Developing Whole Dancers. Preparing Whole Humans.
Our competition program develops strong, versatile dancers through the Whole Dancer Method—building technique, artistry, resilience, and professionalism for success in dance and beyond.
The Whole Dancer
Strong foundational training across styles, settings, and performance demands.
Performance quality, expression, confidence, and adaptability.
Resilience, accountability, discipline, and growth through challenge.
Preparation for industry dance pathways and success in any future professional environment.
Find the Right Pathway
Our competition tracks are designed to meet dancers where they are while creating a clear pathway for growth. This table gives families a quick comparison of commitment, competitions, summer requirements, and major cost categories.
| Level | Team | Age Group | Dancer | Class Hour | Competitions | Summer Requirements | Routine | Tuition | Supply Fee | Deposit | Audition / Placement Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Company | Synergy | 13+ | Pre-professional team | 11–15 | 3 group conventions + 1 additional convention, 2–3 local competitions | Surge & Ascend & Team Camp | 4 | Unlimited season classes – 432/mo | 200 | 1000 | 75 |
| Company | Fusion | 13 & under | Pre-professional team | 11–15 | 2–3 conventions + 2–3 local competitions | Surge & Ascend & Team Camp | 4 | Unlimited season classes – 432/mo | 200 | 1000 | 75 |
| Team | Coalition | 13+ | Intermediate competition team | 4–6 | 3 local competitions + 1 convention | Flow 20 classes or 2 weeks of Surge & Ascend & Team Camp | 4 | Tiered by class load | 100 | 800 | 75 |
| Team | Alliance | 13 & under | Intermediate competition team | Varies | 3 local competitions + 1 convention | Flow 20 classes or 2 weeks of Surge & Ascend & Team Camp | 3 | Tiered by class load | 100 | 600 | 75 |
| Novice | Echo | 8+ | Novice team – 8 and up | 2–4 | 3 local competitions | Flow 10 classes | 2 | Tiered by class load | 50 | 400 | 50 |
| Novice | Nova | 7 & under | Novice team – 7 and under | 2 | 3 local competitions | Flow 5 classes | 1 | Tiered by class load | 50 | 150 | 50 |
Synergy
Pre-professional team
Fusion
Pre-professional team
Coalition
Intermediate competition team
Alliance
Intermediate competition team
Echo
Novice team – 8 and up
Nova
Novice team – 7 and under
Final total cost varies by team placement, number of routines, choreography assignments, competition schedule, and convention participation.
Standard studio fees such as registration and recital fees also apply. Applicable taxes will be added where required.
Applicable taxes will be added to tuition and fees.
Surge may be replaced with an outside intensive, with prior approval.
Training, Teamwork, and Growth
Competition at 509 Collective is about more than results. We develop dancers who are confident, adaptable, and prepared to work well in any environment.
Required Classes by Level
Each pathway includes required weekly training to build strong technique, versatility, and performance readiness.
Company
Our highest-commitment track for dancers pursuing advanced training and strong pre-professional preparation.
- Ballet
- Jazz
- Hip Hop
- Turns & Leaps
- Strength and Conditioning
- Company classes (2–3 hours/week)
- Additional specialty classes based on assigned routines
Team
A balanced competition experience with clear expectations, technical growth, and performance opportunities.
- Ballet
- Jazz
- Additional specialty classes based on assigned routines
- Team classes (1–2 classes, 2 hours/week)
Novice
Supportive entry pathways for dancers developing consistency, confidence, and foundational technique.
- Echo: Ballet, Jazz, Novice team class (2 hours/week)
- Nova: Team class (1 hour), All Style Technique class (1 hour)
Season Commitments
In addition to classes, competitions, and summer training, dancers may be expected to participate in key events throughout the season.
- Half-time performances
- Workshops and master classes
- Dress rehearsals
- Community events
- Team appearances
Additional Fees
Families should plan for team-related costs in addition to tuition and standard studio fees.
- Team backpack: $200
- Team gear: $300
- Choreography: $150–$1,000 depending on choreographer and routine
- Costumes: $150–300 per routine
- Competition fees: $100–$150 per routine
- Convention fees: $300–$600
- Workshops/Community Event fees: $30–$500
- Summer requirements: Prices vary by commitment levels
Standard studio fees such as registration and recital fees also apply.
A Positive and Professional Process
Our audition process is designed to be fair, supportive, and growth-focused.
- Auditions are held for placement on our pre-professional Company teams
- Dancers who are not placed on Company may still be selected for Team-level programs
- Placement is based on technique, performance quality, work ethic, and overall readiness
- We prioritize placing dancers where they will be challenged and supported to grow
Dancers are evaluated by experienced outside adjudicators to support a fair and objective placement process.
Prepared for the Stage and Beyond
Our dancers build versatility, discipline, and professionalism that support future dance opportunities, college pathways, and life beyond the studio.
Upcoming Company Dates
These events help dancers prepare for auditions and give families a chance to learn more about the program.
Recommended Path: Attend a workshop → Join an open house → Participate in adjudicator workshop → Audition
Company Prep Workshops
Refine technique, build confidence, and prepare for auditions.
- May 6, 13, 20, 27 | 5–6pm
Workshop expectations: Company dancers should attend at least 2 workshops, Team dancers should attend at least 1 workshop, and Novice dancers are encouraged but not required. Attending all workshops is strongly suggested to help dancers feel prepared and confident on May 30.
Open House & Info Sessions
Meet our team, learn about the program, and ask questions.
- May 6, 13, 20 | 5–7pm (drop in)
Adjudicator’s Workshop
Work with outside adjudicators and experience the audition setting.
- May 29 | 8–9pm
Audition Day – May 30
Auditions for placement across all competition levels.
Some dancers may be asked for a call back on Sunday May 31
- Company: 8:00am – 11:15am
- Team: 12:30pm – 2:30pm
- Novice: 3:15pm – 4:15pm
Dancers will be evaluated by experienced outside adjudicators to ensure a fair and objective placement process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does tuition work?
Company teams receive unlimited season classes for $432 per month.
All other tuition is based on each dancer’s required class load. We use a multi-class discount structure, so the per-class rate decreases as dancers take more classes.
Do you offer sibling discounts?
Yes, sibling discounts may apply for eligible families. Please reach out to us with questions about your family’s tuition structure.
Are there other studio fees families should plan for?
Yes. In addition to team-related costs, families should plan for registration and recital fees, along with any applicable competition, costume, choreography, or convention fees.
How many prep workshops should my dancer attend?
Company: at least 2 workshops
Team: at least 1 workshop
Novice: suggested, but not required
Attending all workshops is strongly encouraged so dancers feel as prepared and confident as possible on May 30.
What if my dancer cannot attend auditions on May 30?
Please reach out to us in advance to ask about video audition options if your dancer cannot attend in person on May 30.
What if my dancer auditions for company and is not placed there?
Dancers who are not placed on a pre-professional Company team may still be placed on a Team-level program. Our goal is to place each dancer in the environment where they will be challenged, supported, and able to grow.
What ages are the team levels generally for?
- Synergy: about 13+
- Fusion: about 13 and under
- Coalition: about 13+
- Alliance: about 13 and under
- Echo: 8+
- Nova: 7 and under
What are parent expectations?
We ask families to support attendance, punctuality, communication, and preparation throughout the season.
- Use the Parent Portal for absences, updates, and communication
- Communicate conflicts as early as possible
- Help dancers stay organized and prepared
- Plan ahead for performances, rehearsals, workshops, and competitions
- Attend meetings and support team needs throughout the season
Why does this training matter beyond competition?
Our dancers build confidence, accountability, teamwork, discipline, and professionalism—skills that support success in dance, school, work, and life.