SM Dance Competition, Intentions & Criteria
Why Do We Compete?
At SM Dance we utilize competition as an opportunity to extend our dancers' experience. Competition is an inspiring and humbling opportunity to see what is happening artistically outside of the walls of our studio.
This outlet gives our most dedicated students a challenging but achievable goal to develop themselves through their training at SM Dance. We participate in competitions to celebrate our studios' most dynamic work.
SM Dance Competition Team
NO Audition Required
Select classes from our weekly dance program are invited to participate in competition. We utilize this opportunity to build comradery and incentivize hard work. Classes will be selected and notified by email at the beginning of Session II.
SM Dance Competition Team Requirements:
Participating classes are determined by SM Dance owners, Kelly Riter and Yvonne Frederick
Classes Must Exhibit the Following:
- Students take multiple classes
- Consistent class attendance
- Interest in competing
- Good technical ability in their selected genre
SM Dance Company
Audition Required
Any dancer registered in our 2024-25 dance season in the following levels are invited to audition.
- Mini’s II
- Teens
- Juniors
- Seniors
The intention of this group is to provide additional opportunities to students who master their weekly class curriculum and require additional opportunities to stay engaged and challenged. This group gives our most naturally talented and technically sound students a chance to do more. This opportunity is offered to a variety of class levels and gives exceptional dancers a chance to work with peers outside of their weekly classes. Students are invited to audition for a variety of genres and choreographers. Some students may be selected for one or more pieces depending on the panel's decision. Results will be emailed within one week of the audition date.
SM Dance Company Audition Requirements:
Dancers are selected by the following panel
Kelly Riter (Owner/Artistic Director)
Yvonne Frederick (Owner/Ballet Director)
Emily Justinger (Competition Director)
Kayla Washburn (Hip Hop Director)
Dancers Must Exhibit the Following:
Strong technical ability in the genre they are selected for
Embodies a demeanor that can handle the pressure of performing and adjudication
Always treats teachers and peers with respect
Has impeccable attendance
Masters class curriculum in the genre they are selected for and desires additional opportunities
SM Dance Soloists
NO Audition Required
If your dancer is interested in performing a solo at competition they are required to submit an application. The opportunity to perform as a soloist will be determined by meeting ALL of the requirements below.
SM Dance Soloist Requirements:
Reviewed and determined by the following panel
Kelly Riter (Owner/Artistic Director)
Yvonne Frederick (Owner/Ballet Director)
Emily Justinger (Competition Director)
Kayla Washburn (Hip Hop Director)
Dancer Must Exhibit the Following:
At least 4 consecutive years of ballet training (this excludes Hip Hop solosists)
Exhibits strong technical ability
Embodies a demeanor that can handle the pressure of performing and adjudication
Acts as a leader in the classroom and always treats teachers and peers with respect
Has impeccable attendance
Masters class curriculum and requires additional opportunities to stay engaged and challenged