Inspire, ignite, illuminate and imagine- these are the goals of Dance Troupe Inc. a professional, motivational, and family friendly dance competition that traces its origins back to the dreams of three close friends and their families.  What was once an organization focused solely on seminars and workshops has evolved to include competitions that tour up and down the east coast.

Today, Dance Troupe Inc.s’ new director Alexis Kelley McDonald uses the dreams of the founding members as a tribute to their legacy. She does this by providing dancers with the best conditions for learning new choreography.  McDonald’s also focuses on hosting stage performances that best display the dancers talents, at any given time.  At Dance Troupe, you are not just a number or name on a score card, but an individual dancer that deserves specific instruction tailored to your personal skill set and strengths. If you are considering taking on Dance Troupe’s “Challenge of Excellence,” keep reading to find out why you should turn a maybe into a yes.

Pioneers in dance education

In the new age of dance conventions it is quite common to see competition and education blended into one event. The norm is to have seminars and/or workshops scheduled in between award ceremonies. Dancers not only benefit from both elements, but have grown to expect them. However, this business model was not always a common practice; instead dance conventions would offer one or the other.

Noticing the demand for deeper education as early as 1970s, three close friends opened Take Five Dance Workshops. Their goal was to provide a multi-influential event, where anyone could dance with and learn from dancers visiting from all over the country. Seeking to expand services, in the late 70s two of the founding members formed H and H Dance Troupe as an offshoot of Take Five. Now dancers could compete and take classes in the same building. With the passing of one of the owners, H and H Dance Troupe shortened their name to Dance Troupe Inc. So, before heading to another convention that piggy-backed off their idea, come to Dance Troupe Inc. where education was valued from the beginning.  For a full list of their events arranged by month, please see the end of the article.

Dance Troupe welcomes a new director

Leading and inspiring Dance Troupe’s tour season is Alexis Kelley McDonald, who knows a thing or two about dance. Her dance career began at age 2, with KFA Dance Company. This audition based dance company sends performers to the Thanksgiving Macy’s Day Parade in NYC, Radio City Music Hall, and Orlando Universal Studios every year. McDonald was with them for 14 years, yet a portion of that time was spent working with Opryland Productions. Opryland was a famous theme park in Nashville, Tennessee (dubbed as the Home of American Music) that conducted musical productions for over 2.5 million people each year.  By the age of 8 McDonald was SAG eligible. This meant the unions that protect media professionals and artists from all over the country felt she was talented and in the public eye enough to have her wages, work conditions, and health protected.

Needless to say, McDonald is more than qualified for the position and truly values giving back to the dance community she grew up in.  In one review of Dance Troupe, a mother had this to say about the director’s impressive leadership; “I LOVE this competition and convention. They recently just hired a new director who is FABULOUS! She is so organized, professional, and truly cares for each dancer that walks through the doors. All of the judges hired were extremely talented and knowledgeable in all genres. Their critiques were very informative as well. I felt like their entire faculty was great role models for my students. I also love how they are accepting of all levels, from beginner to advanced. A very family friendly event that leaves dancers motivated and inspired. I highly recommend Dance Troupe, Inc. to all dancers! We will be back!”

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Perfect your technique right before the big day

Dance Troupe Inc. wants your studio to do their ultimate best on stage, so they offer Friday night Dance Factory Workshops. The workshop is always scheduled the night before the competition kicks off and the best part is the judges teach the class! Studio teachers are encouraged to bring their students to this class because it is a great opportunity to meet the faculty, hear what they are looking for, and understand their perspective when they judge an entry. Hearing what the judges want in a routine before the judging even starts is seldom offered, so take advantage while you can!

Dance Troupe welcomes solo performers 

Are you a single dancer interested in competing, but can’t because you are not a member of a group? No need to worry because Dance Troupe allows both solo and group entries. They encourage every dancer to strut their stuff on stage and won’t deny competition opportunities just because someone is solo. So, as a shout out to all you single people out there, visit one of their touring cities  and finally bring home the award you have worked so hard for. After your performance, catch a breather and discover what the cool cities like Roanoke, VA offer their tourists.

As early as the 1970s, Dance Troupe Inc. has been a leader in pushing dance conventions to explore uncharted waters. They started by blending workshops with competitions and years later gave solo performers the chance to not only dance, but be eligible for awards as well.  With a passionate director who values the students as much as their teachers, Dance Troupe Inc. is destined to continue to lead the dance world into new depths. As one dance mom said on dancecompetitionhub.com, the go-to website for convention reviews, “You are completely missing out if you do not attend this competition and convention.”

February

Dance Troupe Inc. – Winston Salem– The Arts Council Theatre – Winston Salem, NC

March

Dance Troupe Inc. – Roanoke – The Jefferson Center – Roanoke, VA

Dance Troupe Inc. – Savannah – Savannah Civic Center – Savannah, GA

Dance Troupe Inc. – Louisburg – Louisburg College – Louisburg, NC

April

Dance Troupe Inc. – Daytona Beach – News Journal Center – Daytona Beach, FL

Dance Troupe Inc. – Clanton – Clanton Conference and Performing Arts Center – Clanton, AL

There is more information to come, so for updated tournament information please visit Dance Troupe.