The Importance of Being an Alternate

The Importance of Being an Alternate

Being on a dance team is by far one of the most amazing experiences any dancer can have, but with all the fun times come stressful ones. Competition season is quickly approaching and coaches are having to make decisions about who they want on floor and off. Whenever the routine is set and alternates are picked, it can be a heartbreaking experience for the ones who will not be dancing alongside their teammates. Something that every alternate should know is that they are still a vital part of the routine in many different aspects than just dancing!

Your coach can only watch so many things at once!

When the time comes for your coach to start drilling and cleaning, one person can only catch so many things when they see the routine. When you are able to watch your own teammates and correct them as well, there’s that many more execution points that are added to the scoresheet! Also, your teammate will be very happy you saved her from hearing it from the coach 🙂

You’re going to be the one that pulls together final details

Some of the most important aspects of a routine, other than the dancing, are things like costumes, shoes, hairstyles, things like that. When the coach is putting so much time trying to perfect the moves, you can come in to save the day! Not only may you be looking for the costume and accessories to put with it, but you’ll be making sure the costumes are complete. The coach may want rhinestones or different appliques put on the costumes and you can play around and see what looks best on every girl.

Your teammates need and appreciate your love and support!

This is probably the most important responsibility that an alternate possesses. The dancers on floor are not looking at the alternates any different than they did before. You are all still teammates and all still equals. They need your full support to get through the grueling dance they are practicing over and over, and with your constant encouragement, yelling for them while they dance, and telling them how good they did after will push them to dance that much harder. It also gives you a sense of pride as an alternate, knowing that you are pushing these athletes to dance at their full potential.

The most important thing to remember is that regardless of whether you’re on floor or not, you will always be a team first. Constantly encourage and love on each other because that’s what will bring true success to your team!