Ramping Up for Competition Weekend (Without Running Yourself Into the Ground)

Competition season is officially knocking on my door again. In fact, not just one competition… three back-to-back weekends. Pray for me.

And if you're reading this as a fellow dance mom, you already know what that means. The group chats start buzzing. The garment bags appear in the living room like emotional support furniture. Someone inevitably asks where the rhinestone glue is at 10:47 PM. And suddenly your calendar looks like a color-coded war strategy.

But here's the thing: while we spend so much time making sure our dancers are fueled, rested, organized, and mentally ready… we tend to run ourselves straight into the ground.

So today’s reminder is for us, the mamas behind the magic. Because if we completely burn out before the weekend even starts, nobody wins.

Here are a few realistic ways to ramp up for a competition weekend without stressing yourself sick.

Get Sleep (Yes, I Know… Impossible)

Listen. I know.

The night before competition somehow turns into a midnight rhinestone audit and a 5:30 AM alarm. But the week leading up to the competition matters.

Try to aim for 7 hours of sleep a night during the days leading up to the weekend.

This might mean your favorite show has to wait.
Yes… the episode will still be there next week.

Sleep is the cheapest and most powerful stress reducer we have, and your brain and patience will thank you when awards start running behind by 90 minutes.

Hydrate Like You Tell Your Dancer To

We are constantly telling our dancers:

“Drink water!”
“Hydrate!”
“Electrolytes!”

Meanwhile we're surviving on iced coffee and vibes.

Water matters just as much for us. Hydration supports energy, focus, and helps your body handle stress better.

And before anyone asks…

No. Coffee doesn't count.
And neither do margaritas.

Both might feel good in the moment, but they are not the hydration your body actually needs.

Limit Caffeine and Alcohol Leading Up to the Weekend

I know. I know.

Did I just say limit the two core pillars of dance mom survival?

Yes. But hear me out.

Both caffeine overload and alcohol can mess with your sleep, increase anxiety, and leave you feeling more drained by the time the competition weekend even begins.

This doesn't mean you have to live like a monk. Just be mindful during the week leading up to competition.

A little moderation can make a big difference in how your body handles those 12–14 hour dance days.

Eat Like an Athlete (Because Honestly… You Are One)

We put so much thought into what our dancers eat during competition weekends.

Protein.
Healthy carbs.
Fruits and veggies.

Meanwhile we're over here eating “girl dinner” at 10 PM while packing the Glam'r Gear.

No judgment. I've been there.

But when you can, try to aim for something simple:

Half your plate fruits or vegetables
Quarter plate complex carbs
Quarter plate lean protein

It doesn't have to be perfect. Just fueling your body a little better helps with energy, mood, and stamina.

Because competition weekends are basically endurance sports for parents.

Limit Screen Time (Yes, I'm Aware of the Irony)

Yes, I realize you're probably reading this blog late at night on your phone.

Hi. I see you.

And listen… I run a digital marketing business. My entire life happens on screens.

But that also means I know how easy it is to become a digital zombie.

Scrolling can easily turn into an hour of nothing when you meant to check something for two minutes.

So if you're doomscrolling while packing bags, try this trick:

Set a timer.

When the timer goes off, phone down. Back to the task.

You'll be amazed how much faster things get done.

Make Lists (And Lists for Your Lists)

Some people love lists.

Some people resist them.

But dance moms? We survive on them.

Costume checklist
Hair and makeup supplies
Emergency competition kit
To-do list before leaving the house

Writing things down helps your brain stop trying to remember everything all at once.

Plus there is something deeply satisfying about physically checking things off a list.

At some point you may even find yourself creating lists for your lists.

At that point, congratulations.
You are now officially Leslie Knope.

Double Check the Bags

Even if you packed everything already.

Even if the checklist says you're done.

Even if you feel confident.

It never hurts to do one more quick glance at the garment bags before they go into the car.

Shoes in there?
Accessories accounted for?
Extra tights?

Half the time everything is perfect… but the other half you suddenly remember the tap shoes sitting on the kitchen counter.

The extra look can save a lot of stress later.

Take a Moment to Remember the Why

Competition weekends can test your patience.

They can be exhausting.
Schedules run behind.
Awards go long.
Emotions run high.

So when you find yourself scrolling your phone or sitting in the audience waiting for the next category… take a second to look back.

Scroll through old photos.
Check your Facebook memories.
Look at how far your dancer has come.

Remind yourself:

Hardware and titles are fun… but that's not why we do this.

Our kids dance because their hearts are in it.

They live and breathe this chapter of their lives.

— — — — — —

One day, dance will end. Just like every sport or activity eventually does. They'll move on to new adventures, new passions, new chapters.

What we hope lasts forever are the life lessons dance teaches them.

Teamwork.
Dedication.
Resilience.
Confidence.

So yes… be organized. Pack the costumes. Bring the bobby pins.

But don't run yourself ragged over something that will eventually collect dust on a shelf.

Instead, focus on showing your dancer how to be prepared, supportive, positive, and joyful.

Because at the end of the day, the memories matter far more than the trophies.

Until next time, TCDM Fam. 💙