Dance Company
ROOTS Competition Company is an audition-based program for students ages 5-18
welcome
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!
-Jess
If you have any questions about our competition program, audition requirements, or prerequisites, feel free to contact us at company@rootsacademy.com or call/text us at 615-804-1177, extension 2. We’re happy to help!
Competition 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:
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.
Ages 4-7
Competition Teams
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.
Ages 7-18
Competition Teams
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.
Audition Details
Dancers auditioning for a 2025/2026 company team must attend the Summer Intensive for their age (as of January 1, 2026). Auditions will be held on the final day of the Intensive.
Dancers selected for company teams will attend our annual retreat during the first weekend of August, with choreography sessions the rest of the month. Classes and rehearsals will begin in September. Registered dancers will receive detailed audition information and the Intensive schedule closer to the event.
company mentors
company mentors
Teaching is about more than just mastering techniques. Our students are guided by passionate, highly trained professionals who understand their broader impact on students’ lives. Below are the mentors who work with our competition company dancers.
Schedule & fees
While the company schedule may vary each year, here’s a general outline of what you can expect.
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.
competition routines
Take a look at some of our past competition performances to get a feel for what it’s like to be a ROOTS competition dancer!
Frequently Asked Questions
questions?
If you have any questions about our dance program, please don’t hesitate to call, text or email us. Our hours are Monday – Saturday from 12pm – 6pm.
SASKIA HARMON – Dance Director
JESSICA STILLMAN – Competition Manager
MELISSA BULLINGTON – Preschool Manager
JEN BURNS – Dance Operations Manager
KATHLEEN MCPHERSON – Dance Operations Coordinator
SASKIA HARMON
Dance Director
JESSICA STILLMAN
Competition Manager
MELISSA BULLINGTON
Preschool Manager
JEN BURNS
Dance Operations Manager
KATHLEEN MCPHERSON
Dance Operations Coordinator