Shine Your Light Academy of Dance, Inc.

Competition Program

2026 - 2027

What is the SYLAD Competition Program?

The Shine Your Light Academy of Dance, Inc. Competition Program allows dancers on our performance company additional opportunities to perform while participating in a unique and different experience. Here at SYLAD we do not compete to win, but to have fun and obtain constructive criticism by dance professionals outside of studio staff. 

Who is invited to be participate in the SYLAD Competition Program?

All students participating in the SYLAD Performance Companies have the opportunity to also compete.

How are students placed in the SYLAD Competition Program?

There are many factors when it comes to placement. Placement in the SYLAD Competition Program is based on the following criteria: age, technique, commitment level, enthusiasm, attitude and behavior in class, attendance, and stage presence. We place students together in groups that we feel will work best together in rehearsals and performances.

Placement within each competition depends on competition rules and regulations, but are a combination of age, competition experience, hours spent training in dance, and skill level.

What is the time commitment to participate in the SYLAD Competition Program?

Dancer must be registered for SYLAD Performance Company.

The following time commitment is IN ADDITION to the SYLAD Performance Company time commitments:

Each dancer is allowed up to two (2) unexcused absences from Competition Rehearsals per half of year (June - July, August - December and January - May). Having more than 2 unexcused absences will result in an additional $75 rehearsal fee. *Excused absences receive prior approval from the director; advance notice of absence does not mean it is excused. The following are considered “excused” absences:

• Family emergency

• Health (serious illness)

• School event that is for credit

• Wedding

• Funeral

• Religious Event

Dancers will watch group rehearsals in the case of injury or mild illness. These same rules apply to all other classes.

Punctuality is just as important as attendance, please be on time and prepared for class. Two (2) occurrences of tardiness will count as an unexcused absence. Tardiness is considered to be more than 5 minutes late.

Students should not miss more than three (3) of any one class per half of the year (June - July, September - December and January - May); after which, the dancer may be dismissed from the Company and Competition Team. Dance requires consistent ongoing training, and dancers who excessively miss classes will not be able to perform at the same level as those who have attended all classes regularly. Regular attendance in all dance classes is expected of program members. Excess absences from ANY one-dance class may be cause for dismissal from the program. No refund of tuition, choreography fees, costume fees, or competition fees shall be given in the event of dismissal.

Program members must be present in ALL their classes and rehearsals the week prior to every competition.

Being a member of a competition program is a privilege and comes with responsibility. Personal accountability is essential for a successful season, and commitment to your other company members is a vital component of this success. When a member of the group is not present, it negatively impacts your entire team.

Competition Program choreography will be taught throughout June and July 2026. Rehearsal schedules will be sent out May 22nd once placements have been accepted. Students will then run their piece 1 - 2 times per week in between regularly scheduled classes or have private lessons with their choreographer on a rotating schedule throughout the season.

Dress rehearsals for all competitions will occur two weeks before the competition. Exact dates and times TBA.

Students wishing to compete MUST be taking weekly technique classes in ballet AND the style of dance they are competing in. If they are competing in ballet they must take 2 ballet classes per week.

We will be offering the opportunity to compete at 3 different competitions this year. All dances will be required to compete at Showstopper in April 2027. Any additional competition opportunities are optional, however I highly recommend doing at least one other competition to obtain feedback to make necessary adjustments for Showstopper.

Competition Locations: Two competitions will be in Orlando and the third will be in Lakeland. We are looking to do one competition in February, one in March and one April. 

Extra rehearsals may be called approaching a competition. Extra rehearsals will be held on Fridays or at other times that the studio’s schedule permits. Students and parents will be notified of any additional rehearsals at least one week prior to the date. We will make our best efforts to schedule additional rehearsals well in advance.

What is the financial commitment for the SYLAD Competition Program?

All tuition and outstanding balances must be paid in full before payment can be applied to costume, rehearsal, or competition fees. 

Tuition for program members varies depending on the number of classes they take. It is 

mandatory that all Competition Program members have rehearsal once a week per dance throughout summer. This rehearsal will cost the following per dancer for the entirety of the 6 weeks of summer:

• Solos - $75 

• Duets/ Trios - $30

• Groups - $25

This same fee above will be applied for FALL and SPRING Semesters to cover any rehearsal time and administration fees throughout the entire semester.

No discounts will apply to this fee. This tuition covers the choreography fee and teacher's time for competition.

Competition Fees will be per dancer PER competition as follows:

• Solos - $250

• Duets/ Trios - $150

• Groups - $130

Ex: Your dancer is a part of 1 group, 1 trio, and has 2 solos and is participating in both competitions with all 4 numbers: $130 + $150 + $250 + $250 = $780 * 2 competitions = $1,560 in competition fees.

Ex #2: Your dancer is a part of 1 group and has 1 solo and is participating in both competitions with both numbers: $130 + $250 = $380 * 2 competitions = $760 in competition fees.

Ex #3: Your dancer is a part of 1 trio and has 1 solo. The trio will be at in both competitions, but the solo is only going to 1 competition: $150 * 2 = $300 + $250 = $550 in competition fees.

A $30 DEPOSIT for Competition Fees for each dancer PER dance PER Competition will be posted on June 27, 2025 and Due on July 7, 2025. 

Balance for February Competition will be due September 30, 2026.

Balance for March Competition will be due November 30, 2026.

Balance for April Competition will be due January 30, 2027.

Costume Fees: Costume fees are calculated based off costume cost plus tax and shipping plus an additional 20% to cover admin expenses. These fees are NON-REFUNDABLE. Official costume fees will be posted August 1st, 2026 with payment due in full August 31, 2026, but will not exceed:

Little Lights: $150 per dance

Bright Lights: $165 per dance

Guiding Lights: $190 per dance

Drop-outs: A $200 fee applies to any student that is part of a duet, trio, or group number who drops out of the Competition Program during the dance season, for the instructor to re-choreograph and rearrange the performance routines.

There are no observer fees for any competition we will be attending.*

*Subject to change at competitions discretion.

What is the dress code for the SYLAD Competition Program?

All Competition Program members must wear appropriate dancewear to every class. Forgetting dancewear, shoes, proper hair and/or wearing inappropriate clothing is not acceptable. Please click here for technique class and company rehearsal dress code. 

The dress code for Competition Program rehearsals is the same as Performance company rehearsals.

Students should wear their Shine Your Light Academy of Dance, Inc. jackets and use their backpacks for all competitions. Performance wear will be dependent on costumes and will be sent out with costume information in November.

What is the SYLAD Competition Code of Conduct?

All Program members will be held to the highest standards of conduct. Communicating 

negatively about anyone in or outside our studio will not be tolerated. Program members are expected to show courtesy and respect to all instructors and other students. Any student who exhibits repeated negative or disrespectful behavior will be asked to leave the Program. SYLAD dancers are always respectful, supportive, encouraging, inclusive and are positive in spirit, attitude and behavior.

Additional Notes:

• Respectful Behavior: Please remember to show respect to all dancers, teachers, judges, and staff members throughout the competition. Encourage your dancers to be supportive of their fellow competitors, regardless of the outcome. 

• Arrival and Departure: Plan to arrive an hour and a half - two hours in advance of your scheduled performance time. This allows for any last-minute preparations and helps to minimize stress. 

• Dressing Appropriately: Ensure that your dancers are dressed in their performance attire and are neatly groomed. Remember, they are representatives of our studio, so their appearance should reflect our studio culture. We also ask that families and their guests be aware of what they are wearing to appropriately represent our studio. 

• Quiet During Performances: Please be mindful of noise levels during performances. It's important to maintain a quiet and attentive atmosphere to allow all dancers to showcase their talents without distraction. Please also be aware of word choice and topic of conversation - keep it appropriate! It is also important to remember you never know who is next to you - please be respectful both at competition and outside of the competition.

• Do not get up or walk into seats mid performance. Please wait until in-between numbers to get yourself situated.

• Positive Encouragement: Offer words of encouragement and support to all dancers, regardless of whether they are from our studio or not. Let's foster a culture of positivity and camaraderie within the dance community.

• Cleanliness and Respect for Venue: Help us keep the competition venue clean and tidy by disposing of trash properly and respecting the facilities.

• Follow Competition Rules!

• Be Patient and Flexible: Competition weekends can be hectic, and there may be unexpected delays or changes to the schedule. Please remain patient and flexible as we navigate through any challenges together.

• By adhering to these guidelines, we can ensure that our dancers have a positive and rewarding experience at the competition. Thank you for your cooperation and support in upholding the values of our dance community.

Other important notes...

The form below must be filled out by April 30, 2026 to be considered for competition team.

Placements will be sent out by email by on May 22, 2026. You will then have until 11:59pm EST June 1, 2026 to accept or decline your placements. Rehearsal schedules will be made and sent out via email by 11:59pm EST on June 5th. Rehearsals will start June 15, 2026.

By filling out this form you agree that you have read ALL provided information and agree to all fees and terms listed above.