The Elephant on the Stage? Sportsmanship ...

Sportsmanship can make or break your festival/competition experience

With over thirty years of experience as a dancer, teacher, and mentor, I have witnessed both poor etiquette and incredibly supportive interactions in the dance world. There have been times when I left an event feeling disheartened, questioning what I had done to deserve such treatment, but I’ve also had the privilege of experiencing the kindness and appreciation that truly uplifts an artist.

Negative encounters can easily overshadow an event, while positive ones can inspire you to keep dancing. I have always strived to be the kind of person I wish to encounter in the industry. Below are some ways you can help foster a positive dance experience, whether you are a performer, teacher, adjudicator, or parent.

Qualities of Good Sportsmanship in Dance
Sportsmanship in dance goes beyond just being polite—it's about fostering a positive, respectful environment for everyone. The following qualities contribute to sportsmanlike behavior:

1. Be Supportive
   If you don’t perform as well as you hoped, resist the urge to take your disappointment out on others. Being a team player, especially during group performances, is crucial. Support can make all the difference. Encouragement, even small gestures like a word of encouragement or a high-five, can help lift someone's spirits and refocus them on their next step.
2. Maintain a Positive Attitude
   A negative attitude can lower the morale of the entire group, turning a competition into an unpleasant experience. It's important to stay positive, even in tough situations. Childish or inappropriate behavior can diminish the enjoyment and professionalism of the event. Positivity should always be a priority, especially in festivals and competitions where teamwork and morale are key.
3. Show Respect
   Regardless of the results, showing respect to others is essential. Never belittle your peers, whether they won or lost. If you think someone made a mistake, avoid making harsh comments. Respecting both your teammates and competitors helps maintain a good reputation. Complaining about the adjudicator’s decisions regarding marks or placements also reflects poorly on your sportsmanship.
4. Be Willing to Learn
   If things don’t go as planned, instead of blaming others, focus on learning from your experience. Identify the areas where you struggled—whether it was spacing, timing, or technique—and dedicate time to improving those skills. Constructive self-reflection will help you grow as a dancer and increase your chances of future success.
5. Practice Self-Control
   Dance festivals and competitions can be emotionally charged. It’s important to practice emotional control and stay focused on your performance. Keeping your composure helps you stay in the right mindset and encourages others to do the same.
6. Congratulate Other Performers
   A key quality of a successful dancer is the ability to appreciate the achievements of others. Take the time to congratulate fellow dancers or schools on their performances, costumes, or choreography. Genuine appreciation fosters positive relationships and makes the experience more rewarding for everyone.
7. How You Can Support Your Dancer as a Teacher or Parent
   
   When engaging with your dancers, whether in conversation or in their presence, it's crucial to maintain a positive and supportive tone about the event, their classmates, other families, competing dance schools, and the adjudicators. Your influence at the start and end of their day holds significant power in guiding them to be the best version of themselves, both as dancers and as individuals within the dance community.
   
   As a parent, show appreciation for the effort your child and their teachers have invested into their performance. Dance is hard work, and even if you’re not completely satisfied with their performance, acknowledge the effort they put in. Understand that they may already feel disappointed about their performance, and your support can help them stay motivated and focused on growth.
   
   As a teacher, it is essential to always highlight the positive aspects of your students' performances and congratulate them for their efforts. If there are areas for improvement, frame it as an opportunity to learn and grow. The way you choose your words has a lasting impact on how your dancers perceive the experience and how they move forward from it. A positive, constructive approach will help them build resilience and a deeper love for the art.