How to Join in Jazz Dance Competitions

Dance studios and schools are embracing jazz dancing as a competitive sport. Many middle schools, high schools and universities have jazz dance teams that compete. A jazz routine incorporates stylized dance movements and combinations, leaps and turns. Jazz team dance competitions are also judged on formation changes, technical execution and team uniformity. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Individual Jazz Dancing

1. Research jazz competitions at a local, state and national level. Read the jazz dance industry's newsletters and magazines to find out where competitions are being held. Check your local newspaper in the Entertainment section to find out about local competitions.
2. Compare the cost of dancing at various competitions. Include registration fees, costumes, transportation and lodging.
3. Select music for your jazz dance routine.
4. Work with an instructor or choreographer to develop a routine within the competition time constraints. Make sure your routine adheres to all competition rules.
5. Make or buy a costume if you don't already have a suitable one. Plan out all details including hair and stage makeup. Have a dress rehearsal prior to the competition.
6. Arrive at the competition early enough to get the costume and makeup on. You want to have time to warmup and prepare mentally.

Team Jazz Dancing

7. Assess the cost of joining a jazz dance team. Review the number and location of competition in advance whenever possible. Class tuition, competition registration fees, costumes, travel and lodging should be taken into account.
8. Join a dance team at a your school or a local dance studio. Look for a team that is well-suited to your age and ability level. Having previous dance or gymnastics training is helpful.
9. Attend all regularly scheduled rehearsals with the group to prepare for competition. It's important to work on uniformity with the whole team as much as possible.
10. Practice the movements at home in front of a mirror to perfect the technical execution. Have a copy of the music and run through the routine to work on timing.
11. Enroll in other dance or gymnastic classes to improve all-around dancing ability and flexibility.