Dance is no doubt an art form. It allows for a variety of ways to creatively express emotion, freedom of movement, and can also serve for a very competitive environment. Though competitive dance has its negatives, I believe that the dance competition environment can offer major room for growth in dancers. It offers dancers an opportunity to showcase their hard work as well as their dedication to dance, and to be judged on their performance, technique, and movement quality.
Competitive dancing prompts improvement and progress. By receiving feedback from certified judges, this allows dancers to identify their strengths, as well as their weaknesses. Competitive dancing allows dancers to improve their performance along with their technique.
While being a part of the dance competition world, this means being a part of a competitive dance team. When joining a dance team, this can foster a sense of belonging as well as unity. A friendship that has been formed on the dance floor while sharing the same passion for the arts can last a lifetime. Some of my closest friends have been made through dance, friends who I consider part of my family.
Competitive dance calls for a lot of travel! Whether to Milwaukee, Madison, Florida, California, traveling to a variety of places allows dancers to gain experience and exposure. Being seen by different dancers, teachers, and judges can allow for possible future career opportunities. Competitions hire a panel of experienced judges who are currently, or who have previously worked / trained in the dance industry, which allows for a lot of connections. Competing in front of these judges can allow for an exposure of possible future careers.
Furthermore, competitive dancing can allow for dancers the ability to foster a career in dance. Though dance careers are not built upon dance competitions, careers in dance are built upon training, motivation, as well as exposure. Competitive dancing offers a chance to experience all three of these.
I can say for certainty that I believe competitive dancing is a very beneficial thing for dancers as well as artists, allowing for growth in technique, human interaction, and experience.
