LAKESHORE DANCE COMPETIION TEAM  2025-2026

  Dance competitions are important because they provide multiple benefits for dancers including TEAM BUILDING and a sense of COMMUNITY!   

• Performance Opportunities: Dancers gain valuable experience by performing on stage.

• Skill Enhancement: Competitions help improve dance skills.

• Confidence Building: Dancers build self-confidence and stage presence.

• Networking and Industry Connections: Competitions allow dancers to connect with industry professionals and fellow dancers.

Goal Setting and Achievement: Competing helps dancers set and achieve goals.

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Dance studio competition team requirements typically include 

mandatory technical training (ballet, jazz, turns), 2–4 regional competitions, and summer intensive rehearsals. Dancers must show high commitment, follow strict dress codes, maintain high attendance, and display strong teamwork, usually requiring at least one year of prior experience. 

Key Requirements & Commitments

• Training & Technique: Weekly attendance at required classes (e.g., ballet, technique, and team-specific choreography) is mandatory. Some studios require dancers to be at a specific level before joining.

• Time Commitment: Competition dancers often attend mandatory summer intensives or prep workshops to prepare for the season.

• Competition Attendance: Dancers must attend all regional competitions (typically 3–4 weekends between Feb-May) and, for some, national competitions.

• Cost & Fees: Members are responsible for competition entry fees, choreography fees, costume costs, and travel expenses.

• Attendance Policy: Strict rules often apply, such as no missed classes in the weeks leading up to a competition or recital.

• Appearance & Gear: Dancers must wear approved studio attire to rehearsals, maintain a neat appearance (hair back), and purchase team gear (jackets, specific shoes). 

Audition & Team Expectations

• Auditions: Dancers are chosen based on technical skill in leaps and turns, flexibility, and potential.

• Behavior: Positive sportsmanship, respect for teachers, and a dedicated work ethic are mandatory to remain on the team.

• Parental Commitment: Parents are often required to support dancers with logistics, travel, and attend information meetings. 

• Solos/Duos/Trios: These are often by invitation or audition only and require extra fees and rehearsal time.

• Conventions: Many teams require participation in dance conventions for training, often requiring parental accompaniment.