How to Join a PCPA Performance Team
At Principal Creative & Performing Arts, our Performance Teams are designed for dancers who are ready to grow, challenge themselves, and experience the excitement of performing at a higher level. While the committment level increases, and we have mandatory events throughout the season, we do provide more flexibility than other comeptitive teams.
Our teams are built around more than competition—they’re about confidence, discipline, teamwork, and personal growth. Many of our dancers develop lifelong friendships and gain skills that extend far beyond the stage.
Whether your dancer is just beginning to show interest in performing or already has experience, we’ll help guide you every step of the way.
Step 1: Start with Strong Foundations
Performance Team dancers begin by building solid technical and performance fundamentals.
For younger dancers (ages 5–7), this typically means participating in ballet, jazz, or musical theatre classes for at least one season. These classes help develop:
• Coordination and body awareness
• Musicality and rhythm
• Focus and classroom discipline
• Confidence performing in front of others
Many of our team dancers began in our recreational program before advancing to team training.
If your dancer is newer to dance, we’ll help place them in classes that prepare them for future team opportunities.
Step 2: Increase Training and Commitment
As dancers grow and become more serious about performing, their training naturally increases.
Before auditioning, dancers typically participate in:
• 2–3 classes per week for younger dancers
• 3–5+ hours of weekly training for older dancers
This preparation period allows dancers to build strength, confidence, and technical skills.
We do not expect perfection at auditions—we look for:
• Positive attitude
• Coachability
• Work ethic
• Ability to learn and retain choreography quickly
• Growth potential
Our goal is to help each dancer succeed at their own pace.
Step 3: Attend Auditions (Held Each Spring)
Auditions for our Performance Teams are held annually in late spring, with teams finalized for the following season.
Auditions are designed to be encouraging and supportive. They allow our directors to place dancers in the environment where they will grow and thrive the most.
Many dancers are surprised by how welcoming and positive the audition experience is.
Step 4: Join a Team and Begin the Season
Once selected, dancers begin preparing for the upcoming performance season.
This includes:
• Weekly team rehearsals
• Technique classes
• Choreography sessions
• Performance opportunities throughout the season
Team dancers grow tremendously—not just as performers, but as confident, dedicated individuals.
While teams attend competitions, our primary focus is on growth, artistry, and positive experiences—not pressure or rankings.
Step 5: Grow, Perform, and Belong
Our Performance Teams become a second family for many dancers.
Dancers gain:
• Confidence and stage presence
• Strong technical skills
• Discipline and resilience
• Meaningful friendships
• Pride in their accomplishments
Many of our dancers remain on teams for years, progressing through our program as they grow.
Not Sure if Your Dancer is Ready?
That’s completely normal.
Many dancers spend a year or more building their skills before auditioning. Our directors are happy to recommend the best path based on your dancer’s age, experience, and goals.
We welcome dancers from both inside and outside our studio.
Audition Timeline
Auditions: May/June
Season Begins: First week of August.
Exact dates are announced each spring.
Take the First Step
If your dancer is interested in performing, the best place to start is by enrolling in classes and building their foundation.
Our team is happy to guide you.
Contact us: info@principalarts.com