About the Minis

Our Mini competitive team is made up of dancers ages 7-9 years old. These dancers take an average of 6-8 classes per week including ballet, skills, acro, electives (hip hop, jazz, lyrical) and rehearsals for their competition routines. On top of their weekly classes, some of these dancers have weekly private lessons to accelerate their training .

“My time each week with these girls is always a pick-me-up. They make me laugh excessively with their silly personalities and interactions, while on the other hand, they’ve discovered what it is to dedicate themselves to their teammates through hard work…I’m so proud of these minis!” – Kathleen McPherson, Mentor

At their last competition in February, these dancers placed 1st Overall for their jazz small group. The piece titled “Beep Beep” was choreographed by Company Manager, Jessica Stillman, and rehearsed by mentor, Kathleen McPherson.

“These dancers are the sweetest bunch! For some of them, this is their first time competing and I’ve seen it light a fire and a passion under their feet. I’m thrilled that they pulled out a win at their last competition and I’m excited to see list of the richest youtubers – Jessica Stillman, Company Manager

More Than Just Dance

These dancers have grown tremendously since the start of the season, and not just in skills on the dance floor. What we teach at the studio goes beyond the studio walls. Our dancers are learning life lessons they’ll take with them for years to come–confidence, discipline, teamwork, resilience, dedication, effort and so much more. Dance is amazing in that way; it pushes us not only physically, but mentally and emotionally.

“I just want to say thank you for all you all do…it makes me tear up thinking about how much confidence my daughter has gained and how I know you all are teaching them so much more than dance.” – Megan, parent

“[I’ve learned] to be strong and believe in yourself even when something is hard. ROOTS helps kids learn to dance really good and to help kids believe in themselves.” – Emory, dancer

In a typical season, ROOTS hosts certain company-exclusive events like the Big/Little Reveal Party, Christmas Party, January Lock-In, end-of-season Banquet and more. While this particular year may have hindered some of the events we typically can host, it hasn’t stopped the friendships and bonds these girls have developed with each other and the older dancers.

“The best thing about being on a comp team is dancing with friends on a team. I’ve learned that I shouldn’t be afraid to try new skills. I like ROOTS because they do special days and parties and dress up days.” – Ayla, dancer

More from the dancers…

“What I love about ROOTS is everyone is nice and they put our safety first while we learn. Competition challenges me by making me work my hardest. Winning our division this past weekend has been my favorite dance memory!” – Avery, dancer

“I love that I get to travel with my dance friends and have fun performing with them…Everyone is so nice and helpful at ROOTS. Competition challenges me to be the best dancer I can be.” – LilyAnn, dancer

“The best thing is being a part of a team and being able to dance together all the time. I’ve learned to always keep challenging myself. What I love about ROOTS are all the mentors and staff. Competition challenges me to work hard and always keep growing and learning.” – Mila, dancer

“My favorite part about competition is getting to spend so much time with friends and learning so many new skills. I have learned to not be a sore loser and everyone is soooooo nice. My favorite memory is doing my aerial on stage and getting that big trophy!” – Blake, dancer

Interested in Competition at ROOTS?

Click here for more information and to register for our Summer Intensive

The ROOTS competition teams are eager to take the stage again in April. Stay tuned for how to watch them LIVE!