Upcoming Competition
So You Want To Dance? (SYWTD)
The Roedean Theatre Brighton
Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th January 2026
Roedean Way, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN2 5RQ,
Groups
Mini/junior Ballet Saturday 15:24
Mid/senior Ballet Saturday 19:36
Junior/Mid/Senior Jazz Sunday 14:38
Costumes
All our groups will be dancing bare foot in this competition.
Costumes will be handed out in class before the performance.
Hair
TBC - check back here in a couple of days
Tickets are on sale now
(dancers do not need a ticket)
Dance Competition Day
Competitions are such an exciting part of your child’s dance journey, a chance to perform, grow in confidence and celebrate everything they’ve achieved in class.
This guide takes you through everything you need to know before, during, and after competition day, so you and your dancer feel calm, organised, and ready to shine!
Before the Competition
Get Ready Early
Check your competition date, venue, and running order (we’ll share this above as soon as it’s released).
Plan travel time, aim to arrive at least one hour before your dancer’s first performance.
Pack the day before using the checklist below.
What to Bring
Essentials
Arrive in full make up with hair done [please do not wear your costume to the venue]
Arrive in your Just Dance Elevate Jacket
Costumes, labelled hung neatly and accessories in a labelled bag.
Tights/socks & shoes (you will be told in advance if needed)
Nude underwear or bodysuit (underwear cannot be visible at all)
Hairbrush, comb, grips, nets, hairspray, gel
Make-up kit (see details below)
Water bottle & healthy snacks
Spare tights and hair supplies
Nice extras
Small sewing kit
Portable mirror
Quiet entertainment for downtime
Safety pins, plasters, tissues, baby wipes
Make Up Guide
We aim for a natural, polished look that highlights dancers under stage lights, not heavy make-up. Below are just suggestions, if you already have make up at home please feel free to use that! The only must have is the lipstick, it is important all dancers wear exactly the same shade.
Base
Foundation, 1–2 shades darker than skin tone.
Set with translucent powder to avoid shine.
Eyes
Mascara
Cheeks & Lips
Soft pink blush
Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in shade “Latino 200”
All dancers should wear the same lip shade for a uniform stage look.
Hair Guide
Style
A slick, neat ballet bun unless otherwise instructed.
Tips
Match hair accessories to hair colour (bands, grips, nets).
Use gel or hairspray to secure flyaways.
Recommended tools
Fine-tooth comb, slick-back brush, hair elastics, grips, bun pins, bun net.
Costumes, Tights & Shoes
Under 11s: Pink ballet socks + pink ballet shoes.
11 and over: Pink ballet tights + pink ballet shoes.
Tights should be pink ballet tights or skin colour (spare pair recommended).
Underwear: Nude or seamless body suit
Keep costumes hung neatly and accessories in a labelled bag.
Final Checks Before You Go
✅ Just Dance Elevate Jacket
✅ Costumes, shoes, tights/socks packed
✅ Hair & make-up done and products in bag
✅ Snacks, water
✅ Labelled everything
✅ Times of dances written down
On the Day
Arrival
Arrive at least one hour before your child’s first performance with full hair and make up, wearing your Just Dance Elevate jacket.
Each competition is different but most don't allow parents backstage unless they have a chaperone licence. Therefore please arrive promptly so the teacher can meet every and take them back together.
As a default teachers will manage backstage with possible select chaperone licensed Just Dance parents.
Awards & Team Spirit
The expectation is to stay for the awards at the end of the section, it means a lot to the children.
All the dancers who performed in the section gather on stage for the awards. There is usually first, second and third place awarded. Usually each performance is given a report with feedback and a mark. The goal would be to improve your mark at the next competition however please be aware every judge is looking for something different so feedback and placing can vary.
At Just Dance we celebrate effort, attitude, and improvement above all else.
After the Competition
Celebrate Effort
Win or lose, your dancer has achieved something wonderful by performing!
Talk about what went well and what they enjoyed most.
Photos & Highlights
We’ll share photos and memories on our social pages. Please tag @justdanceuk if you capture any special moments. There will also be a professional photographer at the event with photos to purchase.
Feedback
Teachers will give performance feedback in class during the following week.
We would also love to hear about you and your child's experience. Where we could support you better or systems that you loved and think we should keep.
Thank you for your continued support and for helping make competitions such a positive, memorable experience for all our dancers.
We’re so proud of every child who steps on stage, they beautifully represent Just Dance through our values Care, Belong, Achieve, Adventure in everything they do.
Still Have Questions?
We’re here to help!
📩 [email protected]
Or just book a phone call or zoom video with Alex Harper, Just Dance Principal here. She looks forward to speaking to you.
BOOK A CHAT WITH ME HERE
Principal of Just Dance
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