Yesterday, I was shook!  In a good way.  

For some context - most retailers have a markdown/increase schedule.  Typically, once a year (January) new prices are dished out.  This is usually the timing that we have to comply with certain vendors (there are oh so many rules) to increase our pricing.  You know, because they compete with us instead of working as a unit to sell their products (again, there are some gems out there that are amazing).  So, they are allowed to have sales on said products, but we aren't.  It's super fun.

However, I'm not typical, so I don't follow that schedule.  I like to make my own rules.  I have the boutique marked in sections, and do price changes according to MY schedule (unless I HAVE to by said rules).  Basically every section gets reviewed FOUR times a year.  And by review I mean, not necessarily increased, but decreased if possible.  

Also for context, and I promise I'll get to what has me shook...

When I first opened, 2 months before Covid, I was super competitive in pricing - even with the big guys.  If I was a dollar more for a shoe, I chalked it up to our always FREE fittings and getting the right size the first time is always a win.  I even heard from customers how our prices on xyz were cheaper than another one of the big guys!  Go me!  

However, since Covid, we have all been dealing with backorders + price increases.  It's awful.  Especially one of the most horrific increases last fall that I have ever seen.  I mean, completely ridiculous.  It was painful to do, but again, no choice.  I understood it then, but I've been saying for a while, I'm not understanding why the prices are not coming back down.  If demand/backorders on MOST things are no longer an issue, why is the pricing not reflecting that?  

Well, yesterday ( I told you I would get there)....

I was able to LOWER the prices on multiple of our high sell through products, and I'm not done yet!  I didn't think I would see the day!  I truly hope this is a sign for things to come, but just know, from one parent to another, I will ALWAYS stay as competitive as I'm allowed to + will continue to use our loyalty app + whatever else I can to save you time and money.  Plus, we're pretty fun + cool around here, so if you haven't tried us yet, you should :)  

It's the most wonderful time of the year.  You've been driving back + forth to the studio for months preparing for the big stage.  Nerves are at an all time high.  Here are some tips to make your experience (and your dancer's) the best it can be.

PACKING:

Making a list of essentials ahead of time will make sure you're off to a great start.  Not just for the competition, but for the hotel as well.  Don't forget the essentials like easy snacks, make up wipes and a dancer emergency kit!  

Pro tip:  Have a spreadsheet of each routine.  Put every item you need for each routine including hair pieces, shoes + tights into a garment bag and label it.  This will make quick changes so much easier.

HAVE A ROUTINE:

Get into the habit of shopping ahead of time.  About a month prior, make sure you have all of the items you will need.  Do NOT wait until the day before to pack! 

Pro tip:  Hang all of your garment bags on your competition bag and double check that you have everything.  During the competition, have your child throw everything INTO the competition bag so that you aren't missing shoes when you get home.  Don't worry about organizing now.  Save that task for when you get home.  After the competition, re-assemble everything like you're leaving again tomorrow.  Inspect tights for runs and make sure you aren't missing anything essential.  Taking care of this now will save you a lot of stress later, especially if you need to find or replace an item.

SCHEDULING:

Have the times of each routine jotted down.  I used a spreadsheet!  Most studios have a required time to be there.  Plan out how long it will take you to get ready and start even earlier than that!  Things happen.  

Pro tip:  Figure out what time you need to start getting ready and add 30-45 minutes to that time.  If you're a little early, it will give you time to warm up and relax before the fun begins!

Don't beat yourself up!  Competitions are LONG and exhausting for everyone involved.  Stress levels are at an all-time high - between makeup and hair changes, dancer attitudes and tears - We have all said or done something we have regretted at a competition, especially to our dancers.  I have stories for days on this one!  It's OK.  Take a minute, apologize and move on.  

Pro tip:  Figure out your dancers needs and wants.  As a teacher, it was hard for me to keep my commentary to myself.  She argued if I said she did well.  She cried if I said she needed improvement.  I finally realized she was just like me - an "in the zone" kind of girl.  She just wanted quiet.  Every dancer is different, so don't take it personally if and when they don't need you any more.  

Finally, remember why you are there!  The years fly by and before you know it, you'll be watching their last performance.  Have fun!  Winning is amazing, but the memories you create are even better.

Get the spreadsheet HERE

Here's a quick list of things you need to do NOW to win that coveted Dance Mom of the Year award!  Okay, there really isn't an award, but these tips are going to take YEARS off of your learning curve.  How do I know?  Because I learned them all the hard way.

1.  Get the Bag!  PVC racks break...repeatedly.  Metal racks are awesome, but they are no fun in the cold, wind & rain.  Just get the darn competition bag!  

2.  Get an extra pair of tights, BUT you DON'T need to buy them all?  What!!!!  Don't want to be that mom (AKA Me) with no back up tights when your darling child rips her only pair!  So how many you ask???  I'll cover that in tip #5.

3.  Make a spreadsheet to keep track of all of their routines!  OR, just use mine!  Just "make a copy" of the sheet so that you can edit it with your info.  It's super easy + I used it for years!

4.  Use a garment bag for every costume!  Why?  You'll see my favorite tip in # 5, but start with just labeling them.  Did you know that there's a pocket on the front of most garment bags that is made for an index card???  I didn't either...it's amazing!  Hang them up in order when you get there and you're set!

5.  Using the spreadsheet, put every single item you need for each routine in the garment bag!  It's genius!!!  Tights, shoes, hair piece - all. of. the. things.  Then, if your child rips their tights, it's not a disaster, because there is a pair of tights with every costume! 

If you need help with the spreadsheet, DM me!  

P.S.  Keep our Linktree handy!