About the Team

1. What exactly is a dance competition?

It is an event that independent talent companies run annually where performers can showcase their talents (typically dance, but can also include categories such as photogenic, vocal performance and acting) in an effort to earn a trophy, top placement, recognition and scholarships. Although awards are wonderful, this is not our primary reason for attending. Each competition has multiple professional judges that offer feedback and their critiques to help students and teachers improve. There are regional events and national events held each year. Dancers compete at the regional level and earn a place or invite to compete at the national event.  Nationals will be required every other year for the entire team.

2. Where are dance competitions held? 

Each dance competition offers a tour of several states and cities where they host competitions at various venues (ie: theaters, civic centers, high schools or colleges). The venues are free and open to the public. We typically compete in Bolivia, Wilmington & Myrtle Beach. We have also traveled to Durham and Charlotte for competitions. Each year is different. 

3. When do we attend competitions? 

The end of February through the middle of May is typically when the competitions are held. We would need to be ready to perform by the end of February. 

4. What are the competition schedules like? 

The competitions require all entries to be submitted, paid for and finalized at least 30 days prior to the event so they can create a schedule. The schedule is usually released one to two weeks before the competition. They make every effort to get the younger dancers done early; usually the older dancers compete later into the evening. Some competitions start as early as Friday at 8am to Friday at 4:30pm. Sometimes dancers have to leave school early or skip a day to be there. Not every competition does this and it depends on the ages. The competitions are broken up into smaller categories typically by age, level and size of group. A mini (5-7) or petite (8-9) level is typically ages 5-8; a junior level is ages 9-11; a teen level is 12-14 and senior level is 15-19. This depends on the competition as they are different at each. The average age of all dancers in the group decides which age category they compete at. Each competition offers three levels of competition: beginner or novice (dancers that have 0-3 years competition experience and dancing less than 4 hours per week); an intermediate level (3 plus years of competition and dancing 4-10  hours per week); an advanced level (many years of competition experience and 10  plus hours of dance each week). As the team has grown and gained experience we will have several levels. 

Levels are set by the teacher/choreographer. 

5. What is expected of each Elite Team Member?

Hard work; dedication to team and teachers; always being respectful towards peers, instructors and dancers from other studios. We want to create role models and conscientious students who are consistently striving to improve, learn and be challenged in their dance education while encouraging others to do the same. 

6. What is the attendance policy?

All rehearsals and choreography classes must be attended with a maximum of 2 absences per semester and 2 additional for ballet classes.  (total of 4 per semester). After 3 missed choreography or ballet classes dancers could be removed from the team or routine depending on circumstances. (Sept-December and Jan-May). Students can pay for private lessons to make-up an absence for choreography classes or take another level ballet class to make-up a missed ballet class.

7. Do we have to buy specific make up or accessories?

Yes! A document with all of the makeup/hair accessories will be sent out when it comes closer to competition time. We require dancers to have the same hair for group routines. We will provide a list of exactly what we need for each group including tights and shoes. We require all dancers to have the same color lipstick and eye shadow. Makeup and accessories cost anywhere from $20-$100 (depending on what you do or do not have). However, once you buy it once you do not have to purchase it again as it is the same most years.                                                 

8. Who judges the competition? 

There are always at least 3 judges held in high esteem at each competition. They come from all over the U.S. and have years of training,  coaching, choreography and professional  experience as well as a technical specialty. Often they are past teachers, studio owners, professional dancers, etc. They provide video or audio feedback of each dance as well as score sheets to help each performer gain insight into how to better train and what to work on in the studio. 

9. What are we judged on?

Technique makes up the majority of the score. What is technique?  BALLET!  Performance quality, costume choice, song choice, choreography, timing and musicality as well as lines and facial expression make up the rest.  Performance quality is one of the biggest considerations in score.  Technique without performance is truly a setback when it comes to overall appeal and score.  

10. What happens when we get to the competition? 

Dancers need to arrive 2 hours ahead of their scheduled time to perform to get comfortable in the setting, have time to stretch and warm up as well as rehearse with teammates before taking the stage. Parents/guardians are responsible for providing transportation and bringing dancers to and from the venue as well as making sure they have all required costumes, accessories, shoes, makeup and hair as required by the teacher. Teammates should stay together and parents are encouraged to sit together to create a team unity and support system for dancers. The teacher will gather the dancers together and rehearse with them (if there is time) as well as bring them backstage to check in with the manager. Teachers are responsible for providing the competition with all music and instruction as well as a roster of each performer in each group. There are programs available for purchase or download online with dance routines and dancers listed at each venue. After the dancers have performed they will be released to parents and will be required to wait until the awards ceremony. All dancers will take the stage along with all performers from other studios to receive their score and awards. There are often special judges awards given for any standout routines; category awards; top ten; etc. Each dancer will receive a pin or ribbon for their group routines and one trophy or plaque for the studio. Solos/Duets/Trios will receive their own trophies or plaques, which they keep.. It is very exciting and filled with fun! After awards are over and if dancing is complete for the day, everyone may leave to go home.

11. Why do we compete? 

I believe it offers a truly valuable experience to each and every performer. To be surrounded by extreme talent, artistry and studios that may offer different styles and abilities opens our dancers up to grow and be challenged. We learn how to perform bigger, better and with more precision as we hone our craft. We learn to compete under pressure and to work hard to achieve a goal. Additionally, it provides the student with more performance opportunities and the chance to dance in various venues. The biggest lesson I have taken from competitions is that we are not competing against other dancers, but against ourselves. Our goal is to advance, progress and gain confidence with each performance and surpass our scores.

 “The only dancer you should be comparing yourself to is the dancer you were yesterday.”

12. Do we travel?

Yes! However, we usually stay pretty close to Leland. Myrtle beach is our go to for “out of state travel”. Sometimes we travel to places like Raleigh, Charlotte and Durham. In 2023 our nationals was in Rockhill SC. There is a possibility we will travel. All competitions are shown in the yearly calendar. If we travel, all food, hotels, and transportation is your responsibility. We do not provide these things. Even if we go to Myrtle Beach, we suggest getting a hotel. A lot of dancers perform early in the morning and it is sometimes easier than driving back and forth. We do not provide hotel information, only the location of the competitions. Some competitions do offer a discount and “hotel rates'' which you can find on their websites that we listed in the calendar.

13. Is the elite team in recital?

Some elite dances are in recital. These dances are chosen by the teachers, we will let you know at recital time which dances will be in the show.