Dance Competitions Aren’t Fair

​​Ah, the fallacy of fairness.

A cognitive distortion that can creep into competition conversations.

Dance competitions aren’t fair.

If competitions aren't always fair, what are we to do?

First, let’s recognize and appreciate that the feedback from adjudicators is incredible for our growth. The chance to perform and share our heart and hard work is exhilarating. The opportunity to feel nervous and practice courage as we step on the stage is invaluable.

Establish, measure, and celebrate personal wins.

Before and after competition, be clear on personal successes and important efforts, independent of an external outcome.

It could be the skills you have had to fight for or the ways you are pushing yourself as an artist.

It could be how you warm up in the rehearsal space or how you respond to disappointment in a new way.

Dance is a blend of athleticism and artistry.

And where there is art- there are subjective perspectives and evaluations.

Let’s acknowledge

• artistry can’t be measured

• every dance competition has different judging rubrics and considerations

• there are no national criteria for dance levels and execution standards

• adjudicators have preferences, bias, varied education, and experiences

• long term, individual growth can’t be known or seen by the judges

There are many moving parts here.

Most competitions and adjudicators do their best to create and maintain fair and consistent scoring (shout out to all the amazing professionals who work hard to make this happen!); but I do encourage dancers to have their own evaluations as well.

You know where you had to dig deep. You know your bravery in action. You know where you started and how much you have grown.

Recognize those moments. Track those moments. Celebrate those moments. Those are the moments that define who you are becoming.