With Portland's local weekly alt/fusion dance, Barefoot, having it's first ever Jack & Jill competition, I've had a number of people come up to me seeking advice and reassurance on competing. I figured I'd write down my thoughts and hopefully ease some terrified souls' minds (and maybe in the process even convince a few more folks to get out there).
So here it is... 5 reasons why I compete and why I think you should, too :)
1. It's an opportunity to showcase what you've been working on and share your perspective and expression of the dance. There is beauty in all levels and skills of dancing when it comes from the heart and soul.
2. It's an opportunity for feedback on your dancing. You can ask for thoughts from the judges, other competitors, and spectators on what they liked about your dancing and what they'd like to see in the future. You can also take video to see for yourself what your dancing looks like to self-critique.
3. It challenges you to expand and push your dancing to new levels. Competing often takes you out of your element and into uncharted territory. Being on the spot can be scary at first, but it can also inspire you to take risks you might not otherwise take.
4. It's a chance to dance with new people you might not otherwise ask. Being an introvert I have trouble asking new people and I know some folks are too intimidated to ask me. Competing in a Jack and Jill gives you a chance to meet and dance with folks you've never danced with before.
5. Because it's fun! Ok, ok... I know some of you would argue that it's scary, nerve-wracking, intimidating, or a waste of time. But it *can* be a lot of fun. I find that when I go into a competition with the mindset of having fun and sharing my whole self through dance, it's the most rewarding.
So get out there and shake it. I guarantee that no matter your ability, there will be someone in the audience watching you with awe feeling incredibly inspired. Just remember that. You are an inspiration just by stepping out on that floor and sharing your dance.
So here it is... 5 reasons why I compete and why I think you should, too :)
1. It's an opportunity to showcase what you've been working on and share your perspective and expression of the dance. There is beauty in all levels and skills of dancing when it comes from the heart and soul.
2. It's an opportunity for feedback on your dancing. You can ask for thoughts from the judges, other competitors, and spectators on what they liked about your dancing and what they'd like to see in the future. You can also take video to see for yourself what your dancing looks like to self-critique.
3. It challenges you to expand and push your dancing to new levels. Competing often takes you out of your element and into uncharted territory. Being on the spot can be scary at first, but it can also inspire you to take risks you might not otherwise take.
4. It's a chance to dance with new people you might not otherwise ask. Being an introvert I have trouble asking new people and I know some folks are too intimidated to ask me. Competing in a Jack and Jill gives you a chance to meet and dance with folks you've never danced with before.
5. Because it's fun! Ok, ok... I know some of you would argue that it's scary, nerve-wracking, intimidating, or a waste of time. But it *can* be a lot of fun. I find that when I go into a competition with the mindset of having fun and sharing my whole self through dance, it's the most rewarding.
So get out there and shake it. I guarantee that no matter your ability, there will be someone in the audience watching you with awe feeling incredibly inspired. Just remember that. You are an inspiration just by stepping out on that floor and sharing your dance.