Earlier this week I attended Dance Power, so I thought I'd write a little review about it, on what to expect, and some tips on what to bring, and to answer some questions that I was able to figure out thanks to the helpful Dance Power Staff, Darryl, and the MC :) Overall, I enjoyed the competition, although, I did find some of the instructions lacking information for people like me who haven't competed very much, or are new to the process, or doesn't have their studio there with them, so I thought I'd add some of the most helpful information and tips I learned along the way :) Some of the most important things to know include (these can also be found under the Studio Guidelines Booklet online):
1. Have either your teacher or a teacher representative play your music. For a teacher representative, this can be one of your parents, as long as you have a note from your teacher, you'll be all good to go :)
2. Appear onstage after they've announced your name and title of your dance, no matter how long it may seem :)
3. There are two dressing rooms that are a free for all for all dancers, so there's no pressure that way :)
4. For awards, while you wait you can wait in the audience and watch the other dances, and then once they announce it's time for the awards, you can climb the stairs to the stage.
5. Make sure to pick up one of the programs, as this will be helpful in timing when to show up for your routines. These are free for registered teachers and are $4 each otherwise.
6. Make sure to get there a little early before it's your time to dance about 25-35min to get ready, stretch, and get in "the zone".
7. Try not to look at the other competitors before you, as it might psych you out, before you've even performed, and you always want to be in the game, right from the start :)
8. Apply makeup if you can before you arrive, since it's always best to feel prepared and to have one less thing on your mind.
9. Arrive 1-2 dances before yours backstage, but not to get in the way of others before or after their performance.
10. Be a good sport, and don't be afraid to say "good luck" or "great job", and who knows you might make some new friends :) It never hurts to make someone smile :)
11. When you first arrive you can go to change rooms downstairs to put your stuff away, although if you have expensive or precious items you might want to have someone you trust like a parent or guardian look after them while you're onstage.
12. If you have any questions, always look for one of the staff members.
13. Be respectful while watching others dance, meaning, pay attention and don't go on your phone, and clap at the end, because everyone deserves an applause for their hard work :)
14. You can buy the photos or videos of your dance (s) either before or after you dance, although, I would recommend after, as you never know how it's going to turn out.
15. Check with the stage manager/MC 15min prior to your dance starting time :)
16.The online schedule shows the different categories but not the individual dances, so the amount of time you need to be there may be a lot different than you would expect, so be sure to double check :)
17. Dance Power is also a LIVESTREAM, so for anyone who was hoping to view it but couldn't be there in person can go to lifestream.com/accounts/15325353 to watch :)
18. There will be a videographer and photographer (GTFX) taking a video and pictures of you while you dance, which you can also buy. Tip: You can purchase the entire package of the pictures on the CD by clicking on one of the pictures and going to the checkout, and clicking for the option for the entire dance :)
19. The time limit for the different routines varies, however, if you go over the time limit, you will receive a 5 point reduction. (Solos,duos/trios: 3min, Small Groups (4-9): 4min, Large Groups (10-19) and Line (20 and over): 5 min, and Productions (min. 20) are min. 5min-max. 15min)
20. Dressing Rooms open 1 hour before the starting time of the competition, and close 1/2 hour after the last Awards of the day.
21. You can pick up the adjudication sheets either as the studio owner/director or with a letter authorizing you to do so (ex. parent). They can be picked up from the MC/Backstage Manager during the competition, otherwise they will be mailed out after the competition.
22. No videos/ photos will be allowed to be taken in the theatre.
23. Make sure it's family friendly (costume and dance).
24. There are award sessions every few hours ( so you don't need to stay the entire day). Also in between times you can leave if you'd like and have enough time to get back for the awards.
25. Everyone receives a medal for participating :)
26. Have fun and try to make new friends
I hope that all of this information helps you in the future :) Happy Competition Season and Good luck to everyone who's competing, and Congratulations to all of the successful dancers :)
For more information go to: www.dancepower.com
Warning: The website plays music, so either put your computer on mute or turn the volume down :)
Photo taken for (c) Dance News BC 2016