The Trick Trap: What Judges Really Think (And Why It Matters For Your Dancers) - Studio Owner Tips

Let’s talk about something that’s been quietly building in our industry for years.

The tricks are getting bigger.
The dancers are getting younger.
And the expectations? Higher than ever.

If you’ve been in the competition world lately, you’ve seen it. Six pirouettes where two would do. Legs beyond 180. Back flexibility that makes you hold your breath.

And the applause is loud.

But here’s the uncomfortable question:

Just because they can… does it mean they should?

The Pressure Is Real

Studio owners are in a tough spot.

Parents see Instagram.
Dancers see what’s winning.
Judges reward difficulty.

And suddenly, the unspoken message becomes: more is better.

But when we zoom out and think long-term - especially about professional pathways - a lot of what’s trending in competition choreography doesn’t actually align with real-world industry expectations.

Broadway doesn’t need extreme contortion.
Contemporary companies aren’t asking for acro passes in every phrase.
Commercial auditions require adaptability, precision and control - not just extremes.

So what are we training for?

The Inch That Changes Everything

One of the biggest takeaways from this week’s podcast was something so simple - and so powerful.

An inch.

Cara explains that being just an inch off in pelvic alignment can completely change how the leg sits in the hip socket. That inch can mean the difference between clean turnout and grinding into the joint.

And here’s the thing.

When dancers are little, their bodies are more mobile. Softer. More pliable.

It can look impressive.

But that doesn’t mean it’s safe.

As teachers, we have to hold the long game in mind. Because while a seven-year-old might be able to force something today, the long-term impact might show up years later.

That’s a heavy responsibility. But it’s also a privilege.

Muscle Memory Is Real

If you’ve ever tried to retrain a senior dancer’s alignment, you know how hard it can be.

They’ve spent years building patterns. Years lifting the leg “that way.” Years gripping instead of activating.

And sometimes when you fix their alignment, their line temporarily looks smaller.

That can feel defeating - for them and for you.

But here’s what matters:

Correct alignment builds longevity.

And the body actually wants to be in the right place. When dancers feel proper engagement, things start working with less strain.

That’s where real technique lives.

Competition vs Career

One of the most powerful moments in the conversation was this:

Competition trophies don’t go on a resume.

That doesn’t mean competition is bad. It can be an incredible learning experience. It builds resilience. Stage confidence. Feedback.

But if a dancer wants to be on Broadway, are they training in musical theatre style? Are they singing? Are they learning the nuances of storytelling?

If they want to join a contemporary company, are they building strong ballet foundations?

We can’t just train what wins this year.
We have to train for where they’re going.

The Courage to Lead Differently

Here’s the hardest part.

Sometimes leading well means disappointing someone.

It means telling a parent, “Yes, she can do that trick — but we’re not putting it in her solo.”

It means choosing alignment over applause.
Longevity over likes.
Fundamentals over flash.

And that’s not always popular.

But it’s leadership.

As studio owners, we set the culture. We set the standards. We decide what excellence looks like inside our walls.

And maybe excellence isn’t about extremes.

Maybe it’s about sustainability.
Strength.
Understanding.
Confidence that lasts longer than a season.

If you’re in the thick of comp choreography right now, here’s something to sit with:

Are we pushing for what’s impressive…
Or what’s aligned with our dancers’ futures?

There’s no judgement here. Just reflection.

Because at the end of the day, our job isn’t just to produce winning routines.

It’s to protect, prepare and empower the humans in front of us.

And sometimes the bravest thing we can do…
is choose differently.

If this conversation resonates, go have a listen to the full episode. It might just give you the permission you didn’t realise you needed.