All Articles
Browse our complete collection of articles and updates.
More Than Two Minutes: The Unseen Work
Behind every two-minute routine at UDA College Nationals is months of sacrifice, discipline, and grit from dancers and coaches. This is the unseen work.
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Set Yourself Up for Success: Practices to Set Intentions & Crush Goals in the New Year
Set intentional goals this year with practical tools that actually stick. This blog walks through choosing a Word of the Year, creating a vision board, celebrating daily wins, and simple weekly systems to stay motivated and on track — all backed by research and mindset strategies. Perfect for dancers, parents, and coaches focused on growth.
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Think Like a Coach Before You Submit Your Common Recruit Video
Learn how to review your Common Recruit video like a coach. Understand what coaches look for and submit with clarity, confidence, and intention.
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What To Do If You’re Anxious About Recruitment During the Holidays
The holiday season can be one of the most stressful times in the college dance recruitment process. This blog breaks down why December feels so quiet, how dancers can use the time intentionally, and how tools like the Common Recruit Submission can help bring clarity to where they stand with different programs. It’s a calm, realistic guide to staying grounded, prepared, and confident heading into January.
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Virtual Interviews 101: What Dancers Need to Know
This blog breaks down how dancers can confidently navigate Zoom interviews with college coaches and programs. From camera setup and lighting to professionalism, communication, and handling tech hiccups, it walks dancers through every detail that helps them show up prepared and authentic. Whether you’re gearing up for your first interview or looking to sharpen your virtual presence, this guide ensures you make a strong, memorable impression.
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After You Accept An Offer: What To Do Next
Accepting a dance team offer is exciting, but what you do next matters just as much. Learn why and how to professionally communicate with coaches from programs you're declining, including email templates and phone call tips that protect your reputation and help other dancers. Your thoughtful response can build lasting relationships in the interconnected dance community.
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Finding Your Why — Especially When It Feels Hard to Show Up
When the season feels heavy and burnout hits, both dancers and coaches can lose sight of their “why.” This post is a reminder that showing up — even on the hard days, matters. Sometimes the most meaningful growth happens when we pause, reset, and reconnect with why we love to dance.
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Your Reach Goes Beyond the Roster
As a college dance coach, your influence extends far beyond your current roster. Hundreds of prospective dancers are watching your every move, analyzing every email and interaction as they chase their dream of joining your team. Learn why transparent, empathetic communication during recruitment isn't just administrative work—it's an opportunity to shape the next generation of dancers.
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Why Coaches Recruit People, Not Just Dancers
In college dance recruitment, talent may get you noticed—but personality gets you chosen. This blog explores why coaches recruit people, not just dancers, and how traits like coachability, adaptability, and team interaction can make all the difference during clinics and auditions. Learn how to show who you are beyond the 8-count and stand out as the kind of dancer coaches want to invest in.
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The Parent Playbook: How to Support Your Dancer Without Taking Over
Navigate the college dance recruitment process with confidence. Learn how to support your dancer's journey without taking over—from setting realistic goals and trusting coaches to fostering independence and having honest financial conversations. Essential guidance for dance parents ready to empower their athlete.
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Why Training Shouldn’t Stop After Making Your High School Dance Team
This blog emphasizes that making a high school dance team is only the beginning of a dancer's journey, arguing that continued training outside of regular team practices is essential for technical growth, mental resilience, and college dance career success. It warns against the plateau that comes from routine-only rehearsal and stresses that dancers who wait until senior year to intensify their training will struggle to compete with those who've consistently invested in diverse, intentional practice throughout their high school years.
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You Submitted Your Early Recruiting Video…Now What?
Your recruiting video is submitted, but your work isn't done. Discover the 8 key strategies that separate committed dancers from the competition during the critical post-submission phase of college dance recruiting.
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Passion for Dance Podcast: A Must-Listen for Dancers, Parents, and Coaches
The Passion for Dance podcast recently featured Abbey Nugent, founder of Studio 2 Stadium, to unpack the college dance team recruiting process. From preparing standout recruitment videos to building resilience and confidence, this episode offers practical advice for dancers, parents, and coaches alike. It’s a must-listen for anyone navigating the journey from high school to collegiate dance.
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How to Raise a Curious, Self-Driven Learner — Especially If Your Teen’s Life Revolves Around Dance
Discover practical strategies to nurture curiosity in teen dancers and help them grow both in and out of the studio. Learn how modeling curiosity, asking thoughtful questions, and turning mistakes into learning opportunities can support your dancer’s confidence, motivation, and lifelong learning skills. Perfect for parents looking to guide their teens without adding stress or pressure.
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Why Barefoot Training Might Be the Missing Link in Your Strength Regimen
Discover why barefoot training is the missing link in dance performance through DD Goodson's Barefoot Training PRO program. This 9-week system builds foot strength and stability to enhance balance, prevent injuries, and increase power in dancers. Learn how strengthening your foundation can transform your training and extend your dance career.
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The Importance of Academics for Dancers Preparing for College
This blog emphasizes that while dance talent is important, strong academics are actually the key to getting into college and staying eligible for dance teams. It explains how grades and test scores matter more than dance skills for admission since most coaches have little influence over acceptance decisions, and provides practical tips for dancers to balance their academic and artistic pursuits.
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Balancing Clinics and Commitments: How to Plan Your Semester as a Dancer
This comprehensive guide helps high school dancers navigate the challenging balance between college recruitment clinics, team commitments, and academic responsibilities. Learn practical strategies for planning your semester, communicating professionally with college coaches when conflicts arise, and choosing quality over quantity in your clinic attendance while still enjoying your current dance season.
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Performance Ready: The Role of Makeup in Collegiate Dance
Discover the technical reasons behind performance makeup in collegiate dance. From stadium lighting challenges to team branding, learn why many dance programs incorporate makeup into their presentation standards and how to research what works for different teams and performance contexts
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The Power of Checking In: How One Simple System Improved Team Culture
Transform your team culture using a simple monthly Google Forms check-in system to create safer communication, better support, and stronger connections with dancers. This practical guide shares the questions and strategies that make checking in sustainable and impactful.
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Inside the Room: Lessons from Velocity Dance Team Night
Velocity Dance Team Night offered more than just choreography — it revealed what truly makes dancers stand out in high-stakes settings. From placement and eye contact to improv and warm-ups, this blog breaks down key takeaways dancers can apply at combines, clinics, and auditions to increase their visibility and impact
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Beyond the Basics: Elevating Your College Dance Recruitment Video
Learn how to create a standout college dance recruitment video that goes beyond the basics and catches coaches' attention. This comprehensive guide covers everything from mastering advanced technical skills to crafting a personalized introduction that shows why you're the perfect fit for their team. Get insider tips on filming techniques, combo selection, and the performance energy that separates accepted dancers from the rest.
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Your “Spot” Doesn’t Define You: Team Mentality in Dance
In this blog, Abbey breaks down the often-overlooked pressure dancers feel about their spot in formations and why floor placement is not a reflection of worth. Drawing inspiration from a conversation with her brother, an NFL player, she explores how both dance and football rely on trust, execution, and team-first mindsets. It's a powerful reminder that real value comes from reliability, not visibility.
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How Can I Stand Out at a Combine This Summer? Tips to Make a Lasting Impression at College Dance Combines
Learn how to make a lasting impression at college dance combines with these 8 proven strategies from dance professionals. This comprehensive guide covers everything from researching programs and dressing appropriately to building genuine connections with coaches and following up effectively. Perfect for dancers preparing for summer combines who want to stand out beyond just their technical skills.
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Behind the Studio Doors: Understanding Coach Burnout & How S2S's Monthly Summer Campaign Shows Appreciation
Burnout is a silent epidemic in the dance world — especially for coaches. In this blog, we shed light on the emotional, mental, and logistical load dance coaches carry, the culture of selflessness they live in, and why it's time we start supporting the people who support everyone else. Plus, learn about Studio 2 Stadium’s Coach of the Month campaign celebrating these unsung heroes.
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The Common Dance Team Recruiting Video: Breaking It Down
This blog introduces the Common Dance Team Recruiting Video—a new standardized tool from the NDCA designed to support high school dancers through the collegiate audition process. Learn what’s included, how to prepare, and how dancers can use it as a training guide to set personalized goals and timelines.
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What to Do When You Don’t Agree with Audition Results
This supportive guide helps dancers and parents navigate the difficult emotions and next steps after disappointing dance audition results. The post provides actionable strategies for processing rejection healthily, seeking constructive feedback, and maintaining perspective while continuing to pursue dance goals.
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Summer Strong: The Smart Dancer's Off-Season Plan
Transform your off-season into your power season with strategic summer training that builds strength, improves flexibility, and boosts endurance. This customized approach lets you enjoy summer while targeting your dance weaknesses through focused workouts that will help you return to the studio stronger and more confident in the fall.
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Post-Audition Season: Keeping the Fire Lit All Year Long
This blog is a motivating guide for dancers navigating the highs and lows after auditions. Whether you made the team or are regrouping, this blog offers practical tips to maintain momentum, stay consistent in your training, and keep your passion alive long after the audition buzz fades.4o
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Building Relationships with Coaches: Where to Start and What Matters
This blog breaks down the often-intimidating process of building relationships with college dance coaches into simple, actionable steps. From crafting your first email to making meaningful in-person connections, it’s a roadmap for dancers who want to stand out for the right reasons. Learn how to confidently introduce yourself, utilize your Studio 2 Stadium profile, and make lasting impressions throughout your recruitment journey.
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Transparency is Essential During the Recruitment Process
In this blog, we discuss the importance of honesty and open communication during recruitment. It highlights various aspects, including how to maintain professionalism with coaches, the impact of social media on recruitment, and strategies for managing timelines and responses. The main takeaway emphasizes that transparent interactions can foster strong relationships within the dance community, benefiting dancers not just for recruitment but also throughout their careers.
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Master Your College Dance Journey: The Studio 2 Stadium Virtual Workshop
Transform your college dance audition preparation with the Studio 2 Stadium Virtual Workshop, a comprehensive, on-demand program that covers everything from self-assessment and team selection to interview skills and audition strategies. Developed by industry expert and former D1A coach, this workshop provides the specialized guidance you need to stand out in your collegiate dance team journey!
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Navigating Dance Auditions: From High School to College to Pro
This blog explores the evolving landscape of dance auditions, from high school to college to professional teams, highlighting key differences in expectations, competition, and preparation at each stage. Featuring insights from experts like Denver Broncos Cheerleader coach Emily Gibbs, it provides actionable strategies to help dancers successfully navigate these transitions and stand out in competitive auditions.
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Setting Your Dance Profile Up for Success: Showcasing the Whole You
This blog explains how to build a standout dance profile that balances technical skills with personality, emphasizing that coaches seek well-rounded individuals rather than just talented performers. It offers practical advice for showcasing character, achievements, and interpersonal abilities across various profile sections to make a compelling impression.
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Dress the Part: How What You Wear Affects Your Performance
This blog explores why dressing appropriately for hip hop dance classes matters, highlighting how baggy clothes honor the style's cultural roots while enhancing movement quality and mindset. I explain how proper attire impacts performance, authenticity, and respect for the art form, making it essential for dancers to consider their clothing choices beyond mere fashion.
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Time-Saving Resources for Dance Coaches: Stay Organized, Inspired, and Supported
This blog provides a comprehensive guide for dance coaches, offering a diverse array of time-saving resources, communication tools, professional development opportunities, and networking platforms to help them stay organized, motivated, and supported throughout their coaching journey. From app recommendations and podcasts to professional associations, team-building strategies, and recruitment tools, the blog offers practical advice and actionable insights to help dance coaches streamline their responsibilities and enhance their team's performance.
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Finding the Right College Dance Team: Why One "No" Doesn’t Mean the End
If you’ve been dreaming of dancing at the collegiate level, you probably have a list of schools at the top of your radar—maybe even one that feels like your perfect fit. But what happens if things don’t go as planned? What if you don’t make the team at your dream school?
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The Mental Game of Dance: Prioritizing Mental Health in an Industry That Demands Perfection
This blog explores the mental health challenges faced by dancers and coaches in their pursuit of perfection, offering support resources and advocating for a more balanced approach to excellence. Through practical tips and compassionate insights, it encourages the dance community to prioritize psychological well-being alongside physical achievement
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The Next Move: How College Dancers Can Start Planning for Life After Dance
Transitioning from college dance to life off campus can feel overwhelming, but with the right preparation, dancers can set themselves up for success. This blog explores how dancers can identify transferable skills, explore career paths, build networks, and find new hobbies to channel their creativity. It also highlights the important role college coaches play in guiding dancers toward their next chapter.
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Dance Team Clinic Survival: The Gear You Didn’t Think You’d Need (But Do)
Preparing for a dance team clinic is about more than just showcasing your skills—it's about being equipped for anything the day may throw your way. This guide highlights essential gear and strategies that will help you stay confident, adaptable, and professional, leaving a lasting impression on coaches.
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The Grit Behind the Glamour: Inside College Dance Team Nationals
As we head into the kick off of college nationals season this weekend, we wanted to take a moment to appreciate and bring to light what it really takes to compete at this high of a level. Wishing all dancers and coaches the best of luck!
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Mastering Interviews: Why Your Elevator Pitch Matters
This blog post guides dancers on preparing for college dance team interviews by creating an effective elevator pitch. It emphasizes that interpersonal skills are just as crucial as dance ability when trying to make the team.
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Your Strongest Season Yet: A Dancers New Year Game Plan
This blog provides dancers with actionable steps and interactive ideas to prepare for a successful new year. From setting SMART goals and creating a training plan to building relationships and celebrating milestones, the guide empowers dancers to reflect on the past, plan for the future, and embrace lifelong learning. Perfect for dancers at all levels looking to start the year strong!
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Balancing Rest and Readiness: Making the Most of Your Holiday Break
Balancing rest and readiness during the holiday break is key for aspiring collegiate dancers preparing for spring auditions and clinics. This blog offers practical tips to maintain your training, stay organized, and strategically plan your outreach, ensuring you're refreshed and ready to tackle your dance goals in the new year.
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Mindset Matters: Approaching Dance Competitions with Confidence and Perspective
From celebrating progress and supporting teammates to embracing growth over rankings, this blog offers actionable tips to help dancers perform with confidence, focus, and joy. Discover how to approach competition day as a meaningful milestone in your journey, not just a measure of success.
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Why Starting Early in the Collegiate Dance Recruitment Process Matters
Starting the college dance recruitment process early is essential for building meaningful relationships with coaches, understanding team culture, and making informed decisions about your future. This blog explores why waiting until senior year can limit opportunities and lead to rushed decisions, while early engagement provides the time and clarity needed to find the right program where you'll thrive both as a dancer and a student.
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The Question Every Parent Should Ask to Help Guide Their Dancer's College Choice
Discover the one question every dancer should ask before choosing a college—shifting the focus from just dance to a more fulfilling college experience.
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Journaling for Dancers: Transforming Pressure into Purpose
As competition season intensifies, dancers face unique pressures both on and off stage. While physical preparation is crucial, mental and emotional readiness often determines the difference between a good performance and a great one. Enter journaling: a powerful tool that can transform your dance journey, especially during the high-stakes competition season.
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Connecting Through the Camera: Making a Memorable Intro for Your Recruitment Video
This blog is all about creating a fun and memorable intro for your recruitment video! We’ll help you set the scene with tips for a neat background and good lighting. You’ll learn how to introduce yourself, share your dance journey, and express what excites you about the program. Plus, we’ll give you easy speaking tips to keep it natural and authentic. Remember, just be yourself and let your passion for dance shine through!
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Stepping Up: Your Path from High School to College Dance
The transition from high school to college dance team isn't just about stepping onto a bigger stage – it's about embracing an entirely new world of both challenges and opportunities. As a former high school dancer who later danced and coached at the collegiate level, I've experienced firsthand how this evolution transforms not just your dance career, but your entire approach to life.
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Insight from A Dance Judge and Dance Parent: The Interview Is A Crucial Element in the College Dance Team Recruitment Process!
This insightful article, written by Ramona Kitching, a veteran dance judge and parent of a Division I dance athlete, offers valuable guidance on the college dance team interview process. Drawing from both parental and professional perspectives, she explains that while technical dance skills are important, coaches are equally focused on evaluating candidates' character, work ethic, coachability, and academic readiness. The piece emphasizes that success in college dance team interviews comes from demonstrating not just dance ability, but also showing genuine passion for growth, ability to handle feedback, and potential to balance both athletic and academic demands. It serves as a practical guide for dancers and parents navigating the transition from high school to collegiate dance teams.
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Why Mixing It Up Matters: Building Confidence Through Diverse Dance Training
As dancers prepare for prospect clinics and auditions, one question often comes up: "How can I build my confidence?" The answer might surprise you – it's not just about perfecting your technique with your regular instructor, but about exposing yourself to a variety of dance experiences, teachers, and styles.
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Building Your Digital Identity: Social Media’s Role in College Dance Team Selection
In today's digital era, your talent is no longer limited to the studio—it's seen, shared, and evaluated online by potential coaches, teammates, and universities nationwide. As college dance team recruitment evolves, one thing becomes crystal clear: your social media presence is as crucial as your technical skills and stage presence.
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Beyond High School: Preparing Your Dancer for Success
We aim to be a resource for you, offering insights on how to work with people who have your dancers' best interests at heart, providing unbiased and realistic advice. We'll also cover the necessary conversations around managing expectations and exploring alternative paths.
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Loss, Love, and the Power of Dance to Heal
This week’s blog is a personal reflection on finding comfort in unexpected places. I hope it resonates with anyone who has experienced loss or is seeking solace in their own way.
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How to Email Coaches: The Key to Standing Out in Your First Impression
As a student-athlete, reaching out to college coaches is a crucial step in your recruitment journey. Your initial email can significantly impact your chances of getting noticed. This guide will help you craft the perfect email to college coaches, ensuring you stand out and make a lasting first impression
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Your Roadmap to Success: Beginning Your Recruitment Journey
The path to joining a collegiate dance team can be challenging and competitive. This comprehensive guide aims to demystify the recruitment process, providing you with practical steps and insider tips to help you navigate your journey from an aspiring dancer to a successful college team member.
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Why Ballet Matters: The Unseen Power Behind Collegiate Dance Success
This blog dives into the vital role of ballet training for dancers aiming for collegiate and professional success. It explains how a strong foundation in ballet—developing body alignment, core strength, and spatial awareness—is crucial, regardless of preferred style. While ballet may not be every dancer's favorite, the discipline and skills it builds are invaluable across all styles, positioning dancers to excel in the competitive dance world.
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Team Bonding: Understanding Its Significance and Integrating It into Regular Practice
Sports teams inevitably encounter obstacles when bringing together individuals with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, attitudes, and personalities. As coaches, our aim is to identify opportunities to foster harmony and cultivate mutual understanding among our athletes, ultimately paving the way for success.
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Navigating a Collegiate Recruitment Clinic: A Comprehensive Guide
Dance team collegiate recruitment clinics are exciting events where aspiring dancers get the opportunity to showcase their skills and potentially earn a spot on a collegiate dance team. These clinics serve as a platform for dancers to learn, perform, and connect with coaches, current team members, and other prospective dancers. It can be an overwhelming process when you are first starting but we are here to help! We will give you tips on what to expect at a recruitment clinic, offering valuable insights and tips to help you make the most of this experience.
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The Importance of Feeling Good at an Audition: Focus on Your Dancing, Not Your Appearance
Auditions can be nerve-wracking. The anticipation, the competition, and the desire to perform at your best all converge into a single moment. In this high-pressure environment, it's crucial to feel good about yourself. Feeling confident and comfortable allows you to focus on what truly matters: your dancing. In this weeks blog, we'll offer guidance to help you feel great at your audition and offer tips on choosing the right attire to boost your confidence.
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Recovery: The Key to Sustaining a Long Dance Career.
In this blog post, you'll explore the critical role of recovery in sustaining a long and healthy dance career. Traditionally, dancers have adhered to the "practice makes perfect" mantra, often pushing their physical and mental limits. However, this post emphasizes the importance of prioritizing recovery to rejuvenate the body, prevent injuries, and maintain mental well-being. You'll learn about the physical benefits of recovery, affordable recovery tools, and essential tips to integrate recovery practices into your routine, ensuring a balanced and enduring dance journey.
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The Do's and Don'ts of Contacting a Collegiate Dance Team Coach
Navigating the recruitment process for collegiate dance teams can be both exciting and daunting. Making the right impression on a coach is crucial, and understanding the etiquette of communication can make a significant difference. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to do and what not to do when reaching out to a collegiate dance team coach, along with some personal insights and experiences.
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Maximizing Your Performance at a Collegiate Football Game: Tips and Tricks for Looking and Feeling Your Best
Performing at a collegiate football game is an exhilarating experience, but it requires careful preparation to ensure you look and feel your best throughout the long day of pregame activities and the game itself. As someone who has experienced the excitement and demands of these events firsthand, I've compiled a few tips and tricks over the years to help!
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The Crucial Role of Building Relationships with Coaches During the Recruitment Process
The collegiate dance team recruitment process is an exciting and often nerve-wracking time for aspiring dancers. Securing a spot on a college dance team requires not only talent and skill but also a strategic approach. One often overlooked aspect of this process is the importance of building relationships with coaches. Cultivating relationships can enhance your chances of success, provide valuable guidance and mentorship, and foster a supportive environment for personal growth as a dancer.
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Reflections of a Former Coach: Setbacks and Comebacks
In this personal and vulnerable blog post, I reflect on my transformative years coaching at the University of Colorado. As I prepare to embark on a new journey in entrepreneurship, I am filled with gratitude for the challenges, triumphs, and lessons that have shaped me. It’s a heartfelt tribute to my team, mentors, and the dance community, inspiring the transition to this next adventure in life.
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Planning and Filming Your Recruitment Video
Creating a collegiate dance team recruitment video can be an exciting and daunting task and many do not know where to even start. A recruitment video provides the ability to showcase your talents, energy, and enthusiasm to join a particular program! In this blog post, we will give you quick tips and tricks to film, cut, and submit a video you feel confident about!
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The Importance of Cross Training for Dancers
Dance is a physically demanding art form that requires strength, flexibility, endurance, and agility. While regular dance practice is essential for improving technique and mastering choreography, cross training plays a crucial role in enhancing overall performance and preventing injuries.
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Delegating Tasks: Fostering Team Involvement and Reducing Workload
In the dynamic world of dance coaching, it's not uncommon for coaches to find themselves juggling numerous responsibilities. From choreography planning to administrative tasks, to second jobs, the workload can quickly become overwhelming. However, one effective strategy for managing this workload while fostering a sense of team involvement is delegating tasks to dancers.
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