Competition Teams
COMPETITION TEAMS
Dancers in Demi Ballet (Ages 10+) or above are eligible to audition for competition teams.
Why join a competition team?
Competition dance is a unique way to level up a dancers training. Competition teams require advanced levels of discipline, responsibility, work ethic. If a dancer puts in the work competition teams can propel them forward and help to prepare them to stand out at dance company auditions, drill team auditions, and beyond.
While competition dance is a big commitment it is also fun. Dancers on competition teams become close friends with their teammates. Forming this unique support system is extremely valuable as a young dancer and can lead to lifelong friendships and connections.
Auditions
Every dancer who auditions for a competition team will be invited to join either the Junior or the Senior Team. The audition process is an opportunity for dancers to gain experience with auditions as well as an opportunity for competition teachers and the director to evaluate a dancer’s skill level.
In order to qualify to audition for competition teams a dancer must:
- Be in Demi, Academy, or Company Ballet
- Attend the student/parent meeting on May 29th, 2025
- Register for the audition clinic in the StudioPro Portal
- Attend auditions each day (June 16-19, 2025)
Classes
Competition dancers take Ballet Technique and Rehearsal hours with recreational students on their same level but have separate classes for the styles in which they will compete in: Jazz, Modern, and Hip Hop. Additional hours such as Tumbling/Acro, Flexibility for Dancers, and Conditioning for Dancers are recommended but not required.
Over the summer dancers will be required to attend their assigned week of competition intensives During this intensive dancers will begin training for the upcoming competition season.
Competitions
Encore Academy will compete at three competitions each season, two locally and one in St. George. More information coming soon.
Solos, Duos, and Trios
All competition dancers are eligible to compete with a solo, duo, or a trio. This is a dancer/parent led activity. Students choose which style they will compete in and then select a choreographer from among Encore’s qualified teachers. Each teacher has their own contract and policies reguarding solos, duos, and trios.
2025 Team Information
For the full packet of competition information please download this packet.
Meet Your Teachers
Kristi Burns, MA, MFA
With three dance degrees and international experience performing, choreographing, and teaching, Kristi brings exceptional expertise and a passion for inspiring dancers of all ages at Encore Academy.
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Abbie Mathews
With years of competitive training, professional performances, and a passion for hip hop, Abbie brings vibrant energy and industry experience to inspire and empower every dancer she teaches.
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Emma Langford, MBA
A former Encore dancer turned MBA graduate, Emma blends her love for dance with her business expertise as the dedicated director of Encore Academy.
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Cassidy Halpin
With a BFA in Musical Theater, Broadway Dance Center training, and years of professional performance and award-winning choreography, Cassidy brings industry expertise and a deep love for dance to every student she teaches.
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Paige Haglund
With 16 years of training and performance in styles from ballet to hip-hop, Paige brings award-winning experience and a true passion for inspiring young dancers at Encore.
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Lesley Gee
With 23 years of training across multiple dance styles and a degree in Dance from BYU, Lesley brings expertise, passion, and a love for inspiring joy and confidence in every dancer she teaches.
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