- What is a competition team?
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A competition team is a group of dancers of similar age and ability who learn and rehearse specific choreography, then enter that dance in four to five competitions, generally in the Southern California area.
- What team opportunities are there at ADC?
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ADC is proud to be the home of an award-winning competition team (known internally as The Company) recognized regionally and across the nation. It is the pulse of the studio, and is composed of our most dedicated, diligent, and dynamic dancers, ranging in age from 5 to 18 years old. Placement on this prestigious team is invitation-only, and based on our auditions process, age, current class level, exceptional ability, and the desire for excellence.
Due to the intense schedule and the nature of customized choreography for each routine we perform, auditions and team placement happen only once each year at the end of the summer. If you’re interested in joining the Company, please make sure you’re following our socials, and subscribed to our email list for news about our next set of Company auditions.
- What is the time commitment for competition team?
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Being on a team is a significant commitment. Dancers are expected to take a certain set of classes based on the team(s) on which they are placed. Company dancers must also attend all rehearsals for their given level, and attend ALL competitions. Competition is a team sport, and all dancers depend on the commitment of their fellow teammates to succeed.
- What are the costs of being on a competition team?
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The cost of being on a team depends on the dancer and amount of teams they are on. Dancers are given a convention and competition schedule at the beginning of the season. Each dancer’s competition costs vary based on the size of the group performing each dance, and the number of dances that dancer in which that dancer participates.
On average, it costs $65 (per dancer) to enter one team dance in one competition. The cost for entering one dance in five competitions is approximately $325. Solos, duos, and trios are not required to compete at every competition.
In addition to dance entry fees, there are also competition studio fees, team gear fees, and costs for costumes and hair, makeup, and accessories. Each team member is required to purchase a Company jacket so we can be seen and recognized at competitions and conventions as a team.
Finally, certain competitions will require travel and hotel expenses. Every effort is made to select competitions that will provide dancers and their families with the best experience possible. While we try to select “local” competitions, there are some instances where a competition will require some travel, and thus, hotel as well. These travel expenses are at the cost of the dancer’s family; the studio does not provide compensation for such expenses.
ADC’s competition philosophy is to combine a fun approach to learning with disciplined technique in a nurturing atmosphere. All of our dancers compete because they love to dance and perform. Competition allows them an accelerated training program and additional performance opportunities as an outlet for their creative talents.
While we do well in competition, our focus is not on the trophies and awards. But on the quality of our dancers and the creativity of our coaches. As instructors, we strive to keep it fun, while instilling a healthy competitive attitude and a desire to work hard.
Being a member of a competition team enables our dancers to take their studio training to the next level. They learn to perform for an audience (and in front of judges who continuously critique them). This experience developed self-confidence and teaches the importance of teamwork, a commitment to oneself, and to one another.
