2026 Competition Team Information & Summer Audition Guide

 

Mini Elite Team – Program Overview

The Mini Elite Team gives young dancers the opportunity to grow their technique, confidence, and performance skills in a supportive team environment. Through weekly training and performances, dancers learn discipline, teamwork, and what it means to be part of something bigger than themselves. It’s a great foundation that builds strong, well-rounded dancers while keeping the experience fun, encouraging, and inspiring.

This Team Will Specialize In:

• Lyrical (emotion, storytelling, fluidity)
• Jazz Funk (style, performance quality, confidence)

Dancers will train, perform, and compete together while building strong technique, teamwork, and stage presence.

 

Weekly Commitment (Saturdays)

Training and choreography will take place on Saturdays with no overwhelming schedule.

• Technique Class & Choreography Block (1 hour)
  • Turns, leaps, flexibility, control
  • Lyrical foundations + jazz funk style
  • Learn and clean 2 group routines – one Lyrical & one Jazz Funk
• Required: One Ballet Combination Class
• Recommended: Hip Hop Acro, Hip Hop, or Gymnastics

 

Performance & Competition Plan

• Compete at 4 Regional Competitions
• Attend 1 National Competition
• Perform in the CDA Annual Recital

 

CDA Hip Hop CREW – Program Overview

The Hip Hop Crew Team focuses on high-energy training, musicality, and performance, with dancers taking multiple hip hop classes each week and working together to build a strong, unified crew style. Dancers develop confidence, rhythm, and individuality while learning how to perform as a cohesive group.

 

Saturday Rehearsals

• Dancers are required to attend weekly Saturday rehearsals
• During this time they will:
  • Learn and clean 2 competitive hip hop routines
  • Work on formations, timing, and performance quality
• Consistent attendance is required for team placement

 

To Remain a Member of CREW

Dancers must be enrolled in a minimum of 2 classes per week:

1. Hip Hop Class (Required)
2. Second Class (Choose One)
   • Hip Hop
   • Hip Hop Acro
   • All-Boys Hip Hop (if applicable)

 

Performance & Competition Plan

• Compete at 4 Regional Competitions
• Attend 1 National Competition
• Perform in the CDA Annual Recital
• Perform at local charity and community events when your schedule allows

 

Elite Competition Team

The Elite Competition Team is designed for dancers who are ready to take their training to the next level and explore a wide range of styles, from ballet and jazz to contemporary, hip hop, and more. It provides opportunities for dancers to challenge themselves artistically and technically while performing and competing at a higher level.

For dancers who want more than just a weekly class, it offers a well-rounded, immersive experience that builds versatility, confidence, and a deeper passion for dance.

 

Weekly Schedule

Monday & Wednesday

• 4:00–5:30 PM Solo / Duet / Trio Rehearsals
• 5:30–7:30 PM Petite Elite Team
• 5:30–8:30 PM Junior–Senior Elite Teams

Saturday:

• 9:00–10:00 AM Competition Team Conditioning (Junior–Senior Elite)
• Petites may select Hip Hop Acro or Turns & Jumps
• Choreography and routine cleaning take place on Saturdays

Tuesday (Recommended):

• Turns, Leaps & Technique
• Lyrical / Contemporary

 

Performance Requirements

• Specialty dances such as Solos, Duets, and Trios require an audition.
• Not every dancer receives a specialty dance. These opportunities are earned through commitment, work ethic, and technical growth.
• A minimum of 3 group dances is required to be considered for a specialty dance.
• A second specialty dance may be considered by adding an additional group dance (4 groups).
• Elite Team Pre-Professional Track available for dancers seeking additional training and performance opportunities. Includes conventions, higher competition exposure, and advanced training expectations. Dancers in the Pre-Professional Track must compete at the highest level of competition.

The Elite Program is for dancers seeking a more intensive competitive experience with increased training and performance opportunities.

 

Performance & Competition Plan

• Compete at 4 Regional Competitions
• Attend 1 National Competition
• Perform in the CDA Annual Recital
• Perform at local charity and community events when your schedule allows

 

Summer Audition Process

At Charlotte Dance Alliance, our competition team audition process is designed to evaluate each dancer’s current skill level, work ethic, performance quality, and potential for growth. Our goal is to place every dancer in an environment where they can be challenged, supported, and successful.

 

Summer Workshops, Drop-In Classes & Training Opportunities

Dancers interested in joining a Competition Team are encouraged to participate in Summer Workshops and Drop-In Classes. These classes serve as the primary audition period and allow instructors to evaluate dancers over multiple training opportunities rather than through a single audition. A set amount of classes & workshops are required based upon the level of competition you are wanting to join.

Workshops are highly recommended for dancers seeking placement on higher-level teams, as they provide additional training opportunities and allow instructors to better assess technique, performance quality, work ethic, and overall readiness for competition-level training.

 

VIP Elite Summer Experience

For dancers who are serious about maximizing their growth and competition team opportunities, the VIP Elite Summer Experience provides unlimited access to training throughout the summer.

Highlights Include:

• Unlimited age and level-appropriate classes
• Opportunity to train in multiple dance styles
• Increased exposure to instructors throughout the audition process
• Additional technique development and conditioning
• Priority class reservations and waitlist access
• Personalized training recommendations
• Access to select VIP-exclusive workshops and events
• Early access to seasonal registration opportunities

 

VIP Elite Family Summer Experience

Families with multiple dancers can take advantage of the VIP Elite Family Summer Experience, which provides the same benefits across participating family members.

Benefits Include:

• Unlimited age and level-appropriate classes for enrolled family members
• Flexibility to explore additional dance styles and training opportunities
• Enhanced technique development throughout the summer
• Priority class reservations and waitlist access
• Access to select VIP-exclusive workshops and events
• Personalized guidance and placement recommendations
• Early access to seasonal registration opportunities

 

Check-In Process

• Check in at the front desk upon arrival.
• Auditioning dancers will receive a name tag identifying them as a Competition Team candidate.
• Instructors will use these identifiers to evaluate dancers throughout the summer training process.

 

Instructor Evaluation

During classes and workshops, instructors will evaluate:

• Ability to learn and retain choreography
• Technical skill level
• Flexibility, strength, and control
• Performance quality and stage presence
• Work ethic and attitude
• Classroom behavior and focus
• Ability to accept corrections and apply feedback
• Overall readiness for competition-level training

Teachers will make notes throughout the summer to assist with team placement recommendations.

 

Team Placement Considerations

Competition Team placement is based on:

• Age and maturity level
• Technical abilities
• Commitment level
• Attendance availability
• Ability to work within a team environment
• Potential for growth and development

Placement recommendations may include additional classes, workshops, conditioning, or technique training opportunities.

 

Solo, Duet & Trio Auditions

Auditions for Solos, Duets, and Trios will take place during the summer audition season. Dancers interested in being considered for a Solo, Duet, or Trio should prepare a 30–45 second performance that showcases their strengths as a dancer and performer.

Audition Requirements

• Dancer-selected music
• Dancer-selected dance style
• Dancer-selected costume or audition attire
• A prepared routine demonstrating technique, performance quality, musicality, and stage presence. Each dancer will perform their prepared piece in front of a panel of CDA judges and instructors.

Music Requirements

• Cell phone with Bluetooth connectivity
• Flash drive containing the music file

Dancers are encouraged to test their music prior to audition day and have a backup copy available if possible.

 

Evaluation Criteria

• Technical proficiency
• Performance quality
• Stage presence
• Musicality
• Ability to learn and retain choreography
• Consistency in training
• Commitment to rehearsals and preparation
• Participation in summer training opportunities
• Overall readiness for additional competitive responsibilities

Please note that not all dancers who audition will receive a Solo, Duet, or Trio placement. These opportunities are limited and are awarded based on instructor recommendations, audition results, and the dancer’s readiness for additional competitive commitments.

 

Placement Notifications

Following the completion of the summer audition process, families will receive team placement recommendations, rehearsal schedules, and any additional training recommendations for the upcoming competition season.