Keeping It Fun and Building Community

Are you ready to take your line dancing journey to the next level? If you've ever watched a line dance competition and thought, "That looks like fun!" you're not alone. Many dancers start line dancing for the joy of it – the catchy music, the friendships, and the pure fun of moving in sync with others.

The great news is that stepping into competition doesn’t mean stepping out of that fun. Competitions can actually amplify the excitement and help you grow as a dancer while keeping the reason you started – enjoyment – front and centre.

Why Try a Line Dance Competition?

Competitions are about more than trophies – they’re about setting personal challenges, learning new skills, and celebrating the dance we love. When you sign up for a line dance competition, you give yourself a goal to work towards, and that can reignite your passion and motivation to practise.

You’ll probably find yourself refining your steps, improving your timing, and adding a bit of flair to your movements. With each practice session, you’re growing as a dancer.

Most importantly, entering a competition doesn’t mean losing sight of why you fell in love with line dancing. It’s essential to keep it fun and remember the joy of dancing. The best performances come when you’re enjoying the dance. Years down the line, you’ll cherish the memories of the experience far more than any particular result.

So stay relaxed, smile, and let the music move you – the judges and audience will feel your positive energy.

Community Spirit: Bringing Dancers Together

One of the greatest benefits of line dance competitions is the way they bring the community together. At these events, you’ll meet fellow line dancers from different clubs, towns, and regions. The atmosphere is typically supportive and social – more like a big dance party than a fierce showdown.

Competitions help to:

• Connect dancers and clubs from different areas
• Create shared goals and events to look forward to
• Encourage collaboration and support between dancers
• Celebrate all levels of achievement, not just the winners

Line dancing has always been a social dance form. Unlike partner dances, everyone shares the same floor without needing a partner, so no one feels left out. That same inclusive spirit flows into competitions – it feels like you’re among friends, all rooting for each other.

Many competitors say they gain new friends and strengthen existing connections through these events. The community grows stronger when we gather to dance, whether it’s at a social night or on a competition stage.

Something for Everyone: All Ages and Skill Levels

One common misconception is that competitions are only for elite dancers or the young – not true! Line dance competitions are usually structured to be inclusive for all ages and skill levels.

You’ll often find:

• Beginner/basic divisions
• Improver and intermediate/standard divisions
• Advanced, freestyle, and showmanship divisions
• Team or group categories
• Age-based divisions for kids, teens, adults, and seniors

That means you can choose a level that suits you – whether you're dancing a simple beginner routine or trying a full-blown freestyle or showmanship category where you can add your own flair.

Age is truly just a number in line dance. It’s not unusual to see a 60-year-old beginner and a 16-year-old newcomer, both having a blast on the same competition day. Each will dance in an appropriate category, but they’ll share the floor in social dances and cheer each other on.

Line dancing naturally welcomes everyone, from the young to the young-at-heart. No matter your age or how long you’ve been dancing, there’s a place for you at a competition.

Growing with Guidance: Your Teacher Has Your Back

Preparing for a competition is a fantastic way to improve your dancing. With the support of your line dance teacher, you can polish your style and gain confidence before you compete. Most instructors are thrilled when their students show interest in competing.

Your teacher can help you:

• Select the right category: They can suggest which division best matches your current level so you feel comfortable and enjoy the experience.
• Perfect technique: Ask for feedback on your form, timing, and clarity of steps. Small corrections can make a big difference.
• Refine choreography and styling: If you’re dancing freestyle or your own routine, your teacher can help you tidy it up and add styling that suits you.
• Do mock performances: Running your routine in front of your class or at a social can help you get used to dancing with eyes on you.

Practising with fellow dancers can also boost your confidence. Get together with friends from class to run through your dances. You’ll encourage each other, share tips, and make the preparation process fun.

Tips for a Fun and Successful Competition Experience

Stepping onto the competition floor for the first time might give you butterflies. But with a little preparation and the right mindset, you can make it an experience you’ll enjoy and remember fondly.

• Keep fun first: Compete with a smile. If you’re having fun, it shows. Judges and spectators love to see dancers who are genuinely enjoying themselves.
• Master the fundamentals: Know your choreography and timing well. Clean, confident dancing usually beats flashy but messy moves.
• Add a bit of showmanship: Once you’re confident with the steps, add your personality – a bit of extra energy, eye contact, and a happy smile.
• Look after yourself: Wear an outfit you feel good in, warm up properly, stay hydrated, and bring snacks if it’s a long day.
• Be supportive: Cheer for other competitors, make friends, and soak up the atmosphere. Competitions are as much about sharing the joy of dance as they are about scores.
• Focus on progress, not perfection: Treat each competition as a learning experience. Every time you step on the floor, you grow as a dancer.

A New Stage for NZ Dancers: LDNZ "THE LINEUP (NZ)" Competition

If you’re in New Zealand, you’ve got an exciting opportunity ahead. LDNZ is starting a new line dance competition event "THE LINEUP (NZ)", creating a platform for dancers to showcase their skills and connect with fellow enthusiasts from around the country.

The vision is simple:

• Promote line dancing across all generations and styles in Aotearoa
• Provide a fun, supportive space for dancers to test their skills
• Offer categories for across age groups and levels – from basic to full-blown freestyle with showmanship
• Bring clubs and communities together under one roof

This article is designed to get you thinking about entering that very competition. With time to prepare, guidance from your teacher, and support from your dance friends, you’ll be ready to step out and give it a go.

Imagine dancers from all over New Zealand, gathering to dance, cheer, and celebrate together. That’s the kind of atmosphere Linedance NZ aims to create with its new competition.

Step Into the Spotlight – You’ve Got This!

Line dance competitions offer a fantastic way to challenge yourself, connect with others, and celebrate the joy of dance. They’re not about pressure or perfection – they’re about participation, progress, and most importantly, having a good time.

From local fun events to the new LDNZ "THE LINEUP (NZ)" yearly competition, there’s a place on the dance floor for all ages and all levels. Dust off those dance boots, chat with your teacher, and consider signing up.

With the right mindset, practice, and support, you might surprise yourself with what you can achieve. The spotlight is waiting – and it’s shining on a community that will welcome you with open arms.

After all, line dancing started with a simple love for dance, and in competition or out, that love only grows stronger. See you on the dance floor!