: A theme is not required, however my experience
is that judges remember the routines with a theme or prop.
Props: If you use a prop, practice with it. Make sure you can take off
any jackets or accessories without tripping or getting stuck.
Upbeat: Your routine needs energy from the beginning to the end,
especially the end to show your endurance. Upbeat music keeps the judges excited
while slow music may bore them.
Stage Presence: Smile, Eye Contact, Make Faces, etc… If you are always
looking at the judges, then they will always be looking at you! Wink and make
cheesy expressions like you are really feeling the music.
Costume: Costume should fit both the theme of your music and your body
type. It should be bright and/or glitzy (jewels, sequins, etc..) You really want
it to show up on stage. It should not be distracting or have lots of fringes or
pieces that fall of on the floor. Don’t forget the shoes and socks. They should
match as well.
Hair: If you have long hair and tumble wear it up so it is not
distracting or so it doesn’t get in your face. Save the pretty hair for the
swimsuit round.
Skills: If you are not a gymnast, do not attempt to be. Leave the
starting point of gymnastics to back walkovers. No cartwheels. No round offs….it
looks as if something should follow. Do what you are best at. Dance,
Flexibility, Strength. Some competitions require specific strength moves. If
these are not your best skill and they are not required, stick with your
gymnastics or dance.
