Behind the Scenes
The Journey to and from a Competition
For those who don't know or have never experienced a dancer's life during a competition. This page will show you what goes on off of the dance floor.
Preparation
The time before the competition is filled with the smell of hairspray and cosmetics. For some, this may be the most anxious moment. Personally, I find myself relatively calm as I do my hair and makeup. Physical presentation is crucial to ballroom; everyone must be sleek and glittering. This standard creates a classy atmosphere that characteristic to this style of dance. The ultimate goal is to be eye-catching. Therefore, the more exaggerated makeup look is considered glamorous in the dancesport world.
Warming Up
This is the time to get dressed. The left picture shows me rushing to get the dress laying on the bed. In the middle, I stand in an elevator arriving to the floor where the ballroom is located. Usually, dancers arrive to the ballroom thirty minutes to an hour earlier than when their first heat begins. In this way, the dancers can guarantee that they are present in case the heats are ahead of schedule. While waiting, I warm up my muscles by light running, jumping and stretching.
During the Competition
Off of the Floor
Off of the dance floor, the air is just as chaotic. Teachers and parents run around trying to talk with the competitors. Couples argue about what they could've done better. Other dancers are eating, drinking and stretching. In a picture below, I am seen holding a water bottle and a towel to hydrate and to dry of sweat. There's also plenty of stretching to ensure that the blood is flowing and the muscles are ready. In addition, dancers often watch other competitors while they wait for their heat.
