Dance competitions are a whirlwind of energy, passion, and incredible talent, and the Masquerade Dance Competition stands out as a truly memorable event. For years, our dance community has eagerly anticipated this competition, and this year was no exception. While every competition brings its own rhythm and flow, this year’s Masquerade event seemed to have a unique cadence, making for a day filled with both anticipation and excitement.
One thing is certain about dance competitions: they require dedication and stamina, not just from the dancers, but from everyone involved. This year, our day was particularly extended, beginning bright and early and stretching late into the evening. Our first performance was slated for late morning, around 10:30 am, arriving sooner than the scheduled 11:00 am slot. However, the day unfolded at a vibrant pace, and our final bows weren’t until much later, with awards extending past 10:30 pm. In total, we immersed ourselves in the dance world for close to fourteen hours. Witnessing the tireless dedication of the dance teachers, navigating these marathon days weekend after weekend, is truly inspiring.
The Premier Venue: Burnsville Performing Arts Center
This year, the Masquerade Dance Competition elevated its stage, hosting the Elite level competitors at the prestigious Burnsville Performing Arts Center (PAC). Moving from the familiar Hopkins High School Auditorium of last year, the PAC offered a significant upgrade in space and ambiance. We immediately appreciated the PAC’s expansive lobby, the grandeur of the auditorium, and the tranquil beauty of its courtyard. These amenities contribute significantly to a more relaxed and enjoyable competition experience for dancers and families alike.
Dancers in costume at a dance competition venue
Venue considerations extend to practicalities like food and refreshments. While a nearby Subway offers quick bites, past experiences with catered subs at the concession stand have been less than ideal – often resulting in soggy sandwiches. However, this year presented a pleasant surprise. The concession offered hoagie-style subs, distinct from Subway, and even fresh salads. Although we still opted for our trusted Subway run, the non-soggy sandwiches available at the PAC were a promising alternative. Adding an unexpected twist for a dance event, the evening brought the option of wine, bottled beer, and mixed cocktails for the adults – a first in our dance competition experience!
Another vendor that caught our attention was the Maui Wowie smoothie booth. In a moment of parental encouragement, a smoothie wager was made: successfully execute a challenging move in the jazz routine, and a Maui Wowie smoothie would be the reward. However, a slight hiccup arose – each smoothie contained banana, an ingredient to which Grace is allergic. The Maui Wowie team kindly accommodated by preparing a banana-free smoothie, though without rinsing the blender. While we hoped the minimal residue would be inconsequential, by evening’s end, Grace experienced a swollen tongue and itchy mouth, a clear allergic reaction. Lesson learned: Benedryl is now a permanent fixture in our Dream Duffel for every competition, ensuring we’re prepared for unexpected sensitivities.
Schedule Structure: Dance Style Organization
This year’s Masquerade Dance Competition schedule adopted a different structure, organizing performances by dance style. Each style category – from ballet to jazz – was then segmented by age and competitive level, starting with petite recreational (under 8 years old) through to elite, followed by juniors (8-12 years old) in the same recreational to elite progression.
The day commenced with solos, duets, and trios, setting a high bar for individual and small group performances. The schedule then flowed through blocks of dance styles: ballet, tap, and musical theater. A break punctuated the morning, featuring an awards ceremony focused on adjudication rather than placement for our studio. Post-awards, the competition resumed with petite elite duo/trios, lyrical dances, pom pom routines, and petite elite solos. The afternoon and evening segments showcased hip hop, large group “Lines” performances, and concluded with jazz routines and the final solos of the day, interspersed with announcements of encore performances. This structured approach, grouping similar dance styles, offered a cohesive viewing experience and allowed audiences to appreciate the breadth of talent within each genre.
Judging and Accolades: High Standards and Big Wins
The Masquerade Dance Competition is known for its rigorous judging, and this year maintained that reputation. During the initial awards ceremony, our dancers received a high gold for their tap performance. Platinum awards were selectively distributed, primarily to Elite Level dancers, underscoring the high standards of the competition. However, the judging rigor didn’t dampen spirits; our team delivered heartfelt performances, earning platinum awards for both their lyrical and jazz dances – a testament to their hard work and dedication.
Dance judges evaluating a performance at a dance competition
Further accolades followed, with our jazz dance achieving 3rd place in the Junior Intermediate Large Group category and their lyrical piece securing 1st place in the same division. While the tap routine didn’t place, the dancers’ commitment and effort were undeniable.
The awards ceremonies, while celebratory, did stretch on. After what was anticipated to be the final announcement relevant to our dancers, attention shifted to packing up. It was past 11:00 pm, and exhaustion was setting in. Shortly after, the dancers returned from the stage, buzzing with excitement about their first-place win. Amidst the chatter, snippets emerged about an award for “being the best” with their lyrical dance, culminating in one dancer exclaiming, “and then when they started playing our music, I couldn’t believe it!!” Confusion turned to elation as it was revealed: “Best in Show!” The announcement had been missed amidst the preparations to leave. Their lyrical dance had achieved the highest score of the day in the Junior Intermediate level – an incredible achievement!
Adding to the excitement, several dancers from our studio were selected for the Parade of Stars at Nationals. This prestigious honor offers selected dancers the opportunity to perform in the opening number at the Final Award Ceremony during the summer National Competition. Masquerade Nationals are set to be held at the same Burnsville venue, adding a layer of familiarity and anticipation for the summer event.
One aspect of the awards ceremony that differed from preference was the stage presentation. Only first-place winners were invited to the stage front, bow, and then return to their group. A personal preference leans towards recognizing the top placements – at least the top three – together on stage, allowing for studio and teacher acknowledgments.
The Masquerade “Store” and Important Competition Insights
A perennial favorite at the Masquerade Dance Competition is the “store.” This merchandise area is a vibrant hub offering a wide array of Masquerade-themed items. From colorful masks synonymous with the competition’s name to comfortable sweatpants and pajama pants, the store caters to both dancers and dance enthusiasts. Various shirt styles are available, including the popular commemorative shirt featuring all dancer names on the back, alongside jewelry and other dance-related merchandise. Priced at just $7, the programs were a great value, and the “city package” offered an even more comprehensive deal at $55, including a program, pen/highlighter combo, a studio/dancer name t-shirt, and sweatpants.
Merchandise at the Masquerade Dance Competition store
An important takeaway from this competition, especially for dance parents and studio helpers, was a crucial rule regarding prop assistants: individuals assisting with props on stage should not wear any studio-identifying attire. Judges are intentionally provided with studio letter designations to maintain impartiality. Studio identities are meant to be concealed to prevent bias. While Masquerade may not be as stringent on this rule, some competitions enforce it strictly, potentially impacting scores if violated. Unknowingly, studio apparel was worn while assisting with chairs for the tap routine earlier in the day. This serves as a valuable reminder for future competitions to ensure compliance with all regulations, however minor they may seem.
Despite the long hours, the Masquerade Dance Competition remains a highly favored event. Its high-energy atmosphere, personable and relatable judges, and ability to maintain excitement throughout the day are significant draws. The awards ceremonies are lively, even if the first-place spotlight is brief. And the “Best in Show” pin? Definitely a coveted and awesome memento of a top achievement! Masquerade consistently delivers a positive and memorable experience for dancers and their families.
Related Posts:
Masquerade Dance Competition 2011
Masquerade Dance Competition 2012
Masquerade Nationals 2012
