Dance is more than just an art form. It’s a test of your physical athleticism and mental strength. And one of the best ways to move forward in this intensely competitive field is to join a competitive dance team.
Just like athletes join teams to improve their skills and gain better opportunities, dancers, too, can greatly benefit from the environment of competitive teams.
Here’s a brief breakdown of five standout benefits of joining a competitive dance team:
1. Different Programs and Levels
Competitive dance teams don’t follow a one-size-fits-all approach. They’ll meet you wherever you are in your career and skill set.
Most competitive dance companies offer numerous levels, such as ages 5-18. Each level has a certain number of routines and exercises. For instance, students enrolled in level 1 (ages 8-10) might have the following classes:
- Strength and stretch
- Ballet
- Jumps and turns
- Beg/Int acro
The difficulty level and duration of classes increase as the levels go up. You can also choose between solo and group training sessions.
2. Skill Development
Joining a competitive dance team is an excellent way to hone your skills. The intense physical exercises will push your limits. Whereas the motivating environment will help you try routines you might have considered too difficult earlier.
In solo training sessions, you can ask the instructor to help you master certain routines. Moreover, in group classes, you’ll have the opportunity to learn from others and improve your skill set.
3. Teamwork and Collaboration
Speaking of learning from others, competitive dance teams have a collaborative environment. Whether you’ve been dancing with a group for 2 weeks or 2 years, everyone will have your back.
Being part of a dance team means communicating with others and conveying ideas. This can improve your interpersonal skills, a quality that’ll benefit you throughout your life.
If you and your teammates have one thing in common, it is the shared passion for dance. This creates a sense of unity and camaraderie. You’ll celebrate each other’s successes and offer support when things are less than picture-perfect.
4. Performance Experience
Confidence-building is a crucial component of professional dancing. This is where joining a competitive dance team becomes even more important. When you perform regularly in front of your team and instructors and get constructive feedback, you can get over stage fright and low confidence.
Above all, competitive dance contributes to character building. You learn to deal with setbacks, critiques, and unfavorable competitive setbacks. Working with a team helps you get over bad days and embody sportsmanship.
5. Unlock New Opportunities
Being part of a competitive dance team can unlock doors of opportunity. Many companies help you get enrolled in national and regional competitions.
Such exposure can lead to scholarships and even professional dance opportunities. This will give you a chance to learn from professional choreographers and dancers.
If you’re passionate about improving your dance skills and pursuing it at a professional level, joining a competitive dance team is an excellent opportunity.
