High School Usa Dance Nationals?

[Sterling von Shimmer]

Has anyone ever gone?

The dance team wants to go next year instead of USA Spirit. In the past I rejected the idea because 1) the comp is relatively new and doesn’t draw a lot of competition, and 2) it’s previously been held in Long Beach (so no Disneyland). However, in recent years more powerhouse teams have shown up, and they’ve now landed the Anaheim Convention Center. So I’m more open to it than I have been.

The major draw is the “Grand National Champion” award, which is given to the team that wins in four divisions (you can enter up to seven). The studio girls who are accustomed to lots of different choreo and costumes LOVE that idea. They also love the idea of the solos, even though only one soloist is allowed per team. Which brings me to my next question: when you have a situation like that wherein only one girl on the team is eligible for something, how do you choose? I’ve already decided I’d limit the opportunity to seniors only, but it still has the potential to be a big hairy mess full of entitlement, hurt feelings, and bruised egos. Which, realistically speaking, is just another reason to avoid this and stick with USA Spirit.

So has anyone gone? Is it worth it?

 

[retiredl5cheer]

Has anyone ever gone?

The dance team wants to go next year instead of USA Spirit. In the past I rejected the idea because 1) the comp is relatively new and doesn’t draw a lot of competition, and 2) it’s previously been held in Long Beach (so no Disneyland). However, in recent years more powerhouse teams have shown up, and they’ve now landed the Anaheim Convention Center. So I’m more open to it than I have been.

The major draw is the “Grand National Champion” award, which is given to the team that wins in four divisions (you can enter up to seven). The studio girls who are accustomed to lots of different choreo and costumes LOVE that idea. They also love the idea of the solos, even though only one soloist is allowed per team. Which brings me to my next question: when you have a situation like that wherein only one girl on the team is eligible for something, how do you choose? I’ve already decided I’d limit the opportunity to seniors only, but it still has the potential to be a big hairy mess full of entitlement, hurt feelings, and bruised egos. Which, realistically speaking, is just another reason to avoid this and stick with USA Spirit.

So has anyone gone? Is it worth it?

I have no answers to anything but your last question. Do you do a regional competition? Could you allow all interested seniors to enter a solo in regionals and then only take the highest scoring to nationals?

 

[Sterling von Shimmer]

I have no answers to anything but your last question. Do you do a regional competition? Could you allow all interested seniors to enter a solo in regionals and then only take the highest scoring to nationals?

Nah, I think it's just one per team from the start.

BUT after reading up on it more last night, I found out there’s an additional division that lets you enter another two soloists per team. So three total, which takes the edge off a bit.

I think I’m just going to let any interested seniors try out individually in front of a professional judge. Easiest way.

Additional question I just thought of: does the program have to pay for their costumes? I’m planning on footing the bill for their comp fees and music. But since this would be an elective performance, I was going to ask them to be in charge of their own choreo and costumes since I can’t justify $150 for one girl’s outfit.