COMPETITIVE TEAM

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!

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).

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!