FIRST-TIME COMP PARENT GUIDE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WELCOME TO THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF COMPETITIVE DANCE! Whether you're an NLC family or stumbled across this guide, you're in the right place! We've all been a first-time dance family — to ease your stress, we're providing OUR dance family with everything they need to know as they embark in the most exciting, rewarding journey!
This guide answers every question you may have as you enter the competitive scene for the first time — how dance competitions work, what to purchase, and how to prepare for those crazy competition weekends!
Dance competitions take place annually across Canada, though NLC prefers to compete 2-3 hours from Cambridge/Ayr! Competitions typically take place in larger cities, though some smaller cities with an established theatre host competitions, too!
Yes! Each competitions offers a live stream feed for families, dancers, and loved ones can tune in to the event! These live stream links are typically found through each competition's website, through DanceBug, or communicated otherwise by us.
Typically, if you Google "[dance competition name] live stream", their live stream feed will appear! If not, check DanceBug!
ALL ABOUT THE $$$: WHAT YOU NEED
Dancers are only required to purchase tights if they are competing in a ballet routine — otherwise, no!
NOTE: If your dancer is competing a ballet routine, you must purchase an additional pair of ballet tights to ONLY be worn on stage. Keep these packed with their costume!
Great question! For more information, head to our article Competitive Dancer Essentials: Everything You Need!
ADDITIONAL (ESSENTIAL) READS:
Great question! This is not a necessary expense, but many new dance families consider this purchase as they approach competition season. For an honest breakdown of the pros and cons, CLICK HERE!
BEFORE THE COMP: PREP! PREP! PREP!
Competitions typically finalize their schedules 1-2 months before each event. As soon as Competition Directors send their final schedule, we send it to our families!
AT THE VENUE: THE INS-AND-OUTS
No, specatator tickets are generally not required. All are welcome!
Yes! Programs typically range from $10.00 - $20.00 (including a pen/highlighter). Each program contains the competition order, participating studios, scoring breakdowns, award offerings, and space to annotate awards results. Keep all your old programs as keepsakes!
YOUR DANCE COMPETITION DICTIONARY: