My Story of Transitioning to Virtual Competitions — What Changed

Starting with the Shift to Virtual

When the pandemic hit, everything shifted to virtual platforms, including dance competitions. As someone who had always competed in person, the idea of transitioning to virtual competitions was both exciting and daunting. I had never imagined performing in front of a camera instead of a live audience, but like many others, I had to adapt quickly.

The first step was setting up my space. I had to create a practice area that not only looked professional but was also functional. This meant paying attention to lighting, background, and of course, the camera angle, which became crucial for capturing every move. Virtual competitions brought new elements to the table, and I had to learn how to make the most of them.

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Initial Challenges of Virtual Competitions

While the shift to virtual competitions was an exciting challenge, it didn’t come without its difficulties. One of the biggest hurdles I faced was the lack of immediate feedback from a live audience and the judges. In person, you can feel the energy in the room, and there’s an instant connection with the crowd. However, performing alone in front of a camera felt isolating at times.

Technical Issues: Another challenge I had to navigate was dealing with technical glitches—poor video quality, sound delays, and interruptions during my performance. These were all new obstacles to overcome, but I learned to handle them by improving my video setup and practicing with the technology beforehand.

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How I Adapted to the New Format

Adapting to virtual competitions took some time and experimentation. I started by embracing the format and understanding that virtual competitions would require me to bring something different to the table. Without the live audience, I realized that I had to find ways to express the emotion and energy of my performance directly through the camera.

Creating a Connection: I focused on my expressions and the way I connected with the camera, almost like I was performing for an individual instead of a room full of people. I also learned to use the camera’s lens as a way to amplify my movement, ensuring that the energy of my dance came through in the video.

Recording and Reviewing: With virtual competitions, I had the advantage of recording my performances. This allowed me to review the video and make adjustments, something I never had the opportunity to do in live competitions. I could analyze my technique, timing, and overall presence, making improvements before submitting the final performance.

Impact on Performance and Judging

The shift to virtual competitions also brought changes to how performances were judged. Instead of being judged in person, where body language and the audience’s reaction played a significant role, judges now had to evaluate the performance based on what they saw on screen. This meant that presentation became even more important, as the visual quality of the performance had a direct impact on the judging process.

Filming Tips: The quality of the video became a factor in how the performance was judged. Lighting, camera angles, and clarity were all crucial elements. I learned that setting up proper lighting and positioning the camera at the right angle could make a huge difference in how my performance was perceived.

Focus on Technique: Since judges could no longer see every small detail in person, I paid extra attention to the clarity of my movements. Virtual competitions allowed me to slow things down and focus on perfecting my technique before filming. This also helped with the overall presentation of the performance, ensuring that every movement was clear and sharp.

Personal Growth Through Virtual Competitions

Despite the challenges, virtual competitions helped me grow as a dancer. They taught me to be more self-reliant and proactive in my preparation. Without the external motivation of a live audience, I had to dig deeper and push myself to stay focused and disciplined. This self-motivation has carried over into my in-person competitions as well.

Self-Reflection: One of the key benefits of virtual competitions was the ability to review my performances. This gave me a chance to reflect on areas where I could improve, whether it was my stage presence or the way I executed certain moves. I became more critical of my work, and that helped me refine my skills.

Learning to Adapt: Virtual competitions also made me more adaptable. I had to quickly learn how to work with different setups, technology, and online platforms. This ability to adapt to changing circumstances has helped me in all aspects of my life, both in dance and beyond.

The Future of Virtual Competitions

Looking ahead, I believe that virtual competitions will continue to be an integral part of the dance world. Even after the world returns to in-person events, the convenience and accessibility of online competitions make them a valuable option for dancers across the globe.

Hybrid Competitions: I envision a future where virtual and in-person competitions coexist. Hybrid competitions that offer both online and in-person participation could provide more opportunities for dancers to compete on a global scale, without the logistical challenges of travel.

Expanding Access: Virtual competitions also open the doors for dancers who may not have the resources to travel for in-person events. They make dance competitions more accessible to a wider audience, allowing talent to shine regardless of location or financial situation.

If you’re looking to learn more about navigating virtual competitions or need advice on preparing for your next dance performance, check out Creative Edge Dance Studio for helpful tips, resources, and guidance!