Dance Company

ROOTS Competition Company is an audition-based program for students ages 4-18

Saskia Harmon - Dance Studio Director

Jessica Stillman
Company Manager

Hi there!

Our ROOTS Competition Company Teams are designed for passionate dancers committed to their training and growth. We offer three levels, Core, Select, and Elite, catering to various skill levels and experiences.

At ROOTS, we don’t just focus on technique. We believe in nurturing the whole dancer, encompassing their mindset, nutrition, strength & conditioning, technique, and creativity. This holistic approach is at the heart of our philosophy, which we call D360.

Beyond the studio and competitions, ROOTS Company is a tight-knit community of dancers and parents—yes, even dad’s too.

If you’d like to join, auditions are held during our Intensive each Summer. We’d love to see you there! For inquiries, contact us at company@rootsacademy.com.

-Jess

Competition Company Overview

ROOTS Dance Company is our nationally awarded audition-based competitive dance program. Participation in the program is based on dancer evaluations and auditions done during our Summer Dance Intensive. Each dancer is assessed based on the following criteria:

  • Age and dance experience (must have at least two years of experience in the styles of jazz, ballet, and hip hop to audition)

  • Physical strength, abilities, and technical excellence

  • Exhibit a strong mind by embracing a growth mindset, strong character and the discipline to achieve personal and team goals

Training for teams begins in August and continues weekly until the end of the season in June. Conventions and competitions begin in November and run through June each year.

Competitive Teams for Ages 7-18

We offer three competitive team levels: Core (introductory), Select (intermediate), and Elite (advanced). During our Summer Intensive, dancers are assessed on age, experience, physical strength, technique, and their growth mindset, character, and discipline to achieve personal and team goals.

Core Teams

Prerequisites: Age 7+ with 2+ years of dance training

Core teams are for dancers ages 7 and above, with a minimum of two years of dance experience in the styles of jazz, ballet, and hip hop. These teams attend at least three weekly training classes, participate in dance conventions, and compete at the introductory level in regional competitions throughout the year, which may involve travel.

Select Teams

Prerequisites: Age 7+ with 3+ years of competitive experience

Select teams are for intermediate to advanced dancers aged 7 and up with at least three years of competitive experience. They attend four weekly training classes and a rehearsal for each routine. Select teams participate in required conventions, regional competitions, and nationals (every two years), with travel involved.

Elite Teams

Prerequisites: Age 9+ with 3+ years of competitive experience

Elite teams are for advanced dancers aged 9 and up with at least three years of competitive experience. They attend five weekly training classes and a rehearsal for each routine. Elite teams participate in multiple required conventions, regional competitions, and nationals (every two years), with travel involved.

Competitive Teams for Ages 4-7

For dancers aged 4-7, we offer competitive programs including the Tiny Team (ages 4-5), Petite Team (ages 5-6), and Peewee Team (ages 6-7). Each team has weekly training and rehearsals, competing at regional competitions, with the Peewee Team also attending conventions and competing at the intermediate level.

Tiny Team

Prerequisites: Average Age: 5, no competitive experience required, invite only

The Tiny Team is an invite-only team designed for dancers aged 4-5 who show interest and desire to become a competitive dancer. Tinies (ages 4-5) take a minimum of two training classes and have one weekly routine rehearsal. They compete at the introductory level in regional competitions throughout the year.

Petite Team

Prerequisites: Average Age: 6, no competitive experience required

The Petite Team is designed for dancers aged 5-6 who show interest and desire to become a competitive dancer. Petites (ages 5-6) take a minimum of three training classes and have one weekly routine rehearsal. They compete at the introductory level in regional competitions throughout the year, which may involve travel.

Peewee Team

Prerequisites: Average Age: 7, At least 1 years of competitive experience required

The Peewee Team is designed for dancers aged 6-7 with at least two years of competition experience. Peewee’s attend a minimum of five weekly training classes and a weekly rehearsal for each routine. They also participate in required dance conventions and compete in the intermediate level in regional competitions throughout the year, which may involve travel.

For more detailed information about ROOTS Competition Company, click the button below…

Intensive & Audition Details

Dancers auditioning for a 2024/2025 company team must attend the Summer Intensive for their age (as of January 1, 2025). Auditions will be held on the final day of the Intensive.

Dancers selected for company teams will attend boot camp and/or choreography sessions in August, with classes and rehearsals starting in September. Registered dancers will receive audition details and the Intensive schedule closer to the event.

Company Schedule

While the specific company schedule may vary from year to year, here is a general outline of what to expect…

ROOTS Promise: We understand the importance of family schedule planning, so our promise is to provide the entire season (Aug-Jul) schedule at the start of the season. While unexpected changes may occur, we strive to give as much notice as possible.

  • July: Company Intensive & Auditions

  • August: Choreography Bootcamp & General Classes Begin
  • September: Company Classes Begin
  • October: Fall Break – Studio Closed
  • October/November: Convention(s)

  • November: Thanksgiving Week – Studio Closed

  • December: Christmas Break – Studio Closed

  • January – April: Regional Competitions

  • March: Spring Break – Studio Closed

  • May: Company Banquet

  • May/June: Annual Recital

  • June: Nationals or Trip (TBD each season)

Company Fees

Company fees are determined by class tuition, competition routines, electives, costumes, and competition participation fees. Each dancer’s fees will vary based on their level of participation. Due to the many factors involved, we do not post the fee schedule.

However, dancers registering for the Intensive will receive a complete fee schedule before Auditions. This information will allow you to assess your level of participation before committing to the company team if you pass the audition.

Interested in Company, but not ready to audition?

Fill out the form below to be added to our general email list.

Questions?

If you have any questions about our program, please don't hesitate to call or email one of our team members:

Saskia Harmon—Program Director
Jessica Stillman—Company Manager
Melissa Bullington—Preschool Manager
Jen Burns—Dance Operations Manager
Kathleen McPherson—Dance Program Coordinator
dance@rootsacademy.com
(615) 804-1177 x2