Our award-winning competition team is entry by invite/audition only. Our competition team take part in dance & performing arts festivals, dance competitions & conventions, youth platforms and our bi-annual show. Find out more below about the types of teams we run, and opportunities we take part in.
All competition dancers must take part in the following classes to be part of our troupes:
Teen dancers (10+)
Mandatory – Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary
Advised – Acro, Lyrical, Street, Extra Ballet
Junior dancers (U10)
Ballet, Modern, Acrobatic Arts
Advised – Contemporary & Jazz, Street
Dancers should not replace training with joining a troupe, and will only be invited or keep their place if they show enthusiasm for increasing their hours, learning new styles, and constantly improving.
Our pupils are not permitted to take part in any local rhythmic gymnastic academy's dance teams, or any other local dance school's activities. This is part of dance school etiquette – you cannot train in dance technique at one studio and compete for another team, or compete for two different studios. Anyone found to be breaking this rule will be asked to leave the school. Dancers who also compete in different hobbies such as gymnastics are supported where possible to enjoy both hobbies. Pre-vocational dance activities, or programmes to benefit our dancers such as The Place CAT's, Central Ballet Associates, Ceyda Tanc Company, Rambert School etc. are encouraged but must be signed off with our teachers to check any competing commitment's/ timetable overlaps.
Troupe
Our troupes are named after iconic pioneers of jazz dance. Dancers work on all modern-styles including jazz, modern, lyrical and as they get older, contemporary.
Elite Team
Our elite team is for exceptional dancers, and those who show the most dedication and passion for dance. The team work on jazz/lyrical/contemporary styles and is for intermediate to senior dancers aged 12-18.
Classical Groups
Our principal Miss Jackie selects student who show ballet promise to be part of our classical groups for Festivals & Competitions. Dancers rehearse weekly on Saturday mornings and benefit from extra ballet coaching.
BDC Youth
BDC Youth is our contemporary youth company for pre-vocational dancers aged 14+ run as an associate company to the school. Dancers focus on contemporary dance and create choreography for film & local performances, all whilst developing their individual artistry.
Street Crews
Our Street Crews rehearse weekly with professional dancer Alice Rhodes who had an incredible career working with artists such as Pharrel & Rhianna, as well as with professional hiphop dance company Boy Blue Ent. Our auditioned crews, explore styles such as hiphop, street, commercial & heels and work towards competitions and performances.
A snapshot of the types of events you can find our competition team performing at each year. Dancers will also compete with solos, duets and trios.
