Why This Dance Teacher Loves Dance Competitions
February is a time for love, and for me, that love shines brightest during dance competition weekends. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of seeing months of hard work come alive on stage. As a former dancer, teacher, and someone who’s worked every role in the competition circuit, I can confidently say that these weekends hold a special kind of magic.
Morning Rituals
Saturday mornings come too early, but there’s something peaceful about seeing your home bathed in a quiet, unfamiliar morning light. Exhaustion from the late night before lingers, but it’s outweighed by an exhilarating sense of anticipation.
You brew a cup of coffee through bleary eyes, savoring the calm before the storm. The drive to the venue is its own tradition—a stop at your favorite breakfast spot and the sound of birds cheering you on as you go.
Arriving at a high school at 7 a.m. feels surreal. The building, otherwise deserted, buzzes quietly with early risers prepping for the day ahead. The unmistakable smell of the hallways sets the tone for the long, exciting hours to come.
Time with Coworkers
A day at competition is a rare opportunity to spend quality time with fellow teachers. Usually, we only cross paths in the brief moments before and after class, but here, we share laughs, predictions, and inspiration.
You dance in your seat during performances, critique the announcer’s style, and marvel at the artistry unfolding on stage. Witnessing your colleagues’ work—a culmination of months of dedication—reminds you why you fell in love with this craft in the first place.
Moments with Dancers
Time spent with your dancers outside the studio is uniquely rewarding. In this adrenaline-filled environment, you become more than a teacher. You’re their mentor, confidant, snack supplier, bathroom chaperone, and, sometimes, therapist.
Each dancer has their own quirks before stepping on stage. One needs constant reassurance, another needs complete silence, and yet another requires a translator to make sense of their pre-performance jitters.
When they emerge from the dressing room, fully transformed in their costumes, hair, and makeup, a wave of pride washes over you. In that moment, every frustration melts away, and you remember why you do this.
The Thrill of Performance
When your dancers finally take the stage, your eyes are glued to every movement. You catch every correction they missed and wonder if they’ll ever fix that one turn. But as the routine ends, those critiques fade. Pride takes over.
As they exit the stage, their eyes immediately search for you. They want to know if they made you proud. You smile, congratulate them, and ask the most important question: “Did you have fun?” Because no matter what, that’s what I want them to take away.
Finding Joy in the Chaos
Awards will come and go, and there will be wins and losses. But the magic of a competition day as a teacher is unparalleled. It’s about more than trophies or scores. It’s about connection, growth, and celebrating the artistry we bring to life together.
As competition season kicks off, I encourage every teacher to focus on the joy, not the frustration. Let’s show the world why we love what we do and make this season unforgettable.
Chris Suchan
Executive Director
Platinum National Dance Competition
Instagram: @suchanchris, @danceplatinumco
TikTok: @danceplatinumco0
Podcast: The Great Dance Debate
