From Sideline to Spotlight

Noisy fans are replaced with trained judges and the lights shift from the field to the floor. Competition season has arrived and if your school team competes, it’s time to switch gears from the sidelines to the spotlight! Many aspects of your team’s weekly routine will be altered as you embrace your competitive side and set out on this new journey. These pointers will make the transition smooth and efficient: 

Revamp the practice schedule: Now that you don’t have games, replace those nights with practice. Establish days to learn choreography, then to review material and (finally!) to polish the final product. Dedicate time to zero-in on skills, transitions or props. As competition draws near, use practice time efficiently by allotting a certain amount of time for stretching and various segments of the routine.

Keep school in check: On the same note, rework your personal schedule. Competitions take place on the weekends and often involve traveling. Think ahead. Make your teachers aware of your schedule so you can keep up with schoolwork. Consider asking for work in advance so you can finish it on the road. The commitment you have made to your team is important, but finding a balance between dance and academics is essential.

Maintain an updated calendar: Distribute a weekly calendar. Include important events like practices, dress rehearsal and competition dates. For the weekend of competition, distribute a calendar that is detailed down to the minute. This will ensure that everyone is on the same page. You’ll find that competition gets a bit chaotic and using time efficiently is critical to your team’s success. Forget being late, during competition season you better arrive fashionable early. 

Upgrade the wardrobe: To compete like a team, you’ve got to look like a team – at all times. This shows spectators that you’re organized, united and on a mission. Plan to rock warm-ups at the venue. Check out the Varsity Shop for the ultimate travel attire and accessories. Another factor you’ll need to consider is the weather. Competition season happens during the chilliest time of year.

Review the rules and score sheets: Competition rules differ from sideline regulations. As a team, become familiar with what is and isn’t allowed for your particular division. Since you aren’t used to competing against a score sheet, review rubrics intensely. If time allows for it, dedicate a few of your early practices to rule and score sheet review. The extra effort will help to prevent mistakes and violations.  
 
Host a dress rehearsal: There’s no better way to visualize the competitive arena than to host a dress rehearsal. Perform in costume with full emotion. Open the show up to family, friends and if you’re ready – the community! Ask a few people to make notes or film the performance to review later. Not only does this prepare you for the spotlight, it informs the student body of your upcoming event and boosts local support. Competing is easier when your fans have faith!

Your team undergoes some serious changes to adapt to the standards of competition. The underlying purpose is different from that of sideline season, but the two are equally special. Competition will test your team’s endurance and dedication. You’ll see that you’re just as capable of appealing to judges just as you do to your hometown fans. And at the end of the journey, you’ll know in your heart that the work was worth it. So, stay prepared and conquer the transition. If you and your team stay united in your mission, victory will be within reach!