Dance Competition Superstitions (Yes… Dance Moms Have Them Too)

Let’s talk about something every dance mom insists they don’t believe in…

Competition superstitions.

Oh sure, we’ll say things like “it’s not about the awards” and “we’re just here for the experience.” And those things are absolutely true.

But also… if a certain hair tie, necklace, or snack was present when your dancer had a really great day once… suddenly it becomes part of the routine forever.

You may not call it superstition.

But deep down… we all know.

The Lucky Jewelry
Maybe it’s a necklace you wore the day your dancer won their first overall. Maybe it’s a bracelet tied to a special memory or competition weekend. Once it becomes associated with a good day, you suddenly feel like you should probably wear it again. Just in case.

Does it actually influence the outcome? Probably not.

Are you still wearing it? Absolutely.

The Magic Words Before They Go On Stage
In the dance world, instead of saying “good luck,” many dancers say merde. It’s a theater tradition that basically means wishing someone success without actually saying the words “good luck.” So yes, if you hear a group of dancers whispering merde to each other backstage, it’s completely normal.

Dance moms may not always say it out loud.

But we’re definitely thinking it.

The Camera Panic
This one is my personal favorite… and I am 100% guilty of.

We all know we’re not recording routines during competition. Those rules are there for a reason and we respect them.

But when awards start getting closer, a different kind of panic sets in.

Should I have my camera ready?

Because here’s the superstition that lives rent free in my brain.

If I have my phone ready to record… they won’t win anything.

But if I put my phone away and relax for two seconds… that will be the exact moment they call their number.

So now you’re sitting there during awards doing mental gymnastics.

Do I hold the phone?
Do I put it away?
Do I pretend I’m not paying attention?

And while you’re trying to convince yourself that it’s not about the awards at all…

You’re also quietly thinking, “But it would be nice sometimes.”

Welcome to my dance mom brain.

The Warm Up Rituals
Some dancers have a very specific way they like to warm up before going on stage. The same stretches. The same order. The same music playing in their headphones. Changing the routine suddenly feels like it might throw off the entire performance.

So we let them do their thing.

Even if it means standing in the hallway doing turns for the tenth time.

The “Don’t Move Seats” Rule
You sat in a certain spot when your dancer had an amazing performance earlier in the day. Now suddenly you feel like moving might mess with the magic.

So you stay right where you are.

For the rest of the session.

Even if the chair is uncomfortable.

Even if you can’t quite see the stage perfectly.

Because clearly… the seat is lucky.

The Truth About All These Little Rituals
At the end of the day, these little traditions and habits probably don’t change the outcome of a routine.

But they do something else.

They help dancers feel calm.
They create familiar moments in an otherwise high energy environment.
They turn competition weekends into memories and traditions.

And honestly… they make the whole experience a little more fun.

So go ahead and wear the lucky necklace. Whisper merde backstage. Sit in the same chair all day if it feels right.

Dance competitions are already a little magical.

A few superstitions just make them even more memorable.

And now I’m curious.

Dance moms… do you have any funny competition superstitions?

Maybe it’s lucky jewelry.
Maybe it’s a certain seat you refuse to move from.
Maybe it’s convincing yourself that if you pull out your camera during awards you’ll somehow jinx the entire thing.

Whatever it is, I know I’m not the only one.

Drop your funniest dance competition superstition in the comments so we can all laugh together.

Until next time, TCDM Fam. 💙