarly, dance, especially in the competition world, can get expensive fast. Taking a second to talk about your financial priorities and deciding where dance falls into the mix can go a long way with setting reasonable expectations for your family and your dancer.
Here are some more 2020 ambassador pointers:
“The financial aspect of dancing can be overwhelming for some. Training, competitions, conventions, and all of the gear that comes along with it can seem like a lot. I suggest talking it out to decide what is the most important for your family. What seems like a necessity or important to one family may not be for another. Don’t be afraid to change it up or use alternatives to make it work for your family.” -Stephanie Torres (Dalia’s mom)
(SewCC Season 5 Ambassador- Dalia modeling her Perseverance Set)
Here are some final pro tips, too!
Dalia has done very well at conventions, and I think the biggest part of that is going in with a positive outlook and trying things even if they are new or harder than she’s used to. Always remember to give it your best shot and have fun. -Stephanie Torres (Dalia’s mom)
“Research. Learn about the teachers at the conventions. Learn about the competition scoring and their age groups. Take you kiddo to the theater to see live dancing.” - Shannon Blake (Camryn’s mom)
All in all, the dance world is truly a family, and we hope you love your journey!
Is there anything we’ve missed or something you’d like to read about on our next blog?? Comment here or send us an email at 1SewCC@gmail.com!
