Network Dance Team

Dance Team Commitment

Scholars on the Network Dance Teams will participate in a minimum of two Spring competitions/conventions, as well as numerous showcases throughout NYC. Dancers on any team are strongly recommended to also be enrolled in a dance elective and dance club at their school's campus. This ensures that our dancers are receiving consistent training each and every week. 

To secure their scholar’s spot on the team, families and scholars must be accepted via open audition, attend a Welcome Meeting, and become familiar with all Network Dance Team requirements.

Attendance

Dancers cannot be absent more than three rehearsals (unexcused) per trimester and, if are unexcused/absent from school that day, they may not attend rehearsal. Scholars may request an excused absence as dance coaches are flexible in accommodating scholars involved in other activities (athletics, debate, theater, etc.). However, these absences must be discussed and agreed upon by coaches in advance and will impact a scholar’s eligibility for travel/high-stakes tournaments. 

**All scholars may not be used for every piece due to competition group size regulations and approved pieces being brought to compete. Dance Team Coaches also reserve the right to remove any scholar from competing if there are issues with low-quality performance execution, professionalism, behavior and choreography retention. 

***In addition to regular training and rehearsals for both HS and MS teams, dancers will have additional opportunities to train and workshop with working dance professionals in NYC. These will include portfolio/resume building classes, masterclasses with world-renowned choreographers and teachers, and headshot/photo sessions.

Audition Procedures

All Network Dance Teams will be audition-based. Scholars who are accepted and offered a position on any team will participate from August 2025-May 2026. Scholars must audition yearly, as space is limited and not guaranteed due to previous positioning. Please see the audition rubric here. 

All auditions will be structured as follows: 

1. Launch: Introducing the choreographer/panel, what we’re looking for/how we’re scoring, how the audition will go. 

2. Warm-up. 

3. Choreography. 

4. Small group auditions. 

5. Close.

Panel will spend the afternoon selecting dancers for both teams. Dancers will be notified within a week.

Event Uniforms

All scholars are required to wear their Success Dance Company tracksuit and team shirt to all external events. Every scholar will be given (1) tracksuit and (2) t-shirts.

Dance Competition Expectations 

Failing to meet any of these expectations will result in a call home to parents and/or removal from convention/competition.

Before a dance competition, scholars should:

• Attend all final dress rehearsals and practices leading up to competition and performances. 

• Pack their dance bags with appropriate warm-ups, dance shoes, costuming, water, and snacks. Examples of these are below:

  • SA Company Warmups

  • Dance Shoes

  • Dance leggings 

  • Dance shorts 

  • Leotards (will be given) 

  • Black high socks 

  • Hair products (hairspray)

  • Hair ties 

  • Makeup and makeup bags (Makeup must be in a makeup bag or plastic bag)

  • Toiletries (lotion, deodorant, hairspray, bobby pins, gel, lip oil)

  • SA dance company uniform

In order to ensure a safe and successful trip, please review the following day-of competition expectations with your scholar.

• Scholars must arrive on time and prepared for all competitions. Any late scholars may have to find alternate transportation if they miss SA-provided transportation.

• Scholars must be in their Success Academy dance team uniform. 

• No “loser talk” is allowed at competitions. We either win or we learn. Be respectful and professional with your coach, judges, and other competitors. 

• Dancers should not be interacting with parents/guardians or spectators unless instructed by the coach.

• Follow Directions: Scholars will follow directions the first time; you do not push back or challenge any adult directions. This is imperative for the safety and logistical success of our experience.

• Be Punctual: Scholars must follow the set schedule and be at the departure location ON TIME.

• Cell Phones: Scholars can bring cell phones and have them on, but must put them away the first time when directed by an adult. Lack of cooperation will result in having your phone taken away for the remainder of the trip.

• Computers: Scholars should bring SA laptops to complete homework, but must put them away when directed by an adult. 

During the competition:

• Scholars must maintain appropriate volume levels at all times in convention and rehearsal halls.

• Scholars may not participate in any form of roughhousing, including “play” fighting.

• Scholars will respect the venue property and convention hall; they will not tamper with equipment, electronics, or furniture.

• Scholars are not to leave the convention hall or rehearsal spaces unless given permission by a coach (even to the restroom). 

• During convention classes, scholars are expected to adhere to the same professional class behavior as in SA Dance classrooms. 

Parent/Guardian Expectations

• Parents/guardians are allowed to attend all local dance competitions. 

• Parents/guardians may speak with dancers after the competition is finished and scoring is finalized. 

• Parents/Guardians are not permitted in convention rooms due to the competition regulations.