New to Competitive Dance? Here's What Every Dance Mom Needs to Know
If you're reading this, chances are you've recently entered the wonderful, chaotic, glitter-covered world of competitive dance.
First things first: welcome.
Whether your dancer is six years old and stepping on a competition stage for the first time or you're transitioning from recreational dance into the competitive world, there is one thing every seasoned dance mom will tell you:
Nobody really knows what they're doing that first season.
We all started somewhere.
We've forgotten shoes. We've driven across town for a missing hairpiece. We've panic-purchased tights in a hotel lobby. We've survived 6 a.m. call times and 11 p.m. awards ceremonies.
The good news?
You don't have to learn everything the hard way.
Here are the ten things I wish someone had told me when I became a dance mom.
1. Label Everything
And when I say everything, I mean EVERYTHING.
Shoes.
Costumes.
Garment bags.
Makeup bags.
Water bottles.
Hair accessories.
At some point, every dancer will place something down backstage and swear it disappeared into another dimension.
A name label dramatically increases the odds that it finds its way back home.
2. Competition Week Starts Before Competition Day
The most successful competition mornings actually start the night before.
Steam costumes.
Lay out tights.
Charge phones.
Double-check shoes.
Review the schedule.
Trying to do everything at 5 a.m. is a recipe for stress—for both you and your dancer.
3. Pack Backup Everything
If your dancer needs one pair of tights, bring two.
If she needs one hair net, bring five.
If she wears one shoe style, bring an extra pair if possible.
The experienced dance moms aren't lucky—they're prepared.
4. The Schedule Will Change
This one surprises almost every new family.
Competitions often run ahead of schedule or behind schedule throughout the day.
Stay flexible.
Your studio directors and teachers are usually tracking these changes constantly, so trust their guidance and keep checking communication channels.
5. Feed the Athlete
Dancers are athletes.
Let me say it louder for the moms in the back:
Dancers are athletes.
Competition days can last 10–14 hours.
Pack protein-rich snacks, water, electrolytes, sandwiches, wraps, fruit, and easy-to-eat foods that provide sustained energy.
A hungry dancer is rarely a happy dancer.
6. Learn the Art of the Dance Mom Bag
Eventually you'll develop your own system.
Mine includes:
Safety pins
Bobby pins
Clear elastics
Makeup wipes
Band-Aids
Extra tights
Phone charger
Advil
Deodorant
Hair spray
Over time, you'll become the mom everyone borrows from.
It's practically a rite of passage.
7. Focus on the Experience, Not the Placement
This may be the hardest lesson to learn.
The score is one moment.
The confidence they build lasts much longer.
Celebrate:
New skills
Strong performances
Team friendships
Personal growth
Courage
The trophy will eventually collect dust.
The memories won't.
8. Your Dancer Will Feed Off Your Energy
If you're stressed, they're stressed.
If you're panicking backstage, they're panicking backstage.
One of the greatest gifts you can give your dancer is calm confidence.
Even when you're internally wondering where the missing earring went.
9. Build Relationships with Other Dance Moms
One of the unexpected gifts of dance is community.
The moms sitting next to you become your village.
They understand the schedules, the expenses, the long weekends, and the emotional rollercoaster of raising passionate young athletes.
Don't be afraid to introduce yourself.
Some of my favorite friendships started in a hotel ballroom at 7 a.m.
10. Give Yourself Grace
You will forget something.
Everyone does.
You will make mistakes.
Everyone does.
You will eventually become the dance mom helping another new family figure it all out.
Competitive dance is a marathon, not a sprint.
You're learning right alongside your dancer.
And that's okay.
Quick Reference: The 10 Must-Haves Every Competition Dance Mom Needs
Save this list for later:
✓ Extra tights
✓ Dance shoes
✓ Hair supplies (pins, elastics, spray)
✓ Makeup kit
✓ Water bottle
✓ Protein snacks
✓ Costume accessories
✓ Phone charger
✓ Competition schedule
✓ Positive attitude
Want the complete version?
Download our FREE Calm Chaos Competition Day Checklist to make sure you're fully prepared before every competition weekend.
Because prepared dancers perform differently—and prepared dance moms stress a little less.
