When it comes to dance competitions, every detail matters. While technique and choreography are paramount, the right dance competition accessory choices can make the difference between a good performance and a championship-winning routine. Judges notice everything—from the way your hair bow stays perfectly in place during a challenging turn sequence to whether your earrings catch the stage lights at just the right moment.
Understanding what competition judges actually look for when it comes to accessories can give your team the competitive edge needed to stand out on the floor. After years of working with winning dance teams and receiving feedback from industry professionals, we've compiled the ultimate guide to dance competition accessory do's and don'ts that every serious competitor needs to know.
The Judge's Perspective: What They're Really Looking For
Overall Presentation and Polish
Competition judges evaluate teams on overall presentation, which includes how well-coordinated and polished the team appears. The right dance competition accessory choices contribute significantly to this score. Judges look for:
Uniformity Across the Team: Every dancer should look like they belong to the same group. This means matching accessories that complement each other and the costume perfectly.
Attention to Detail: Judges notice when teams have clearly put thought into every aspect of their appearance, including how accessories enhance rather than distract from the performance.
Professional Appearance: Accessories should look intentional and well-maintained, not like last-minute additions or items that are falling apart.
Movement and Functionality
Beyond aesthetics, judges pay close attention to how accessories perform during the routine:
Security During Movement: Nothing catches a judge's eye faster than a hair bow flying off during a turn or earrings that clearly make a dancer uncomfortable.
Distraction Factor: Accessories that require constant adjustment or that obviously bother the dancers will negatively impact scores.
Enhancement vs. Hindrance: The best dance competition accessory choices enhance the performance rather than limiting the dancers' abilities.
The Do's: Accessory Choices That Impress Judges
Hair Accessories That Score Points
DO Choose Secure, Well-Fitted Bows: Invest in high-quality hair bows that are properly sized for your dancers' hair and secured with reliable attachment methods. Judges notice when bows stay perfectly positioned throughout even the most demanding routines.
DO Coordinate Colors Thoughtfully: Your dance competition accessory color choices should complement your costume without overwhelming it. Judges appreciate thoughtful color coordination that enhances the overall visual impact.
DO Consider Hair Texture and Length: Different hair types require different accessory approaches. Work with accessories that complement your dancers' natural hair rather than fighting against it.
DO Use Professional-Grade Hair Products: Combine quality accessories with the right hair products to ensure everything stays in place. Judges can tell the difference between a hastily assembled look and a professionally prepared one.
Jewelry That Catches the Light (and Judges' Attention)
DO Select Appropriate Sizing: Earrings should be large enough to be visible from the judges' table but not so large that they become distracting or unsafe during movement.
DO Prioritize Security: Choose earrings with secure backs and necklaces with reliable clasps. The last thing you want is jewelry falling off during your routine.
DO Match Your Team's Energy: High-energy routines can handle more dramatic jewelry, while lyrical pieces might call for more subtle choices. Your dance competition accessory selections should match the mood and style of your performance.
DO Consider Stage Lighting: Accessories that catch and reflect stage lights beautifully can enhance your team's visual impact. However, avoid anything so reflective that it becomes blinding or distracting.
Makeup Accessories That Complete the Look
DO Invest in Quality False Eyelashes: Well-applied false eyelashes that stay put throughout the routine show attention to detail that judges appreciate.
DO Use Long-Wearing Products: Competition days are long, and judges notice when makeup looks fresh from the first routine to the last.
DO Consider the Venue: Different competition venues have different lighting conditions. Your dance competition accessory and makeup choices should work well under various lighting scenarios.
The Don'ts: Accessory Mistakes That Cost Points
Hair Accessory Pitfalls to Avoid
DON'T Use Cheap, Poorly-Made Bows: Bows that lose their shape, have fraying edges, or fall apart during performances reflect poorly on your team's preparation and attention to detail.
DON'T Ignore Hair Type: Forcing accessories that don't work with your dancers' hair types often results in pieces that don't stay put or look unnatural.
DON'T Overcomplicate: While creativity is appreciated, overly complex hair arrangements that require constant maintenance during competition day often backfire.
DON'T Forget Backup Plans: Always have backup accessories available. Judges notice when teams are unprepared for accessory emergencies.
Jewelry Mistakes That Distract Judges
DON'T Choose Unsafe Options: Dangling earrings that could catch on costumes or partners, sharp edges that could cause injury, or pieces that could break and create hazards on the floor are major red flags for judges.
DON'T Go Overboard: More isn't always better. Judges prefer thoughtfully chosen pieces over dancers who look like they're wearing every piece of jewelry they own.
DON'T Ignore Comfort: If dancers are constantly adjusting their jewelry or appear uncomfortable, judges will notice and it will impact their performance quality.
DON'T Forget About Movement: Your dance competition accessory choices should enhance movement, not restrict it. Heavy or cumbersome jewelry can affect a dancer's ability to perform at their best.
Common Presentation Mistakes
DON'T Have Mismatched Team Members: Nothing stands out more to judges than one team member who looks different from the rest due to wrong or missing accessories.
DON'T Use Damaged or Worn Accessories: Accessories that are obviously old, damaged, or poorly maintained suggest a lack of attention to detail that judges will notice.
DON'T Ignore the Rules: Every competition has specific rules about accessories. Violating these rules can result in point deductions or disqualification.
Strategic Accessory Planning for Competition Success
Timeline for Accessory Preparation
8-12 Weeks Before Competition: Begin researching and ordering accessories. This timeline ensures availability and allows for any necessary adjustments or replacements.
4-6 Weeks Before: Conduct full dress rehearsals with all accessories to identify any issues and make necessary changes.
2 Weeks Before: Finalize all accessory choices and ensure you have backups for every essential item.
Competition Day: Have an organized system for accessory application and emergency repairs.
Budget Considerations for Quality Accessories
Investing in quality dance competition accessory options pays off in multiple ways:
Longevity: High-quality accessories last through multiple competitions and seasons, providing better value over time.
Reliability: Quality pieces are less likely to break or malfunction during crucial moments.
Appearance: Well-made accessories maintain their appearance throughout long competition days.
Team Morale: When dancers feel confident in their appearance, it shows in their performance.
Working with Your Team's Unique Needs
Accommodating Different Hair Types and Skin Tones
Inclusive Accessory Selection: Choose dance competition accessory options that work well for all team members, regardless of hair texture, length, or skin tone.
Multiple Options: Consider having different accessory variations that achieve the same overall look while working better for individual dancers.
Professional Consultation: Work with hair and makeup professionals who understand how to make accessories work for diverse teams.
Age-Appropriate Choices
Youth Teams: Focus on age-appropriate accessories that enhance rather than mature young dancers.
Teen and Adult Teams: Can handle more sophisticated accessory choices while still maintaining appropriateness for the competition setting.
Safety First: Regardless of age group, safety should always be the top priority in accessory selection.
Emergency Preparedness and Competition Day Success
Building Your Emergency Kit
Every successful team needs a comprehensive dance competition accessory emergency kit:
Hair Emergencies: Extra bows, bobby pins, hair elastics, hairspray, and styling tools.
Jewelry Backup: Spare earrings, necklaces, and any other jewelry pieces your team wears.
Makeup Touch-ups: Setting spray, lipstick, and other essentials for maintaining the look throughout the day.
Repair Supplies: Safety pins, fabric glue, and other items for quick fixes.
Competition Day Organization
Designated Accessory Manager: Assign someone to oversee accessory application and maintenance throughout the day.
Systematic Application: Develop a routine for putting on accessories that ensures consistency and completeness.
Final Checks: Implement a buddy system for final accessory checks before taking the stage.
Accessories as Your Competitive Advantage
Understanding what judges really notice about dance competition accessory choices gives your team a significant advantage. The difference between teams that consistently place well and those that struggle often comes down to these seemingly small details that create a big impact.
Remember that accessories should enhance your performance, not distract from it. The best dance competition accessory choices are those that judges notice for all the right reasons—they're beautiful, secure, appropriate, and perfectly coordinated with your team's overall presentation.
By following these do's and don'ts, investing in quality pieces, and planning strategically, your team can ensure that when judges are evaluating your performance, your accessories are contributing to your success rather than detracting from it. Every detail matters in competition, and the right accessory choices can be the difference between good and great.
Start planning your accessory strategy early, invest in quality pieces that will serve your team well, and remember that the goal is always to enhance your dancers' natural talent and hard work. When everything comes together—technique, choreography, and perfectly chosen accessories—that's when championship magic happens.
