The two most frequently given reasons for entering a contest is to 1) become a better dancer by working towards a goal and getting feedback from professional judges, and 2) to obtain credentials to launch or bolster a teaching or performing career. Entering a contest is certainly one way to achieve both those objectives, so I am puzzled as to why contestants often overlook easy ways to make their contest appearance more effective. If you find yourself in that position, read on so that you do not make these mistakes.

Read the Judging Criteria and Design Your Routine Around it. By creating a routine that hits all the elements you are judged on, your understanding of how to create a well rounded, interesting routine should increase. As you practice each element, your execution of technique should increase. You can’t score well if you are lacking elements, so by considering all the scoring criteria, your placement in the contest should also increase. By paying attention to this one simple thing, it will become easier to be a better dancer.

Get Feedback Before the Contest. The feedback can come from videotaping yourself, an audience, or a professional (or hopefully all three). When you videotape your routine, you will have a more realistic idea of whether the ideas you intend to convey actually come across in the way that you want them too. If you perform the routine in front of an audience, you can see how they react to you and your performance. This gives you a second opinion that may either support or contradict what you thought you saw on tape. When you arrange coaching from a professional, you get an objective, trained pair of eyes to check out your routine. You may get ideas on how to improve your presentation and your score. Pay attention to costuming, make-up, dance moves, and attitude. Everything contributes to the big picture.

Take Out a Program Ad. Many sponsors attend contests. I cannot tell you how many people have been so impressed by performances that they result in invitations to teach and/or perform at gala events. The best way to put yourself in the running for those opportunities is to provide easy access to your contact information. The program is a great place to do that because programs don’t get discarded like flyers or business cards.  Many people save them for years. If you include your picture in your ad, it increases your chances of getting offers down the road because it’s easier for many people to remember your face than your name. If the sponsor doesn’t catch up with you at the event, she still has the ability to contact you later if you have a program ad.

Provide a Professional Quality Promotional Picture. Most contests either require or request that you provide a professional quality photo that can be used for promotional purposes. I am stunned at how few competitors actually follow up on this. When someone places in my contest, I want to show the world who she is. I can provide a name of course, but there are many “Azizas.” By showing a picture, there is no doubt as to which “Aziza” I am talking about. That’s good for you and good for the contest.

It’s not enough to provide a picture. It must be a professional quality picture. I have gotten some snapshots. I will use those in the program, but frankly, they do not reproduce well. I won’t use them in advertising. I always choose the best photograph I have to be the image of the Classic for the following year, so that is big, free advertising! When I don’t have a good photo, I use our logo.

Use the Title in Your Advertising. Your placement at a contest is a Big Deal. If you do not announce it, it cannot work for you. Use your “First Runner Up” designation or “Winner of…” title in your bio, ads, and webpage, and other promotional material. Once you get established, it won’t be as big of a deal because you will have other accomplishments, but on the way up, it can certainly help you to stand out in the crowd.

Sometimes competitors get so wrapped up in training for the contest that they miss out on addressing the primary goals of becoming a better dancer, scoring well, and using their appearance to start or enhance their credentials. If you pay attention to these five simple things, I promise you will go further in achieving your goals and make the most out of your contest appearance.