Is Competition Dance Right for My Child?

Bringing your child into the world of dance can be one of the most exciting and rewarding choices you make as a parent. From building confidence to improving physical health and teaching teamwork, the benefits are clear. But once the decision to dance is made, a new question often comes up: Is competition dance the right path for my child? It's a common dilemma for parents, balancing the love for dance with the commitment and pressure of competition. Here at Odyssey Dance Company, we see both sides of this journey every day, and we're here to help you navigate this important choice.

What is Competitive Dance?

Competitive dance is a big step up from the casual, once-a-week recreational dance class. While both paths teach skill and technique, competitive dance requires dedicated time, focus, and investment. Recreational dance offers a fun, low-pressure way for kids to learn new skills and stay active, often culminating in an annual recital performance. In contrast, competitive dancers perform their routines for a panel of judges at regional and national competitions. At Odyssey Dance Co., our competitive team, the Odyssey Opals, is for passionate, focused dancers ready to take their training to the next level.

The commitment for competitive dance goes beyond the typical class schedule. Dancers in our Odyssey Opals program commit to a rigorous practice schedule, often including multiple classes and rehearsals each week, to perfect their routines. This is where hard work meets artistry, and dancers become confident, expressive performers who are prepared for the high-energy environment of competitions.

Benefits of Competition Dance for Children

Skill Development

Competition dance pushes children to master both their technical skills and their artistry. The intense practice schedules and expert coaching from experienced instructors, like those at Odyssey Dance Company, help dancers refine their technique in a variety of styles. This rigorous training builds physical strength, agility, and coordination. Moreover, the dedication required to learn complex routines instills discipline and focus. Dancers learn to pay attention to small details, take constructive criticism, and work tirelessly toward a goal. These are foundational skills that benefit them in school and future careers.

Confidence and Stage Presence

Performing in front of an audience is a key component of competition dance. Each time a dancer steps on stage, they learn to manage performance anxiety, channel their nervous energy, and captivate an audience.  Receiving feedback from judges, whether positive or constructive, builds resilience and a strong sense of self-worth. This experience teaches children to carry themselves with poise and grace, fostering an incredible stage presence and boosting their overall self-confidence.

Social Growth

Competitive dance is a team sport, and it provides a unique environment for social growth. Dancers spend countless hours together, creating a tight-knit community built on mutual respect and shared goals. They learn the value of teamwork, relying on each other to perfect a routine and supporting one another through both successes and disappointments. These shared experiences often lead to lifelong friendships and a powerful sense of camaraderie.

At Odyssey Dance Company, we pride ourselves on providing a supportive environment where young artists can nurture their individual strengths while learning to be a part of something bigger than themselves.

Challenges of Competition Dance

Time Commitment

Competitive dance is a significant investment of time for both the dancer and their family. Beyond the weekly classes and rehearsals at the studio, there's also the time spent preparing for competitions. Families should be prepared for weekend travel, extended periods at competition venues, and special engagements designed for mental, emotional, and physical growth. This schedule requires careful planning to ensure it doesn't overwhelm the family.

Emotional Pressure

Participating in competitions introduces a new level of emotional pressure for children. They learn to handle the high stakes of performing in front of audiences and judges. While this builds resilience, it is important for parents to help their child navigate the emotional highs of a win and the lows of a loss or a less-than-perfect performance. Learning to handle performance anxiety and manage expectations is a key part of the journey. Our certified and experienced instructors at Odyssey Dance Co. are dedicated to creating a supportive environment that nurtures mental and emotional growth alongside technical skills.

Balancing School and Dance

Managing a rigorous dance schedule alongside academic responsibilities can be a significant challenge. Dancers must learn to manage their time effectively to complete homework and study for exams while dedicating many hours to the studio. This is a skill that takes practice. Encouraging your child to prioritize their schoolwork and helping them create a schedule that balances both commitments is essential for their success and well-being. A well-balanced life is crucial for a dancer to thrive both on and off the stage.

How Much Does Competition Dance Cost?

One of the most important factors for many families is the financial investment involved. Competition dance can be a significant expense, and understanding the different costs upfront helps in making a realistic decision.

The total cost can vary widely depending on the dance studio, the number of dances your child is in, and the number of competitions attended. However, most expenses can be broken down into a few main categories:

• Tuition: This is the monthly fee for classes. Unlike recreational dance, competitive dancers typically take multiple classes per week to work on different styles and techniques. This tuition often covers core technique classes and choreography rehearsals for group dances.

• Costumes: Every routine requires a unique costume. These are often custom-made or of higher quality than recital costumes, and the cost can range from a hundred dollars to several hundred per costume, depending on the design, embellishments, and number of routines.

• Competition Fees: These are the entry fees for each competition. The cost is usually paid per dancer, per routine. A single competition may have a different fee for a solo, a duet, or a group dance. If your child is in multiple routines, these fees can add up quickly.

• Travel and Lodging: Many competitions are held out of town, especially if your child is on a regional or national level. This means factoring in the cost of hotel stays, gas, and food for each event. Some families may even consider this their family vacation!

It's also important to be aware of other potential costs that can arise throughout the season, such as:

• Private Lessons: Many dancers opt for private one-on-one lessons with an instructor to get extra help with a specific skill or to work on their solo routine.

• Studio Apparel: Most competitive teams have a required uniform, such as a team jacket, warm-up pants, or a specific bag, to wear at competitions.

• Photography and Videos: Competition photos and videos are a fantastic way to capture memories, but they often come at an additional cost.

By having an open and honest conversation about these costs, you can determine if the financial commitment of competition dance aligns with your family's budget. At Odyssey Dance Company, we encourage parents to reach out directly by phone or email with any questions about costs or team requirements. Our team is happy to provide a detailed breakdown and help you explore options to make competition dance accessible for your family.

How to Decide if Competition Dance is Right for Your Child

Deciding if competition dance is the right choice for your child is a decision that requires honest communication and a realistic look at your family's resources. The most important thing is to make sure the decision is a shared one, with both the child and parents fully on board.

Questions to Ask Your Child

• How interested are you in dance? Is it a fun hobby, or is it something they're genuinely passionate about? Competition dance is a big step up in commitment.

• Are you willing to practice outside of class? Competitive dance requires a lot of repetition and solo practice to perfect routines.

• What are your long-term goals for dance? Do they dream of performing on a big stage, or are they happy with the end-of-year recital? Their goals will help guide the decision.

Questions to Ask Yourself

• Is our family schedule flexible enough? Be realistic about the time commitment, which includes weekly classes, rehearsals, and travel to competitions. Can your family handle the demanding schedule without added stress?

• Can we manage the financial commitment? Competition dance involves costs beyond regular tuition, including fees for costumes, competition entry, travel, and specialized coaching. Have an honest conversation about the budget.

• Is our family ready to be their biggest support system? Your child will need emotional support through wins, losses, and high-pressure moments. Your role as a cheerleader and a source of stability is more important than ever.

At Odyssey Dance Company, we believe that dance should always be a positive experience. Whether your child is destined for the competitive stage or prefers the joy of recreational dance, we're here to guide them on their journey. We encourage you to talk with our instructors and observe a class to get a feel for our supportive and passionate dance community.

Finding the Right Fit at Odyssey Dance Company

Choosing to enroll your child in competition dance is a big decision, and it should be made with a clear understanding of what it entails. As we've explored, the benefits of competitive dance—like building discipline, confidence, and strong friendships—are immense and can shape your child into a well-rounded individual. However, it’s just as important to acknowledge the challenges, including the significant time commitment and the emotional pressure that comes with the territory. Every child is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. We encourage you to have an open conversation with your child and your family about their interests, goals, and what you are all ready to commit to.

Whether your child is a budding Odyssey Opal dreaming of the stage or a recreational dancer who simply loves to move, Odyssey Dance Company is here to support their journey. Our goal is to provide a positive and enriching environment for every dancer, helping them find their passion, build their skills, and grow in a way that feels right for them.