Studio School of Dance Competitive Program Page

The Studio's Competitive Program

The Studio School of Dance offers pre-professional training to dancers chosen to be members of The Company. The Company currently has about 80 dancers, aged 5 and older.

Competition

Competition is the heart of this program, which focuses the spotlight on dancers. After a winter of training, a dancer steps on stage and the music starts . . . . Nothing matches the excitement—unless it is the anticipation of good standing when the awards are handed out.

Company dancers train to enter competitions held in the spring and summer in first-class venues in the Ottawa area and cities in Canada or the United States. Some competitions offer opportunities to win scholarships and form professional dance contacts. Auditions for cruise lines and professional programs are also occasionally available to Company dancers.

Candidates

Candidates for The Company include dancers who wish to further their training through performance and who show a commitment to dance.

By audition or invitation only

A position in The Company is available to dancers following an audition or by invitation of the Director.

Why you might join The Company

Company members do not all aim for a career in dance. Some join to experience the excitement of performance and competition. Many gain increased self-confidence. All improve their dance technique more quickly.

Greater commitment, greater responsibility

More is expected of dancers in The Company—more rehearsal time, more effort, more teamwork, more responsibility to The Studio, instructor and others on the team. This level of commitment and responsibility is not for every dancer. Consider it carefully before taking it on.

Additional fees

Company dancers must pay for their choreography, competition entry fees and competitive dance costumes. Dancers must also pay for travel, meals and accommodation at in-town and out-of-town competitions.

Steps to full membership in The Company

As a dancer matures and enters into full membership in The Company, she or he will pass through more than one of our programs:

Tiny Tots, for dancers aged 4–7: This program develops the dancing skills of our youngest dancers. Tiny Tots take at least 2 classes a week (Jazz or Tap, plus Dance Technique). They attend 2–3 local competitions.
Pre-competitive Junior Program, for dancers aged 7–10: This program is for dancers preparing for full membership in The Company. These dancers take at least 3 classes a week (Jazz or Tap, plus Dance Technique and Ballet). They attend 2–3 local competitions.
Full Membership in The Company, for dancers aged 7 and older: These dancers take several hours of classes each week (Jazz, Tap, Acro, Dance Technique, Jumping and Turning, Ballet). They attend 2–3 local competitions and 1–2 out-of-town competitions.

Fundraising

Fundraising opportunities are available. To learn more about them, call The Studio at 613 225 6820.