My first competition was a personal disaster! So many things went wrong from the poles to my routine to my inability to understand how to train for it. But you know what, at the end of the day it was truly a great experience.
I actually ended up freestyling about half of my routine because the spinny poles were too spinny for me so I had to cut a lot of my routine just minutes before the show - I wanted to cry. I went out there and I made myself dance, no matter how that comp turned out, I am proud of myself for having the guts to walk out there and do my best under difficult and unusual circumstances, when I saw what I actually did - I realized I didn't look that bad. I didn't have any more drama than any other competitor had! I realized everyone had stuff they hated about their routine/performance and we were all in it together.
I learned so much from what I thought was the end of my career and the end of the world. I told myself and everyone else I would never do another competition - that I was horrible and couldn't do it again. Here I am, in another competition with a good head about it, good heart about it and excited again to give a performance.
If I'd have pulled out I wouldn't have made the friendships I made and met the amazing women I met and learned so much. Comps are more than just your performance, they are an experience and a fellowship with your fellow dancers.
Comps are stressful and deep inside everyone wants to win, but winning isn't nearly as important as pushing yourself out of your box, pushing yourself to do something you wouldn't normally and you're sharing that experience with other girls who no matter how good you think they are - are feeling the exact same way you are. They're afraid, nervous, want to win, want their friends to win, want to give a good performance, are insecure about the choices they made, costumes, body image - all of it. You're not alone with your feelings and thoughts, I promise. Once you get back stage you'll see everyone has the same fears. You'll have a great support group and learn so much about yourself and others.