Hootie Hoo!

Team Athena focuses on industry and commercial-style dance training. Our program combines instruction from our directors and in-house faculty with classes taught by both local and industry professionals.

We host a rotating pop-up masterclass series, Team Athena Presents, which connects the Dallas dance community with working industry instructors, including Chris Lucky, Joseph ‘Asi, Tacir Roberson, Kassidy Bright, Alekz Samone, and Peter Pinnock.

During training camp, dancers receive foundational training which in the past have included hip-hop, popping, house, vogue, majorette, heels/runway, jazz funk, and freestyle.

Beyond dance technique, our program includes weekly strength and conditioning, monthly sessions with our team trainer, and an injury prevention program supported Dr. Andrew Do.

Athena’s Angels is the INTERMEDIATE training program developed for dancers to transition onto Team Athena, both training and competing at an advanced level. Classes are designed to strengthen your dance foundation with an emphasis on retention, technique, confidence and artistic development.

Team Athena is our ADVANCED training team that is given performance, gig, and competitive opportunities. Classes are designed to refine your dance training with an emphasis on conditioning, discipline, performance and artistic development.

Dancers are assigned a group to train under at auditions.

At this time, Team Athena does not offer training for beginner or novice dancers. Our programs are designed specifically for intermediate and advanced dancers who already have a foundational understanding of movement, choreography, and class structure.

We encourage beginner dancers to continue training through open classes and studio programs before auditioning in the future.

Yes! Team Athena Men’s Training is an open, drop-in training experience designed for intermediate and advanced male dancers looking to train at a high level within the Athena environment.

This is not a team and does not require auditions or long-term commitment. Dancers are welcome to pop in as their schedules allow. Sessions are led by Athena directors and select guest instructors, with an emphasis on performance quality, versatility, musicality, and intention.

Men’s Training will continue as long as there is active interest and engagement from the community. This offering is meant to create access to elevated training — not a permanent roster or competitive structure.

Prep class schedule will be released in early August! Information will be posted on Instagram and our website as soon as it becomes available.

Team Athena members must be at least 18 years old to audition. There is no age limit.

Any members under 18 are a part of our Junior Elite squad, which are hand selected by our directors. There is no audition process for Junior Elite. If you are interested, please consider attending a drop-in class and touching base with our directors in person!

To audition, dancers must complete the audition registration form. The form includes:

• Short questionnaire

• Video submission

• Optional headshot + resume

• $40 registration fee

You cannot be on both teams at the same time.

Final team placement is determined by the directors based on performance, readiness, and overall fit for each program.

Our goal is to place dancers where they will grow, be challenged appropriately, and thrive within the team structure.

Team Athena auditions are designed to be completed in person. However, in rare circumstances, remote evaluation may be considered at the directors’ discretion.

If you are unable to attend auditions in person, please email us or send a direct message on Instagram before registering to discuss your situation.

Audition registration is a one time fee of $40. This fee helps cover studio rentals and administrative costs associated with the audition process.

Audition Video Requirements

Each candidate must submit:

• 1. Slate - Introduce yourself on camera: name, age, and where you're from.

• 2. Combo - 45 seconds of choreography. This can be:

  • Original choreography you've created, OR

  • Choreography you've learned elsewhere (class, stage performance, etc.)

• Tip: You're welcome to use past performance footage as long as it is clearly shown where you are onscreen

• Be sure to shoot horizontally!

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Audition Video Guidelines

The audition video is your chance to show us what you're capable of outside the pressure of the live audition. Use it as a controlled, polished presentation of your strengths.

We're looking for:

• Clarity & retention - Strong execution of choreography with clean details.

• Confidence & artistry - Dance like you mean it; show your individuality.

• Strong presentation - Good lighting, full body visible, and an outfit that makes you feel confident.

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Tips for Success

• Prepare ahead - Don't wait until the night before. Give yourself multiple days and takes to find your strongest version.

• Control the narrative - If you didn't feel great in person, your video is another opportunity to show us what you can do. 

• Double-check quality - Make sure your music is clear, the camera is steady, and we can see your full body. SHOOT HORIZONTALLY! 

All audition videos must be submitted as an UNLISTED YouTube link.

We do not accept:

• Google Drive links

• Dropbox links

• WeTransfer links

• File uploads of video

Your video must be uploaded to YouTube and set to UNLISTED (not Public, not Private).

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What does “Unlisted” mean?

An Unlisted YouTube video:

• Is not searchable

• Does not appear on your public channel

• Can only be viewed by someone with the link

This allows us to view your video without access issues while still protecting your privacy.

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How do I know my video is viewable?

Before submitting your form:

1. Copy your YouTube link

2. Open an incognito/private browser window

3. Paste the link and press play

If the video plays without logging in, it’s set up correctly.

If it asks for access — we cannot view it.

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What happens if my video link doesn’t work?

If your video:

• Requires access

• Is set to Private

• Is removed

• Is linked incorrectly

Your audition will be considered incomplete.

Due to the volume of submissions, we will not follow up for inaccessible or incorrect video links.

Solo music must be uploaded as an MP3 file directly on the registration form.

• Please label your file with your first and last name only (ex. KylahKuura.mp3)

• The choreography length must be between 40 seconds and 1 minute.

• It is okay if the track runs slightly longer to allow for a natural intro or exit.

• Do not submit a full song. Submitting a full-length song will result in disqualification.

File format requirements:

• Accepted format: MP3 only

• If your file is not an MP3, please convert it before submitting.

Recommended conversion tool:
Use cloudconvert.com (free) to convert your file into an MP3 format.

Please ensure your music is final and ready before starting the registration form as it cannot be saved or edited after submission.

How long should my solo be?

Your choreography should be 40 seconds to 1 minute long.
A few extra seconds before or after movement is fine, but full songs are not allowed.

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Does my solo have to be the same as my video submission?

No. Your video submission and your solo serve different purposes:

• The video submission shows how you move on camera

• The solo allows us to see you as an individual performer

Both exist to help you look your best and give the directors a fuller picture of who you are as a dancer.

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Does my solo have to be hip hop?

No. Your solo should showcase your strengths. This can include (but is not limited to):

• Hip hop

• Jazz funk

• Heels

• Technique focused styles (contemporary, jazz, etc)

• Any style where you feel most confident and expressive

We are looking at quality, clarity, performance, and presence, not one specific style.

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Who will I perform my solo in front of?

Solos will be performed in front of the directors and all auditioning dancers.

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How is the solo order determined?

Solo order will be assigned based on your audition number.

We will begin promptly and move efficiently, as solo rounds can take time depending on the number of dancers.

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Why is the solo required?

We do not make placement decisions based on a single class or moment.

Your solo, video submission, and in-person audition all work together to help us place you appropriately.

Each sector has its own weekly schedule.

Athena:

• Wednesday’s 7-10PM at Kumbala

• Thursday’s 8-10:30PM at Centre for Dance

• Saturday’s 11AM-3PM at Kumbala

Angels (at Centre for Dance):

• Monday’s 8-10PM

• Thursday’s 8-10PM

• Sunday’s 11AM-3PM

Team Athena operates on a monthly tuition model designed to support a high-level, pre-professional training and performance environment.

Monthly Tuition

• $185 per month

• Due the second Saturday of each month

Tuition supports the core operational and creative costs of the team, including:

• Multiple weekly studio rentals

• Faculty instruction and assistant direction

• Media staff and content production

• Administrative and operating expenses

• Team outings, development sessions, and internal programming

Every dollar of tuition is reinvested directly into the team to maintain a high standard of training, production quality, and overall experience.

To prevent scheduling issues and conflicts of interest regarding competitions, performances, and team activities our members are not to hold membership on other dance teams simultaneously.

There are few exceptions to the rule which will be discussed at team orientation.

There are no refunds should you be unable to attend auditions for any reason. Please ensure you are available to attend prelims, finals, and orientation prior to registration.