Interested in Joining our competitive program? We hold auditions each year in the beginning of June for the following season. We are also happy to set up a private audition should you be unable to attend our scheduled team auditions.

Our competitive season each year starts at the end of August and continues through the school year and into the beginning of June. If the program attends a National competition (every other year), sometimes the season is extended to the end of June.

Our competitive program is known for its well rounded, inclusive training that provides opportunity for all dancers at all different abilities and commitment levels. Our program strives for excellence while recognizing the strengths and weaknesses of each dancer and setting everyone up for success. Our program is both regionally and nationally recognized and has accomplished a variety of titles and awards together as a program in addition to all of the individual titles and team awards our dancers have earned. 

Interested in our program? Or looking for more information, audition forms or a copy of our competitive contract please reach out to our office at [email protected] or 218-628-2269.

Competitive Team Overview

Expectations

Being a member of our competitive program is a privilege and comes with responsibility. Personal accountability is essential for a successful season, and commitment to the studio and other team members is a vital component of this success. We expect all of our students to be present, prepared and positive at all times. With this, we expect all of our dancers and their families to represent Madill’s name well, inside and outside of the studio. Madill will work hard to create a positive atmosphere for every person who walks in our doors. The commitment and dedication to this goal by each one of our studio members and their families will be an important piece to its execution.

Placement

Placement into the Madill Performing Arts Center Competitive Program is based on the following criteria: current ability, technique, potential, commitment level, enthusiasm, attitude and behavior in class, attendance, age and stage presence. We will place students in groups that we feel will work best together in rehearsals and performances. Madill’s Competitive Program is divided into 3 tiers based on the commitment level each dancer/family can make. The tiers are further divided into 5 levels which determine the students’ technique and ballet classes. The competitive program will encourage and push every student to improve and grow. Aside from the levels, we also offer a parallel electives program for students who would like to participate in a team and/or style that is offered outside of the main competitive tier teams. All team placements are non-negotiable. If dancers return for the upcoming season behind the skill set that they had at the time of auditions, the studio has the right to reconsider placement.  

Program Descriptions

Pre Competitive Teams will compete in 2 regional competitions and participate in a required fall intensive. We aim to keep at least 1 regional competition local. Class requirements include jazz technique, ballet and choreography. These students may be eligible for extra teams but these opportunities will likely include additional competition requirements. These dancers may also be eligible for additional routines (solo, duet, trio) up to the studio's discretion. Pre Competitive teams will do 2 group dances. We encourage this Tier for dancers 7 & under who have little to no competition experience and would like to see what it’s all about. 

Company Teams will compete in 3 regional competitions every year and have the option to compete in 1 national competition every other year. Teams will also participate in 1 required fall intensive. Class requirements include jazz technique, ballet & choreography classes. These students are eligible for extra teams and additional routines (solo, duet, trio) at the studios discretion. Extra Teams may include additional competition requirements. Company Teams will do 2 group dances.

Elite Company Teams will compete in 4 regional competitions every year. Elite Company Levels will be required to compete in 1 national competition every other year  Teams will also participate in 1 required fall intensive. Class requirements include jazz technique, ballet, choreography and an additional class that dancers can select from a list.  These Dancers are eligible for extra Teams as well as additional routines (solo, duet, trio) at the studios discretion. Elite Company teams will do 3 group dances. 

Parallel Program Options

The Pre Professional Team is for students who are looking for more in addition to their Tier requirements. The pre professional program will have additional class requirements as well as potential additional travel requirements. The Pre Professional program is training centered and focuses on additional weekly training on top of what the dancers are already taking. Some additional classes will be required while other additional classes will be offered as an option. The Pre Professional team will not only participate in additional weekly training but will have the option to audition for additional routines that are composed of the dancers in the pre professional program. All of the pre professional dancers will attend a required convention each year. The Pre Professional dancers in the teams’ competitive routines will compete in 5 competitions, 4 of them will match the studios Elite Company competitions with 1 additional competition. The additional 1, may be tied to the required convention. Additionally the pre pro team would compete in nationals every year. In Studio Nationals years, it will match the Nationals that all of the required competitive dancers are attending. You must compete at the Elite Company tier in order to be considered for this electives program. There will also be additional choreography costs involved with this team.

The Electives program is for any of our competitive students at the elite company level who want to audition for style specific teams in addition to their tier teams as well as for those students who do not try out for a main tier team and instead audition for one or more of our “Elective Teams” (pre competitive & Company students may be considered on a year to year basis). Elective only students must also participate in additional classes based on their commitment level. Elite Company Members must participate in 2 additional classes per week (1.5 - 2 hours). Class options include but are not limited to Ballet, Jazz Technique, Tumbling, Strength/Conditioning, Stretch/Flexibility & Improv. There may be additional choreography costs involved with these teams.