SO YOU HAD A BAD COMPETITION EXPERIENCE...WHAT DO YOU DO?

Unfortunately, most studio owners, teachers, dancers, or dance parents can say that they have had a bad competition experience at one time or another. Competitions should be fun, inspiring, and educational. For the most part, they are! But sad to say, sometimes, things just don't go as one would hope. Here are some things to consider before deciding never to return to a competition after a less than stellar experience.

1. If you didn't like the results from the judges, is that really a reason for a bad experience? If the competition was organized, ran smoothly, and the staff was helpful and kind,  is it worth not attending in the future just because of 3 peoples' subjective opinion on that given day? For the most part, competitions use different people to judge, and chances are good that those same judges will not be back in your city the following year. One of the great things about competition is learning to lose as gracefully as you win. It's a great outlet to teach life lessons that will live on in the dancers far after high school graduation, when they leave the nest and the studio. Before voicing judging complaints, make sure to take a step back, take emotion out of the equation, and look at the entirety of the situation. Did you watch the entire competition, and did you watch objectively? Sometimes, we can be blinded by love and emotions. If the results really didn't come out the way you truthfully believe they should have, please keep in mind that the art form in its self is subjective, just as judging dance is subjective. You could replace one judge on the panel, and you would more than likely get a different outcome.

2. If the critiques were lacking in substance, let the owner, director, or office staff know. If you can let someone with the company know, they have to opportunity to listen to that specific judge's critiques and address the judge about the situation in a way they deem most appropriate. No one on either side wants less than optimum judging commentary. Problems can't be addressed by the competition if they are unaware of the issues. Give the company a chance to right the wrong for the future. You will be helping the company as well as your peers!

3. If another studio is the reason for your bad experience, don't let them be the reason you don't return the following year! Share your experience with the owner, or director. Talk to them about possible solutions and see if something can be worked out. No one wants anyone to have a bad weekend because of someone else.  Also, if the problem is with a fellow studio, is it fair to blame the competition for those problems and your bad experience?

4. Letting your families know you wish to boycott a competition before the weekend is over, and talking negatively about any situation during an event can make it worse with your students and families.  This can, of course, create an even more stressful environment for you and your business. Stay positive and keep lifting them up. Go directly to the competition privately to address your concerns. This way you continue to build morale with your students and their parents.

5. You catch more flies with honey. When discussing concerns with someone from the company, make sure to listen as much as you speak. Instead of thinking about what you are going to say next while they are talking to you, listen earnestly to what they are saying. Be kind, not ugly. Have a good conversation, and more can be accomplished. If you are kind, they will be more than happy to talk everything over with you. (On a side note, just as studio owners, teachers, parents, and dancers may talk, the people inside the competition industry may do the same if asked. No one wants a bad reputation, and wants to be known for being unreasonable and nasty.) If after talking to the company and the feeling is mutual for you to continue your patronage, give it one more try. You never know. The next year, this same competition may end up being your very favorite! ... And you could make a wonderful friend and cultivate a really good relationship through tough discussions. Positives CAN come from negatives! If you have another terrible experience, then you know not to return, at least for a while.

I hope you NEVER have a bad experience at a dance competition, but if you do, I hope these things help. Remember to always to keep a smile, stay calm, and you can make it at least a little better!

I wish you the most fantastic competition season! And remember....

Dance hard. Dance smart.

Meredith
thecompetitiveedgebymeredith.blogspot.com

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