Elevating Dance Education with our Performance Company and Competition Programs

When we opened our "Big Studio Doors" in January 2020, our vision was clear: to create a space where dancers could elevate their skills through challenging choreography and advanced movement concepts. By 2022, this vision became a reality with the launch of The Dancing House Performance Company.

The Dancing House Performance Company's Mission

The Dancing House Performance Company was created to provide young, talented, and dedicated dancers with opportunities to deepen their dance education. Through engaging choreography, guest instructors, and performance experiences, our dancers gain valuable skills both on and off the stage.

Our 2022 Season

Our 2023 Season

Our 2024 Season

Our 2025 Season

Who will be in our 2026 Season? 

Introducing Our Competition Program

Our competition program was created in response to something we were hearing from our dancers and families: a desire for more opportunities to grow. While The Dancing House has always been committed to helping students of all ages and abilities fall in love with dance, we recognized that some dancers were ready for an additional challenge, a place where they could deepen their training, set bigger goals, and explore their full potential.

Under the leadership of Ms. Sophi Johnson, our competition program was built with the same values that guide everything we do at The Dancing House: high expectations, high humanity, and a commitment to developing the whole person, not just the dancer. What began as a small group of dedicated students has grown into a supportive community of dancers who are eager to learn, work hard, and encourage one another along the way.

A few week later on the stage....

Today, our competition dancers have opportunities to perform, receive feedback from industry professionals, strengthen their technical skills, and experience the rewards that come from commitment and perseverance. More importantly, they are learning lessons that extend far beyond the stage: confidence, resilience, teamwork, responsibility, and the courage to pursue growth even when it's challenging.

As our program continues to evolve, our mission remains the same: to provide a supportive pathway for dancers who want to take their training to the next level while staying true to the heart-centered culture that makes The Dancing House special.

Let's Talk Real... Is Competition Dance Expensive?

Let's be honest: competition dance is an investment.

At The Dancing House, we believe dance should be accessible to everyone, which is why competition is completely optional. Many of our students find joy, confidence, and growth through our recreational programs alone. Competition is simply one pathway for dancers who are looking for more—more training, more performance opportunities, and a deeper commitment to their dance education.

Our competition program begins around age 8 and is designed to be an educational experience first and a competitive experience second. We focus on helping dancers develop discipline, resilience, teamwork, artistry, and confidence while pursuing excellence in their craft.

For our youngest dancers, tuition starts around $160 per month. This investment includes choreography, teacher instruction, studio rehearsal time, dance education day at INnovate, one costume, professional dance photos, and performance opportunities throughout the season. Our Minis are also required to take an additional technique class, bringing the average monthly investment to approximately $225 per month.

As dancers advance and take on additional routines, performances, and training opportunities, costs naturally increase. Our most dedicated dancers invest approximately $500–$700 per month in their dance education. This includes multiple competition routines, costumes, choreography, professional photography, studio rehearsals, competition participation, teacher support, and chaperoned events. Advanced dancers are also required to take additional technique classes to support their growth and development.

Just as important as the financial investment is the time commitment. Competitions take place on weekends, and as dancers advance, there may occasionally be opportunities that require travel or leaving school early. Competition dance is best suited for students who have discovered that dance is "their thing."  This is a student who eagerly spends 5–10 hours each week in the studio, loves performing, enjoys learning, and wants to explore their full potential as an artist and athlete.

One of the unexpected gifts of competition dance is the community it creates. Our program is intentionally small. Rather than dozens of families, you'll find a close-knit group of parents, dancers, and teachers who genuinely support one another. Friendships are formed, milestones are celebrated together, and every dancer becomes part of our extended dance family. We cheer for one another, encourage one another, and work together to help every student succeed.

We also understand that every family's financial situation is different. While we are committed to running a sustainable business and charging appropriately for the education and experiences we provide, we never want finances to be the only reason a passionate and dedicated dancer misses an opportunity. For families who demonstrate commitment, responsibility, and a genuine desire to participate, we are always happy to have a conversation and explore options together.

Competition dance isn't the right fit for every student, and that's okay. But for the dancer who lights up when they walk into the studio, who wants additional challenges, and who is excited to discover what they're capable of, it can be a life-changing experience.

How to Join The Dancing House Performance Company. TDHPC

Dancers interested in joining The Dancing House Performance Company must audition to secure their spot. To qualify, dancers must:

• Be at least 10 years old

• Commit to at least two weekly technique classes (one of which must be ballet for competition dancers)

• Attend weekly rehearsals with the TDH Performance Company every Friday from 4:30-6 PM 

Dancers who demonstrate advanced skills or have a minimum of two years on TDHPC may also audition to compete as a soloist, duet, or in a small group at area competitions. These dancers dedicate additional time to rehearsing their competition pieces to ensure they're fully prepared to shine on stage.

The INnovate Dance Event - a day of dance education.  

In addition to competition preparation, every Company member participates in The INnovate Dance Event. This unique experience is designed to make dancers feel:

• INspired

• INvigorated

• INvolved

• INcluded

The event includes master classes, performance opportunities, adjudication feedback, industry insights, and service projects. Our dancers gain exposure to diverse choreographers, dance styles, and teaching methods while forming valuable connections with fellow dancers in the Twin Cities metro area. This event not only strengthens our dancers' skills but also builds unity within our growing dance team.

Competition Season Highlights

Our competition dancers have consistently demonstrated excellence both on and off the stage. Through their hard work, dedication, and commitment to growth, they have earned recognition from judges and industry professionals at regional dance competitions. While we celebrate those accomplishments, we believe the most meaningful victories can't be measured by a score sheet.

What makes us most proud is watching our dancers develop confidence, resilience, leadership skills, and a strong sense of community. They learn how to support their teammates, handle challenges with grace, receive feedback, set goals, and celebrate the success of others. Competition provides a unique environment where dancers can showcase their artistry, gain valuable performance experience, and connect with fellow dancers who share their passion for the arts.

At The Dancing House, we view awards as a reflection of hard work, but never the ultimate goal. Our goal is to help students become capable, confident, and kind humans who carry the lessons they learn in dance far beyond the stage.

Interested in Joining Our Dance Teams?

If you have a dancer ages 10 and older who’s eager to take their dance education to the next level, please email Miss Sophi at thedancinghousehudsonwi@gmail.com for more information OR fill out the TDHPC & Comp form here!

Starting in 2026-2027 our Mini's Team will be Launching! Audition Form here!

Looking for Entertainment?

If your organization is seeking entertainment, we'd love to share our passion for dance with the community. Contact us today to discuss performance opportunities and collaborations.

At The Dancing House, we're proud to help students of all ages and abilities develop into kind, confident, and life-ready humans through the art of dance. Our new competition program is an exciting step in that mission, and we can’t wait to see our dancers shine this season!

"We found the The Dancing House in 2021 after our 9 year old showed interest in starting dance. We weren't sure how well she'd do and I was worried that she was starting dance late, so a studio specializing in beginners of all ages was perfect for us. The patient, encouraging, and positive atmosphere is wonderful and the instructors are amazing. My now 13 year old takes classes in many different styles of dance and has really grown up with The Dancing House. The Dancing House isnt a place only for beginners, they have something for everyone and I would highly recommend The Dancing House to anyone regardless of where they are in their dance journey." - Keisha Manus, happy parent.