Nerves begin to set in as freshman Abby Lodrigues stretches before the judges call her number for her group to perform. She hopes for the best performance of the night, but only has the opportunity to give it her all in one dance. In preparation for big shows, the group usually gets ready together.
“I get really nervous sometimes,” Lodrigues said, “but the group prayer helps me a lot.”
Lodrigues started dancing at age three and competing at age ten. Lodrigues competes at various competitions such as Encore, Showstopper, NYCDA and has gone to nationals at Dance Showcase, where her studio, A Step in Time, placed in second last year.
“I love competing against and watching all the dances I haven’t seen before,” Lodrigues said. “I learn a lot from them.”
In competitive dancing, dancers perform in front of judges in various styles, such as tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical and even clogging. Placing in a competition could mean opportunities to compete in higher competitions and even potential scholarships. Junior Annie McTighe began competing with A Step in Time at age seven and has placed in all platinums and diamonds at Dupree Dance Competition.
“Competing has made me a much better dancer,” McTighe said. “I’ve gotten to meet a lot of different choreographers and see new things.”
McTighe spends about 8 hours a week in the dance studio between classes, private lessons, and going to extra rehearsals to prepare for competition season. Travel can also be necessary for a competitive dancer, especially the higher they place. McTighe has had the opportunity to compete at both New York City and West Coast Dance Alliance.
“Competing makes me have to miss out on a lot of things,” McTighe said, “but it’s worth it.”
