1. Choose a dance that means something to you
Choose a dance that gives you that “bubbly” feeling inside every time you dance it. 

2. Choose a dance that you feel comfortable dancing
Your first routine should be the dance you feel you dance the best. You'll have nerves on the day of the performance, and having a dance that you're confident in, makes it all the more easier to have fun and enjoy yourself. 

3. Allow your teacher to guide you
You may have a dance in mind, or a particular song, but your teacher knows what you can handle and what music will best suit that performance. Definitely have music choices available, but be open to compromise and remember your teacher has to choreograph steps to that music, so not everything will be suitable.

So you’re ready to start your routine...

Once you’re ready to begin, there are a couple of points to remember. 

1. Be prepared for more time in the studio
A solo is not a part of your curriculum, but merely an extension of it. It involves additional lessons to be had alongside your regular lessons. 3 to 4 months is a good time-frame for a confident and enjoyable solo performance. Don’t cram it all in at the end!!

2. Practice, practice, practice!! 
Let’s face it, you’re going to be learning advance movements, patterns and techniques, which may take you out of your comfort zone. Practice is the key here. Ask your teacher what you can do in-between lessons to make this process easier, and make you confident in what you’re doing. Styling lessons with same sex teachers is an invaluable way of learning those finer styling points to add the finishing touches.

And finally...

Remember that a solo is not just the minute and a half on the day of the competition; it’s from the very first lesson to the last and everything in-between. Have fun, smile, challenge yourself, push yourself and remember to laugh if it gets a bit too overwhelming at times!