competitive dance

[dc196]

new to competitive dance.
Just starting to realizing that the "auditions" to join the dance company arent really auditions bc everyone gets "chosen". It is the studio's way to make money by accepting as many kids as possible?
My daughter wants to join one though. Any advice on what kind of studio to pick?
Cheapest? Lol

[Anonymous]

In my neighborhood most of the kids go to one place and we go to there too so my daughter has friends.

I’m fine with most kids getting selected for the teams. I think it’s inclusive. Some kids get larger roles and front and center.

[Anonymous]

Don’t do it. That is my best advice.

[Anonymous]

The “auditions” are to place kids on teams, since the studio probably has a few levels.
Go to the studio nearest to you, since you’ll be there often. My DD competes and takes 10-15 hours of class/week. So I’m there 6 days a week.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The “auditions” are to place kids on teams, since the studio probably has a few levels.
Go to the studio nearest to you, since you’ll be there often. My DD competes and takes 10-15 hours of class/week. So I’m there 6 days a week.

Plus 1

[Anonymous]

It’s a fun activity for kids who want to dance but are not serious about it. It is time consuming and expensive though.

[Anonymous]

dc196 wrote:new to competitive dance.
Just starting to realizing that the "auditions" to join the dance company arent really auditions bc everyone gets "chosen". It is the studio's way to make money by accepting as many kids as possible?
My daughter wants to join one though. Any advice on what kind of studio to pick?
Cheapest? Lol

Bingo!!! Studios have figured out it’s a money-making machine.

I absolutely hate it and it’s a fortune. My daughter, however, absolutely loves it, it has changed her for the better. She has made wonderful friendships (really nice families), she has matured, become more responsible, independent, and has been positively influenced by the instructors and older girls.

The cost infuriates me, and once you are in, it is hard to get out. If you can afford it, go for it.

[Anonymous]

Also: maybe wait until your DD is older. I would not do it prior to 5th/6th grade.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Don’t do it. That is my best advice.

+ 1,000. Biggest mistake ever. I would suggest performance dance instead.

[Anonymous]

Just say no to competitive dance. It is a monster.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Don’t do it. That is my best advice.

+ 1,000. Biggest mistake ever. I would suggest performance dance instead.

Just out of curiosity… why?

[Anonymous]

Auditions at our studio is to determine placement in routines.

I agree with picking one close if possible. We were there 5-6 days a week last month and it was exhausting and we aren’t even that far away.

Make sure you go to a studio that emphasizes technique over rehearsing dances to death. Competition dance can be toxic if you end up at the wrong studio. Chat with parents in competition dance if possible. They will be able to give you the jist on each studio. There’s some in our area that are amazingly talented, but we’d never go there because the environment is so toxic.

[Anonymous]

Yes, as others have said auditions are typically to place kids on teams/dances, and to decide who gets invite-only dances (like solos).

Definitely make sure you understand the commitment the studio is asking for. Specifically, do they require a certain number of dances? How many competitions are required, and are they local? Is "nationals" required?

Those are the things that will really determine the time and cost commitment. My DD participates and a lot of good has come from it, but the actual "competitions" are a bit of a joke and the costs can spiral up without any real benefit. Personally, we made a choice based on a minimal amout of competitions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes, as others have said auditions are typically to place kids on teams/dances, and to decide who gets invite-only dances (like solos).

Definitely make sure you understand the commitment the studio is asking for. Specifically, do they require a certain number of dances? How many competitions are required, and are they local? Is "nationals" required?

Those are the things that will really determine the time and cost commitment. My DD participates and a lot of good has come from it, but the actual "competitions" are a bit of a joke and the costs can spiral up without any real benefit. Personally, we made a choice based on a minimal amout of competitions.

PP here and this is also great advice! Find a studio that’s very transparent about cost. We are able to put a max # down for dances. Our studio only requires one dance. We also don’t do a full studio nationals (only the most advanced team, which requires a separate try out due to increased commitment). Just not doing nationals (nationals is silly unless you are doing a convention nationals IMO) saved us probably $3-4K.

One more word of advice… if the studio owner is a mom, that’s waaaay better than a young studio owner that doesn’t understand parents work, kids need to be in school, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Don’t do it. That is my best advice.

+ 1,000. Biggest mistake ever. I would suggest performance dance instead.

Just out of curiosity… why?

Do you seriously have to ask this? Have you never been to one or know anyone involved?