First Dance Competition? Here’s What to Know BEFORE You Go

Walking into your first dance competition weekend can feel a little like being dropped into a whole new universe.

There are costumes everywhere… hair slicked tighter than your patience… and somehow everyone else looks like they’ve done this a hundred times.

Meanwhile you’re standing there like…
Wait… what is happening and when do we eat??

So let’s fix that.

Here’s your That Crazy Dance Mom survival guide to what you should look up, know, and do before you even walk into the venue.

1. Know How Awards Actually Work (So Your Brain Doesn’t Melt)

Okay, I know… this might be a little “extra”… but I always look up how a competition runs awards ahead of time.

Because nothing, and I mean NOTHING, makes your head spin faster than trying to figure it out in real time.

Most competitions follow a general structure like this:

✨ Adjudications
This is basically grading the routine (like High Gold, Platinum, etc.).
Sometimes shown live, sometimes announced during awards.

✨ Category Winners
First in category might be announced or even brought on stage.

✨ Specialty Awards
Judges awards, choreography awards, scholarships, costume awards… all the fun extras.

✨ Overall Awards
Top scoring routines across the division.

✨ Titles (for solos)
If applicable, these usually come at the end.

✨ Level-Based Awards
Sometimes they’ll group levels (like all Novice routines) and give additional awards across that entire level.

Not every competition does it exactly this way… but MANY do.

Knowing this ahead of time helps you actually enjoy the moment instead of whispering
“Wait… is this the big award or no??” every 30 seconds.

2. Download the App (Trust Me on This One)

If the competition has an app… download it. Immediately.

These apps are GOLD.

You can:

• Check if the comp is running ahead or behind

• Watch livestreams

• Track routines and awards

• Get updates in real time

And let me tell you… timing matters.

That “arrive 2 hours early” call time?

Yeah… that can turn into:

👉 “You now have 30 minutes before going on stage”
OR
👉 “You have an hour to sit and question your life choices”

Either way… you want to know.

3. Show Up READY (Hair + Makeup DONE)

I say this with love…

Do not plan on doing hair and makeup at the venue, if at all possible!

Show up:

• Full makeup

• Hair DONE

• Costume ready

If you’re not sure how to do it yet:

✔ Ask another dance mom ahead of time
✔ Ask your studio for guidance or a team mom
✔ Watch tutorials (YouTube is your best friend)

And if you’re brand new and nervous?

Get there early and ask for help.

I promise you… unless you’re in a truly toxic environment (which… no thank you)…
there is ALWAYS a dance mom who will step in and help.

I am that mom. We exist. We’ve got you ❤️

4. Understand Media Before You Get There

Every competition handles photos and videos a little differently.

Before you go, find out:

• Where photos/videos are hosted (DanceBug, portal, etc.)

• If media is included or an extra fee

• How much it costs

Most competitions now charge a media fee upfront (usually $45–$100+).

Pro tip?

👉 If you can… coordinate with your team and split the cost. (IF the media is sold by the team/package versus an all inclusive all media pass)

One person buys the full package… everyone shares.

Because $150 split 10 ways feels a LOT better than paying it solo 😅

5. About Posting Videos… Just Don’t (Yet)

This one is important.

Do not post full competition routines during the season.

Like… just don’t.

There are a lot of reasons:

• Choreography is being protected

• Routines improve throughout the season

• Studios often have policies around it

Photos?
GO WILD. Tag everyone. Celebrate everything.

Short clips (like 30 seconds or less)?
Usually okay… but always double check with your studio.

Full video?

👉 Wait until the season is over. And ALWAYS give credit to the choreographer and/or studio when you do!

6. Follow the Right Accounts Before the Weekend

Before you even arrive, go follow on social media:

• The competition

• Your studio

• Your studio’s team pages (if applicable)

Why?

Because they (usually) post:

• Schedule updates

• Delays

• Results

• Sneak peek photos

And let’s be honest…
seeing a surprise photo of your dancer pop up mid-weekend? 🥹

Top-tier moment.

7. Triple Check Hair + Makeup Requirements

Every studio and competition has slightly different expectations.

So if you’re thinking:

“This is probably fine…”

…it might not be 😂

Triple check:

• Lip color

• Eye makeup

• Hair style

• Accessories

And when in doubt?

Ask.

8. Pack Like You’re Preparing for a Small Expedition

You don’t need to go full survival mode… but also…
You kinda do.

Bring:

• Extra tights

• Bobby pins (ALL the bobby pins)

• Hairspray

• Makeup for touch-ups

• Safety pins

• Snacks

• Water

• A phone charger

And maybe a little emotional support coffee ☕😉

9. Give Yourself Grace (Because It’s A LOT)

Your first competition weekend is overwhelming.
There’s a lot happening.
There’s a lot to learn.
There’s a lot you didn’t even know you needed to know.

And that’s okay.

You’ll forget something.
You’ll learn something.
You’ll laugh about it later.

And before you know it…
you’ll be the mom helping the next new dance mom.

Final Thoughts from Your Resident Crazy Dance Mom

You don’t have to have it all figured out.

You just have to show up, support your dancer, and take it one moment at a time.

Because at the end of the day…

It’s not about being perfect.

It’s about watching your kid do what they love, and being there for it ❤️

Let’s Hear It…

Okay TCDM Fam…

What’s something YOU wish you knew before your first competition?

Or what’s a tip you swear by now?

Drop it in the comments… because you never know which new dance mom needs to hear it 💙

Until next time, TCDM Fam. 💙