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IT IS COMPETITION TEAM AUDITION TIME! It's such an exciting time, and it is such a stressful time. It is a time of new beginnings, and a time to worry about who is going to get their feelings hurt. There is the thrill of picking out new music, and the worry of choosing the right music and style. Why does it have to be so manic? Why can't it just be easy? Two reasons: internal politics and trying to please everyone.
Let's talk politics. Oh, that's one thing you are never supposed to discuss right? Just because Susie has danced with Jane for 12 years doesn't mean Susie should be in every group with Jane in the future. Politically correct? No. Correct? Yes. In life, as adults, do we get every job or position within the company for which we apply? No. In school, do we get an A on a research paper just because we want it? No. If we raise children to believe they always get everything they want just because they want it, aren't we setting them up for failure in the future? Just a random thought. When auditions happen, making the cut for a certain piece or group SHOULD happen because a dancer has EARNED the spot and fits in with that specific piece or group, not because they WANT the spot. The group as a whole has to benefit, not just one student. Putting a dancer in a piece, or giving them a solo, in which they are not ready only sets them up for failure. Teachers, please DO NOT feel obligated to place anyone in a group, give someone a solo, or keep everyone with their friends. Parents, please DO NOT pressure the teacher over placements or get upset with your child's teacher over their decisions. Dancers, please DO NOT get upset with your teacher over their decisions. No one wants hurt feelings, now or later. I'm a firm believer that if you tell me how to do my job, then I'll tell you how to do your job and we can see how well that works out. LOL! It's a sad but true fact that you simply cannot please everyone. It's also a sad, but true, fact that no matter what, some people will never be pleased.
As a parent, it is hard when my child isn't the best. I'm competitive. I want him to be the best but I don't begrudge another child or parent because another child is better. If my son is benched because he isn't having his best game, I don't yell at the coach. I don't talk negatively about the coach, the family, and especially the other children. I encourage my son to believe in himself, practice harder, and practice correctly as the coach has instructed. I teach him not to resent his better teammate but to emulate them. It's not my place to decide who makes the team, starts the game, or who is benched. It is my job to help my child deal with the decisions made and help him grow into well rounded, well adjusted, capable, independent adult. So it goes with dance. The decisions of solos, duets, trios, and groups should be left entirely up to the professionals, in my opinion. They know best and really do have the best interest of each and every dancer in mind. No dance teacher wants any dancer to fail. Ever. Sometimes pressure from students and parents can cause the teacher to set the student up for failure. Without certain pressures, better decisions for everyone may be made. In my opinion, everyone should always take a step back, look at the bigger picture, stay positive, and never go into attack mode. After all, this is dance. Decisions on national security are not being made. It's dance and life lessons. When decisions are made to "please the parents and/or dancers," it NEVER turns out very well. In the long run, no one will happy because the outcome will not be what anyone wants. Its better to deal with the hurt feelings upfront from one or two than to deal with a year of negativity and fighting amongst literally everyone.
Now let's talk something a little lighter but something that still really needs to be addressed: MUSIC AND STYLES. There is one important word to remember. DIVERSITY! Diversity is the key! It is the key to a dancer's growth and to keeping a judge's attention. No one, I repeat no one, wants to sit through hours of contemporary or lyrical. Don't believe me? Go ahead and ask anyone. Ask a judge. Ask anyone who works for a competition. Ask a dance teacher, a dance parent, even ask a dancer. Amazing contemporary, story telling pieces, or beautiful lyrical dances may be your favorite, I love them too, BUT it's imperative that you step out of that box and go with a variety of music and styles instead of the same over and over again. Mix it up! Keep it interesting. Make it different. Make it fun! Do some jazz, musical theater, tap, acro, or even a group ballet set to a fun piece of music. I promise, your dancers will enjoy it, as will your judges and the audience. YOU will enjoy it! And the big bonus? Your dancers will grow by leaps and bounds by competing a wide range of styles and showcasing a variety of emotions. But only, I repeat, only do styles in which they are ready to perform for the general public. If they aren't quite polished in a style, give them a year of classwork in the style first before making a competitive decision.
Here's to new beginnings, a variety of music and dance styles, and hopefully the start to a great competition season ahead!
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Twitter: @the_comp_edge
For class, choreography, or booking information, please email: meredith@thecompetitiveedgebymeredith.com
You can also read The Competitive Edge by Meredith on Dance Apps Inc's app with NappyTabs, Dancer's Toolbox under Dancer's Dish.
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