What Canadian Dancers Really Think About Dance Competitions

We Asked 1,000 Dancers: How Many Comps Are You Hitting This Season?

Turns out… we got more than a number. We got trends, tips, and the tea—straight from studios across Canada.

Over 1,000 dancers, parents, and studio owners responded—and along with their competition counts, they shared honest feedback, frustrations, and suggestions that competition organizers might want to take seriously.

Let’s get into it.

The Average Canadian Dancer Is Going to Five Competitions This Year

That’s the magic number, according to our inbox. Most dancers across Canada are attending five competitions this season, with some attending more and others scaling back due to rising costs.  Here are some of the top searched links to: Top Searched Canadian Dance Competitions for Spring 2025, Canadian dance competitions, according to Google.

But behind that number are dozens of stories—about cost, accessibility, long weekends, late nights, and a lot of love for local comps.

Local Is In – Because Travel Costs Are Out

Studio owners were clear: they’re sticking close to home whenever possible.

Why? Because:

• Hotel and travel costs are pushing family budgets to the limit

• Staying local allows more dancers to participate

• Community events reduce stress and make the season more inclusive

A lot of teachers said the same thing: it’s not about cutting corners, it’s about making sure dance remains accessible and enjoyable for everyone, not just those who can afford flights and four nights in a hotel.

Search dance competitions close to home on Canada Dances.

“Why Does This Competition Start on a Thursday?” and Other Real Parent Complaints

Let’s talk about schedules. A common thread in our replies: weekday competition start times are hard on families.

As one parent put it:

 “How are we supposed to pay for the competition and take time off work to be there?”

There were also strong feelings about late-night performances by younger kids. Parents said it feels unnecessary and even unhealthy to keep kids performing past 10 pm.

Here’s the big question people kept asking:

Could competitions respect school and work schedules more?

We think there's a real opportunity here for organizers to lead with compassion, structure events around families, and protect the well-being of young dancers.

Here’s What Dancers and Parents Want Competitions to Fix

It wasn’t just about cost or timing. A lot of people chimed in with simple, fixable frustrations that could really improve the competition experience.

Livestreams

• Always show the dance number, routine title, and studio name

• Make it easy for families watching from home to follow along

• Some said livestreams felt like an afterthought—there’s room to elevate this experience

Competition owners: Here are a few simple ways to turn your livestream into a revenue stream. Links to: Monetize Your Dance Competition Livestream 

Competition Programs

• Put the date at the top of every page—when you’re flipping or scrolling through a thick booklet at 6:30 a.m., it helps

• Programs should be free if dancers have already paid registration fees

• Charging extra for a schedule felt “petty” to many families, especially when comps are already expensive

Awards

• Many said they miss the clarity of bronze, silver, and gold

• The current system is confusing, with categories like "Elite Diamond" and "High Platinum Plus" that feel more like credit cards than dance awards

• Simpler systems help dancers and parents understand their achievements without needing a translation

Studio Codes in Programs

• The value of studio codes wasn’t clear to some - “why not just list the studio name?”

• Flipping between a code sheet and the schedule wastes time and adds confusion, especially for first-timers.

The message here is clear: simplify and streamline. Competitions can still be high quality without being overly complicated.

Why Local Competitions Matter More Than Ever

While some dancers love the big-name comps, many families are turning to local events—and not just because of cost.

Local competitions offer real value:

• They’re more inclusive – more families can afford to participate

• They build community – studios support each other, not just compete

• They reduce stress – no longer travel days, packing, and extra expenses.

• They support local businesses – from venues to bakeries to print shops

When local comps are well-run, they’re just as impactful as national ones—and maybe even more so because of the heart and spirit behind them.

Looking for Competitions Near You?

We’ve put together a searchable list of dance competitions happening across Canada, organized by province and city.

What’s Next?

We’re not saying competitions need to be perfect. But we are saying there’s room for improvement—and a huge community that wants to help shape the future of dance in Canada.

Better scheduling, fairer pricing, easier-to-follow programs, and more family-friendly environments. These aren’t big asks. They’re the basics.

If you’re part of a competition team, consider this your feedback from the audience. If you’re a parent or dancer, keep speaking up. 

And if you're building something new in this space, there’s never been a better time to do it right!

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