At 509 Collective, our primary focus is on the growth and development of our dancers. While we emphasize technique and strive to be prepared, professional, and ready to compete, our overarching goal is to provide our dancers with foundational skills and performance experiences that will serve them well in their dance journey and beyond.

We set goals that focus on the bigger picture for each dancer, considering their individual aspirations and areas for growth. While we aim to perform to the best of our abilities, we also recognize that success is measured not only by external accolades but by personal growth and progress.

During conventions and competitions, we encourage our dancers to absorb as much education, unique experiences, and feedback as possible. These events serve as valuable learning opportunities where dancers can refine their skills and gain insight from industry professionals.

Ultimately, our philosophy emphasizes the importance of working hard, doing our best, and measuring success from within rather than from external validation. By focusing on personal growth and striving to be the best versions of ourselves, we believe we can achieve success both on and off the stage.

At the start of the season, we kick off with choreography weeks where dancers will learn routines from faculty & guest choreographers. These choreography weeks will be set in advance and provided in our year-long schedule. Throughout the season, dancers can expect one 2-hour team practice session per week, with the specific day varying based on team placement. We understand that families and dancers have busy schedules, so we strive to be respectful of these commitments and will aim to limit additional practices being scheduled. Any extra practices beyond our regular schedule will be communicated with at least 1 week notice, ensuring flexibility and accommodating optional attendance.

We are committed to being transparent about the finances involved in being on our competition team. To help families plan effectively, we determine the overall annual fees ahead of time and establish a monthly team fee. This fee covers all aspects of team participation, including team choreography, group competition fees, administration fees for support in booking team travel, rehearsal fees, and the cost of team jacket and backpack.

We believe in transparency and will provide parents with the breakdown of all costs upfront. It is important to note that while our team fee covers the essentials, additional charges may apply for extras such as solos, duos/trios, extra gear, etc. We strive to ensure that everyone understands how their money is being spent and are available to answer any questions or concerns regarding the cost breakdown.

Instead of traditional tryouts, we conduct placement evaluations for our competition team. These evaluations are designed to assess each dancer's skills, abilities, and potential, ensuring that they are placed on a team that best fits their current level and allows for their optimal growth throughout the year. We welcome all dancers to participate in our placement evaluations, regardless of experience or background. Our goal is to create a supportive and inclusive environment where every dancer can thrive and reach their full potential.

We plan to attend several competitions and conventions on the west side of the state. Once teams are formed and interest in travel is confirmed, we will collaborate with dancers and their families to determine the number of routines to participate in. Our goal is to ensure that each dancer's goals and needs are met, allowing them to participate in a way that aligns with their aspirations and preferences. We will have a parent meeting to discuss these details further after placement evaluations.

Yes, absolutely! We understand that joining the competition team can be a significant financial commitment for families, and we strive to support our dancers in any way we can. We are committed to working closely with families to organize fundraising initiatives that can help ease the financial burden.

During our parent meetings and discussions with our future board, we will explore various fundraising opportunities and strategies. These may include events, sponsorships, or other creative ideas suggested by our dance community. Our goal is to ensure that every dancer has the opportunity to participate fully in our program, regardless of financial circumstances.

We look forward to collaborating with our families and community to make our fundraising efforts a success!

Participating on our competition team offers far more than just honing dance skills. Beyond the dance floor, dancers have the opportunity to develop invaluable life skills that will serve them well in all aspects of their lives.

Teamwork is a cornerstone of our program, and dancers learn the importance of collaboration, communication, and support. These skills translate seamlessly into various areas of their lives, fostering strong relationships and effective teamwork, both in dance and beyond.

Confidence-building is another key aspect of our program. Dancers are encouraged to push their boundaries, take risks, and embrace challenges, leading to increased self-assurance and belief in their abilities. Through our supportive environment, dancers gain the confidence to pursue their passions and continue to grow.

Learning how to win together and understanding the strength of unity is a fundamental lesson taught on our team. Dancers experience firsthand the power of collective effort and camaraderie, realizing that they are stronger as a cohesive group.

Community engagement is also a significant focus of our program. We believe in giving back to the community and offer service opportunities each season. By participating in community service projects, dancers learn the importance of empathy, compassion, and making a positive impact on the world around them.

Lastly, our program fosters leadership skills in dancers. Whether it's leading warm-ups, mentoring newer team members, or contributing ideas to the team, dancers have the opportunity to develop leadership qualities that they can carry forward into their future endeavors.

Participating on our competition team is not just about dance—it's about empowering dancers to become confident, compassionate, and capable individuals, equipped with skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.