COMPETITIVE TEAM

We promise there are no pyramid reveals at NLC! 

Dance Moms certainly does not represent the wonderful world of competitive dance, nor the environment we strive to create at NLC Dance Company. 

At NLC, we believe competitive dance should be challenging and exciting, but most importantly, positive, safe, and supportive. Our dancers work hard and are encouraged to push themselves, while being surrounded by teachers and teammates who genuinely want to see them succeeed.

We have zero tolerance for bullying and intimidation, with a strong emphasis on kindness, teamwork, and respect. Our dancers are built up, never torn down. 

If you're looking for a positive, healthy environment for your dancer to begin or continue their competitive dance journey, you're in the right place!

If your dancer loves being in the studio, is excited to learn and grow, and wants to take their training to the next level, competitive dance may be a great fit! We are looking for enthusiastic, hardworking dancers who LOVE dance!

Our competitive program welcomes dancers of all ages, experience levels, and stages of their training. To start the competitive dance process, we will arrange a private assessment to determine the best team/level for your dancer!

For further questions on our competitive team audition process, please contact nlcdancecompany@gmail.com!

Both programs provide quality training, opportunities to grow, and a healthy studio environment! The main differences are the level of commitment, training hours, and performance opportunities.

Recreational dancers: One or more classes each week, two recital performances (optional participation + costuming).

Competitive dancers: Mandatory technique and choreography classes, four mandatory competitions + competitive showcase, two mandatory recital performances, mandatory photoshoot. 

For more information on our Competitive Team, please contact nlcdancecompany@gmail.com! 

Absolutely! We encourage dancers to train in different styles and levels, though their competitive training must be prioritized.

Our Jumpstart Program is designed to assist dancers who are currently training at a Recreational Level and are looking to advance to a Competitive Level. The purpose of this program is to provide dancers with a seamless transition into Competitive Dance, while slowly moving their commitment level from Recreational to Competitive.

We are currently offering a MINI Jumpstart Program (Ages 3-7). Mini Jumpstart dancers must commit to one night of dancing a week, participating in an 1.25 hour class. Jumpstart classes are ran by our Competitive Instructors, giving dancers the full experience!

For more information on our Jumpstart Program, please contact nlcdancecompany@gmail.com! 

Unlike other studios, NLC Dance Company does NOT host major Competitive Team auditions — instead, our Instructors select Recreational dancers who they feel are ready for Competitive dance, and families are sent a formal invitation (between January–March). Current Competitive Dancers are also sent a formal invitation, where they are assigned their team/level (between March–May). 

Every new NLC dancer is given the opportunity to privately audition, where Director Nicole Clinton assesses where they will fit best! No pressure, just welcoming, positive energy! 

All Competitive Team Dancers must attend our mandatory summer intensive each August. Following this intensive, families receive an additional invitation, where dancers are offered routines for the upcoming season (groups, solos, duets, and/or trios).

For more information on our Competitive Team, please contact nlcdancecompany@gmail.com! 

Competitive dance requires a greater time and training commitment than Recreational dance. The exact commitment depends on your dancer's age, level, and assigned team, with our Competitive Teams training between 3 and 9.5 mandatory hours per week. 

Competitive dancers must attend their weekly classes, competitions, performances, and our mandatory summer intensives. Dancers must maintain consistent attendance and must not exceed three absences.

Competitive Dance is a family commitment – we encourage families to consider the additional time, travel, training, and expenses involved when deciding whether Competitive Dance is the right fit. 

For more information on Competitive Dance, please contact nlcdancecompany@gmail.com! 

Each season, NLC Dance Company competes at five competitions, with one (typically our first) competition offered as optional for our Novice and Pre-Competitive teams. Competitive teams must participate in all five competitions. All competition information is communicated at the beginning of each season.

We like to keep our competition locations under three hours away from Cambridge/Ayr. For example, in the past, we have traveled to Chatham, Barrie, Blue Mountain, Port Hope, and Niagara Falls, and attend competitions as close as in Hamilton, Waterloo, and Brantford. We only attend Ontario competitions!

Dancers are welcome to take vacations during our season, but dancers on our Competitive Team must be present for mandatory performances (showcase, recitals, competitions) and the week before performances. 

If your dancer(s) are expected to miss class(es) for a vacation, please inform us as soon as you are aware of their planned absence. This allows faculty to appropriately prepare! 

Both! While age and ability are important factors in team placement, we consider the whole dancer when determining where they will thrive. 

Our goal is to find the team that suits them best – considering their age, current training level, strengths, areas for growth, friendships and team dynamics, and their schedule. Dancers are placed where they will be challenged, supported, and most successful!

For further information regarding placements, please contact nlcdancecompany@gmail.com! 

Yes! All Competitive Team dancers must participate in our mandatory summer intensive (typically end of August), where they meet their team, learn from guest choreographers, and settle into the new season!

We also host Competitive Drop-In Classes throughout July and August, which are highly recommended for our Competitive dancers. 

For more information on our summer programming, please contact nlcdancecompany@gmail.com!