Dance Team

Rainier Dance Center dance team gives focused and committed dancers (ages 7-18 yrs) the opportunity to perform and compete at regional events and dance competitions. Our dance team combines hard work and commitment with fun and a sense of community. The experience on our dance team will expand your dancer's passion and technique for dance, instill discipline, connect them with fellow committed dancers, build their confidence and performance ability and prepare them for a possible future in dance.

Dance team performances and events

OUR TEAMS

Our teams are based on age and skill. All of our teams compete!

Our Mini & Junior performing/competitive teams are designed for beginning and intermediate dancers, dancers who usually take between 2-5 classes per week at RDC and/or who are in levels 1-3.

Our Senior competitive teams are designed for returning and intermediate/advanced dancers, dancers who have been on the dance team for several years, usually dancers who take between 5-10 classes per week at RDC and/or who are in levels 4-6.

Based on the number of dancers who audition and make teams, there will be up to 12 teams, plus one optional group production dance.

Competitive Hip Hop Teams ( 1 or 2)
Competitive Tap Teams (1 or 2)
Competitive Musical Theater Teams (1 or 2)
Competitive Jazz Teams (1, 2 or 3)
Competitive Contemporary teams (1, 2 or 3)

TEAM faq's

Who should audition for the RDC dance team?

We want each child who auditions for our team to be focused and committed for a full year of dance (summer-summer). If you’re not sure your child is ready, than it’s best to wait until you are sure. RDC dance team is NOT recommended for dancers with only combination class experience. Your student should have at least one year of dance experience, and have taken at least 2 classes per week for the last year.

How do I know if my dancer is ready for dance team?

They are at least 7 years old and have had at least 1-2 years of dance experience, with multiple classes per week (highly recommended).
They are dancing all the time at home (practicing and/or improvising).
They take dance class seriously and work hard in and out of class.
They take year-round dance classes (summer, fall and spring) and feel like dance is a part of them, not just a recreational activity.
Their current teachers recommend they audition.
They love being on stage and want more performing opportunities!

What is the commitment?

Between July 9, 2025 to June 20, 2026: Members of the dance team must commit to summer dance class and choreography camp, along with school year classes, rehearsals and performances/conventions from July 9, 2025 through June, 2026.

Students are required to:

Attend mandatory summer choreography camps in July, August & September based on team(s).
Take the minimum class requirements for each team in both the summer and fall/spring sessions
COMPETITIVE TEAM CLASS REQUIREMENTS
- Hip Hop Team Requirements: Assigned level Hip Hop class, weekly rehearsal, plus two other classes (Tap, Musical Theater, Ballet, Horton, Jazz or Contemporary)
- Tap Team Requirements: Assigned level Tap class, weekly rehearsal, plus two other classes (Hip Hop, Musical Theater, Ballet, Horton, Jazz or Contemporary)
- Jazz Team Requirements: Assigned level Jazz class, weekly rehearsal, plus two other technique classes (Jazz, Horton, Ballet and/or Contemporary)
- Contemporary Team Requirements: Assigned level Contemporary class, weekly rehearsal, plus two other technique classes (Ballet, Horton, Jazz and/or Contemporary)
- Musical Theater Team Requirements: Assigned level Musical Theater class, weekly rehearsal, plus two other classes (Hip Hop, Tap, Ballet, Horton, Jazz or Contemporary)
Take the minimum class requirements for each team in both the summer and fall/spring session
Attend a 1.5-2.5 hour rehearsal per week, per team, separate from your regular classes and choreography camps all year.
Participate in most of the pre-scheduled performances.
Sign a contract and adhere to the dance team policies regarding dress/hair code, attendance, ethics and behavior.

What is the cost?

We try to offer the opportunity to get all costs covered by fundraising, but there are costs, over and above tuition and recital costumes. Annual dance team cost estimate: $800 - $1,250

Dance team deposit due by July 6, 2025: $300 (will be used for items below)
Choreography camp fees estimate: $100-$200 per dancer, per team
Convention/competition fee estimate: $400-500 per dancer.
Competition costume estimate: $70 per dancer, per dance
Performance uniform estimate: $200-$300. Includes warm-up (jacket and pants), two RDC t-shirts, black jazz pants and black sports bra. Optional duffel and garment bag.

How do I get on the dance team?

Let us know via email that you'd like to audition.
Auditions for the 2025-26 team will be held in person on June 13th and 14th for ages 7 and up. Check your email for each team's audition time!

dance team