Ballet Competitions: Everything You Need to Know

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Ballet competitions can be a fantastic way for dancers to grow, though they may only suit some.

The high-pressure, competitive environment can be intimidating, however, for those who can stomach the pressure, competitions offer unique advantages that can help shape a dancer’s career and personal growth.

While it’s a personal choice, embracing ballet competitions can:

Push you beyond your comfort zone
Challenge your abilities
Open doors to new experiences

In this blog post, I’ll step you through everything you need to know about ballet competitions, and how to get the most out of your experience.

WHAT IS A BALLET COMPETITION?

A ballet competition is an event where dancers perform to showcase their technical skills, artistry, and stage presence in front of a panel of judges.

Competitions are often structured by age and skill level, including classical ballet variations and contemporary pieces, to assess a dancer’s versatility and skill across different styles.

Though demanding, ballet competitions offer unique opportunities that can:

Accelerate your growth
Connect you with industry professionals
Equip you with valuable experience and feedback

TYPES OF BALLET COMPETITIONS

Ballet competitions come in many forms, from small local events to large international stages, each providing dancers with a unique experience and opportunity to show their talent.

#1 LOCAL BALLET COMPETITIONS

Local ballet competitions are a great starting point for new competitors.

They help dancers build confidence, gain performance experience, and adapt to a competitive setting in a more supportive, less intense environment.

#2 NATIONAL BALLET COMPETITIONS

National ballet competitions are the next step, presenting dancers with a broader talent pool and greater visibility.

With a distinguished panel of judges, directors, and choreographers, these competitions offer valuable opportunities for scholarships and professional advancement.

They also help dancers acclimate to high-pressure environments, in preparation for even larger stages.

#3 INTERNATIONAL BALLET COMPETITIONS

The final step is competing in international competitions, where talent from across the globe comes together.

This means you’ll be competing against some of the best dancers worldwide.

These prestigious events provide significant exposure and are often attended by esteemed judges, directors, and talent scouts.

This could give you the chance to earn scholarships, secure contracts, and make invaluable professional connections.

BENEFITS OF BALLET COMPETITIONS

There’s a common misconception that ballet competitions are just about ‘stage mums’ and pricey costumes.

But in reality, these events offer substantial benefits that can help young dancers advance toward a professional career.

STAGE EXPERIENCE

As a ballet student, performance opportunities might be limited to year-end showcases, but competitions offer a chance to gain more frequent stage experience under pressure.

This practice can help you become comfortable performing for larger audiences, a daunting task at first for many.

Regular stage exposure will enhance your stage presence and ultimately allow you to relax and express yourself more fully on stage.

Dancer on stage performing a ballet solo

CONFIDENCE

The more time you spend on stage, the more your confidence grows.

Competing against other talented dancers can be nerve-wracking, but with consistent practice in a variety of competitions, you can overcome these nerves.

This experience helps you build confidence, a vital skill for future auditions and company performances.

FEEDBACK

Whether big or small, feedback from competitions offers valuable perspectives beyond what you typically receive from your regular instructors.

Insights from experienced judges and professionals provide fresh viewpoints and can highlight areas for improvement.

I know this helped me refine my skills in ways I hadn’t considered before.

EXPOSURE AND OPPORTUNITIES

Competitions frequently attract directors, scouts, and choreographers in search of new talent.

This exposure could lead to potential scholarships, workshops, programs, contracts, and other professional opportunities.

For those aiming for a dance career, attending competitions can be a pivotal step to get noticed and open doors that might otherwise remain closed.

Many dancers who participate in prestigious international competitions often gain the exposure needed to secure spots in renowned ballet schools, or trainee and apprentice programs with companies worldwide.

HANDLE PRESSURE

The competitive atmosphere helps dancers learn to manage nerves, handle pressure, and deliver their best under challenging conditions.

Competitions offer the ideal setting to develop these abilities early, preparing dancers for the demands of a dance career.

BALLET COMPETITION PREPARATION

Preparing for a ballet competition demands practice, focus, and commitment to your goal.

But ultimately, it’s another opportunity to perform and enjoy being on stage.

CHOOSING YOUR VARIATION

When selecting your variation, aim to highlight your strengths, both technically and artistically, while considering what sets you apart.

Choose a piece that showcases your unique qualities as a dancer and brings something fresh to the stage.

Opting for a less commonly performed variation can also help you stand out, as it prevents the judges from making direct comparisons with other dancers and keeps their interest engaged.

COSTUME

Your costume, including hair and makeup, should align with the style of your variation and highlight your body’s lines and natural beauty.

It should fit perfectly, enhancing your appearance and making you feel confident.

Hair and makeup should complement your natural features without overpowering them.

Investing in a well-made tutu or a contemporary outfit can elevate your presentation, making a strong visual impact on stage while helping you dance and feel your best.

REHEARSAL

Rehearsal for a prestigious ballet competition can be intense, but it shouldn’t lead to burnout or exhaustion.

Focus on refining your variations, but maintain balance by taking breaks and nurturing other aspects of your life.

This balance can improve your performance and protect your mental health.

Be mindful of your body’s needs, eat well, and avoid overtraining to reduce the risk of injury.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT A BALLET COMPETITION

Don’t expect ballet competitions to be a walk in the park.

Competitions often attract top dancers, all vying for the same prize and recognition.

Dancer on stage doing a solo performance

While ballet competitions can be high-pressure environments, remember that most dancers around you are likely feeling the same mix of nerves and excitement.

Competitions are a chance to showcase your passion and skill on stage, an experience that could one day translate into a career.

Embrace the opportunity, connect with others, and stay focused on the present moment rather than the outcome because you never know what will happen.

NOTABLE BALLET COMPETITIONS AROUND THE WORLD

Here are three of the most notable ballet competitions around the world:

#1 YOUTH AMERICA GRAND PRIX

The Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) is the world’s largest ballet scholarship audition, for dancers between ages 9 to 19.

Youth America Grand Prix Ballet Competition — _{Image credit: au-di-tions.com}

Reaching over 15,000 students each year, YAGP offers workshops, scholarship auditions, master classes, and performances in 32 US cities and 15 international locations.

The season culminates in a week-long final in New York, where over 1,500 promising dancers receive mentoring and opportunities for scholarships, contracts, and professional growth.

#2 PRIX DE LAUSANNE

The prestigious Prix de Lausanne is an international competition for dancers aged 15 to 18, offering a valuable opportunity for young talent to be noticed by top ballet schools and companies.

Prix de Lausanne Ballet competition winners — _{Image credit: prixdelausanne.org}

The competition identifies promising young artists, supporting their education and development by awarding scholarships and training opportunities that help launch professional careers.

#3 VARNA INTERNATIONAL BALLET COMPETITION

Held in Bulgaria, the Varna International Ballet Competition is one of the oldest and most respected ballet competitions in the world for dancers aged 15 to 25 years old.