Entering the Dance Mom World: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Welcome to the Dance mom world!  Are you excited?  I am excited for you.  If you are nervous and full of wonder and anxiety- don’t worry this is normal.  Being a competitive dance mom is really exciting but it truly is a roller coaster ride.  You will love it, hate it and everything in between and I am going to tell you everything you need to know to get off on the right foot.

First of all I have 4 girls in competitive dance.  I have been a dance mom for 10 years and it does not seem to be ending anytime soon!  I want you to embrace being a dance mom but I want you to be fully informed and prepared for what to expect.

The Dance Mom Role

I don’t want to scare you away because you are here because your kids are into dance and that is amazing.  But that being said there is so much to this role.

• Chauffer:  You are their driver, whether they have early morning classes or classes well into the night you are driving your kids.
• A dance teacher: Your kids train for many hours a week but dancing at home should still be happening.  You will learn what looks right and what doesn’t.  A word of caution though be careful how you address critiquing your child’s dancing.
• A makeup artist:  Until your kids are close to their teens you will need to do their makeup for them.  This was the hardest part for me because I am not a big makeup person myself and all of a sudden my kids makeup cost more than my own!
• A volunteer: Whether it is getting ready for recitals or helping with props for dances being a dance mom can throw you into the role of volunteer as well.

You are also the bank account.  Competitive dance is not a cheap sport.  Just when you think you have paid everything you might realize that your dancer needs new earrings,  or a necklace- sometimes those extras feel like they will never end.

The Beginning — First Impressions

My girls have danced at two studios and what I have learned is setting the stage for communication is important for first impressions.  As a dance mom you are investing a lot of money for your child- you want to know that you can talk to those that are working with your child.

Ask the questions!  It is better to ask and get the answer then wonder.  Or asking another parent and they may not have the accurate information.

Depending on if your child is in a few dances or many be sure to get your schedule in your calendar early so you know what you are doing and when.  Most studios have their competition dates at the beginning of the season- these are important to know.  Our competitions often fall during the week so I have to make sure that I am available to get the time off.  I created this dance mom friendly planner you can grab one here to help keep you organized all season long https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FLWPBP4S

Technique classes!  Are they optional or mandatory. This is a great question to ask.  Some studios say dancers must take them, while others might strongly suggest.  They do make a difference in your dancers performance.  That being said- there have been years where my kids are just too busy so we opt out of these classes.

In the first few weeks don’t just drop your dancer off.  Go in and meet the other parents (usually moms) get to know them.  They are going to be your entire social life and life line for the next year.

The Ups and Downs

Depending on the age of your dancer you may not have as many of the ups and downs as those with younger dancers.  The middle part of the dance season is the hardest.  By this time you have finished all of the choreography- so it is clean up time.  This can be tough because it is going over and over the moves.  If there are mistakes usually they will have to start over.  This is a time when they are really trying to get the routine ready for competition.

My youngest dancers usually complain the most about dance at this point.  But don’t worry-competition is right around the corner and the thrill of dancing on the stage takes all of these feelings away.

Now speaking of the stage.  Don’t worry if your child is nervous, some kids just jump right on and others are scared.  Trust your teachers and that they know the process.  When it is time for the kids to warm up let the teachers take over and get a good seat in the audience.  Your child nerves will be worse if you are with them, the dance teachers are the experts.  They will build lasting relationship with their dance friends!

As you continue on this journey further into the Dance Mom world be sure to check out other tips and tricks at Dance Mom Blog Archives – Together We Can Travel