Why Kindness Matters More Than Trophies in Competitive Dance

In the competitive dance world, it’s easy to measure success by medals, rankings, and titles. Trophies shine, photos are posted, and applause fades. But long after the awards are packed away, what truly stays with a dancer is how they were treated, how they felt, and what kind of person they became in the process.

At BOOM, we believe that kindness matters more than trophies.

Yes, we train hard. Yes, we strive for excellence. But we also know that discipline can exist without fear, correction can happen without embarrassment, and competition can be intense while still being supportive. A dancer who learns to encourage teammates, lift others up, and handle both winning and losing with grace is gaining something far more valuable than a trophy: character, empathy, and resilience.

This season, our theme is “Make Kindness Your Anthem.” It’s more than just a phrase; it’s a commitment to creating a studio where dancers feel safe, seen, and valued for who they are, not just how they perform. We want our dancers to understand that their words and actions matter, and that showing respect and compassion can be even more powerful than standing on the podium.

One of our pieces this year is inspired by The Outsiders, the classic book and musical. The story tells of kids divided by labels, judged unfairly, and struggling to find their place. The Greasers and the Socs may seem different on the surface, but underneath, they all want to belong, be understood, and be treated with kindness. It’s a timeless reminder that even small acts of compassion can make a huge difference in someone’s life.

The message of The Outsiders connects directly to the challenges kids face today. Bullying, exclusion, and comparison can happen in schools, online, and even in competitive environments. Dance should always be a place of confidence, encouragement, and growth, a place where every child feels like they belong.

To bring this message to life off the stage, BOOM is excited to begin a new tradition of charity work focused on anti-bullying. This season, we are supporting Stomp Out Bullying, one of the leading national organizations dedicated to educating, supporting, and empowering kids and teens to stand up for themselves and for others. Partnering with this charity gives our dancers a chance to take the lessons of The Outsiders beyond the studio and into the world.

We are also introducing Dancer of the Week, a new way to recognize students who make kindness, leadership, and teamwork a priority. Each week, dancers will have the opportunity to choose a peer who has stood out by showing respect, helping others, or leading by example. This recognition is not about perfect technique or who performs the hardest tricks, but about who lifts the community up, encourages others, and embodies the spirit of making kindness their anthem.

Because trophies may shine for a moment, but kindness builds character that lasts a lifetime. At BOOM Dance Complex, we are proud to celebrate our dancers for their talent and for their hearts, and to show that the greatest achievements come from lifting others up and choosing empathy every day.