THE STRUGGLE OF FINDING A NEW DANCE COMPETITION TO ATTEND

Selecting a dance competition to attend is in many ways like selecting a dance studio for your child to attend. There are hundreds out there, but that doesn't mean they are all a good fit for you. There are dance studios that fit the needs of every child just as there are competitions that fit the needs of every studio. It can be a struggle finding a new dance competition to attend. But how do you find the right competitions for you? 

When looking for a new dance competition to attention, begin your quest by asking the right questions to the right people. Start with friends first. Ask those you trust in the business. Ask other dance teachers and other competition owners and directors of competitions you enjoy attending if they can suggest any competitions to you. Personal references are great because they know you and what you are looking for, and can give you information on their experiences and relationships with others. 

Another good source of reference is online review sites. Studio owners, dance teachers, parents, and dancers can leave comments about their personal experiences and rate individual competitions and conventions for others to read. On these sites in the States, I would say most people leave honest comments, however, a few do go on there just to bash competitions and conventions so sometimes you have to be careful. We have these resources here in the United States, and I'm assuming that in other countries they have websites or social media review sites like these as well. (And thank you to the people who live in the other 33 countries who read my blog! I appreciate you and the people here in the States!!!)

Go directly to the competition's website. Look it over. Check out the pictures, read the rules. Rules are important. Look at the dates, cities, and venue locations. Even check out past years results. These websites are easy to find either through a web search or directly through a review site. 

Last but certainly not least, call the competition to ask any specific questions you may have. But here is the important part: don't just ask whoever may answer the phone. Just as with any business, people are hired for specific things. You want to speak to the person best suited to answer your questions. I am assuming you don't want the person working in the office in charge of human resources or accounting answering your questions about the rules and actual event, especially since they are not at the event. Ask to speak to the owner, competition director, show producer, etc. Tell the person who answers you have specific questions about the competition and the event itself, how it is actually run (not in theory but actually run), and would like to speak to those mentioned above or someone who currently works on the road at events. 

Now to your questions. Be sure to get to the root of your actual questions before you call. Know exactly what you want to ask and why you are asking. Be specific in your questions. This will help you get answers. When you "ask questions" that are actually statements, not questions, you don't get any answers you get a discussion that may still leave you confused and just may take up a lot of your time. When you ask root questions, you get the answers you are seeking quickly and you don't get a "sales pitch". Your time is valuable and you probably have others to call. A determination is usually made very quickly in a person's tone and with their answers if they are genuine, sincere, and a good fit for you and your clientele.  

If you have been wondering how to find a new competition that's right for you, I hope this helps. Competition should be a fun, learning experience for all. It's always great to give a child the opportunity to perform in a positive and encouraging environment. I hope you all find and attend the right competitions for you this upcoming year. Have a fantastic 2017 competition season!!! 

Dance hard. Dance smart. 
Meredith 

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