Comp Hangovers & Trophies in the Bin: Real Talk About Dance Comps For Studio Owners

There’s this moment after the last comp of the year, when the adrenaline finally drops, the props are back at the studio, and you’re staring at a dream duffel still packed with sparkly chaos, and you just sit. A bit broken, a bit proud, and wondering how on earth you survived it… again.

We call it the comp hangover. And it’s real.

This year, like so many, was huge. Massive days, mountains of costumes, ribbons shoved into handbags, and more carpark meltdowns than we care to count. But also? It was magic. The kind of magic that comes with watching your students shine, cheer each other on, and grow in all the ways that matter most.

So here’s our honest, no-filter wrap-up of the 2025 comp season, and what we learned (and unlearned) along the way.

Burnout Is a Studio-Wide Problem

Let’s be honest: comp season can be brutal. Not just for us, but for our dancers, our families, and our staff. Between solo comps, troop rehearsals, traveling weekends and everything in between - it’s a lot.

And for studio owners trying to do it all? It’s easy to fall into the trap of being everywhere for everyone. At some point, we’ve all sat through 8 hours of solos on a Sunday, telling ourselves it’s “supporting the kids.” But here’s the hard truth: if it’s not scalable, it’s not sustainable.

Awards Should Be About Experience, Not Just Rankings

Let’s talk about awards for a sec.

Participation ribbons? We used to roll our eyes. Until we became dance mums. Now we see what those tiny tokens mean to little hearts. But giving studio owners a handful of crumpled ribbons at the end of a 14-hour day and hoping they make it into the right hands? That’s a system designed to fail.

Wouldn’t it be amazing if every child got their ribbon or certificate on stage, in the moment, feeling seen? Better yet, what if we focused more on “best sportsmanship” or “most supportive studio” than just who placed?

The memory lasts longer than the medal. Trust us.

Trophies Often End Up in the Bin

We said it. And we know we’re not alone.

We’ve taken home boxes of trophies that have no home, no meaning, and no real value to the kids who didn’t get to hold them. What they do remember? That moment a teacher joined their 360 photo. The dance-off at awards. The cheer from their mates.

We’d trade five trophies for one incredible memory any day.

Comp Organisers: We See You (But Please See Us Too)

Some comps do it brilliantly. From Panadol packs and tea rooms to dedicated teacher viewing areas—those little touches make a world of difference. It shows us you value the time, money and energy we pour into this.

Others? Not so much. No greeting. No space. Cranky staff. Poor communication. And while we know running comps is hard work, it’s still a business. And customer service matters.

Studio owners are your repeat clients. Let’s be treated like it.

The Costume Epiphany

This season gave us a new lens on costumes. What looks fierce in class can feel awkward under stage lights. Add an eight-year-old, a leotard, and a very exposed piece of choreography… and you’ve got a moment no parent wants to witness.

We’ve started doing test runs - putting the costumes on before making final choices. And reminding our teachers that tracksuits in class don’t always tell the full story.

So… Was It Worth It?

Every year, we ask ourselves this. Every year, we come back.

Not because we love the chaos (although… a little). But because we love the kids. The confidence they gain. The team bonds. The resilience. The sparkle. The joy.

And because when done right, comps can be a powerful, positive part of studio culture.

Your Turn

If you’ve just wrapped your own season and you’re feeling the hangover too - we’re right there with you. We’d love to hear what you loved, what you hated, and what you’ll never do again.

Come join the convo in our Tribe and get 1 week free, because you shouldn’t have to figure it all out on your own.

Let’s build a comp culture that serves everyone a little better next season.