If you are a parent of a competitive dancer, you know how fun and exciting competing can be. If you are just starting to attend these events, however, they can feel overwhelming. Here is a parent's guide to getting through dance competitions Ohio that should help you cheer your son or daughter on while keeping your sanity and sense of humor intact.

There are many different dance competitions available for your child to compete in. It is normal for the dance studio where your child trains to choose several different events to compete in throughout the year. Keep in mind that different students may be attending different competitions. This is because some are geared more towards specific dance styles or experience levels.

You should also expect things to become much more intense and focused at the studio. Keep in mind that your child will often be rehearsing more and that they will be expected to polish their performance. They should know the basic choreography and will now be working on getting each detail perfect. Expect your dancer to be frustrated and uncertain at this point. It is all part of the process.

Some competitions take place over several days. If your child is dancing in more than one number, you should be prepared to be there for several days. You may want to find out how far away the competition is and decide whether you want to commute to and from the location each day or whether you want to get a hotel. If you are booking rooms make sure you book early enough as hotels can fill up quickly.

You may not think your son or daughter will have a lot to bring with them. Keep in mind that each dance will have a different costume. Some can be large and bulky especially if they involve a tutu. Shoes, small props and other items can also take up a lot of space. You may want to get a large suitcase that can be filled with costumes and other items. Wheels are a definite advantage since gear can quickly become very heavy.

As well as costumes and accessories, there are a few other things that you may want to throw in your dancer's bag. Extra hair elastics, bobby pins and styling products are a must. These break or get lost easily and it can be stressful to find replacements. You should also throw in a sewing kit as straps and other things can break suddenly. Snacks can also be good things to bring. Dancers will get hungry and if their numbers are not spaced out evenly there may not be time for you to go and grab regular meals. Don't be surprised if your dancer shares snacks and drinks with their teammates.

Prepare for a long day even if your dancer only has one or two numbers. It is normal for dancers to have to be there several hours before their first number so that they can have their hair and makeup done. They will also need to warm up. Often, awards ceremonies do not take place for hours so be prepared to stick around after your dancer is finished performing.

It's no surprise that dancers love to compete. In the end, there is nothing more exciting or rewarding than seeing your son or daughter on stage. You will be able to watch them doing what they love and putting all their hard work to the test.