Scheme...Dream...Plan
by Cindy Clough
Executive Director Just For Kix Camps

As competition season rolls around I thought sharing a few "secrets for success" may prove helpful to teams aspiring to improve their competitive ranking.
* Schedule a "DREAM TEAM" meeting. Schedule it far in advance to insure a great turn out. Have snacks to give it a fun and party atmosphere.
MUSIC
Ask everyone to bring music selections. Have several tape/CD players so you can have more than one "station" listening to music. The more people you have searching for great music...the more likely you are to find something out of the ordinary.
COSTUMING
-Think of how the costume will look from far away.
- Don't get caught up in wearing what everyone else is wearing. Check out other states, look at catalogs, design your own. As with choreography....DARE TO BE DIFFERENT.
-Visual impact is so important. How can your costume lend itself to the effectiveness of your dance? Different colors on the front and back will add pizazz. A contrasting color under the arms will add a splash of color during arm moves. How about a different color sleeve? Try having the inside of your skirt a different color. Head pieces can add so much....bows, hats, hoods, buns, flowers, plumes, etc. There are so many styles of sleeves.
-Sometimes it is interesting to wear contrasting shoes. A black unitard worn with white stockings and shoes can be a very effective way to show up footwork.
CHOREOGRAPHY
* Be open minded. "WE ALWAYS DO IT THIS WAY"......MAKES YOU DULL, BORING, AND PREDICTABLE. Tradition is OK but nothing is etched in stone. DARE TO BE DIFFERENT. TRY SOMETHING NO ONE ELSE HAS.
* Collect video tapes from other state competitions, nationals, etc. Have a group of dancers scanning videos for new and different moves.
* Divide up into small groups. One group can work on arm movements, jazz moves, transitions, kicks, formations, ripples, etc. This is a great way to come up with new moves and also to involve your entire group. Keep all of this information in a notebook that will be passed down from year to year. This can be used as a reference guide when you are in a pinch and need an 8 count to fill in somewhere.
ANALYZE YOUR COMPETITION
*As a team, watch the groups you competed against the previous years. Why did they win? (or if you won, what set you apart?) Take into consideration all areas such as:
* dance technique and skills
* flexibility
* choreography
* costuming
* stage presence/energy level
Analyze your performance. What are your strong areas? What was your weakest areas? Set goals as to what you want to improve on or maintain.
Your DREAM TEAM meeting can get you off to a great start. It involves everyone and helps you to learn to work as a TEAM.
Wayne Gretsky said, " I skate where the puck in going to be, not where it has been." In other words, look ahead, set trends, take a new path.