If your child is competing in their first eisteddfod — congratulations, and also, take a deep breath. It can feel overwhelming at first, but I promise it does become a lot of fun and second nature. Whether you're heading to finals or a local competition, a little preparation goes a long way toward making the day smooth, stress-free, and actually enjoyable for both of you.
Here's a few things I wish I had known before our first competition season.
What Is a Dance Eisteddfod, Exactly?
An eisteddfod is a dance competition where students perform before a qualified adjudicator/s and receive feedback and placings. They're a great opportunity for dancers to build confidence, performance experience, and resilience, whether they place or not.
The Sydney eisteddfod season is upon us, so if you're competing this year, now is the time to get organised.
What to Wear: Getting the Costumes Right
Your dancer's studio will usually specify the costume for each section, but here's what to keep in mind:
- Follow the brief exactly. If the syllabus says "black leotard and tights," that's what the adjudicator expects to see. Deviating, even with something prettier can affect marks.
- Check for wear and tear early. Don't wait until the day before or morning of to discover holes in tights or missing bling. Do a full costume check at least a week or so before.
- Have a spare pair of tights. Always. Non-negotiable. Tights get ladders at the worst possible moments.
- Label everything. Backstage can be chaotic. Name labels on shoes, costume bags, and accessories can save enormous heartache.
- Hair and makeup matter. Make sure to practise the look at home prior so it's not a stress filled morning even before you leave home.
The Essential Eisteddfod Bag
Think of this as your dancer's emergency kit. Here's a list of items I used to pack-
- Spare tights (at least two pairs of each type being worn)
- Safety pins (in varying sizes - once I had to safety pin a tap shoe together - I kid you not)!
- A hairbox containing bobby pins and hair ties in your dancer's hair colour
- Hair spray, a slick back brush and tail comb
- Basic makeup for touch ups in between dances
- Needle and thread (basic colours)
- Snacks and water (competitions run long)
- A first aid kit (containing items such as Bandaids, Dencorub & an Ice Pack)
- A sweat towel
- A warm layer for between performances
Tips for First-Time Competitors (& Their Parents)
Leave home early to arrive early. If you arrive on time, you are already late! Factor in parking, finding the venue, registration, and warm-up time. Arriving flustered sets the wrong tone for the whole day. (I once screeched into the carpark, had my dancer jump out of the car and run in as her section was starting, another time we arrived just as her first section was being adjudicated)!
Read the program carefully. Know which section your child is in, what time they're on, and where they need to be. Programs can run ahead or behind schedule, so try to stay updated.
Manage expectations — yours and theirs. Eisteddfods are about the experience as much as the result. Adjudicators are there to help dancers grow, and the feedback is usually valuable. A placing is always welcome; the confidence gained is priceless.
Keep the energy calm backstage. Kids pick up on our anxiety. If you're nervous, take a quiet breath before you speak or even look at your dancer. Believe me the wrong look or comment from you when your dancer is already nervous may not go down well!
Celebrate the effort, more than the outcome. Whether they come first or last, they got up on that stage. That takes huge courage, especially in the beginning. Make sure they know that you're super proud of them.
Connect with other dance parents. The eisteddfod community can be genuinely lovely. Introduce yourself, make friends with those at yours and other studios. Cheer on all the dancers, not just your child. It makes for a warm, supportive environment all round.
A Note on Shoes
Shoes deserve their own checklist moment. Make sure every pair is:
- Broken in (if possible never have them wear new shoes at a competition)
- Clean and polished, this makes a huge difference to the overall look
- Make sure you have all the shoes and they are properly fitted, not too tight, not too loose as you don't want a shoe flinging off mid performance!
- Packed the day before, not the morning of as you don't want to suddenly realise that your child has left them at the studio & you are then left scrambling borrowing or purchasing new shoes at the last minute.
The Night Before: Your Prep Checklist
- Lay out the full costumes, including all accessories
- Have your child pack the eisteddfod bag, with you double checking it
- Confirm the schedule and venue address
- Set two alarms
- Prepare hair and makeup supplies
- Get an early night, both of you
You've got this! The eisteddfod season is one of those experiences that feels huge the first few times, but believe me, it will become one of your most treasured memories. Enjoy every moment of it. xx
Have a tip that's saved you on competition day? Share it in the comments — this community is all about helping each other out.
Stock Up for Eisteddfod Season
Need to tick a few things off your eisteddfod checklist? Shop the full range at Active Style Dancewear — from tights and hair accessories to performance makeup and dance shoes, we've got everything your dancer needs to step onto that stage with confidence.