Don't get me wrong, I am not against competitive dance. I think dance competitions can teach dance students a great deal about team work and dedication and prepare dancers for the professional dance world. In fact, I always wanted to do dance competitions as a kid. I would see my friends at other studios with their jackets and trophies and wish I was a part of it. The studio I grew up dancing with did not have a team until I was about to graduate high school, so I never had the opportunity to dance competitively. As a dance major, I was pretty much the only one in my class that had never been to a dance competition. It almost felt like I was an outsider because I came from a completely different background. It's taken me a long to time realize that the dance experiences that I have are just as valuable as theirs. There is so much more to the world of youth dance than competitions. My dance experience growing up is proof of that. For example, I was cast in various ballets from the time I was 6 years old and was exposed to dance theatre from a young age. I've danced countless roles in The Nutcracker- everything from a toy soldier to Clara to a candy cane. I was also exposed to classical ballets that many dancers aren't as familiar with, like Coppelia. Performing different roles and learning how to portray a character through dance has helped me in all different styles of dance and theatre. Because I wasn't competing, I had plenty of time to focus on my ballet technique, which has also benefited me in all areas of dance. I have many fond memories of bonding with my cast mates during rehearsals and backstage (shoutout to "broccoli"), which are equivalent to those made at dance competitions. I may not be able to do thirty-two turns in second or a side aerial (common competition moves), but I can execute a beautiful double pirouette and pantomime any scenario. I learned about stagecraft and acting and I have danced in beautiful theaters. I've studied ballet terminology and learned how to take care of my body through different dance camps and intensives. At the end of the day, I have memories and a dance education that has prepared me to study dance in college. I may not have a trophy to prove that I've achieved something or can say I've beaten whatshername- the incredible dancer with long legs and great feet-, but I've danced duets en pointe and helped tell magical stories to audiences. While competitive dance is not a bad thing, I do think it should be done in moderation if you are going to incorporate it into your dance education. While it may be fun to get that medal put around your neck and help lead your team to victory, it is important to remember that dance is an art first and a sport second, so make sure you save some time (and money) for other opportunities to learn, such as ballet productions, musical theatre, master classes, dance camps, and intensives (maybe even go support the arts and see a ballet sometime soon!). While sometimes it would be nice to have a shelf full of crowns and plaques and other awards, I wouldn't trade my positive dance experiences from my grade school days for any of it. The things I learned and experienced in a non-competitive studio are my accomplishments in themselves. me with some dance friends before going on stage for our annual recital circa 2012
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AuthorWelcome to my blog! Popular PostsArchives
September 2020
Offline Updates7/16 Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the showcase I was selected to choreograph for at NYU was unfortunately cancelled. However, I was able to turn my work into a mini-documentary about the choreographic process and art prevailing during these trying times. You can watch my video my clicking the button below!
9/18 Follow my new Instagram just for my dance things!
12/23 I was one of NDEO's Guest Bloggers this year! Read "Teaching is a Vocation. Not a Fallback" on their Behind the Curtain Blog!
9/27 I will be presenting my research at the National Dance Education Organization National Conference next week! See my research project by clicking the button below!
4/15 While working on PMA's production of The Addams Family, I got to combine my two favorite styles of dance (ballet and musical theatre) for "The Moon and Me"! Watch my talented students dance by clicking the button below!
2/20 I am choreographing PMA Theatre Guild's Production of The Addams Family! Come see these amazing high school students perform at Presentation of Mary Academy in Methuen, MA April 13 & 14! Tickets available at the door.
2/20 I am stage managing BSU's Dance Kaleidoscope this year! Show dates are March 29-31 at Bridgewater State University in Bridgewater, MA. Come see this student choreography showcase!
11/5 I will once again be dancing in a BSUDC concert! Tickets to WinterDance are now available!
8/24 NDEO's National Honor Society for Dance Arts has published one of my articles in their newsletter! Read an updated version of "Audition Advice" here:
5/16 Interested in learning about movement concepts? Visit Becca's new Educational Dance website!
5/8 BSU Dance Company's Dance Kaleidoscope 2017 is now on Youtube! You can watch my performances by visiting the VIDEOS page!
4/23 I recently performed for the residents of Allerton House in Hingham, MA! You can watch part of my performance here!
Amesbury Children's Theatre presents...James and the Giant Peach Jr, featuring choreography by me! Click for tickets!
2/8 My piece "Barefoot" is now available to watch online! Click to watch!
2/5 Happy to say I have been cast in BSU Dance Company's Spring concert Dance Kaleidoscope! I will be dancing in 3 faculty choreographed pieces, including excerpts from The Sleeping Beauty in which I will be dancing the role of Lilac Fairy! Show dates are March 31-April 1 at Bridgewater State University.
Click the button for more info! 1/15 Ballet with Becca is now on Facebook! Click to visit the page, and be sure to like it while you're there!
1/14 I am happy to say I will be attending artEmotion's summer intensive in June! I will be dancing in the one week artEmotion Adult Program. If anyone would like to join or audition for any other artEmotion program, visit their website!
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