How To Know If You’re Ready For Solos

Before committing to solos for your child, there are a lot of things to consider.

I strongly believe that solos are a BIG commitment not only for the dancer but for the parent also.

Before making the commitment to compete in solos here are some important things to consider:

• Financial Impact

Solo lessons can be upward of $30 extra per week. It’s unlikely that you would get a ‘few’ lessons and then nothing else. You need to commit to a weekly/fortnightly lesson in most cases. If your dance bill already exceeds your budget, then you will need to consider this. In addition to the lessons, competition entries will set you back too. Some National competitions will be $80 or over per solo.

• Commitment

If you’re the family that doesn’t go to dancing when it’s your next-door neighbour's birthday or when you’ve had a big Friday night and Saturday morning classes are too hard so you just don’t go... solos aren’t for you.

• Organisation

You need to sort costumes, put in entries for numerous eisteddfods, keep your music sorted, and arrange the video to be recorded.

If you struggle to keep up with the demands of normal everyday commitments, maybe reconsider.

• Time Off

Consider whether your local competitions run during the school term and have solos on weekdays. Are you prepared for your dancer to have days off school to compete for her solo?

• Practice

Practice makes perfect. No point in having a 30-minute lesson if your dancer isn’t going to practice at home. You will need to get involved in practice. Be prepared.

I’m sorry (but not sorry) if I’m coming across as brutal but it’s the truth and you need to be prepared.

I’m saying all of that I can wholeheartedly say that solos are so incredibly beneficial to your dancer. They will learn so much, so much faster than in a class full of other dancers. It’s money well spent and when you take the right attitude, competitions are fun, enjoyable, and a way to make great friends for both you and your dancer.

I have such fond memories of my solo days. Lunches and dinners afterward with my Mum and time just the two of us with our other solo friends and their mums too.

If you’re thinking about solos, the best thing to do is chat to your teacher, talk to your dancer and your family and make a decision that is best for everyone involved.

Good Luck xx