Scrap It or Salvage It?

The 2020 competition dance season has been, well, one for the history books. Back in the winter, some teams were able to squeeze in a competition or two before the events (competitions and conventions) started falling like dominoes. But for many studios (ours included), the group dances never saw the light of day. Gorgeous, high-end, bedazzled costumes sit in closets collecting dust, having just been tried on once or twice (or maybe even photographed on studio picture day, if you’re lucky). Choreography fees have been paid, even though the numbers may have never hit the stage. Competition and convention funds have been disbursed to their respective companies; events have either been postponed (and then postponed again and again) or canceled altogether (with some companies issuing cash refunds, and even those might not get back to the dancer’s family). For seniors, there is no recapturing this year; they deserved SO much better than what they got for a sendoff. For dancers that were leaving their studio for other reasons (changing activities, moving, etc.), this was not the last hurrah they wanted. These unprecedented circumstances have left us all unsatisfied, and with uncertainty still the order of the day, we’re not sure what the rest of the year holds. Being where we are, it’s certainly natural to ask: When it comes to this dance season, should we scrap it or salvage it?

A few weeks ago, I posed this very question to the followers on my Facebook page. I created a poll, and 379 dance parents weighed in. The results were overwhelming: 68% said they would prefer to scrap the entire season and wait until next year, while the other 32% wanted to salvage it to some degree. There were compelling arguments on both sides of the issue.

Scrap It

Over two thirds of dance parents would prefer to bring an end to this year’s efforts, and focus more attention on investing their time and money into next year’s events. There were a multitude of reasons cited:

Amanda wrote: “There have not been adequate classes to keep the year going. And most don’t have space in their home to be able to work on things like leaps, tap dances, turns, etc… also I don’t think competitions can keep people safe at this point there are too many people crammed into a dressing room, back stage, etc.”

Kristen felt: “Some kids have lost focus (mine included). We actually talked about this last night and that’s what she is hoping will happen. An opportunity to just start all over again in a new season with her head back in the game.”

Tara said: “My kid’s studio is still doing classes on Zoom and I can see how she isn’t putting as much effort out on her dances and in class. She needs to be in the studio to really want to give it her all.”

Amie wrote: “I’d prefer to do this year’s routines next year. Our girls got to perform them once, and now have not rehearsed with their teammates in almost 2 months. They worked so hard on learning these dances and to throw them away seems like a waste of everyone’s time. Plus, I spent $1k on costumes that I’d like to see worn more than one time. I’m all for going back to competition whenever it is safe to do so, but I have a feeling it may not be anytime soon.”

Conda said: “No dance competition is worth risking my dancer, myself, or others. Besides, virtual learning has only been partially effective so if they do try to compete their current dances, it’s not like they will be quality. Just start over healthy, safe, and ready to give it 100%.”

For studio owners that decide to scrap what’s left of the season, they may not be able to cleanly put a period on the end of it and move on. Considerations about how they will send off their seniors with the appropriate pomp and circumstance will need to be weighed heavily. Also, they’ll need to make decisions about this year’s routines; did the groups get an opportunity to compete those numbers enough for them to have had a decent run, or should they get recycled for next year? And if they decide to scrap the numbers, what about the choreography fees and costumes the dance parents paid for (and got little to no return on)?

Salvage It

About one third of respondents indicated that they wanted to salvage what they could of this year’s competition season. Not surprisingly, many of those that voted this way were parents of a senior dancer, and there would be no opportunities for them to dance with their studios after this year. Those who weighed in said:

Melissa: “It’s my daughter’s senior year. I would do anything to watch her on stage one more time. The college she is attending doesn’t have a dance team.”

Paula: “It’s my dd’s senior year- she wants to dance with her team one more time so I will take anything that could be figured out for her.”

Amy: “I have a senior. This is it for her. I would like to see her dance these dances again on stage and give her closure to her senior year.”

Renee: “This was a hard one. While I feel like a fresh start would make the most sense, I voted to try and salvage the year….. for the seniors. They have been shorted in all aspects of their senior year and deserve an opportunity to perform, even if it’s only one more time.”

Brandy: “Salvage it because we haven’t attended one competition; I don’t want to spend money on costumes that we didn’t use.”

If studio owners decide that they will try to salvage the season, they may be facing an uphill battle. Before making the call, they’ll have to wait for the competition companies to issue firm dates and venue information for postponements. Some regionals have been rescheduled in the fall (long after the team’s seniors have left for college or opportunities) so those dancers will not get that last chance to perform with their teams regardless. The routines will need to be re-blocked, costumes may need to be swapped around and larger sizes ordered, etc. And who knows? We may face another round of closures if a second wave of the pandemic spreads through the country.

Clearly, studio directors have a tough call to make. There is no one right answer, but the best decision for each school’s situation will consider all the needs and wishes of ALL the stakeholders (the students and families, in addition to the school and staff). One thing is for sure: No one wants a repeat of this year, and most of us will be more appreciative of a normal, predictable season in the (hopefully near) future.

Work hard, have fun! – Danielle

What has your studio decided? Post your comments below!