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The Ugly Truth About Dance Competitions | What Really Happens Behind the Curtains

Writer: Beyond the 8 Count
Beyond the 8 Count
Aug 21
2 min read

Updated: 2 hours ago


Behind the Scenes of Dance Competitions: Wild Stories Unveiled


Dive into the chaos and camaraderie of dance competitions through our hilarious anecdotes.

How was your week? For us, it was a whirlwind of dance camps, clinics, and the usual studio bustle. One of us had a particularly tough week, which we can all relate to, especially as studio owners. But we made it through, and we’re gearing up for Dance Teacher Web next weekend in Vegas, where we’ll be immersed in twelve-hour days of classes. Though Vegas sounds glamorous, we’ll mostly be glued to our laptops taking notes!


Dance Teacher Web: Learning and Networking

We’ve been attending Dance Teacher Web for years, and it’s always a fantastic opportunity to learn. This year, I had a fangirl moment when I met Julie K. Stallcup. She’s just as vibrant in person as she is online, and her down-to-earth vibe is refreshing. One of my favorite quotes from her was, "I'm a Walmart girl through and through."


Reality of Dance Competitions

Today, we’re diving deep into the realities of running a dance competition. It’s not all glitz and glamour; it’s a year-round commitment filled with crazy stories that often leave us questioning our sanity. The behind-the-scenes chaos is something only those involved can truly appreciate.

On competition day, it starts bright and early. For me, it’s all about organization. I come prepared with labeled bins for every possible scenario, from microphones to scoring pads. It’s a game of logistics, and if something isn’t in place, chaos ensues.

"People are paying thousands of dollars to attend these competitions. It better run well."

One of my favorite moments is the frantic search for outlets. You wouldn’t believe how many times we’ve plugged into something that turned out not to be an outlet!


The Importance of Trophies

In our local competitions, trophies are a big deal. I firmly believe that performing a solo is a significant achievement that deserves recognition, and a trophy signifies that hard work, not just a participation award. The joy on the dancers' faces when they receive their trophies and tiaras is priceless. They cherish those moments, and we love being a part of it.


A Tale of Awards and Emotions

A recent competition brought its own set of challenges. During the awards, we had an incident where a grandfather became upset because his granddaughter wasn’t ready in time. It’s a balancing act we navigate every competition, ensuring we respect the schedule while keeping everyone happy.

As we recount these stories, it’s clear that behind every competition, there’s a tale of dedication, laughter, and a few sanity checks along the way. Each competition is a mix of hard work, unexpected events, and cherished moments that make it all worthwhile.

Whether you’re a fellow studio owner or just love dance, we hope these stories give you a glimpse into our world. Until next time, keep dancing and remember the joy it brings!

 
 
 

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