I came from a strict classical background, graduating from the Canada’s National Ballet School. As such, I had no idea that the convention/competition world existed. I’d heard about ballet competitions, but I knew nothing about the broad-spectrum competitions that began popping up in the ’80s and have mushroomed throughout the country.  Then, one day I walked into the office of the Joffrey Ballet School and the director asked me what I was doing that weekend. When I replied, “Nothing,” she said “Great! You’re going to New Orleans.” She was supposed to judge an event there but had a conflict—thus my introduction to competitions.

 

The weekend was eye opening. Even though I had an elitist attitude about ballet and professional schooling, I was thrilled to meet so many incredible people who were guiding young lives through the vehicle of dance. They were as passionate about jazz, tap, and lyrical as I was about ballet. Since a foundation in ballet is essential to all forms of dance, I had found a new place to make a “ballet impact” on a new population of dancers.

 

I began teaching at competitions and conventions, using chairs for barres in huge ballrooms.  Although at first I felt out of my element, I found that I was able to connect with scores of eager dancers. I quickly decided that it was better to expose these kids to ballet than worry about the fact that we weren’t in the optimum environment for ballet class.

 

I understand the negative attitude that many ballet professionals have toward large competitions. When a friend who had trained with me  at the National Ballet  

School and danced with American Ballet Theatre found out that I was judging competitions, she was appalled. It was her understanding that it was “all about the trophy.” But competition is not about glitter. It is about nurturing and educating young people in a positive environment. These kids are learning, thinking, and being creative as well as training their bodies. Competition is a venue for dancers to perform, learn a positive work ethic, and get constructive feedback from knowledgeable judges with different backgrounds. Plus, students and teachers meet new people from all over the country and share information about teaching methods, summer programs, scholarships, and grants.

 

I have met many incredible people who are guiding the next generation of dancers, dance supporters, and future audiences. They offer their students the experience of working with phenomenal teachers in master classes at conventions.  They are eager to learn from the critiques of competition judges. They choreograph, teach, choose costumes, rehearse, organize, expose the dancers to time-management skills, direct them to focus on doing their best, congratulate them when they win, and help them learn from their losses. The life lessons that these dancers learn are invaluable.

 

 I would love to see more current and former ballet professionals experience the passion that I have felt in the competition arena. We have so much to offer and these dancers are eager to learn. Since only a few of them will become professional dancers, I like to think that the ballet I teach at conventions will help shape these kids into responsible adults. All teachers can help students feel confident, comfortable, challenged, and eager to venture into new things in life. And conventions are a great place to network for jobs. Schools everywhere are bringing in more and more master teachers to teach workshops. By making quality ballet more accessible to more students, we create employment options for ourselves once our performing years have ended.

 

Yes, trophies are symbols of hard work and sacrifice. But the focus of competition shouldn’t be on a trophy—it should be on the kids. Through competitions, dance teachers, no matter what their genre, have a terrific opportunity to instruct and inspire hundreds of them. We need to learn from each other and work together to mold the next generation of dancers, dance supporters, and well-rounded adults. It’s an opportunity that shouldn’t be missed.

 

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