First-Time Competitor's Guide to Commonwealth Classic
Image credit: Dance Production House
So you've decided to take the leap—you're competing at your first ballroom dance competition! Whether you're a Pro/Am student, an Amateur partnership, or a Junior dancer, that first competition experience is both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. We want your Commonwealth Classic debut to be everything you've dreamed of, so here's your complete guide to making the most of your first competition weekend.
Before You Arrive
Know Your Schedule
Once registration closes, you'll receive your heat list showing exactly when you'll be dancing. Pro tip: those times are approximate. Competitions can run ahead or behind schedule, so plan to arrive early and stay aware of what's happening on the floor.
Pack Smart
Here's your essential competition bag checklist:
For Dancing:
Competition costumes (packed carefully to avoid wrinkles)
Dance shoes (Latin and Standard/Smooth if competing in both)
Shoe brush and backup heel protectors
Safety pins, fashion tape, and a small sewing kit
Extra tights or stockings
Hair supplies (bobby pins, hairspray, hair nets)
Makeup and touch-up supplies
Deodorant and body wipes
For the Long Day:
Comfortable clothes and shoes for between heats
Snacks and water (competitions are marathon days)
Phone charger and portable battery
Cash for vendors and concessions
A small bag to carry essentials while you watch other heats
Prepare Your Routines
In the weeks leading up to Commonwealth Classic, focus on consistency over perfection. You want your routines to be muscle memory so nerves don't derail you on competition day. Practice your entrances and exits—they're often forgotten but make a huge impression on judges.
Competition Day: What to Expect
Check-In and Registration
When you arrive at the Boston Marriott Burlington, head to the registration desk. If you're part of a studio group, your coach will typically handle this, collecting everyone's heat lists and competitor numbers. Double-check your heats immediately—if there are any errors or conflicts, now is the time to address them.
The Venue Layout
Familiarize yourself with the ballroom layout: where the competition floor is, where judges sit, where you'll enter and exit, and where spectators watch from. Find the changing areas, restrooms, and food areas. Knowing the logistics helps you feel more in control.
Warm Up Wisely
Most competitions have practice floors or designated warm-up times. Use this to get comfortable in your shoes, feel the floor surface, and run through tricky sections of your routines. But don't exhaust yourself—save your energy for when it counts.
Staying on Schedule
Keep an ear on what's being called to the floor. Competitions typically announce several heats ahead. When your heat is "on deck" (next up), make your way to the staging area. Have your competitor number visible, check your appearance one last time, and take a few deep breaths.
On the Floor: Making It Count
The Moment You've Been Waiting For
When you step onto that competition floor, remember why you're there: because you love to dance. The judges are looking for confidence, musicality, technique, and that spark that makes you unique. Smile, connect with your partner (or coach), and enjoy every second.
It Goes By Fast
Your heat will feel like it's over in a blink. That's normal. Don't try to think through every step—trust your training and let your body do what it knows how to do. If you make a mistake, recover gracefully and keep dancing. Judges appreciate resilience.
After You Dance
Exit the floor with the same energy and poise you brought to your entrance. Thank your partner or coach, then find your studio group or family. Take a moment to process what just happened—you did it!
Managing Competition Day Nerves
Let's be honest: you're going to be nervous. Even seasoned competitors get butterflies. Here's how to channel that nervous energy:
Breathe. Deep belly breaths activate your parasympathetic nervous system and calm you down.
Stay present. Don't spiral into "what if" thinking. Focus on what's right in front of you.
Remember your "why." You're not here to be perfect. You're here because you love dancing.
Support others. Cheering for your fellow competitors takes your mind off your own nerves and builds community.
Trust your training. You've put in the work. Your body knows what to do.
Between Heats: Pacing Yourself
If you're competing in multiple heats throughout the day, energy management is key:
Stay hydrated and fed. Small, frequent snacks are better than heavy meals.
Rest when you can. Find a quiet spot to sit and recover between heats.
Watch strategically. Watching other dancers can be inspiring, but don't compare yourself. Use it to learn, not to psych yourself out.
Keep moving. Light stretching between heats keeps your body warm and ready.
After the Competition
Awards and Results
Commonwealth Classic typically holds awards ceremonies throughout the event and at the end of each day. Whether you place or not, celebrate what you accomplished. Your first competition is about the experience, not the trophy.
Reflect and Learn
In the days after the competition, think about what went well and what you'd like to work on. Maybe you nailed your technique but want to work on performance quality. Maybe you felt great on Smooth but struggled with Latin. This feedback is gold for your training moving forward.
The Competition Bug
Fair warning: after your first competition, you'll probably want to do another. And another. There's something addictive about that competition energy, the personal growth, and the community you become part of. Welcome to the world of competitive ballroom dance!
Final Thoughts
Your first competition at Commonwealth Classic is a milestone you'll remember forever. Years from now, you'll look back on this weekend as the moment you truly became a competitor. Embrace every moment—the nerves, the excitement, the mistakes, the victories, all of it.
Remember: every champion on that floor was once exactly where you are now. They felt the same butterflies, made the same mistakes, and discovered the same love for competition. You belong here.
We can't wait to see you on the floor this November. Welcome to the Commonwealth Classic family.
See you at the Boston Marriott Burlington, November 6-8, 2026!