Competition Team Information
Apr 03, 2026 07:32 PM
PURPOSE:
The purpose of the MCollective Dance Academy (MCDA) Competition Dance Team is to provide quality dance and performance instruction in a positive, fun, and dedicated atmosphere. Team members will train and compete in a variety of styles. Competitive Dance allows young dancers to participate in an activity that develops sportsmanship, character, responsibility, leadership, and self-discipline.
COMMITMENT:
â— Each member must commit to the MCDA Competition Team Contract.
â— Each member must commit not just for themselves but for the entire team. Team members depend on each other to be at practice consistently and do their part to know their routine.
â— We ask parents to recognize the commitment required. Participation on this team is similar to participation on a travel sports team.
LEVELS:
Ages are calculated as of January 1. We use an average of ages to determine which age group each dance will compete in. This does vary by competition.
Minis (6 and under)
Petite (6-9 yrs old)
Junior (9-12 yrs old)
Teen (12-15 yrs old)
Senior (15-19 yrs old)
DANCE STUDIO PRO:
All communication and payments will be on the Dance Studio Pro (DSP) App, which you MUST download. This app and text messages will be the only forms of communication. This is where you will access to your dancer’s schedule and accounts. Auto payment is required.
ATTENDANCE:
All members are required to attend ALL scheduled practices and performances unless excused by directors. Known absences should be communicated to and cleared by directors in advance of absence.
INCLEMENT WEATHER: MCDA does not always follow the Alma/Van Buren school district’s inclement weather policy due to our different operating hours. Announcements will be made on the DSP App.
● Up to 4 excused absences will be allowed during the 2025-2026 season.
Two or more consecutive absences may result in being dropped from a routine(s).
Excused Absences Include:
Required School Activities, illness (with doctor’s note), death in the family, or serious family business. If a dancer is injured, it is expected that they attend to observe classes and practices.
Please note that even an excused absence could affect a dancer’s ability to perform depending on the date and length of the absence. A team member excused from a practice or event will not be permitted to perform with the team until he/she knows the routine to the director's satisfaction.
● Members must attend all performances, competitions, and team events. Members must stay for the entire event session, including awards to support other team members unless told otherwise by the director.
●Arrivals more than ten minutes late to class are considered unexcused absences.
CONDUCT:
Team Members represent their team, the community, and the MCollective Dance Academy. Members and their families should maintain a high standard of performance, behavior, appearance, and sportsmanship. Violations may result in removal from the team.
The following behavior will not be tolerated:
Back Talking, bad attitudes, and/or fighting among team members
Talking negatively about other teams or other team members
DANCEWEAR/GENERAL APPEARANCE:
As a member of the MCDA Competition Dance Team, you represent our dance team, studio, and Van Buren, Arkansas.
Members must wear team jackets whenever designated.
Team jackets will be purchased in August. The cost is ~$45 for youth and ~$50 for adults.. Jacket orders will be placed by the studio to cut down on individual shipping cost. Jackets MUST be prepaid. You do not have to buy a new jacket each year.
There are other items to purchase on the following website. https://apparelnow.com/mcollective-dance-academy-apparel
No jewelry may be worn (other than costume-specific) during classes, practices, or performances/ competitions.
Chewing gum is not allowed during practices or performances.
Performance makeup shall be worn as directed at competitions/performances.
No writing on the body of any kind is acceptable unless it is part of the costume.
Each uniform piece and shoe should be marked with the dancer’s name or initials. It is the dancer’s responsibility to mark their clothing items, which helps to return clothing to the correct dancers.
Dance wear is required at ALL practices. If proper attire is not worn, you will be asked to sit out of practice.
Dancers are REQUIRED to wear form-fitting dance clothing at all practices. Street clothes are not allowed.
Leotard, tights, skirt/dance shorts, camisole/sports bra
If dancers are not dressed appropriately, the dancer will be sitting out of class as an observer.
Tan jazz shoes are required for all classes. They are considered part of the dancewear. Hip-hop tennis shoes CAN NOT be worn outside of the studio.
Hair MUST be put up and out of your face. This needs to be done before class starts.
Dancers are responsible for obtaining their class attire and performance makeup.