DO STUDENTS REALLY NEED MORE THAN ONE COMPETITION SOLO?

In order to combat seeing the "same thing wrapped up in a different bow" trap, be sure to find eclectic choreographers with distinctly different styles for your performers so the dancer has variety in their solos and demonstrates a wide variety of movement. Now, that's impressive to see. If a dancer can morph themselves stylistically, it showcases a maturity and understanding of nuance and interpretation of an individual choreographer's unique language and movement profile. Remember, there is no need for anyone to see a dancer do three contemporary solos that basically looks like the one they just performed an hour ago. I don't care how talented the dancer is. Again, think about variety. Can you present your dancers in different genres? Perhaps one contemporary solo and a pointe solo? Or a lyrical solo and a tap solo? Vocal and jazz? Maybe throw in one solo and a duet or trio instead? What are their strongest concentrations? What will highlight their talents best? Give the judges something to sit back and say, "Wow, this dancer is well versed and has exceptional training."