Attending a youth dance competition is always an exciting experience, filled with anticipation, nerves, and pride. This past weekend, Lake Area Dance Center (LADC) participated in the Star Systems Dance Competition held at the Minneapolis Convention Center, marking the first competition of the year. While every venue and competition has its unique aspects, Star Systems offered a blend of positives and negatives worth noting for anyone considering attending or competing in the future.
We received prior notification that this particular Star Systems event would be smaller than previous competitions, advising participants to arrive at least two hours early, ready to perform. Our group aimed to arrive approximately four hours in advance. This early arrival was strategic, allowing us the opportunity to support all our dancers, from solos and trios to the younger groups, something often missed at larger events. We managed to catch the final solos and all trio performances, alongside the small and large group dances. Witnessing routines we don’t typically see, and celebrating their award wins, was a definite highlight of the day.
One concern heading into the competition was the tight scheduling, with quick changes required between routines. Our dancers were scheduled to perform tap, followed shortly after by jazz, and then lyrical, with minimal time in between. Fortunately, the schedule shifted, and our tap performance was moved forward, granting the girls a little more breathing room for costume changes. However, this schedule change meant warm-up time was condensed, though many dancers proactively practiced throughout the day to stay prepared.
Inside the Venue: Minneapolis Convention Center
The Minneapolis Convention Center provided a spacious setting for the Star Systems dance competition. Before the competition officially began, I captured some candid shots of Grace and a friend practicing, only to learn that photography was prohibited throughout the ballroom area, not just near the stage. While understanding restrictions around stage performances, extending the photo ban to the entire competition space was disappointing.
Grace and her friend practicing and goofing around before the competition.
The venue included a concession stand at the back, accompanied by a comfortable seating area suitable for dining and socializing. From this vantage point, the music volume was manageable, allowing for conversation, yet still audible enough to enjoy the performances in the background. Visibility of the stage was present, though dancers were less distinct from the rear. Concession prices at the Convention Center were notably high; a plain hotdog cost $4, and a small portion of breadsticks was priced at $3.25. Moving closer to the stage for a better view of the dancers meant contending with significantly louder music. Finding the right balance between audience comfort and dancers’ auditory needs is a common challenge at such events. It was observed that during tap routines, stage microphones were utilized, an addition that, while sounding somewhat unusual over the music, likely aided judges in clearly hearing the tap sounds.
Additional amenities included a “shopping table” offering programs, pins, apparel, and unique merchandise. Programs were priced at $12, which seemed steep, but other items were more reasonably priced. Star Systems uniquely awards ribbons instead of pins for achievements. However, Star Systems branded pins were available for purchase at $3, a welcome option for dancers who collect pins. A designated computer area allowed attendees to preview and order photos and videos of individual performances. Although I missed checking Grace’s performances due to the fluctuating schedule, the availability of online photos post-event is a convenient feature. A standout feature of the venue was the inclusion of a separate practice space. This was immensely appreciated, as many dance competitions see dancers practicing in hallways and any available space. The dedicated practice area at Star Systems ensured ample room to rehearse without disrupting others or routines.
The Competitive Atmosphere at Star Systems
Star Systems categorizes competitors by age and competitive level. Age divisions included Mini (8 & under), Junior (9-12), Teen (13-15), and Senior (16-18). Competitive levels were Shining Star (recreational), Shooting Star (intermediate), and Super Star (advanced/elite). LADC’s mini groups competed at the Shining Star level, while our junior dancers, including Grace, participated in the Shooting Star category.
The competition was relatively intimate, featuring fewer than ten studios, many of which were local. We recognized 4th Street Dance Centre (4SDC) and Lorenz Dance & Tumbling, both located near our studio. It was amusing for my daughter to spot school classmates performing with different studios, unaware of their dance involvement. We also enjoyed impressive performances from Kinkade Dance Industries and QC Dance, among other talented studios present.
A particularly positive aspect of this Star Systems competition was the remarkable sportsmanship and courtesy exhibited by the dancers. Across studios, dancers were heard wishing each other luck before performances and offering congratulations afterward. The studio owners and instructors should be commended for fostering such a supportive and respectful environment among their dancers.
Navigating the Schedule
As previously mentioned, the schedule was somewhat unpredictable. The unexpected advancement of our tap routine was a surprise. While it was a pleasant one, seeing our prop desks being set up when a mini jazz routine was anticipated highlighted the schedule’s fluidity. The schedule at Star Systems seemed to jump around, likely influenced by the smaller scale of the competition and the need to accommodate numerous costume changes. This variability made it challenging to track the progression and anticipate upcoming performances. Adding to the time pressure, Grace’s lyrical dance included a quick costume adjustment – removing scrubs and adding a hair clip. Standing stage-side, ready to assist with the quick change, provided a different perspective on the performance, quite unlike watching from the audience.
Dancers with prop desks backstage, ready for their performance.
Understanding the Scoring System
For those new to dance competitions, the scoring system can initially seem complex. Each dance receives a score, which corresponds to a placement level: High Silver, Gold, High Gold, or Platinum. Remarkably, Grace’s dances all achieved Platinum level scores at this Star Systems competition, a significant accomplishment and a source of great excitement for her and the team. Following the score announcement, dances are then ranked, typically in the top 1st, 2nd, and 3rd positions, sometimes extending to recognize the top 5 or 10. Grace’s group achieved 1st place overall for their tap routine, 2nd for jazz, and 3rd for lyrical – an outstanding set of results!
The evening culminated in the presentation of two Ultimate Achievement Awards, recognizing the highest-scoring routines across the Junior Shooting Star and Junior Super Star divisions. Grace’s tap performance to “Heads Will Roll” earned the Ultimate Achievement Award for the Junior Shooting Star division. This prestigious award, combined with the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place rankings, made it an exceptionally memorable night for Grace.
Grace holding her platinum trophy, celebrating her dance achievements.
Post-competition, we attempted a group photo, a task that proved somewhat chaotic with tired and elated dancers and teachers. Nevertheless, we managed to capture a few decent group shots to commemorate the day. While we didn’t attend the Teen/Senior competitions on Sunday, Lake Area Dance continued their success, securing the Shooting Star Ultimate Achievement award for dancers aged 13 and older. It was a proud moment for everyone associated with the studio.
A Chance to Give Back
Star Systems incorporated a charitable element into the competition. Studios were given the option to decline category winner trophies, with the competition instead donating the trophy value to a chosen charity. Participating studios could select to donate to Sandy Hook, St. Jude Children’s Fund, or the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Research Fund. Our studio, LADC, chose to donate to Sandy Hook, foregoing numerous category trophies. This initiative was commendable, and dancers in group numbers still received ribbons for their achievements. Trophies were still awarded for 1st place rankings and Overall Achievement awards.
Looking ahead, Lake Area Dance is set to participate in the Hall of Fame competition in a couple of weeks. We eagerly anticipate what this larger-scale event will bring for our dancers.
Share the Joy of Dance
Attending the Star Systems dance competition was a rewarding experience, highlighting the talent, dedication, and sportsmanship within the youth dance community. From venue considerations to schedule management and the excitement of awards, it offered valuable insights for dancers and dance families alike. The added element of charitable giving further distinguished this event, making it about more than just competition.
