At Dance Academy XIV, our competition team is about so much more than trophies and titles. It’s about growth, confidence, teamwork, and becoming the kind of person others look up to, both on and off the stage.
Joining a competition team is a big and exciting milestone, and we know it can come with a mix of excitement, curiosity, and maybe even a few questions. Our competition program is designed to meet dancers where they are and help them grow, no matter their experience level.
Whether your dancer is exploring our Premiere Team or ready for the commitment of our Elite Team, we’ve created this guide just for you. Here, you’ll find everything you need to feel confident and prepared. From understanding team options and expectations, to what a competition season looks like, and how your dancer will grow along the way.
We’re here to support you every step and every performance of the journey!
Why Choose Competitive Dance?
Being part of a competition team offers dancers an experience unlike any other. It builds not only strong dancers, but strong, confident individuals—both on and off the stage.
Through competition dance, students develop:
- Confidence: Performing on stage helps dancers believe in themselves
- Teamwork: Dancers learn to support, encourage, and rely on one another
- Work Ethic: Commitment and consistency lead to real growth
- Resilience: Dancers learn to take feedback and turn it into progress
- Leadership: Older dancers become role models and leaders within the studio
- Friendship: Teammates often become lifelong friends
At Dance Academy XIV, we are committed to creating a positive, inclusive, and supportive environment where every dancer feels valued, inspired, and empowered to grow!
Our Competition Team Structure
We are excited to introduce our newly structured competition program, designed to give dancers options based on their goals, experience, and commitment level.
A great introduction to competitive dance
The Premiere Team is a great next step for dancers who are ready to move beyond recreational classes and explore the world of competitive dance in a supportive, flexible environment.
This team is ideal for dancers who:
- Are newer to competition or prefer a lighter commitment
- Want to experience competition in a supportive environment
- Are building confidence in their technique and performance
What to expect:
- 1–2 competitions per season
- Choreography for 1-2 group routines*
- Weekly classes in required styles
- Participation in annual recital with recreational and competition routines
- Participation in 1 community event (parades, etc)
- Optional additional performance opportunities
- Optional additional technique classes encouraged
Required classes:
Ages 10 & Under:
- Ballet OR Jazz
- 1 additional class choice
- 1–2 choreography classes (based on number of routines*)
Ages 11+:
- Ballet
- Jazz
- 1 additional class of choice
- 1–2 choreography classes (based on number of routines*)
*The number of routines can be limited by dancer/family
For dancers ready for a higher level of training and commitment
The Elite Team is designed for dancers who are passionate, driven, and ready to fully immerse themselves in their training.
This team is ideal for dancers who:
- Are highly committed to improving their technique
- Thrive in a fast-paced, goal-oriented environment
- Are ready for increased training and additional performance opportunities
What to expect:
- 3–5 competitions per season
- Choreography for 3-10 group routines*
- Weekly classes in required styles
- Participation in annual recital with recreational and competition routines
- Participation in 2 community events (parades, etc)
- Convention and workshop opportunities
- Option for solos, duos, or trios (based on attendance)
- Optional additional performance opportunities
- Optional additional technique classes encouraged
Required classes:
Ages 8 & Under:
- Ballet
- Jazz
- Leaps, Turns, and Conditioning (LTC)
- 3-10 choreography classes (based on number of routines*)
Ages 9+:
- Ballet
- Jazz
- Leaps, Turns, and Conditioning (LTC)
- 1 additional class of choice
- 3-10 choreography classes (based on number of routines*)
*The number of routines can be limited by dancer/family
What Does a Competition Season Look Like?
If you’re new to the competition world, here’s a simple breakdown of what to expect throughout the year:
Auditions: Held in May
Summer Training: Optional classes, camps, and technique-building opportunities
Choreography Season: Late summer through late fall/early winter
Competition Season: Typically March–May (with optional events beginning as early as January)
Throughout the season, dancers attend weekly technique classes, rehearse their routines, and travel locally for competitions.
What Does a Competition Weekend Look Like?
Competition weekends are exciting, high-energy, and a great bonding experience for our dancers!
Dancers will:
Arrive at their scheduled call time
Perform their routine(s) on stage
Stay to support teammates and watch other performances during their scheduled sessions
Attend awards sessions
Each weekend is a mix of performing, team time, and fun memories!
*Scheduling Note: Competition schedules are typically released 1–2 weeks prior to the event, so exact performance times are not known far in advance. Because of this, we ask families to plan to be available for the full competition weekend and remain flexible until the schedule is finalized by the competition.
Is Competitive Dance Right for My Child?
Competition dance is a great fit for dancers who:
- Love performing
- Are excited to learn and improve
- Can take direction and feedback
- Enjoy being part of a team
- Are willing to try new things and step outside their comfort zone
- Show commitment and consistency in class
- Support and encourage their teammates
- Are motivated to grow both as a dancer and as a person
Not every dancer will have all of these qualities right away, and that’s okay! These are skills we help develop and grow within our program!
Competition dance is a rewarding experience, but it does require commitment and consistency. It may not be the best fit at this time if:
- Your dancer is not yet ready to attend classes and rehearsals regularly
- Your family schedule does not allow for weekend competitions
- Your dancer prefers a more relaxed, drop-in style activity
- You are looking for a low-commitment or flexible schedule
That said, every dancer grows at their own pace, and we’re always here to help guide you toward the best fit for your child, whether that’s now or in the future!
Competition FAQs
What costs are involved?
Competition dance does involve additional costs beyond regular tuition and varies by the number of routines and/or optional events your dancer participates in. These may include:
- Competition entry fees (varies by number of routines)
- Choreography fees
- Costumes
- Team jacket
- Convention fees (Optional event)
- Hotel/travel expenses (if applicable)
We do our best to keep costs as clear and manageable as possible and will always communicate details ahead of time. All fees and charges will also be clearly outlined in your monthly competition statements.
How much time does it take?
Time commitment varies based on team placement.
Dancers attend weekly classes and rehearsals, with additional time for competitions throughout the season. Studio schedules are shared in advance so families can plan ahead.
Do parents need to do hair & makeup?
Yes, dancers/parents are typically responsible for hair and makeup, but don’t worry! At DAXIV, we truly are a team, and teachers, parents, and dancers are always happy to jump in and help one another when needed!
We provide clear guidelines, pictures/tutorials, and support to help everyone feel confident and prepared.
Do we need to stay in a hotel?
Most of our competitions are local, so families are welcome to drive back and forth if they choose, overnight stays are not required.
Because competition schedules are typically released 1–2 weeks prior to the event, we recommend booking a hotel with a flexible cancellation policy if you’re considering staying. This gives you the option to adjust plans in case your dancer has a late night and early morning.
For any events that do involve travel, competitions and conventions typically provide hotel room blocks directly on their websites. We will always do our best to share this information with our families, but we also recommend checking the competition or convention website for the most up-to-date details on hotel bookings.
This helps ensure you have the most accurate information and can plan accordingly.
Whether you choose to stay overnight or commute, we just ask that dancers arrive by their scheduled call time (or earlier if possible) so they are prepared and ready to go!
What if my dancer is nervous?
That’s completely normal, and we’re here for it!
Our team environment is designed to be supportive and encouraging. We help dancers build confidence at their own pace so they feel proud and excited to take the stage!
What to Expect at Auditions
Auditions are designed to be a positive and supportive experience where we can get to know each dancer and place them where they will be most successful.
Premiere Team Auditions: Premiere Team auditions are focused on placement rather than selection. Our goal is to group dancers together based on skill level, strengths, and how they work together as a team.
Elite Team Auditions: Elite Team auditions are more structured and evaluated. Dancers will be assessed on technique, performance, and overall readiness to determine team placement and groupings.
What Dancers Can Expect During Auditions:
Arrive 10–15 minutes early, stretched, warmed up, and ready to dance
Participate in across-the-floor progressions
Complete center work
Learn and perform one or more combinations taught by an instructor
Our goal is to create a comfortable environment where dancers can do their best and feel confident.
After Auditions:
Dancers will receive their placement results within 2–3 weeks following auditions.
Auditions can feel a little nerve-wracking and overwhelming, but they are simply a way for us to get to know each dancer and place them where they will grow, succeed, and feel confident.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
We’d love to help your dancer grow, shine, and be part of something special!
Have questions? Reach out to learn more about auditions and team placement or join us at one of our info meetings:
- April 10 at 6:00 PM (In Person @ DAXIV)
- April 11 at 12:00 PM (In Person @ DAXIV)
- April 15 at 6:00 PM (In Person @ DAXIV)
- April 17 at 12:00 PM (via Zoom – please email to let us know you’d like the Zoom link)
Auditions: May 1, 2026
Premiere Team
- Ages 10 & Under: 5:00–5:45 PM
- Ages 11+: 5:45–6:30 PM
Elite Team
- Ages 10 & Under: 6:30–7:30 PM
- Ages 11+: 7:30–8:30 PM
We can’t wait to see your dancer take this next step with us!