What are Dance Competitions really like? Parent Point of View Part 3: Props

What are Dance Competitions really like? Parents Point of View Part 3: Props

Props. A dance prop is an object that is used to enhance a routine. 

We need a Dance Prop for this routine! If you hear those words, do not make eye contact with the person speaking and take a fake emergency call. Just kidding! We were the responsible party for a bar prop last season. It turned out awesome! Having a large dance prop could add extra stress on the parents at a competition, but being prepared makes all the difference.

Tips to think about with large props:

• What doors are used to unload props?
• Who is the person at the venue that opens overhead service doors (if available)?
• If the prop comes in the main door, can you wait to unload until there is a lull in the activity coming into or leaving the venue?
• Where can a vehicle be temporarily parked for unloading?
• Where can the prop be assembled (electric tools can be loud)? 
• Are all doorways wide enough to move the prop from the assembly location to backstage?
• Are there steps where the prop needs to be lifted (like an elevated built stage)?
• Is there enough time to build the prop when the routine is one of the first on the schedule?
• Could the prop be assembled the night before and left overnight for an early performance?
• Determine the time it takes to unload and assemble the prop for planning purposes.
• Write your studio name, contact person & number on paper and tape it to the prop if it is sitting somewhere unattended or overnight.
• Driving multiple cars to venues may be required to fit the prop and people.
• Protect the prop with a tarp from weather and road debris if transporting with an open trailer.
• Assemble a prop lifting crew before performance time.
• There is a time limit to set up and remove a prop on/off stage.
• Make sure the prop is sturdy and safe.
• Make sure nothing can catch on costumes (like a bolt, screw, or sharp edge.)
• Use matching colored duct tape to cover screws.
• Small imperfections won't be noticed when the prop is on-stage.
• Wheeled carts could be used to move the prop around as long hallways and parking lots need to be traversed.
• Enlist others to help with assembly, loading, and unloading.
• The prop may need to return to the studio for practice between competitions. Measure the studio doors to make sure the prop fits. 
• The prop will need to be finished before competition season starts so the dancer can practice using it. 

Props can be a spectacular added element to a dance routine. Props come in different sizes and shapes. There is no limit on what a prop could be. Examples include a long church bench, sunglasses, scarves, a cane, a fan, a chair, steps, an umbrella, a doll, or a hand-held book. There is a risk when using a prop that something could go wrong, like sunglasses flying off a dancer’s head. Those mishaps do happen occasionally. You can learn from the experience and sew the sunglasses into the dancer’s hair or add extra bobby pins for the next performance. Just remind your dancer to keep on going and act like nothing happened. The judges don’t usually make a big deal out of these minor issues as long as the dancer doesn’t skip a beat. 

My dancer has used many props through the years. The risk of an infrequent mishap or stress of assembling a complex dance prop is worth it. Props can add unanticipated surprises, like seeing rose petals fly through the air or a headband materializing mid-dance. Dance props can also help tell the story by setting the scene.

Check the competition rules to determine the allotted time frames to get a prop on and off stage. Dance props should be safe to place on the stage floor without damaging the marley flooring. There are also competition-specific rules on what cannot be used on stage, such as body glitter, confetti, baby powder, paint, liquids, weapons, swords, fire, sharp objects, or live animals. There may also be a maximum prop height for a dancer to jump off for safety. The dance prop might be acceptable at one event but not the next, as each competition has different rules.

If you have been tasked with creating a dance prop this season, have a great time with this unique project. Sturdy but lightweight. Moveable but stationary. Durable but held together with Velcro. Hidden Surprise Elements.
Enjoy! The smile on stage is worth every moment and dollar spent on a prop!