Competition season is here, and with long weekends, travel, pressure, and high expectations, it can either elevate your dancers or completely drain them. In this episode, Cara breaks down how to crush competitive season with intention by supporting dancers physically, mentally, and emotionally, without burning out your students or your staff.

This episode is packed with competition season strategy for dance studios, injury prevention in dancers, mental performance coaching, and smart scheduling for teachers, giving studio owners and educators a clear roadmap for navigating the busiest time of year with confidence and clarity.

Cara talked about:

• Why competition season must be approached with strategy, not survival mode.
• How overloading dancers physically during competition season leads to burnout and injury.
• The importance of separating technique class from rehearsal time.
• Why technique, not more choreography, is what actually improves competition performance.
• How emotional support is just as critical as physical training during long competition weekends.
• The role studio owners play in supporting teachers through the busiest season of the year.
• How studio culture during competition season directly affects dancer confidence and resilience.

Tips for Crushing Competitive Season:

• Schedule recovery-based classes after competition weekends.
• Use competition adjudications to guide technique goals, not punish mistakes.
• Teach dancers competition and convention etiquette so they feel prepared and confident.
• Build in rest and realistic expectations to prevent mental and physical overload.
• Check in with dancers before and after performances to support mindset and confidence.
• Support teachers with clear communication and appreciation, especially during peak weeks.
• Focus on long-term dancer development, not just short-term placements.

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