Costumes are one of the most exciting—and sometimes stressful—parts of competition season. They sparkle, they flow, they tell stories, and they help bring choreography to life. At the same time, they come with questions: How much is too much? What actually matters to judges? How do we balance creativity, budget, and appropriateness? Let’s talk costumes.

This article explains how dance routine leveling works at competitions and why it can sometimes feel unfair. It outlines the purpose of levels, the role of training and competition experience, and Dance Out Competition’s commitment to maintaining a fair and balanced environment for all dancers.

The art of movement and the art of sound – inseparable brother and sister, aiding and feeding each other with meaning. The sound of music has been a trigger for creating movement since the dawn of humankind. No one really knows how come hear certain beats urges humans to dance. Some say that it is a primitive emotion – people are attracted to good dancers because they are physically fit to be a proper mating partner, so dance serves as a way to showcase the ability of our bodies. Regardless of whether this is true or not, one thing is for sure - dance evolved together with our ever-developing brains into something much deeper. It evolved together with our search for expression and together with our need to not only communicate with others, but also with ourselves.

Pointe shoes are expensive. It’s hard to ask your parents to pay for so many pairs at anywhere between $50.00 and $110.00 a pop and it can be incredibly difficult for a high school, undergraduate, student, or un-paid ballerina to pay for them. So we must squeeze every inch of life out of our shoes to be cost-efficient. These simple techniques to care for your shoes can save you hundreds of dollars.

Often teachers are faced with the obstacle of interacting with people who are simultaneously passionate about dancing, but also shy when they need to interact with a large group. There are certain dynamics in the dance room that beginners are unaware of, so introduce them to this world and you will see them shine faster than you anticipated. This post is split into two parts – psychological and practical.

You look at the cast list bright-eyed and with a heart full of hope. Scanning your finger down the list you frantically search for your name and there it is. No… not in the slot for the lead, but in parentheses next to it. Understudy. Your heart automatically sinks but not so fast, dear reader! All hope is not lost.

Expressing appreciation isn’t just a nice gesture; it’s a powerful tool for boosting morale, loyalty, and performance. When team members feel “seen,” they’re more engaged, energized, and committed to becoming their best. I know for many of you leaders in the competition event space, this might feel a little “silly,” but it’s just how humans are wired.

At my home, Maine State Ballet, even the Sugar Plum Fairy needs to pin on an audition number. I don't mind the formality in the least either because it's a humbling reminder of where we all started.

Particularly in my advanced jazz and tap classes, I like to have a pre-choreographed, routine warm-up that I teach at the beginning of the school year and we use to get class going for the rest of the season.

In case you haven’t noticed … competition season is here! You’ll want your mind and your body ready to go and ready to endure long hours of hard work. Blisters, bunions, and ingrown toenails are the enemy and it’s vital to have a strong defence against these formidable warriors. Here are seven tips to keep your toes in tip-top shape.