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(Posted:
09.01.03)
Competition
Countdown
Written by: Joel Marasigan and Clara Shih
For a lot of people, competition is
a very nerve-racking and anxiety-producing event. In
order to prepare yourself for competition, you want to create an environment that is as
comfortable and relaxing as possible.
Here are some general guidelines as
to how you can prepare yourself for the big event. In our experience, these things
will help you create the greatest possible chance for success.
2-3 days
prior to the competition:
- Study the event schedule.
- Note the time of your first event, and the amount of time you have in
between rounds.
- Plan out your schedule for the competition day, including meals, travel
time and arrival time to the competition.
- Make sure you know how to get to the venue.
1-2 days prior
to the competition:
- Check that you have everything you need.
(see Competition Checklist)
- Check your costume over carefully, to see if anything needs cleaning or
repairing.
Evening before
the competition:
- Pack your garment bag or suitcase for the competition. This is your last chance to check that you have
everything you need.
- Make sure your costume is clean, pressed and ready to go.
- Lady: make sure your nails are done, if you’re not wearing fake nails
for the event.
- Go over your planned schedule for the competition day. Make sure you’re familiar with what you will
be doing at all times of the day.
Morning of
the competition:
- Bleach or shave whatever hair you need to conceal.
- Go over your schedule again, taking note of the time of your
first event, and the amount of time you have in between rounds.
2 or 3 hours
prior to your event:
- Eat your meal to allow for enough digestion before you dance.
- Unless you are planning to arrive at the venue super-early, make sure your
hair and makeup is done.
1 or 2 hours
prior to your event:
- Arrive at the venue. First of
all, go and register.
- It is important to get to the venue early to allow ample time to register,
warm-up, change, and become comfortable with your competition environment
- After registering, go to the changing room and find a space for yourself. You will be spending half your time in the
changing room, so you want to be comfortable with your surroundings.
1 hour prior to
your event:
- Step into the ballroom at least an hour before your first event. Absorb the ambience of the room through each of
your senses: sight, smell, sound and touch. Take note of the following:
o Size
of the floor
o Consistency
of the floor (slippery or sticky)
o Where
the lighting is (dark and light patches)
o Where
the judges stand
o How
loud the music is
o The
voice of the MC
o The
feel of the audience
o Where
to enter and exit the floor
30 minutes to 1
hour prior to your event:
- Warm up on your own. You can
warm up with your partner, but make sure you warm up your own body first.
- If possible, get out onto the floor during general dancing. Test out the floor with your partner.
- Get changed at least 30 minutes before your event. Secure your number on the man’s tailsuit or
vest properly. Make sure that it’s
straight, lies flat on the man’s back, and is not too high or low.
- Do a few basic actions with your partner, both in costume, to
get used to the look and feel of things.
Throughout the
day and during the event:
- Be sure to keep yourself hydrated, especially throughout the event. Try sport drinks or power bars to help quench your
thirst and give you an extra boost in between rounds.
Remember though, try to test out new foods prior to the competition day to make sure they
work for you.
- If there are many heats or many rounds
that you have to wait through, make sure that you are comfortable and are able to be
relaxed yet focused on your task for the day.
- Maybe you need to find a
quiet spot away from the hustle and bustle of the competition such as a quiet hallway or
changing room.
(Note: It is illegal to reproduce any material from this web site without
the expressed written consent from Joel Marasigan & Clara Shih)
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