Competitive Dance Program | Dance Inclusion

Competitive

Dance

The Dance Inclusion
Performance Company

We are a prestigious, award-winning, competitive performance company, setting the highest standard of performance quality and challenging the stigma of competitive dance.

DIPC Interest Meeting for Parents June 13th at 1pm to 2pm at Dance Inclusion Studio

2026 - 2027
DIPC
Competition Company

DIPC 2026 - 2027 Levels

This year, we’re leveling up in a big way, building stronger foundations, sharpening technique, and helping every dancer grow with confidence as we head into the next competition season. Our five levels are designed to meet dancers where they are and help each dancer grow and progress.

DIPC Levels (with typical ages) Must be the starting age by Jan 1st, 2027

DIPC Mini Novice (starting at age 4; typically ages 4–6)
DIPC Mini Sparkle Squad (starting at age 4; typically ages 4–6)
DIPC Glow (level-based; typically age 7+)
DIPC Elevate (level-based; typically age 10+)
DIPC Select (level-based; typically age 14+)

Mini Novice is our entry-level competition team for beginner minis. Dancers may start as early as age 3, but must be 4 by January 1.

Mini Sparkle Squad is our more advanced mini level; dancers start at age 4 and must be 5 by January 1.

Beginning at age 7, dancers will be considered for DIPC Glow (novice), DIPC Elevate (intermediate), and DIPC Select (advanced).

If your dancer is aiming for DIPC Elevate, DIPC Select, or Mini Sparkle Squad, summer training is REQUIRED. These are the levels we’ll be pushing especially hard this year to create a strong, consistent foundation for the season. Training will focus heavily on Technique & Conditioning and Ballet, and we’ll also be introducing different styles and skill sets through rotating workshops throughout the session.

More about DIPC and how to join

We are on a mission to create elite level dancers that not only perform with excellence and advanced level skills, but are mentally strong and supportive of others. Being a member of The DIPC is a privilege and dancers must exhibit not only fundamental dance skills, but dedication, resilience, respect, kindness and be able to uphold and represent Dance Inclusion’s values and mission.

A DIPC dancer can overcome challenges and setbacks and continues to strive for excellence. That is why we designed our programs to provide additional guidance, training, and support to help each dancer develop and grow into the dancer we know they can be. We aren't avoiding challenges, we are helping our dancers learn to face their fears and build resilience. We strongly believe being a member of The DIPC is earned.

The decisions you make now will shape your future. Secure your spot this summer, commit to your growth, and take advantage of every opportunity to rise to the top! Be part of something extraordinary, be a DIPC dancer!

Getting Started - 2026- 2027 DIPC Season

DIPC Glow: Expectations & Requirements (level-based; typically age 7+)

A lower-commitment competition pathway
DIPC Glow is a lower-commitment performance and competition option for dancers who are still building strong fundamentals, confidence, and stage presence. Its designed to help dancers grow in a supportive environment without the intensity of a full competition schedule.

Auditions
• DIPC Glow members will audition in the Fall.
• No competition experience is required.

Commitment level
DIPC Glow includes: - Lower in-studio commitment than our more intensive competition tracks - Fewer competition dances throughout the season

This structure allows dancers to focus on steady improvement while still getting meaningful performance and competition experience.

What we focus on
DIPC Glow is ideal for dancers who are working on: - Fundamentals (technique, alignment, control, and clarity) - Confidence (trying hard things, taking corrections, and showing resilience) - Stage presence (performance quality, projection, and connecting with the audience)

Summer classes
• Summer classes are not required for DIPC Glow, but encouraged.

A note for families
DIPC Glow is development-focused and encouraging. Our goal is to meet dancers where they are, build strong foundations, and help them step into performance with confidenceat a commitment level that feels healthy and manageable.

Please complete the interest form and let us know you are interested in the DIPC Glow level.

DIPC Interest Form

DIPC Elevate (level-based; typically age 10+) and DIPC Select (level-based; typically age 14+)

This year, we’re leveling up in a big way—building stronger foundations, sharpening technique, and helping every dancer grow with confidence as we head into the next competition season. We’re also excited to announce that we’ll be offering five team levels this year, designed to meet dancers where they are and help them progress.

If your dancer is aiming for DIPC Elevate or DIPC Select levels for the 2027 competition season, summer training is required.

These are the levels we’ll be pushing especially hard this year to create a strong, consistent foundation for the season. Training will focus heavily on Technique & Conditioning and Ballet, and we’ll also be introducing different styles and skill sets through rotating workshops throughout the session. So excited for the workshops! They will be learning fun choreography in addition to skills!

Summer Dates (Quick View)
• Classes: June 15 - June 28 (2 weeks)
• Off: June 29 - July 5 (1 week)
• Classes: July 6 - August 2 (4 weeks)
• Off: August 3 - August 16 (2 weeks)
• Classes: August 17 - Sep 6 (schedule may adjust slightly for fall classes) (3 weeks)

For our ages 7+ levels (Glow, Elevate, and Select), auditions are required in the fall in addition summer classes.

Summer training helps us evaluate, coach, and develop dancers, but placement is not guaranteed. Levels are also fluid throughout the season, meaning dancers may step up or step down based on progress, readiness, and ongoing evaluation.

IMPORTANT Summer Training Requirement (Elevate/Select): Dancers must prioritize Technique & Conditioning and Ballet classes over the summer. Participation in summer training does not guarantee a spot on the 2026 - 2027 DIPC team.

Dancers that register for this training are automatically enrolled in all classes. Dancers must report absences 24 hours in advance through the portal for any classes they are planning not to attend.

Ages 7–11 highly encouraged to attend as many of these classes as you can:
• Mondays: Technique & Conditioning 6:45 to 7:45 PM
• Tuesdays: Ballet 6:00 to 7:00 PM
• Wednesdays: Technique & Conditioning 7:30 to 8:30 PM
• Saturdays: Technique & Conditioning 10:30 to 11:30 AM

Ages 7–11 (optional classes that are included):
• Tuesdays: Tap 7:00 to 7:45 PM
• Wednesdays: High-energy dance (Jazz/Hip Hop combo): 6:45 to 7:30 PM
• Thursdays: Workshop 7:45 to 8:45 PM
• Saturdays: Workshop 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM

Ages 12+ highly encouraged to attend as many of these classes as you can:
• Mondays: Technique & Conditioning 6:45 to 7:45 PM
• Wednesdays: Technique & Conditioning 7:30 to 8:30 PM
• Thursdays: Ballet 6:45 to 7:45 PM
• Saturdays: Technique & Conditioning 10:30 to 11:30 AM

Ages 12+ (optional classes that are included):
• Mondays: Hip Hop 7:45 to 8:30 PM
• Thursdays: Workshop 7:45 to 8:45 PM
• Saturdays: Workshop 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM

We expect Elevate and Select level candidates are expected to participate in the majority of classes, including optional classes.

To register, sign up for the age group based on the age of your dancer.

Mini DIPC

The Mini DIPC is our youngest competition team for ages 3 to 6* years old. Minis company dancers have two options, Mini Novice and Mini Sparkle Squad.

DIPC Mini Novice

Mini Novice is our entry-level competition team for beginner Minis. These are typically dancers new to competition. Dancers may start as early as age 3, but must be 4 by January 1, 2027. To join the Mini Novice DIPC, parents must complete an interest form AND register for the Mini Ballet Class for the fall session. After completing the interest form, more information about signing up for the fall ballet class will be provided. Mini dancers that are selected to be on the DIPC Mini Novice team will receive an invitation in the fall. Invitation is based on dancer readiness, observed in class. A parent meeting will be scheduled to discuss season commitment, expectations, and estimated cost in the fall of 2026. Summer classes are not required for Mini DIPC Members, but encouraged.

DIPC Mini Sparkle Squad

Mini Sparkle Squad is our more advanced mini level; dancers start at age 4 and must be 5 by January 1, 2027. To be selected to be on the Mini Sparkle Squad, dancers MUST register and attend summer classes. Only Mini Sparkle Squad members will be eligible to compete solos, duets, and/or trio for the 2026-2027 season.

Mini Sparkle Squad Member Eligibility
• Dancers may be 4 years old at the start of the season, but they must be 5 years old by January 1, 2027 to be eligible for Mini Sparkle Squad placement.
• Competition experience is highly recommended; however, studio staff may select Mini Sparkle members based on readiness, focus, and coach-ability demonstrated during summer training.
• Best fit for dancers who are ready for a higher level of training and responsibility.
• Summer training IS required to be considered for the 2026 - 2027 Mini DICP Sparkle Squad.

Auditions & Selection Timeline For 2027 Mini DIPC Sparkle Squad:

Dancers may be asked to audition, or they may be selected based on summer commitment and readiness. Auditions will happen in the fall, if required.

Why join summer training?
Mini Sparkle Summer Training is designed for dancers who are interested in being considered for the DIPC 2026 - 2027 Mini Sparkle Squad and want a focused summer of growth, consistency, and confidence-building.

Summer training helps dancers:
• build stronger technique and body awareness
• gain confidence in a performance-focused setting
• develop consistency, focus, and coachability
• show commitment (which matters for placement)
• give staff more time to assess readiness in a supportive environment

Attendance requirements (June 15 – September 6)
• Technique is the priority. To be considered for the DIPC Mini Sparkle Squad placement, dancers must prioritize Mini Technique & Conditioning /Mini Ballet classes between June 15th to September 6th.

Weekly Sparkle Squad Summer Schedule
• Monday: Sparkle Technique and Conditioning* 6:00 to 6:45 PM (with Ashley)
• Tuesday: Tap*** 6:30 to 7:00 PM (with Ashley)
• Wednesday: Mini Ballet* 6:00 to 6:45 PM (with Ashley)
• Thursday: Sparkle Workshop** 6:00 to 6:45 PM (with Dance Inclusion staff where they will focus on a different style of dance or skill each class)

* Should prioritize Tech and Conditioning and Ballet (between June 16th and Sep 6th) to be eligible for the 2027 DIPC Sparkle Squad. Dancers are automatically enrolled in Tech and Conditioning and Ballet. Please request absence for any missed classes using the portal.

** Workshops are optional but highly encouraged and expected to attend the majority of the time. Dancers will explore different styles, build technique related to that style of dance, and may learn combinations and/or choreography. Dancers are automatically enrolled in workshops. Please request absence for any missed classes using the portal.

*** Optional for dancers wanting to tap over the summer. Great for both inexperienced and experienced tap dancers. Highly encouraged, as participating in tap helps dancers learn to count music and develop musicality, which is essential for any style of dance. Please request absence using portal, if not participating.

Participation in summer training shows dedication and can improve technique, but it does not guarantee a spot on the DIPC Mini Sparkle 2027 level. Placement will be determined in the fall and is based on readiness and commitment. To keep placement fair and consistent, we will not select any Mini Sparkle members who do not participate in the required summer classes/training.

Mini DIPC Interest Form

Mini Sparkle Squad Registration

At Dance Inclusion, it's not just dance. We are focused on dancer wellbeing, both physically and mentally. Our Dance Inclusion Performance Company program infuses the highest quality of dance instruction with personal development. We offer professional mentorship and guidance to help every dancer be the best they can be on and off the stage.

Our Philosophy | Dance Competitions

Belonging Begins With Us

Competition is scary! Getting on stage and being judged is uncomfortable! And what if they fail?? What if all their hard work doesn't get them the trophy they've worked so hard for?

Why do we put our dancers through this??!

Because it’s more than just dance...It’s preparing our kids for real life, because life isn’t easy.

It’s learning to embrace the wins and cope with the losses or disappointments. It’s working hard at something to be better than you were before, even if you don't meet your goals or win that trophy. It’s never giving up. It’s finding who you are and what you’re good at and challenging yourself to do something you never thought you could. It’s being proud of yourself and your teammates. It’s listening to others to continue to improve yourself. It’s taking criticism to make a positive change and giving constructive criticism to help others succeed. It's being part of a team and using individual strengths to make the team successful. It's not letting your disappointment get in the way of some else's achievements.

We know competition is a part of life, whether it's getting into a good school or landing that dream job...competition is everywhere! So, let's help them manage their emotions and build emotional intelligence now, so that they are set up for success and happiness in life. Let's help them with lessons learned to improve their quality of life and avoid hardship. Let's build emotional resilience and help them to remain humble.

It’s more than just bragging about 1st place or bringing home a trophy. It's not about being the best or being better than someone else. What we are really doing at Dance Inclusion is elevating our dancers to be the best version of themselves and creating leaders. We use our passion for dance to help our youth find a level of confidence and work ethic that will make them successful in life, wherever life takes them.