Why Non-Competitive Dance Training Creates Stronger, More Confident Teen Dancers

By Ann Eldore, Studio Owner and Director, RAD Registered Teacher
Three Decades of RAD Teaching Experience | Royal Academy of Dance Method Specialist

If your child has been dancing for years but seems to be losing their love for ballet, you're not alone. I see this frequently with pre-teens and middle schoolers—especially those coming from competition-focused environments. As a Royal Academy of Dance registered teacher with many decades of experience, I've witnessed firsthand how the right approach to dance education can reignite that spark and create stronger, more confident dancers.

The key is moving away from external validation through competitions and toward personal growth and artistic development.

Potential Problems with Competition-Focused Dance Training

Having grown up learning the RAD method myself and taking most of the exams through my own dance journey, I understand both the student and teacher perspective. What I've observed is that competition-focused training can create several challenges:

• Comparison becomes the primary measure of success rather than personal growth

• Burnout increases as dancers feel constant pressure to outperform others

• Scheduling becomes inflexible, making it difficult to balance other interests

• Self-worth becomes tied to placement rather than effort and improvement

• Peer relationships suffer as fellow dancers become competitors, not friends

For many dancers, especially those in middle school who are naturally questioning their identity and interests, this environment can extinguish their love for an art form that should bring them joy.

The RAD Alternative: Excellence Without Competition

The Royal Academy of Dance offers something very different: a structured, progressive curriculum that emphasizes personal excellence, proper technique, and artistic development—without the pressure of competition.

In my classes, we follow the internationally-recognized RAD syllabus, which means:

Rigorous Technical Foundation: My classes are challenging. I believe in pushing each student to their personal best, but there's a crucial difference in how we approach that challenge. Instead of comparing dancers to each other, we focus on each individual's growth and potential.

Supportive Environment: I've learned to read my students carefully. I know how to provide just the right kind of positive feedback to motivate them to reach higher without breaking down in frustration. Every dancer has a different challenge point, and it's my job to find that point for each individual.

Safety-First Approach: We have a comprehensive pointe readiness assessment to ensure every dancer is physically and technically prepared before advancing. This isn't about age or favoritism. It's about proper development and injury prevention. We definitely don’t allow dancers to dance through and injury and will work with their team of doctors and therapists as necessary. (For the record, most dancers have been injured not at the studio, but at the trampoline park!)

RAD Exams: Assessment Without Competition

One of the most beautiful aspects of the RAD system is how it handles assessment. RAD exams allow dancers to demonstrate their progress and receive feedback from internationally trained examiners—but they're not competing against other dancers.

Each exam is evaluated on its own merits, with dancers receiving detailed feedback about their strengths and areas for growth. This creates:

• Clear goals that are personally meaningful

• Recognition of achievement based on individual progress

• Valuable feedback from expert examiners

• Motivation to improve without the pressure of ranking

Supporting the Whole Child

As someone who works with pre-teens and teenagers, I understand that dance is just one part of their lives—and that's exactly how it should be. I actually love that our students have wide interests outside of dance. A well-rounded child often becomes a more interesting, expressive dancer.

I'm body positive and deeply committed to supporting students' mental health. If something seems "off" with a dancer in my class, I'll check in with parents. Dance class should be a safe space where children can express themselves authentically while being challenged to grow.

This holistic approach means:

• Reasonable scheduling that allows for school activities, church involvement, and other interests

• Mental health awareness and open communication with families

• Body positivity that celebrates what dancers can do, not how they look

• Individual attention within a supportive group environment

The Middle School Dance Crisis: Why It Happens and How We Address It

Many parents bring their 11-13 year olds to me saying, "She used to love dance, but now she seems less interested." This is incredibly common and often has nothing to do with their child's ability or potential.

Middle schoolers are:

• Developing their identity and questioning childhood activities

• Feeling social pressure to conform or try new things

• Experiencing physical changes that can affect their relationship with their body

• Craving independence while still needing structure and support

In a competition environment, these natural developmental changes can feel like "failure" or "falling behind." In our non-competitive environment, we can meet these challenges head-on:

• We acknowledge that questioning is normal and healthy

• We provide space for dancers to rediscover what they love about movement

• We celebrate small victories and personal breakthroughs

• We maintain high standards while offering emotional support

What Parents Can Expect

If you're considering our program for your dancer, here's what you can expect:

High Standards: My classes are challenging and I expect students to work hard and show respect for the art form.

Individual Attention: I know each of my dancers as individuals and tailor my teaching to help them reach their potential.

Open Communication: I believe parents should be partners in their child's dance education, and I'll keep you informed about your dancer's progress and any concerns.

Flexibility: We understand that dance is one of many important activities in your child's life, and we work with families to find balance.

Artistic Growth: Your child will develop not just as a technician, but as an artist and as a person.

Rekindling the Love of Dance

For dancers who have lost their enthusiasm, the journey back to loving dance often starts with removing pressure and reconnecting with the joy of movement. In our studio, I've seen countless young people rediscover their passion when they're allowed to focus on their own growth rather than outperforming others.

The RAD method provides the perfect framework for this rediscovery—rigorous enough to provide real challenge and growth, but supportive and individualized enough to help each dancer flourish.

Ann Eldore is a RAD Registered Teacher with three decades of experience guiding young dancers through the Royal Academy of Dance curriculum. She is committed to creating an environment where technical excellence and personal growth flourish together.

Ready to explore a different approach to dance training? Contact us at 509-838-7464, or email us at spokanestudioofdance@gmail.com Ready to enroll? Click the link below!