Keeping It Light: A Dance Mom’s Guide to the Night Before the Dance Competition

The night before a dance competition can feel like a whirlwind of last-minute prep, nerves, and excitement. As a dance mom, I’ve learned that while it’s tempting to obsess over every detail, the best thing we can do—for our dancers and ourselves—is to keep it light and fun. Here are my best tips for making the night before competition stress-free and enjoyable!

1. Set the Vibe – Keep It Positive!

Your dancer will feed off your energy. If you’re stressed and running around frantic, chances are they’ll start feeling anxious too. Instead, keep the mood light! Play their favorite music, watch a fun (but short!) movie, or do a little family dance party in the living room. Laughter and joy are the best pre-competition fuel!

2. Enjoy That the Dance Competition Bag is Already Packed!

One of the best feelings the night before competition is knowing that the dance bag is already packed! By prepping everything three days before leaving, you’ve given yourself the gift of peace of mind. No scrambling to find missing shoes, tights, or hairpieces—just a quick double-check, and you’re good to go. This frees up time for a more relaxed evening with your dancer, making space for fun and rest instead of last-minute stress.

3. Hair & Nails – The Sooner, the Better

If your dancer needs their hair done for competition, consider prepping it the night before if you start earlier in the evening rather than waiting until bedtime. The same goes for nails—double-check they are clean and competition-ready. This helps prevent stress (and tired tears) when everyone is already winding down.

4. Hydrate & Fuel Up

Make sure your dancer drinks plenty of water and eats a well-balanced meal with protein, carbs, and some veggies. Avoid anything too heavy, sugary, or new to their system—competition day is not the time for tummy troubles!

5. A Little Pep Talk Goes a Long Way

A first competition can bring out some jitters. Remind your dancer that they’ve put in the work, and now it’s all about having fun and enjoying the moment. Confidence is key, and your words of encouragement will stick with them when they hit the stage.

Here are three positive affirmations to share with your dancer:

• I am strong, I am prepared, and I am ready to shine.

• I dance because I love it, and my joy will light up the stage.

• No matter what, I am proud of myself and my hard work.

A first competition can bring out some jitters. Remind your dancer that they’ve put in the work, and now it’s all about having fun and enjoying the moment. Confidence is key, and your words of encouragement will stick with them when they hit the stage.

6. Sleep is Gold

Make sure your dancer gets to bed early, but don’t stress if they take a little longer to fall asleep from excitement. A calming bedtime routine—like a warm bath, reading a book, or listening to soothing music—can help them relax. And let’s be real, dance moms: we need our rest too!

Bonus: Tips for Moms!

• Lay Out Your Outfit Too – You’ll be running around in the morning, so have your comfy (but stylish!) dance mom gear ready to go.

• Pack Snacks for Yourself – Competitions can be long days, and no one wants a hangry dance mom.

• Set Multiple Alarms – Because let’s be honest, waking up at 5 AM for hair and makeup is no joke.

• Breathe & Enjoy the Moment – Your dancer only gets one first competition. Take it all in and celebrate their hard work!

Competition season is a journey, but the night before doesn’t have to be stressful. Keep it light, keep it fun, and wake up ready to cheer your dancer on!

What are your favorite pre-competition night traditions? Let’s share in the comments!