How to Compete in Break Dance Competitions

Competing in a break dance competition is fun, exciting and energizing. However, it doesn't just happen. Preparations have to be made in locating competitions, deciding which ones to enter and meeting the requirements. With guided steps to help, you should be on your way to competing in break dance competitions in no time at all.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Look at online or Internet sites that post dance competitions. Some competitions are dance style specific, so don't just enter any competition without making sure they have a category for break dancing.

2. Talk with your dance instructor regarding your desire to enter competitions. Entries can be based on a solo performance, duet, trio, group or large group. Dance instructors keep updated on the upcoming competitions and will usually encourage their students to enter competitions as a way of gaining performance experience.

3. Check out dance supply retailers as they usually post in their store upcoming competitions that will be in their areas. Many break dancers or street dancers not affiliated with a dance studio obtain competition information in this manner.

4. Select a competition or maybe several to enter. Advertising for competitions usually starts 6 months in advance, as much preparation may be needed. Competitions require entry fees and these can be quite expensive. If you are a solo entrant, you will need to pay the entire entry fee yourself. If the entrants are duets, trios or groups, the entry fees are split evenly between each member. Designate one person in charge of collecting entry fees, filling the entry forms and keeping the rest of the group informed as to the schedule for the competition.

5. Decide where you are going to stay. Staying in hotels for out of town competitions can add to your expenses, so consider these costs when choosing which competitions to enter. Many dance companies have to do fundraising in order to finance their competition fees and travel expenses. If you win your division, many of these competitions go on to regional and national levels of competitions, so extra money will be needed for travel, meals and hotel expenses.

6. Check with your dance director or designated competition coordinator for the schedule for the competition day. It is expected for dancers to be ready, warmed up and ready to go several hours before they are actually scheduled, as the schedules are always subject to change.

7. Stay for the awards presentation. Some competitions go to a great deal of work to make this ending point of the competition to be staged almost like a concert. Be excited for your co-dancers if they win. If you win one competition or place well, don't get over confident about the next competition. If you don't win this time, practice, prepare and move on to the next one.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice is really important. When you reach the level to where you want to enter competitions, keep in mind that everyone is as good as you if not better.

• Prepare your music. Have more than one copy of your music with your name or group's name written on the CD or tape in case it is misplaced.

• Prepare in every area: routine, music, costuming, makeup and hair.