Moving from a regular class to a competition line can be a big step, and it is important that you understand all of the differences.  We have numerous competition lines to accomodate students of different ages and abilities.  Your student will be placed in a line that is both age and level appropriate for him/her. 

What are the benefits of being on a competition line?

Due to the increased number of hours per week of instruction, your skills as a dancer improve at a faster rate.  You also get to try a variety of dance styles, and have opportunities to work with different choreographers.  There are many more opportunities for performing your dance routines when you are on a competition line.  And, best of all, its a blast!

How do you join a competition line?

All competition lines are by audition only.  Auditions are held in August.  Students that come to the tryout are broken up into several groups by age and ability.  The students learn challenging routines and then demonstrate what they have learned to the instructors. 

How often do you dance at competitions?

For junior competition lines, they dance at 2 competitions in the spring, at the spring recitals, and optionally at the national competition.  For senior competition lines, they dance at 4 competitions in the spring, at the spring recitals, and at the national competition.  For the past few years, Metro Dance Center has gone to a national dance competition at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells. 

What is the time commitment for competition dance line?

The time commitment varies depending on whether you are on a junior or senior competition line.  For junior competition lines, practices are typically held twice a week, for a total of 1.5-3 hours/week.  For senior competition lines, practices are typically held 3-5 times/week, for a total of 10-16 hours/week.  Attendance policies are also stricter than in regular classes.  Students can miss only five of each class throughout the year.  If a student misses more than five of any class, he/she must make that class up.

What if I've been studying at a different studio? 

If you are already in competition dance at another studio, you need to attend the summer dance escape or dance intensives.  The instructors will assess your skills and place you in an appropriate group during these workshops, just as they do with the other students.

What is the difference in cost compared to recreational classes?

The cost is relative to the hours of instruction received per week.  If you are receiving 3 hours of instruction per week, as compared to a recreational class that meets for 1 hour per week, the cost of your dance instruction is approximately 3 times what you paid for the recreational class.  In addition, all competition lines have custom-made costumes and higher quality/different shoes.  Costume costs are estimated at the beginning of the year, and your are charged monthly throughout the dance year.  Competition entry fees are also added to your bill based on the number of dances and number of competitions.