Troupe/Competition Information

Westchester Dance Academy Competitive Troupe is the area’s leading Dance Troupe. Our dancers and teachers have been rewarded the highest honors in both regional, national and international events.  Our competitive program is designed to truly challenge and inspire those serious about dance. This program offers intense conditioning, technical training, first class choreography and personal attention. Students gain the technique they need through concentrated training in Ballet, Lyrical, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Tap, Acro/Tumbling and Musical Theatre.

Although the focus is on giving students the ability to pursue dance as a profession, the skills learned in this program have proven to be valuable life lessons that continue to benefit the students in all career choices. Self-discipline, self-expression, responsibility, and time management are only some of the qualities that our students are guaranteed to acquire. 

The troupe ranging from ages 4-18 is divided into Super-Tots, Small Fry’s, Mini, Junior, Pre-Teen/Teen, Senior, Troupe 2 and Hip Hop Troupe. Advanced and Elite levels are all built on ability, technique, personality and above all potential. Our competitive dancers train anywhere from 3-5 days a week, which includes 2-3 classes per day. Placement is determined entirely by Kelly Burke and her instructors, and all applicants to the troupe must be individually evaluated in class and/or by audition. 

 

SMALL FRY’S (Ages 5-7)                        

This level is for the younger dancers that wish to experience the same taste of competitive dance. Only 3-4 hours per week is all that is required to experience the fun and excitement of competitive dance. Entering the Supersets program is the best way to start your kids off in the competitive world.

Requirements to be in Small Fry Troupe: 

• Must take Ballet & Jazz each week, as well as rehearsal class on Saturdays

• Must be available for 3 competition weekends between January and May

MINI (Ages 7-9)                  

Requirements to be in Mini Troupe:                          

• 5 Hours per week of classes 

• Must take Ballet, lyrical, Jazz and leap & turn each week, as well as, rehearsal class

• Must be available the last week of August for our mandatory Summer Intensive

• Must be available for 3 - 4 competition weekends between January and May

JUNIORS (Ages 9-12)

Requirements to be in Junior Troupe:

• 8 Hours per week of classes 

• Must take ballet, lyrical, Jazz, Contemporary and leap & turn each week, as well as, rehearsal class

• Must be available the last week of August for our mandatory Summer Intensive

• Must be available for 3 -4 competition weekends between January and May, 1 National in July

Pre-Teen/Teen Troupe (Ages 11 - 14)

Requirements to be in Pre-Teen/Teen Troupe:

• 9 Hours per week of classes 

• Must take ballet, lyrical, Jazz, contemporary and leap & turn each week, as well as, rehearsal class

• Must be available the last week of August for our mandatory Summer Intensive

• Must be available for 4 competition weekends between January and May, 1 National in July

Senior Troupe (Ages 14 - 19)

Requirements to be in Senior Troupe:

• 10 Hours per week of classes 

• Must take ballet, lyrical, Jazz. Contemporary and leap & turn each week, as well as, rehearsal class

• Must be available the last week of August for our mandatory Summer Intensive

• Must be available for 4 competition weekends between January and May, 1 National in July

Troupe 2 (Ages 8 - 18) (Petites) (Teens)

This new alternative is for students who would like to improve their technique and performance abilities. Troupe 2 is not the same commitment that is called for in our Troupe but does give the students’ performance opportunities outside of the recital. This level is especially for those who are uncertain about the full-time commitment but wish to compete. With fewer hours and fewer competitions this level gives the student a taste of competitive dance and an option to decide whether or not full time is the right choice for them.

Requirements to be in Troupe 2: 

• 5 Hours per week of classes 

• Must take ballet, lyrical, Jazz and leap & turn each week, as well as, rehearsal class

• Must be available for 3 - 4 competition weekends between January and May

Hip Hop Troupe (Ages 7-18) 

This Troupe offers a competitive experience to students strictly involved in hip hop without having to commit to a full-time program. They will train once a week for hour and participate in 3 to 4 competitions.