Parents at Dance Competitions: A Teacher’s Survival Manual

Who’d have thought that parents need just as much preparation as the kids?

We spend weeks drilling routines, perfecting timing, and reminding dancers not to look at the floor. But come competition day, it’s often the parents who need the real pep talk. From unexpected costs to last-minute panics over forgotten shoes, a little preparation can save everyone from unnecessary stress (and that one parent from frantically Googling “nearest dancewear shop” at 7 AM).

So, if you’re tired of answering “What time do we need to be there?” for the tenth time, this guide is for you.

Step 1: The Parent Reality Check

Before parents enthusiastically sign their child up for their first competition, let’s set some expectations:

It’s an all-day thing. Yes, the competition says doors open at 9 AM, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be home in time for Sunday roast. These events run on dance time, which means expect the unexpected.
Competitions cost money. Parents often assume the entry fee covers everything. Nope. There’s usually a charge for spectators, and sometimes extra for additional categories. Make sure they know what they’re committing to before they arrive and realise they need to remortgage their house for tickets, outfits, and snacks.
Not everyone wins. A tough but necessary truth. Results can be unpredictable, and some dancers might compete multiple times before even making a final. Remind parents that progress isn’t always measured in trophies—it’s about confidence, experience, and improvement.
It’s an emotional rollercoaster. Expect pure joy, disappointment, and everything in between. Just prepare them for the highs and lows (and remind them that shouting “But they were way better than that other kid!” won’t change the judge’s mind).

Step 2: Competition Day Essentials

If you’ve ever seen a dancer turn up to a competition without their outfit, you know that a good checklist can save the day. Make sure parents help their kids pack the night before. Here’s what they’ll need:

Outfits (ALL of them). Bring every piece of costume, plus spares.
Shoes. Sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised.
Hair and makeup kit. Whatever they need to match the team look.
Safety pins. Because something will always need fixing.
Drinks and snacks. Food queues are long, and hungry dancers are not fun dancers.
Entertainment. Competitions involve a lot of waiting. A book, headphones, or anything that stops boredom-induced meltdowns is a must.

Step 3: Competition Day Etiquette

We all want to create a positive, drama-free environment for our dancers. So here are some golden rules for parents on comp day:

Be on time (or better yet, early). There’s nothing worse than a frantic, last-minute arrival. Competitions have schedules, and missing a slot because someone couldn’t find a parking spot is not ideal.
Let the teachers do their job. We love that parents want to be involved, but hovering over the dancers, giving helpful last-minute performance tips, or questioning every decision won’t help. Trust us, we’ve got this.
Results are final. Yes, judges sometimes make decisions we don’t agree with. But arguing with staff or giving other schools the side-eye doesn’t reflect well on anyone. Encourage kids to congratulate their competitors and focus on what they can improve for next time.
Represent the dance school well. Parents are just as much a part of the school as the dancers. Good sportsmanship, respectful behaviour, and positive attitudes go a long way.

Step 4: Managing Emotions (Theirs and Yours)

Competition days are long, exciting, and sometimes overwhelming—especially for first-time competitors. Here’s how parents can help keep things positive:

Support the effort, not just the result. The best dancers in the room aren’t always the ones on the podium. Progress happens in many ways, and sometimes just stepping onto the floor is a win.
Be the calm in the storm. Dancers will have nerves. They might forget choreography. They might panic. The best thing a parent can do is stay relaxed, reassuring, and let the teachers handle the prep.
Celebrate everything. Did they dance their heart out? Nailed a new move? Made a final for the first time? These are all wins. Encourage parents to focus on progress over placements.

Step 5: The Post-Competition Wrap-Up

Once the glitter has settled and everyone’s back home, competition day isn’t quite over yet. Here’s what parents should do next:

Praise the dancer. Whether they won or not, they showed up and gave it their best. That’s what matters.
Reflect, don’t dwell. If they didn’t get the result they wanted, remind them that every comp is a learning experience. What can they work on for next time?
Get ready for the inevitable question… It happens every time. Within a day (or even an hour), a dancer will ask: “When’s the next one?”

And just like that, the cycle begins again.

Final Thoughts

Preparing parents for competition day is just as important as preparing the dancers. A well-informed, organised, and positive parent makes the whole experience smoother for everyone—students, teachers, and fellow parents alike.

Competitions should be an exciting journey, not a stressful one. So get them prepared, set the right expectations, and remind them that at the end of the day, it’s all about growth, experience, and the love of dance.

And if all else fails… just tell them to bring extra snacks and deep breaths.