About
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide a competition that focuses on ballet and concert dance styles giving the opportunity for dancers of all abilities to promote their artistry through empowerment and education, providing opportunities for exposure.
Our Vision
We aim to provide constructive critique for both students and instructors, providing an opportunity to learn through a positive, supportive, and inclusive experience. We want dancers to have the opportunity to perform and be seen. Our esteemed judges and faculty come from professional backgrounds including directors and recruiters of college programs and professional dance companies. We want all of our contestants to experience the impressive level of professionalism when working with Étoile Dance Competition and to leave our events inspired to continue to learn their craft.
Here's what we provide:
Audio/Video Feedback from 3 Esteemed Judges
Our competitions boast three entry levels ranging from beginner to pre-professional. No matter where a dancer is in their training, we will provide valid feedback to help them on their journey.
Scores
Our judges will also each provide scores out of 100 points in the areas of artistry, technique, choreography/staging, and overall impression. See Rules & Regulations for more details.
Morning Masterclasses
Each day of competition begins with a morning masterclass which also serves as a warm-up for stage. We also offer a choreographic component where dancers learn contemporary choreography to be performed at the culmination of the competition. We believe that the masterclass and choreography are important aspects of community building as well as an opportunity to learn and hone audition skills.
Guest Performances
Select events will have a guest performance from a local professional dance company to open our awards ceremony. If you know of a professional group that would like to be considered as our opener, please feel free to connect us.
Awards
We hold a brief awards ceremony at the culmination of our events. Awards include the Top 3 Overall Scores, top scores for each age group (highest 20%), special judges awards, and many summer study scholarships and acceptances. See our partners/sponsors page for examples.
