Dance Competition Information: Updated 1/16/06

What to expect:

One week before the competition the schedule will be posted and you will get an email as soon as we have it. Please don't continue to ask about it, as you will have it within 1 hour of our having it. You must leave the entire weekend open for your dancer so that they are available for their numbers. Once we post the schedule you will be able to schedule around the competition.

Make up and Hair: Have all hair and makeup supplies in a bag or make up case. It should include: Hair nets, hair pins, bobby pins (open for buns), safety pins, hair spray, gel, brush, comb, black or Dark Brown poney tail holders, blush, lip stick, waterproof mascara, make up remover pads. Tip: Practice at home doing buns, it will make competition days much easier for everyone. Need a lesson ask Marianne, Roni or Alex.

Competion Times and timing: Once you have been given the day and time(s) of your performance(s) you must factor into the times given, time for travel and traffic, check the basic instructions given, but confirm with your own map, and arrive at least 1 hour before your scheduled performance time dressed, with makeup and hair done. If you plan on dressing when you get there you must arrive 1 1/2 hours early. If you have more than one number you may not leave the buiding without reporting to person in charge (Marianne or Roni). There are times when we need to move numbers around and need to know where everyone is. Dancers do much better when they are not in the car stressing that they are going to be late.

Where to meet when you get to the competition: Please check in with who ever is in charge from the Dance Studio (Marianne, Roni, Alex or another teacher assigned for the day - You will be given that information along with your schedule.) They will usually be in one of the dressing rooms (we try to all be in the same room) back stage or in the audience. If you bring multiple family members with you, you should get them seated in the audiece before looking for us. Backstage and dressing rooms are very crowded and the competitions don't allow parents back stage during the competition. Once your dancer is dressed and ready you can drop them off with one of us until after they are done performing. Your dancer will come out to the audience to see you. Tip: You should let your dancer know where you are sitting in the audience so that they can find you.

If you have a quick costume change you may wait in the dressing room (females only) so that you can help your dancer. If you see in the program that your dancer has dances back to back we will most likely determine that before you see it and make sure there are at least 4 numbers between each of your dancers dances. Tip: You can purchase a competition program in the lobby. Sometimes there are changes to the order that are not printed in the program, an updated schedule will be posted in the dressing rooms.

If you are in more than one dance on a given day, you must check in and out with the MnR director in charge before you leave the building. Do not go by the schedule and assume that things won't change. Stress goes through the roof when we can't locate one of the dancers. If your dancer is scheduled to dance in 1 1/2 hours we need to know where you are at all times.

There is usually no time for a sit down meal between dances, but feel free to bring your dancer some food back if you go out. Most competitions don't allow food in the theater, please respect their wishes. Tip: keep a blanket in the car to spread outside on nice days to relax and eat.

Awards: Each competition does awards differently. Awards are split up between Jr & Sr., Novice and Advanced, solo's and groups, etc. Depending on the size of each division, awards are usually distributed between 1 and 2 hours after each performance. It is not mandatory that each dancer stay for awards, but they worked hard and should be able to enjoy the fruits of their labor.

Before each award ceremony the announcer will call all the dancers up to the stage for the award ceremony. Each dancer must where their MnR Dance Factory Warm Up to go on stage. When they had out the awards for group numbers, one dancer will be pre assigned to go up and get the award. These will be chosen prior to the competition to assure that all dancers get a chance to go up at least once to receive the award. When they pick up the award they are given the ribbons or medals for all dancers in the group and possibly a trophy. All trophys for group numbers are returned to the studio. When they get back to the group, after picking up the awards, they must sit down and quietly hand out the ribbons/medals to the other dancers in the group. If there are some left over your are responsible to bring them to the studio the next day you come in along with the group Trophy. Parents I need your help in explaining this to your young dancers. If your dancer wants to stay for awards and you are ready to go home, maybe you can get together with other parents and see arrange for a ride home. Last year we were embarrased by some of the younger girls who literally had a fight on stage over ribbons.

How long are competitions: Depending on how many dancers your dancers are in, your time at the competition can range from 3 hours to 2 days. Competitons can run both late and early. If the competition is running early, they will expect you to dance in order, this is why you must be there 1 1/2 hours early. If you are not there you may be disqualified or points deducted. Running early is a good thing, because we can get out sooner.

Competitions can run late and long, especially for the older girls. Please be prepared to stay 1 - 2 hours longer than you expected. If you get out early, its a gift. Please, Please do not complain to the MnR dance director in charge. They are in the same boat as you and they are getting pulled in every direction possible. Instead lend a hand to help out.

Help with props: We will be assigning one parent from each group (sometimes the same parent) to make sure all the dancers in your number are ready with makeup, hair, accessories, shoes 1/2 before they go on stage. This will help the director in charge who is dealing with back stage monitors, music issues, props, etc. If you would like to help out with this, please et us know.

Special Note for Soloists, Duets and Trios: Each soloist and one member from the duet/trio should have an extra copy of their music on CD. We will make one for you but you are responsible to bring it to the competition. We will take care of all group back up CD's. We have only had one or two music malfunctions in our history, but were lucky enough to have a back up.

More to Come!!!