Anyones kids do dance competitions/festivals?

[Skintdancemum]

My DD aged 10 has really got into dancing this last year, and is now doing multiple classes a week and is in two competition teams.

Im loving seeing her confidence grow and her technique improving, but I find it so,so, so stressful!

Managing her expectations, not placing in competitions, multiple outfits needed, the list goes on 😆

Anyone else have experience with young kids with a huge desire to learn and progress? None of my other kids have had a hobby like this, she’s so passionate about it! But also puts such a lot of pressure on herself!

My DD danced for about 10 years, lots of money and time spent on dance and competitions. She dropped it suddenly in her teens, and hates to talk about it now.
I’d say let her enjoy it, while it lasts, but don’t get into debt for it.

@DustyLee123 did you enjoy it at the time too? Do you get used to managing their disappointment/nerves? This is what I’m finding hard!

Yes I enjoyed it, but she was always taught that it was the taking part/being with friends/enjoying it that mattered, not winning.

I always found that certain dance schools always won, and my DD soon cracked on to it too

My DS danced for 10 years before dropping it as there were too many clashes with his other interests. He did Elmhurst Associates (now "Young Dancers") and was on the ballroom circuit (local and regional with a couple of nationals in Blackpool) and it's fair to say that he thoroughly enjoyed it even though he rarely won. There were a lot of weekends sitting listening to the same handful of tunes on a continuous loop for all the age-groups, which he enjoyed a lot more than I did. It's a huge time commitment.

At least as a boy his outfit for everything ballroom-related was "smart suit" and his hair only took 1 minute! He now has thrown himself into different activities.

My DD (older) had no interest in joining any sort of organised activity.

My DD has danced for the last 8 years and has big competitions twice a year.

We both love it, we've made some wonderful friends along the way and love being part of the "dance family".

She's now at such a level that her age group is ridiculously good, she's very good herself but competes against some exceptional dancers, she knows she won't win but doesn't mind, she just loves the performance and if she places she's happy! I get more nervous than she does!

I don't think about how much I've spent over the years and try not to begrudge the time spent at classes/extra classes/driving around, I know one day it'll soon be over so trying to enjoy it while it lasts.

My daughter is now at dance college but did comps from around age 12. She was never really that bothered about winning but enjoyed the experiences and the team atmosphere. It can get expensive but there are Facebook groups for selling costumes and we have bought and sold lots of costumes on there. Tutus are the most expensive if you go for a handmade one etc - but we never did. We bought basic tutus and then put some adornments on.
It can be good fun and great for socialising- but can take over your life!