junior competitive
(Ages 9-11)
Building skills. Building confidence.
The Junior Program is where dancers begin taking meaningful steps forward in both their technical training and their development as competitive dancers. Building on the foundations established in the Mini Program, Junior dancers are challenged to become more independent learners while continuing to strengthen the teamwork, commitment, and work habits that define our Competitive Program.
As dancers grow in confidence and experience, they also begin developing into well-rounded performers through increased technical expectations, new performance opportunities, and continued encouragement from our experienced teaching staff.
At a Glance
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Ages: 9–11 (Entering Grade 4+)
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Weekly Training: Approximately 2-4.5 hours
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Dance Styles: Jazz & Tap with optional Ballet & Acro
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Competition Season: Spring (April & May)
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Annual Recital: Yes
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Company Production: Yes
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Additional Competitive Opportunities: Solos & Duets/Trios (eligibility requirements apply)
Developing well-rounded dancers
Junior dancers continue refining the habits that support long-term success both in and out of the studio. As choreography becomes more challenging and expectations increase, dancers learn to apply corrections more consistently, retain choreography more quickly, demonstrate stronger performance quality, and become increasingly responsible members of the team.
At the same time, technical training continues to expand through the CDTA syllabus, helping dancers build the strength, coordination, musicality, and versatility needed for future competitive levels.
Performance opportunities
Junior dancers represent Studio C at two regional dance competitions each season while also performing in our Annual Year-End Recital and Company Production.
Following a minimum of one full competitive season, dancers become eligible to add a competitive duet or trio. During their second competitive season, dancers may also be eligible to perform a competitive solo, providing additional opportunities for personal growth and performance experience.
Classes and training
Junior dancers continue building strong technical foundations while expanding both their dance vocabulary and performance skills.
Junior dancers train in:
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Jazz
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Tap
Additional optional training may include:
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Ballet
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Acro
Dance Styles
Junior dancers follow the CDTA syllabus at the Primary and Grade 1 levels and are expected to complete both their Primary and Grade 1 Jazz and Tap examinations.
Weekly commitment
Junior dancers attend weekly team rehearsals, technique classes, and additional rehearsals as required throughout the competition season.
As dancers mature, independent practice at home becomes an increasingly important part of the learning process. Reviewing choreography between classes helps dancers build confidence while allowing rehearsals to focus on performance quality, synchronization, and technical refinement.
Competition season
Throughout the fall and winter, Junior dancers learn and rehearse their competition routines while continuing to build their technical skills through weekly classes.
In the spring, dancers represent Studio C at two regional competitions before celebrating the season with performances at our Annual Year-End Recital.
Summer training
Competitive training is a year-round commitment.
Following a June break, Junior dancers attend CDTA summer technique classes where they continue building new skills and refining their technique before regular weekly classes and choreography begin in September.
Additional opportunities
Throughout the season, Junior dancers may also have opportunities to participate in:
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Company Production
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Special performances
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Team-building activities
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Community events
These experiences strengthen friendships, encourage leadership, and help dancers build confidence while proudly representing Studio C both on and off the stage.
Looking ahead
The Junior Program prepares dancers for the increasing technical expectations of the Intermediate Competitive Program. As confidence, consistency, and performance quality continue to grow, dancers build the strong technical foundation and work habits that will support them throughout the remainder of their competitive journey.