Competitive Dance Team
Dance Company Team
Frequently Asked Questions
At a dance competition, students put their skills to the test by performing dance routines on a stage in front of a panel of judges. The judges then calculate scores usually based on technique, performance and costume. The dancers are then able to come back to the studio and listen to the judges’ critiques and use them as a learning tool to improve on their technique. Again, the focus for us during competition is having fun and gaining the tools to become better dancers in the long run.
For students who want a little more challenge, the extra performances and class opportunities are needed. In competition companies, students are working towards a common goal. Also, attendance is more important and, at times, mandatory. Since everyone is present in class nearly every week, there is faster progress. The sense of belonging to a team is also very important. We do lots of team bonding inside and outside the studio.
Our Pre-Company Team offers a joyful and encouraging space where even our youngest dancers can thrive. Some children show natural rhythm, focus, or a deep love for movement at an early age—this team is designed just for them!
Through age-appropriate training and fun, structured routines, young dancers build:
Confidence performing on stage
Teamwork and discipline in a supportive environment
Stronger technique and musicality from the very start
A foundation for long-term growth in both faith and dance
Even at ages 3–5, many students are ready for a challenge—and we’re here to help them rise to it with love, grace, and guidance.
Parent Note:
If your child is always dancing around the house, picking up choreography quickly, or eager to be part of something special, Pre-Company could be a great fit—even if they’re young. Our goal is not perfection, but progress and joy—celebrating each step in their journey!
Register for the auditions in your parent portal under the “Auditions” tab. Attend auditions in proper attire and try your best! Results will be emailed within 24 hours.
Parents are highly encouraged to participate in fundraisers that are organized by team parents. Would you like to be the lead of team fundraising? Let us know!
Basic Requirements
Our Pre-Company Team is the perfect introduction to the world of competitive dance for boys and girls ages 3–5. These young dancers will perform one or two small group routines in either Jazz or Tap.
Please note: Age is used as a general guideline and is not the sole factor in placement decisions.
Requirements
Weekly company rehearsals on Fridays or Saturdays during January
Participation in 2 local competitions per season
Community performances, including:
Rock Hill ChristmasVille
Fort Mill Tree Lighting
Christmas Show
Spring Recital
One 45-minute Pre-Company class per week (focused on foundational performance skills and fun!)
What We Value
A positive, Christ-like attitude.
A heart that’s excited to learn and grow.
Consistent attendance is essential for team success.
A kind and respectful environment—no bullying is tolerated.
While extra classes are not required, they are strongly encouraged for dancers who want to build confidence, strength, and early technique.
Our Mini Company Team is designed for enthusiastic boys and girls ages 5–7 who are ready to shine on stage and grow in their dance journey. Minis will compete in two group routines: Jazz and Tap.
Please note: Age is an approximate guideline and not the sole factor in placement decisions.
Optional Routines
Minis may be invited to participate in additional routines such as:
Lyrical
Hip-Hop
Acro
Solos, Duets, and Trios
Participation in optional routines is by invitation after auditions.
Requirements
Company rehearsals held on Fridays or Saturdays during January
Three local competitions throughout the season
One fall dance convention
Community performances, including:
Rock Hill ChristmasVille
Fort Mill Tree Lighting
Fort Mill Christmas Parade
Christmas Show & Spring Recital
Weekly class attendance in:
Mini Ballet
Company Jazz
Company Tap
Technique Intensive: July 9–11
Choreography Week: First week of August
Power of Performance Workshop at KSDA: September 20
What We Value
A positive, Christ-like attitude
A strong willingness to learn and grow
Consistent attendance—a key to team success
Respectful behavior—no bullying of any kind is tolerated
While extra classes are not required, they are highly encouraged for dancers who want to build additional strength and skill.
Team Divisions (Age Guidelines):
Petite: Ages 7–9
Junior: Ages 10–12
Teen: Ages 13+
Please note: Age serves as a general guideline and is not the sole determining factor for team placement.
Auditions & Placement
Students will audition for each team individually. Placement may vary by style depending on each dancer’s skill and maturity.
For example, a student may be selected for the Petite Jazz Team but placed on the Junior Lyrical Team.
Optional Routines
Optional routines may include Acro, Musical Theatre, Trios, Duets, and Solos. Students will be invited to participate in these routines following auditions.
Company Requirements
Attendance at all company rehearsals (Fridays or Saturdays throughout January)
One additional rehearsal the week before each competition
Participation in three local competitions per season
Attendance at one fall dance convention
Performances:
Rock Hill ChristmasVille
Fort Mill Tree Lighting
Fort Mill Christmas Parade
Christmas Show & Spring Recital
Recital Finale Dance
Weekly class attendance and consistent participation in company rehearsals
Three summer technique classes
Technique Intensive during the last week of July
Choreography Week: August 4–8
Attendance at two Power of Performance Workshops at KSDA (October & February)
Expectations
A positive, Christ-like attitude
A commitment to learning and growing
Respectful, encouraging behavior—bullying is not tolerated
Attendance is a top priority
Extra classes are not required but highly encouraged for dancers seeking to further their training
Other Considerations
In addition to their assigned company routines, dancers have the optional opportunity to be considered for a solo, duet/trio, or small group routine. These specialty routines often include dancers from various levels, depending on choreography and casting needs.
These pieces are designed for dancers who demonstrate:
A strong work ethic and readiness for additional commitment
The technical ability required for the choreography
Maturity and responsibility in both rehearsal and performance settings
If your dancer would like to be considered for a specialty routine, please be sure to indicate this on your audition form. Participation is by invitation only, based on audition results and teacher recommendations.
Please note: Competition fees for solos, duets/trios, and small groups are higher than standard group routines, and dancers may also be responsible for additional rehearsal costs.
The KSDA Dance Company competes in regional competitions held within a 2-hour drive of Fort Mill, SC. These events provide dancers with valuable performance experience and opportunities to grow both technically and artistically.
For dancers participating in solos, duets, or trios, there may be additional competition opportunities throughout the season.
Each competition takes place over a weekend. Because we don’t receive our exact performance day and time until about one week prior, we ask families to keep the full weekend available.
All dancers are required to stay through the completion of KSDA’s group routines and the awards ceremony to support their teammates and represent our studio with unity and excellence.
KSDA Dance Company will participate in 1 required dance convention all within a 2hr driving distance of Fort Mill, SC. Each convention is scheduled over a weekend. You need to set aside the whole weekend as most classes are half of Friday-Sunday or Saturday-Sunday, A detailed schedule is sent out 1 week prior to the convention. Dancers are required to participate in all styles of classes offered this weekend.
Throughout the year, our dancers will have several opportunities to perform at events such as the Christmas Showcase, ChristmasVille, local nursing homes, the annual recital, and more. These performances are a wonderful way for students to share their love of dance—and their love for Jesus—with the community.
We believe in using our gifts to bless others, and these events help build confidence, stage presence, and a heart for service through the arts.
Please note: The following performances are required for all company members:
Recital
Christmas Show
Fort Mill Christmas Parade
Fort Mill Tree Lighting
- Recital Finale Dance
Would you like to be our Team Spirit Coordinator?
Team Spirit Coordinator
Role Overview:
The Team Spirit Coordinator is a parent volunteer who plays a key role in building community, encouraging team bonding, and supporting a positive and Christ-centered atmosphere among company dancers and families. This person helps plan and organize social events, team outings, and small celebrations throughout the year.
Responsibilities:
Organize team bonding events (e.g., back-to-dance parties, holiday get-togethers, post-competition dinners, etc.)
Coordinate parent-led gifts or cards for teachers, choreographers, and teammates for special occasions
Help welcome new company families and foster inclusion among dancers and parents
Plan small surprise treats or goodie bags before competitions (optional, can be group-led)
Assist with group meals or meetups during competition weekends (as studio schedule allows)
Serve as a cheerleader for positivity and unity, promoting grace, encouragement, and Christ-like attitudes on and off the stage
Liaise with studio leadership to ensure all activities align with studio values, schedules, and guidelines
Ideal Qualities:
Friendly, organized, and dependable
A heart for building community and encouraging others
Enjoys planning and bringing people together
Respectful of all families, dancers, and studio leadership
Cost & Tuition
The fees listed are estimates for the entire dance season for the classes required to be on company team.
We highly recommend students take additional classes throughout the week like acro (to help with flexibility, tricks & strength) and the same style classes that they are competing in (to improve dance technique & movement quality).
This DOES INCLUDE an extra $10 per month to cover extra rehearsals. **All fees are subject to change.**
Pre-Company: TBD
Minis: TBD
Petites: TBD
Juniors: TBD
Teens: TBD
Competition/Recital Costumes- $95-120 per costume. Due October 1st for company for early ordering.
Solo/Duet/Trio Costumes can be ordered through the studio or you can DIY.
DIY TAP AND HIP-HOP COSTUMES TBD. We aim to do DIY costumes for these routines to cut down expenses.
Choreography Fees- $90-125 per dancer per group routine learned during choreography week.
Minis will learn 1 mini group routine during choreography week. Petites, Juniors, Teens will learn all 4 group routines.
Competition Fees- approximately $65-75 per group routine per competition.
How many routines your dancer is in will determine your competition fees for the year. Solos and duets/trio entry fees are higher, typically $115-125.
Convention- approximately $250-$350 per dancer
All company members are encouraged to attend as many conventions as possible! Petite, Junior, Teen company members are required to attend 2 dance conventions in the season. A dance convention is a weekend intensive of dance classes taught by master teachers.
Power of Performance- $110
Last weekend of October.
Company Uniform– Jacket- $75
All company dancers are required to purchase a company warm-up jacket to be worn at all competitions.
Competition Jewelry- $10
All company members are required to purchase competition earrings to wear when performing all season.
Recital Fees
Please check our dance page for Recital and Christmas show & costume fees. Christmas Parade is required and will require a $25 Christmas Sweatshirt.
Dance shoes
Dance shoes cost varies by style. In general, ballet shoes are between $20 – $30, tan jazz shoes are between $25 – $45 and tap shoes are between $30 – $60. Dancers will need to have shoes for each style they are competing in and ballet shoes for ballet class. Hip-Hop performance shoes will vary. Mini Company – tan tap shoes. Petite, Junior, Teen Company – black lace-up tap shoes.