DLA Competition contract 2026-2027
Jul 20, 2026 10:51 AM
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Dance Loud Academy
Elite Competitive Team
2026-2027
Contract of Commitment
Congratulations! You have been accepted into our Competition Team program at
Dance Loud Academy. The first step to becoming a successful dancer is making a solid
commitment to your classes, rehearsals, and performances. Strong technique is a key
ingredient and class is where you develop that technique. Come to each class prepared to
learn and without personal distractions. Class time is your chance to focus on yourself, so try
to leave your concerns or worries at the studio door. True progress is made when you look at
each class, rehearsal, or performance as an opportunity to become better at what you love to
do. Dance full out, stretch a little further, become more aware of your technique, and make
the most of every class. Respect for the teachers and choreographers you work with is
essential. Listen to each correction given, whether it’s directed to you or another dancer. A
correction is an honor; it shows you how much a teacher cares about your progress as a
dancer. Always say thank you when a teacher or choreographer offers you constructive
criticism. Nothing can stop those students who apply themselves in every class and
appreciate their teachers’ knowledge and experience.
This is a competitive dance program designed for the serious dancer who is highly
motivated in the performing arts. Those selected for a competitive level class will possess the
following:
● Must be physically fit with emphasis on healthy mind and body
● Must be self-motivated and able to self-evaluate
● Must have solid technical and performance skills
● Strong desire to grow and develop as a dancer
● Must have a sense of humor, bright smile, and positive attitude
● Have respect for the team and staff
● Show support for the studio, teachers and fellow dancers
● Must have a supportive family base that shows respect for the teachers and students at all
times
THE COMPETITION EXPERIENCE
It is important to understand that the “competition” aspect of being a member of DLA should
be considered a “performance” opportunity. Competition results are strictly a subjective opinion, and
your child’s growth should not be completely gauged by their scores or achievements at competitions.
It is important to keep your competition experience positive and most importantly, be proud of the
growth and development that takes place within your child. We do not foster competition within our
Company, and all we ask from our students is that each child works to their full capacity. We
understand that each child is a gift to us, and each is uniquely different.
THE COMPETITION COMMITMENT
Company participants are required to participate from August through to June (or Nationals, if
applicable). This is a serious commitment and will not be taken lightly. Participants are expected to
fulfill this commitment. All students and their parents will be required to sign a parent/student
agreement. The Dance Loud Academy Elite Team attends 1-2 conventions and 3 regional
competitions. All dancers are required to participate in all regional competitions. Conventions are an
option but highly suggested for continued training.
Any violation of this handbook/commitment/contract may result in the dancer’s immediate
removal from the DLA Team. If a dancer quits Company mid-season, said dancer is never allowed into
Company again, unless special circumstance, which is approved beforehand by the director. For any
reason, at any time the director has the right to dismiss a dancer/family from the DLA Team. If said
dancer/family were to be dismissed and/or quits the company no refunds will be given, this includes
and is not limited to costumes, costume fees, tuition, privates, and competitions fees.
Every effort is made to select competitions that will provide our dancers and their families
with the best experience possible. Any issue or disgruntlement with a competition or convention
needs to be brought to the attention of Lacy Rance. Dancers, parents, or family members are not
allowed to contact or complain to the competition or convention staff or management.
All dancers are required to participate in all regional competitions. Failure to attend may result
in their removal. Families are responsible for their transportation and hotel to all competitions (in and
out of state). If a group dance receives a special invitation to a competition or event, it is at the
discretion of the studio if we will participate. If the director chooses to attend this special competition
or event, all dancers in the group will be required to participate.
Performances and competitions are your opportunity to show the world the results of your
dedication and hard work. To make the most of this opportunity:
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Arrive at competitions at least 2 hours prior to the scheduled time, unless otherwise advised
by your teachers.
Be sure you are properly warmed up. Sometimes the teacher will have time, sometimes they
won’t. Be proactive in doing what you need for your body!
Present yourself in a professional manner, with costumes pressed, shoes cleaned, and all
accessories accounted for. o Go out there and show the audience how much you love to
dance!
ATTENDANCE
Attendance is mandatory for all competition team rehearsals and required technique classes. Dancers
are permitted four (4) unexcused absences per semester (Fall: September-December, Spring:
January-June). Unexcused absences include vacations, social events, and non-school extracurricular
activities.
Repeated absences from choreography rehearsals or technique classes, whether excused or
unexcused, may impact a dancer’s ability to perform and may result in placement as an understudy,
removal from specific routines, or dismissal from the team at the discretion of the instructor and/or
studio director.
Dancers may not miss any rehearsals, classes, competitions, performances, or other mandatory team
activities during the week immediately preceding a competition or recital. Attendance during this
time is critical to the success and safety of all routines. Failure to attend during this period may result
in removal from dances and/or a reblocking fee being added to your account.
We understand that unavoidable circumstances can occur. If an emergency or extenuating
circumstance requires a dancer to miss a mandatory activity, the studio director must be notified as
soon as possible. All absences should be communicated directly to the office, teacher, or studio
director. Please do not rely on other students to relay absence information.
If your dancer is unable to attend an upcoming competition, performance, or mandatory event,
please notify the director immediately. Early notice allows instructors adequate time to make
necessary choreography and formation adjustments. Please note that competition fees are
non-refundable, as competition organizations do not issue refunds for dropped dancers. In the event
a dancer’s absence requires choreography changes, a reblocking fee may be applied to help cover the
additional rehearsal and staff time required.
COMPETITION FEES
Competition entry fees are determined by each individual competition and may vary throughout the
season. Families will be notified of all competition fees and payment deadlines as they become
available. All competition fees and studio tuition must be paid in full by the designated due dates.
Dancers with outstanding competition fees or past-due tuition balances will not be permitted to
participate in competitions until their account is brought current.
COSTUMES
Costume fees will be due by August 15, 2026. If a Company member violates this handbook
commitment contract and quits or is dismissed, there will be NO refunds on any costume costume
amounts paid. Dance Loud Academy owns the costumes and maintains the right to keep any partial
or completed costumes. Every dancer is required to have each piece of their costume when attending
competitions. If your dancer does not have a piece to their costume, it is at the discretion of the
Director if they will be allowed to perform.
RECITAL AND COMMUNITY PERFORMANCES
Participation in BOTH the Christmas and Spring recital is mandatory for all team members. We make
every effort to keep our recitals as budget-friendly for our comp families as possible.
Team members will also be required to participate in at least (1) community event each season. This
includes the Red River Revel, Easter, & Christmas Musicals at Bellaire Baptist Church, as well as any
performances of the directors choosing.
Parents of dancers ages 12 and older will not be permitted backstage during recital. At this age,
dancers are expected to be responsible for their own belongings and costume changes. This policy is
in place to ensure an efficient and distraction-free environment for all performers. We appreciate
your cooperation and understanding.
CONTRACT RELEASE
Your dancer/member may be relieved of his/her contract if agreed upon by both parties.
Contract release must be paid in full before the dancer is relieved of their duties. The contract release
fee is $750 + 90 Days Tuition and all costumes must be donated back to the studio so that a
replacement dancer can fill the releases place. Any fees paid before the contract is voided are
nonrefundable. If a dancer must retire duties due to injury, the contract may be voided with a
doctor's note.
COSTUMES, MAKEUP, JEWELRY
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All Company members are required to purchase Company jewelry.
Cost is usually between $5 to $15.
Specific make-up is required for Company dancers, and will also need to be purchased by you.
Dancers will not receive a costume until it is paid full. If a costume needs alterations or repairs
after they’ve been passed out, parents are responsible for those alterations.
Tights: All dancers will receive the necessary tights with their costumes.
Company Warm-Ups: All Company members are required to purchase a warm up
jacket/sweater. Company members must have it on at all times during competition award
ceremonies.
COMPETITION SCHOLARSHIPS/CASH PRIZES
Any cash prize awarded at a competition will go to the studio, with the exception of a cash
prize for a solo which will be given to a dancer via a credit to the dancer’s DanceStudio-Pro account
after said cash prize for a solo is received by the studio from said competition. If a dancer receives a
cash award and/or gift certificate at a competition for a solo or a scholarship at a convention, the
parent/dancer are responsible for notifying Dance Loud Academy. Parents must notify the studio via
email and/or submit all information and documents needed to the office within 2 weeks after said
cash award and/or gift certificate at a competition for a solo or a scholarship at a convention was
received. You will not receive a credit towards your account for the cash award and/or gift certificate
from a competition or convention for a solo or scholarship until the said competition and/or
convention has approved and applied your cash award and/or gift certificate.
Dance Loud Academy approaches competition with a few things in mind:
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Educational Opportunity- competition against the finest teams allows our teachers and
students the opportunity to “see what is out there” and grow from there.
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Pre-professional Opportunity- students who wish to pursue the professional world of dance
have an opportunity to grow and develop their performance skills through competition.
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Fun Family Activity- Dance Loud Academy wants to attend competitions that are fun for the
whole family. Students learn team-building skills, performing arts skills, and develop self-
confidence that will last a lifetime. Having fun is the number one priority!
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National Competitions: Nationals usually take place out of state and are mandatory for all
dancers selected by Dance Loud Academy. All entry fees, travel expenses, lodging expenses,
costume requirements, and related costs are the sole responsibility of the participant's family.
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Families are responsible for their transportation and hotel. The studio will try to give
recommendations and guidance regarding lodging if needed. Nationals are typically 4 to 7
days (depending on the nationals we are attending) and you need to be able to stay all those
days. Dancers need to arrive sometime the day before they begin and leave the day after the
final day.
CLASS & CHOREOGRAPHY PLACEMENT
The Dance Loud faculty meets regularly to discuss the students’ progress and/or placement. It
is our policy to offer appropriate opportunities to every child. Placement decisions are derived from
many years of teaching experience. Often a child is placed in a particular group or class where he or
she will feel confident, in order to promote the development of self-esteem. Some dancers who are
placed in a higher level become discouraged, only to lose their passion for dance. Others respond to
the challenge of being in a class with dancers who are more proficient by pushing themselves to work
harder. Placement is highly individual and the factors that go into the decision are complex. Please
see the studio director if you have questions or concerns about your child’s placement. While
information regarding student and family preferences for groups and solos/duos/trios is collected at
the time of competition auditions, all decisions regarding the pairings and groupings are made by the
faculty in communication with the studio director. Not all family requests may be approved, and the
decision of the studio is final. Any concerns or questions about this process should go through the
Dance Loud Academy Office. It is not appropriate for parents or students to message the teachers
with requests, as the director will make the final decisions. Should a family desire to reduce the
number of dances, the smallest groups will be eliminated first. All choreography for solos, duos, trios
and groups will be completed by members of the Dance Loud Academy teaching faculty, or by a
qualified choreographer contracted by Dance Loud Academy with the consent of the studio director.
COMMUNICATION
Email is a major form of communication. It is imperative that we have your current email
address and any changes to your email address that occur during the year. Please check your email
DAILY! If you do not have email, or you are having problems with your computer, it is your
responsibility to check with the office for updated information. Please add your child's email as well.
If you are allowed to accept email at your work email address, include that as well. We will
sometimes utilize text messaging from our software system as well, please ensure you have your
mobile phone number updated in your DSP profile.
No one will take it upon themselves to contact a competition or convention directly. It is
against the competition company’s policies to do so. If you have a question concerning a
competition/convention that can’t be answered by visiting the company’s website, you must go
through the Dance Loud Academy’s office. Please attend all meetings and read all newsletters &
postings to keep updated about any additional commitments.
Failure to read emails, text messages, Studio Pro messages, app notifications, newsletters,
social media announcements, website postings, or any other official Dance Loud Academy
communication does not relieve a family of financial obligations, deadlines, attendance requirements,
schedule changes, event responsibilities, or compliance with studio policies. It is the responsibility of
each parent and student to remain informed by regularly reviewing all studio communications.
IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT COMPETITION
Since it is our goal to instill a passion for performing rather than merely the desire to win
awards, Competition Team dancers will have performance opportunities other than competitions.
We believe the lessons learned through community performances are just as valuable as the
competition experience! Our solid reputation for quality reflects our attitude toward competition and
our goal to develop in each student a genuine respect for dance as an art form. We consider
participation in competitions not simply part of our students’ training as dancers; it’s also an
important part of how we influence them as people. With the right focus, the experience gained in
competition can be an excellent source of self-confidence. If the dancers feel good about a
performance and understand that they become better each time they go onstage, they are truly
growing through the competition experience. Hitting that stage and doing the best they can is what
it’s all about; whether they win––or which award they win–– is secondary. Through participation in
competitions, we hope to instill in our students an appreciation for other dancers and schools. We
are not out to beat anyone; instead, we hope to motivate both students and faculty by exposing
them to the highest caliber of talent available. Only then can we produce the best dancers and
teachers possible. For us, competition is an education!
PARENT ROLES
Dance Loud Academy is a drama free zone! Parents are expected to be supportive, respectful, and
courteous to all team members and their families at all times. This studio will not tolerate rudeness,
jealousy, resentment, or disrespect to another team member, their family, a teacher, nor the director.
Any parent, family member, or student engaging in gossip, harassment, bullying, intimidation,
disparagement, disruptive behavior, social media attacks, or conduct deemed detrimental to the
studio may result in immediate dismissal from the program without refund. It makes no difference to
this studio how good your child is or who you are...you are not permitted to bring any negativity
whatsoever into this facility, which is full of fabulous families and kids. Your role is the following:
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Lift up and support all of our children
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Teach your child that there is always going to be someone better than they are.
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Teach your child to be happy for others.
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Give a hand to those who may be behind or struggling.
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Stand firmly behind the teaching staff.
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Work with the teaching staff, showing your child that you are behind their instructors.
I have observed in my 15+ years of teaching and my 20+ years of dancing that the most
successful children are those whose parents support their teachers and coaches 100%. These are the
ones who do not bad mouth or question a teacher or coach in front of their children, and they are
certainly the ones who are realistic about their children and their place on my team. We all want the
children to succeed, but success is not measured by the trophy a child brought home, by the row in
which they stand on stage, or by how many pirouettes they can do. Instead, it is measured by the
effort that they put forth. If they give all they’ve got to give, what more can anyone ever expect?
STUDENT/PARENT USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA
Use of Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, LinkedIn, blogging, and other online social-media
vehicles is commonplace. This policy is intended to provide Dance Loud Academy students and
parents with guidelines to eliminate any confusion concerning the use of social media.
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Parents, students, and family members agree not to make, publish, post, share, encourage, or
distribute any statements, comments, reviews, videos, images, or other content that may
reasonably be considered defamatory, disparaging, misleading, harmful, harassing, or
damaging to Dance Loud Academy, its staff, students, families, programs, or business
reputation. Concerns or complaints should be addressed directly with studio management so
they may be resolved appropriately.
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You DO NOT have permission to reveal any information that compromises Dance Loud
Academy. By that, we mean you are forbidden to share personal information about the
director, other students or their families, or anything that is proprietary and/or confidential to
them or Dance Loud Academy.
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Students and parents should neither claim nor imply that they are speaking on behalf of
Dance Loud Academy.
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Never post anything that could compromise the self-esteem of students who attend Dance
Loud Academy.
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If you post videos of class or rehearsals, don’t post any choreography in its entirety; Dance
Loud Academy owns the copyright to all choreography taught at the school.
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Respect the law, including those laws governing defamation, discrimination, harassment, and
copyright and fair use. As stated in this handbook, parents and students should never post
negative comments about other schools or teachers. Also, please do not post negative
comments about school activities such as competitions, conventions, and performances, or
about the directors of those events
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Please ensure that your social networking conduct is consistent with all of the policies
contained in this handbook.
EXTRA PRACTICES
On occasion a teacher may find it important to add additional mandatory rehearsals before a
competition. We make every effort to give enough notice so families are able to coordinate their
schedules. These practices do not cost extra money. They usually take place on Saturday afternoons
and/or on Sundays. Remember these are to benefit the dancers. We all want them to be comfortable
and to dance their best. Sometimes due to weather cancellations or other issues a routine just needs
some extra time.
Upcoming Dates for Competition Team Dancers:
Summer Classes Begin: Monday June 15, 2026
Choreography Begins For Comp Team: August 3, 2026
Fall Classes Begin: September 14, 2026
Tentative Competition Dates:
(These are dates & competitions we are currently considering)
Showstopper, Feb 5-7
Dallas, TX
Marriott Dallas Allen Hotel & Convention Center
Distance: Approx 209 mi, 3 hr 18 min
Turn It Up, Feb 26-28
Texarkana, TX
Texas High School
Sullivan Performing Arts Center
Distance: Approx 82 mi, 1 hr 30 min
Dancemakers Convention, April 2-4
Dallas, IX
Hyatt Regency DFW Airport
Distance: Approx 216 mi, 3 hr 19 min
Showstopper, April 23-25
New Orleans, LA
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial
Convention Center
Distance: Approx 328 mi, 5 hr 30 min
This document was updated for the 2026-2027 Competition Season in June of 2026. All
members of the competition team and their parents/guardians must sign and return the
competition contract agreement which indicates acceptance of all policies outlined in this
document.
Company Letter of Commitment
This correspondence serves as an agreement between you and Dance Loud Academy,
as produced and directed by Lacy Rance, Owner and Director of Dance Loud Academy. Your
child has been selected to be a member of the 2026-2027 Diamond Elite Team COMPANY , an
honor as well as privilege. Your signature below indicates that you have read and fully
understand all of the requirements associated with participating in the program, as outlined
in your Dance Loud Academy Handbook. Furthermore, your signature and that of your child
indicates your acceptance of those terms and conditions, and that you are well aware of the
commitment involved in this program.
Dancer: As a member of the Dance Loud Academy Company you will actively
participate in all scheduled events from August 2026- June 2027 (may be longer if Company
attends Nationals). Your commitment to this program means that you will be participating in
all classes, rehearsals, performances, competitions/conventions, showcases and Nationals
that are scheduled during this time period. Your commitment to this program means you will
come to class each time dressed appropriately with proper shoes, attire, and ready to learn.
Your commitment to this program means that you will honor attendance requirements for all
classes, rehearsals, performances, and all competitions/conventions, showcases and
Nationals. Your commitment to this program means you will be respectful to all teachers and
teammates at all times.
In addition to the above, I understand a violation of my commitment to this program/contract
has serious consequences that may result in my being permanently dismissed from the
program.
Dancer (print):
Dancer (sign):
Date:
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Parent: Please be sure you feel comfortable with your ability to handle the fees
incurred for this activity, as with most competitive activities, there are many uncontrollable
circumstances and we don’t want to catch anyone off guard.
Monthly tuition, convention/competition fees, costume deposits, costume fees,
choreography fees etc., all have due dates. Monthly Tuition is the 15th of each month, and is
late after the 22nd
. All other fees are late after the posted due dates. A late fee of $25 will be
added to any late payments. It is each parent’s responsibility to be aware of fees due,
schedule changes, etc. We suggest coming into the studio at least weekly to check for news,
and to check emails for studio information and updates daily. Commitment to this program
means that you will honor attendance requirements for all classes, all
conventions/competitions, and Nationals.
Waiver of liability/hold harmless. As a parent of a student of Lacy B. Rance & Dance
Loud Academy LLC, I realize and acknowledge that there are certain risks of physical injury. I
agree to assume the full risk of any injuries, including death, damages or loss that she may
sustain as a result of participating in any and all activities connected with or associated with
dance instruction. I do hereby fully release and discharge Lacy B. Rance & any staff member of
Dance Loud Academy, LLC from any and all claims from injuries, damages or loss which may
occur to my child as a result of participation.
Amendments. The members and instructor hereby agree that any amendments,
revisions, omissions, and/or rescissions shall be in writing. Instructors always have the right
to review every case and/or incident and make a proper decision upon their experience if
needed. Members are not allowed to interfere with the instructors’ decision. Further, any
oral agreements between members and/or between members and instructor are hereby
declared non-binding and therefore unenforceable.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF POLICIES
The undersigned parent/guardian acknowledges that they have received, read,
understand, and agree to comply with all Dance Loud Academy policies, including but not
limited to the Team Handbook, Financial Responsibility Agreement, Parent Conduct & Social
Media Policy, Attendance Policy, Competition Policies, and all future updates communicated
by the studio.
The parent/guardian understands that failure to read studio communications, policies, emails,
text messages, newsletters, app notifications, website postings, or social media
announcements does not exempt them from compliance with studio policies, deadlines,
attendance requirements, financial obligations, disciplinary actions, or other studio
requirements.
The parent/guardian further understands that verbal statements, assumptions, past practices,
exceptions granted to other families, or informal conversations do not modify or override any
written studio policy.
Dance Loud Academy reserves the right to interpret, enforce, amend, modify, or update
policies as necessary in the best interest of the studio, its students, and its programs.
I have read the above information and will be responsible for my child’s account and activity
requirements.
Parent (print):
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Parent (sign):
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Date
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Please return this signed agreement to the front desk on the first day of classes for your
dancer. Please complete one form for each of your children who have accepted placement in
the Dance Loud Academy Diamond Elite Team program.