5 Key Takeaways POST Dance Competition with Liz Borom & Chris Suchan
After a dance competition, it’s natural to want to celebrate your victories and reflect on your performances. But how can we make the most out of the feedback we receive and continue improving as dancers? Liz Borom and Chris Suchan, from Platinum Dance Events, share their insights on how to handle post-competition reflections. Here are 5 key takeaways to keep in mind after your next competition:
1. Feedback is Key, Even if It’s Not “Perfect”
Receiving feedback is an essential part of growing as a dancer. Liz and Chris emphasize that feedback should never just be about “great job” or “you nailed it.” While it’s wonderful to hear compliments, the real value lies in the constructive feedback that helps you improve. Don’t be afraid to seek out detailed feedback from judges, teachers, or mentors, especially the areas you can work on. This is where real growth happens!
2. Set Goals Beyond Medals and Scores
While it’s exciting to win trophies or earn high scores, Liz and Chris stress the importance of setting goals that go beyond just the numbers. Ask yourself: What do I want to achieve this season? Whether it’s improving your technique, making it into the top 10 at one competition, or even just feeling more confident on stage, setting clear and meaningful goals will give you direction. Remember, competition is about more than just winning – it’s about progress and growth.
3. Take Time to Reflect and Review
After the competition, don’t just move on to the next thing. Spend time reviewing your performance, especially the feedback. Chris suggests taking a few moments to reflect on how you felt during the performance, and what could be improved. Go over the judge’s notes carefully and make sure you’re using their feedback as a tool to enhance your technique. The reflection period is crucial to setting the foundation for the next competition.
4. Create a Plan for Improvement
Once you’ve set your goals and reviewed your performance, it’s time to create an action plan. What steps will you take to improve? Liz suggests breaking down your plan into manageable steps, like focusing on a particular skill or technique you want to improve before the next competition. The more detailed and structured your plan is, the easier it will be to stay on track and measure your progress over time.
5. Get Comfortable with Feedback – Both Positive and Constructive
Feedback isn’t always easy to hear, especially when it’s constructive. But as Liz points out, it's crucial for dancers to get comfortable receiving feedback that might not always be a “feel-good” compliment. The key is to embrace all feedback, both positive and critical, as a tool for growth. The more open you are to feedback, the faster you’ll improve, and the more confident you’ll feel in future performances.
BONUS: Keep Learning with Free Resources
Both Liz and Chris encourage dancers to keep learning and improving even outside of competition season. There are many free resources available online that cover everything from nutrition and psychology to science and mental health. Take advantage of these to continue building your skills and well-being. It's all part of your journey as a dancer!
By following these 5 key takeaways, you can use the lessons learned from each competition to push yourself to the next level. Remember, it’s not just about trophies or scores – it’s about growth, resilience, and dedication. Keep reflecting, setting goals, and taking actionable steps to become the best dancer you can be!
Watch the Full Episode Here!
