OUR TEAM IS
YOUR TEAM.
Training, teamwork, commitment and performance. Our Competition Team is designed for dancers ready to challenge themselves, grow together and represent SSPA on and off the stage.
Ready for more?
Our team includes multiple pathways, allowing dancers to participate at a level that makes sense for their training, goals and placement.
The details.
Everything families should know about training, attendance, costs, competitions and team expectations.
How do absences work?
Team dancers are allowed 4 absences per class throughout the year.
Absences are tracked separately per class — not by day. More than four absences may affect a dancer's eligibility for competition.
Absences the week before a competition must be communicated well in advance or may result in removal from that competition.
What classes are required to be on team?
Requirements vary depending on team placement and age.
Full Team DancersDancers competing in acro, lyrical, contemporary or jazz:
- 2 ballet classes per week
- 1 leaps & turns class
- 1–2 choreography classes in jazz, lyrical, contemporary or musical theater
- Modern is strongly encouraged
- Acro tech is required for acro team dancers and strongly encouraged for ages 10+
- 2 ballet classes per week
- 1 combined leaps/turns + choreography class in jazz or lyrical
- Tap or hip hop team class
- One additional recreational class in the same style
What is the team dress code?
- No baggy clothing, soccer shorts, jewelry or socks except where noted.
- Hair must be neatly pulled back.
- Specific “clean lines” outfits may be required on certain dates.
- Ballet: leotards with pink or black tights and hair in a bun.
- Tap and ballet shoes and clean hip hop sneakers are required at the start of classes.
What if my dancer decides team isn't for them?
Before registration is released, dancers may decide not to move forward with team.
Once team registration has been processed, withdrawing affects the entire group and may require choreography changes.
- $100 re-choreography fee per dance
- Additional rehearsal charges may apply
- No refunds for costume or competition fees already paid
What are the tuition policies and rates?
- A valid credit card must remain on file.
- Tuition is automatically charged on the 1st of each month.
- Monthly tuition is based on total class time and ranges from $55–$265/month.
- A $50 registration fee is added when teams are announced.
How do we communicate with the studio?
- Email is the preferred form of communication.
- Texting should only be used to coordinate private rehearsals.
- Please do not message instructors on social media for studio matters.
What about costumes?
- $85 deposit per competition costume due Sept. 25. Cost is subject to change each year.
- One ballet or pointe recital costume per dancer: $75 deposit due Nov. 1.
How many competitions will we attend?
SSPA usually attends 2–3 regional competitions and 1 national competition each season.
Competitions are typically held March–June. Exact schedules are generally released 5–10 days in advance.
Typical competition fees:- Groups: $70–$120 per dancer, per routine
- Duos/Trios: $85–$130 per dancer
- Solos: $125–$250 depending on the event
SSPA typically competes in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island. Past nationals have included Myrtle Beach, New Jersey and Foxwoods, and travel to other states is possible.
Optional competitions and conventions may also be offered throughout the year.
Are there summer requirements?
- At least 8 classes + 3-day intensive by the end of August
- Tuition charged July 1 and August 1
- At least 8 classes OR one summer camp, which equals 5 classes
- Tuition charged July 1 and August 1
- Attend any SSPA summer camp to fulfill the requirement
What are the behavior expectations?
- Represent SSPA positively in person and on social media.
- No bullying or exclusion in group chats.
- Respect the dress code, attendance policy and communication guidelines.
Do you offer private lessons?
Yes. Any SSPA dancer can schedule private lessons.
- 30 minutes: $35 — $25 with a friend
- 45 minutes: $48 — $30 with a friend
Email [email protected] to schedule.
What about competition hair and makeup?
Competition hair and makeup details are emailed by January. The studio provides lists of necessary items and opportunities to purchase those items through SSPA.
All dancers will need makeup, earrings and team headpieces.
What should I know about solos, duos and trios?
Solos, duos and trios typically begin during the summer with choreography sessions and continue with weekly or bi-weekly rehearsals during the season. This opportunity is typically for full-team dancers only.
- Choreography cost is due when the first session is booked.
- A monthly rehearsal cost applies based on rehearsal frequency.
- Ages 12+ must attend at least 3 Open Studio sessions before January and 3 between January–March.
- A valid credit card must remain on file.
What should we expect on competition day?
- Arrive 2 hours before the scheduled performance time.
- If performing during the first hour, arrive when venue doors open.
- Arrive with hair and makeup completely finished.
- Competition hair is a middle-part low bun without a donut, with headpiece and earrings secured.
- No nail or toe polish and no underwear under tights.
- Snacks must be nut-free and only clear liquids are permitted in dressing areas.
- Dancers meet their group in the hallway for warm-up after dressing.
- Dancers 11 & under are supervised by a teacher or assistant.
- Parents may not run dances or enter backstage wings.
- All dancers attend their awards session in SSPA gear unless previously excused.
- Do not enter or exit the audience during a routine.
- Respect shared dressing-room space and clean up before leaving.
- Support all performers, cheer loudly and bring positive energy throughout the weekend.
Still have questions?
We're happy to help with questions about team placement, training requirements or the competition season.
EMAIL THE COMPETITION TEAM →
