Competitive Classes (7+yrs)
North Calgary Dance Centre is proud to offer an extremely high quality of training for our competitive dancers in an atmosphere that is focused on team work, sportsmanship and open communication. Our program is divided into 9 levels; Pre-Mini, Mini, Pre-Junior, Junior, Pre-Inter, Inter, Teen and Senior A & B. Dancers are placed into classes based on technique and skill level, and all dancers must audition to be accepted into these classes.
An attendance expectation of 90% is set to ensure that all dancers are moving forward at the same rate. All dancers in our competitive program must take all the classes recommended to them in their level. Acro class may be taken over and above their regular training schedule at an additional cost.
Dancers in the Pre-Mini & Mini levels may train in those levels and choose not to compete, but instead focus on class work and a recital performance. All dancers in the Pre-Junior or higher levels MUST participate in our full competitive program to take part in those classes. If a dancer chooses not to compete after 2 years in the Mini program, they will be recommended into our recreational program. Dancers in the Pre-Junior,Junior, Pre-Inter, Inter, Teen and Senior levels will not perform in a recital, instead will present a Competitive Showcase at the end of the season.
Competitive Classes Level Breakdown;
Pre-Mini: Ages 7-8, Grade 1 RAD Ballet. Students from Primary or Recreational programs may be recommended for the Pre-Mini program. Invitational competitive group and ballet exam. 3.5 hours of training/week with optional, additional 45-minute Acro.
Mini: Ages 8-10, Grade 1 or 2 RAD Ballet. Invitational competitive groups and ballet exam. 4 hours of training/week with optional, additional 45-minute Acro.
Pre-Junior: Ages 9-11, Grade 2 RAD Ballet. Mandatory participation in competitive groups and ballet exam if offered. 5 hours of training/week with optional, additional 45-minute Acro.
Junior: Ages 10-12, Grade 3 RAD Ballet. Mandatory participation in competitive groups and ballet exam if offered. 5.75 hours of training/week with optional, additional 1 hour Acro.
Pre-Inter: Ages 11-13, Grade 4 RAD Ballet. Mandatory participation in competitive groups and ballet exam if offered. 6.5 hours of training/week with optional, additional 1 hour Acro.
Inter: Ages 12-14, Intermediate Foundation RAD Ballet. Mandatory participation in competitive groups and ballet exam if offered. 7.5 hours of training/week with optional, additional 1 hour Acro.
Teen: Ages 13-15, Intermediate RAD Ballet. Mandatory participation in competitive groups and ballet exam if offered. 8.25 hours of training/week with optional, additional 1-1.25 hours of Acro.
Senior B: Ages 14-16, Advanced Foundation RAD Ballet. Mandatory participation in competitive groups and ballet exam if offered. 8.5 hours of training/week with optional, additional 1-1.25 hours of Acro.
Senior A: Ages 15+, Advanced 1 & 2 RAD Ballet. Mandatory participation in competitive groups and ballet exam if offered. 9.5 hours of training/week with optional, additional 1-1.25 hours of Acro.
RAD Ballet exams are regularly offered to students in our program. Competition opportunities are available for most dancers by invite only. We compete in 4 competitions each season and occasionally participate in National Events over the summer.
Our competitive dancers are regularly recognized for their outstanding work and talent, and we foster a supportive, inclusive environment to all dancers both at NCDC and other studios at the events we attend.
If you are new to NCDC and interested in auditioning for our competitive team, dancers are expected to attend our auditions in June to determine the right fit and level, and attend our summer intensive to finalize level assessment. You can find more information on our summer programs HERE. Please do not hesitate to contact our office to set up a meeting to discuss the program and audition process.