Andrea Gaw
Aug 22, 20222 min
Dance schools that focus on competition
You get to travel to different cities you may not normally get to go to.
You have one costume (per dance) that you use over and over again (although your dancer may see this as a "con" haha)
You have lots of performing opportunities--which promotes quick adaptation to new things
It will broaden your horizons and help push yourself as a dancer
It can be a lot of fun
Not all competitions are equal--or fair
In perfecting routines, you miss out on learning dance technique and good foundations
Competitions bring out drama-in kids, parents, and everyone
amplifies negative personal perfectionism, comparison
huge commitment (time and money)--you are all in or all out
Dance school that focus on performing
Pros:
the student learns progressively and the class focus is on technique for a solid foundation
less focus on conforming to the group--individual style can be expressed
the whole school works together, rather than just a small group
promotes comradery, teamwork, and self-confidence
balance between performance and class work
not much travel to fun, new places
students may not be aware of the dance world outside of their school (false ideas, impressions)
some students may become complacent in their "safety" zone and not push themselves to improve
overall less stage time than competitive dancers
no trophies or "rewards", other than applause and audience appreciation (although this can be a "pro" as well)