The Art of Competing: Know Thy Enemy!

As clichéd as the above quote is, in the world of competition it’s one of the most essential elements towards victory over adversaries. In the business world, analyzing competitors and their strengths/weaknesses rules how most corporations (that have survived for the long haul and are successful) handle their quarterly affairs. In performance modeling any troupe serious about being taken seriously should do the same.

When deciding to compete in a competition, it’s integral that you know who you are going against onstage, their classic style, and whether there have been any changes to that style in the past 6 months. If you’re lucky and resourceful enough to gather intelligence against them and their internal state of affairs regarding morale and leadership then exploit that! Get yo’ CIA, MI6 on and make James Bond proud darn it!
Why should you be nosey you ask? Well it’s obvious. Knowledge is power. The more you know and understand an opponent, whether in the corporate world or in performance runway, the better chance you have guessing their next move.

The troupe I competed in did an excellent job at gathering information about rival groups before a competition, knowing their style, how well (or horrific) their year was going for them, and the general culture of their organization. Twice in 2006 we were able to beat legendary foes because we knew their members expected to win with little effort, and used their arrogance against them. We also knew these same adversaries would come at us with an arsenal of classic and award winning techniques that we combated with a simple formula that switched in form to better beguile and enchant with each show. In fact knowing the style of a group you’re going against is 1/6 the battle.

Often times, it’s best to compete against a diverse style of troupes or those in the same aesthetic vein. A battle between Infinity, Verge, Xquisite, Black Millenium, and Unparalled Productions would be appropriate because they all have a similar style and aura. Throw Entourage (from Livingstone) or FACES (from Florida, any chapter) into the mix and it would be unfair for the latter because on the high contrast between the larger group and their high octane spectacles versus the others with a more restrained, subtle style. Not that any are better over the other, but in a since it’s pitting fire against ice. Whatever element has a greater concentration (or has more love from the judges) will get a better advantage. Basically it’s like Old Way vs New Way Vogue , a polarizing battle, some will like one over the other.
BOTTOM LINE:
KNOW WHO YOU’RE COMPETING AGAINST.

1. CAN YOUR TROUPE’S STYLE MEASURE AGAINST THEIR’S ALONE?
2. CAN YOUR TROUPE’S FASHION CREATIVITY EAT THEM ALIVE?
3. CAN YOU MAKE BETTER STAGE DESIGNS AND MAKE A COHESIVE SHOW THEME THE AUDIENCE WILL UNDERSTAND/ENJOY OVER THE ENEMY?

IF NOT, SIT DOWN AND WORK ON GETTING THERE!