The Role Of Feedback In Dance Competitions

We often tell our children and students that “it’s not about winning or losing — it’s about participation, effort, and growth.”

But somewhere along the way, especially in school, college, and inter-institutional dance competitions, it quietly starts becoming exactly about winning and losing.

Let me start by saying — Of course, this isn’t true for all schools or colleges — there are several that do make space for feedback and deeply value the learning process over just the results, and that effort truly stands out.

Having said that, I also understand the constraints. Schedules are packed. Events are back-to-back. Teachers and coordinators are working around the clock to ensure students get stage time, exposure, and opportunities to explore their talents. The effort behind putting together these events is enormous, and that in itself is no small feat. I really appreciate all of their efforts.

But amidst the applause and the trophies, I want to pause and bring attention to something that’s quietly slipping through the cracks: individual feedback.

⸻

The Problem Isn’t Winning — It’s Not Knowing Why You Didn’t

When students perform and go home with a certificate or a prize — or sometimes, nothing at all — what often lingers is this quiet confusion:

“What could I have done better?”

Or, for some, a silent resignation: “Maybe I’m just not good enough.”

Without thoughtful, personalised feedback, we leave performers guessing. And in the guessing, self-doubt creeps in. Assumptions are made.

The ones who win continue to win — because clearly, they’re doing something right.

The others? They’re left in the dark. Not because they lack talent, but because no one told them what to work on.

⸻

Feedback is the Cornerstone of Growth

As someone who’s been invited to judge dance competitions in schools, colleges, and cultural events, I always walk away with a mind full of notes — specific, actionable things I wish I could share with each performer or team. Insights that could genuinely help them improve, shift perspective, or unlock something new in their movement. But more often than not, there’s simply no space or time to share it. Maybe a rushed word backstage. A compliment in passing. A smile to a child I know has potential. But truthfully, it never feels like enough.

If we could create space — even just a few minutes per group or performance — for some direct, constructive feedback from the judges, it could spark real transformation.

A simple “This bit worked beautifully,” and “Here’s one thing to work on,” can make all the difference.

⸻

A Shift in Student Attitudes

That said, I’ve also started to notice something else — a subtle shift in the attitude of performers themselves. Not everyone is eager to hear feedback anymore.

Once the performance is over, many are happy to move on — not necessarily pausing to reflect or ask what could’ve gone better. And I get it. They’ve worked hard, it’s done, and they want to enjoy the moment.

But here’s the thing: even the best dancer in the room can improve.

And the hunger to learn — the curiosity to ask, “What next?” — is what truly sets great performers apart from good ones. That need to grow, to evolve — we need to nurture that again.

⸻

If Not Now, Then Later

If live, real-time feedback isn’t always possible due to packed schedules, perhaps we can think of a simple solution:

Allow judges to submit written comments or voice notes after the event, shared via email or uploaded onto a common platform.

Sure, it’s not as interactive as an in-person conversation, but it’s so much better than silence.

It gives performers something to return to. Something to work on. A starting point for their next leap forward.

It also teaches them a life skill — how to receive and process constructive feedback. That ability to listen, reflect, and improve is something they’ll carry far beyond the stage.

⸻

Let’s Bring the Focus Back to Growth

I love the thoughtful gifts, the beautiful certificates, the recognition.

But if I’m being honest, my real reward as a judge and as a teacher is when I give a student some honest feedback and something just clicks. I know time is a constraint. I know the logistics can be tricky. But I’ve seen it first-hand:

Their eyes light up. Their energy shifts. Their posture changes. You can see the fire to improve. That moment is when everything changes because now they’re excited not just to win, but to grow.

That’s what keeps me coming back to the studio. To the stage. To this work.

And that’s what stays with them far beyond any trophy.

So here’s a gentle request to schools, colleges, organisers, and fellow educators: Let’s find a way to bring feedback back into the room. Let’s make competitions not about just ranking, but also about learning.

Because in doing that, we don’t just create better dancers —

We create curious, resilient, open-hearted, reflective individuals, ready not just for the stage, but for life.