Looking to take your dance training to the NEXT LEVEL? DUPC Q&A

At Dance Unlimited, our programs don’t stop at our weekly recreational dance classes. For those kids who can’t get enough of dance in their lives, we have opportunities for MORE! So how do you know if your child is ready to move on to our advanced dance programs? Read on for a few tell-tale signs. 

Does your child never stop practicing their skills and recital routines around the house? Do they start grooving every time they hear music? Is our year-end recital something that your child looks forward to ALL year long? 

If you answered yes to any of those questions, we’d love to tell you about the Dance Unlimited Performance Company (DUPC). Made up of roughly 40 dancers ages 8-18, DUPC rehearses, trains, and performs throughout the year at various community events and competitions. It’s the number one way to get more opportunities to perform, train, and grow!

So today on the blog, we’re breaking it down by answering some of the questions we hear most often. Join us below for a quick Q&A that will give you an idea of what DUPC is all about! 

How is DUPC different from your School-Year Programs?

DUPC dancers train and rehearse weekly in addition to their dance classes. They also get the opportunity to perform in several extra performances throughout the year aside from our annual recital. It’s a way to perform more and really take a students’ dance training to the next level!

What kind of extra performances does DUPC do?

Performance opportunities can include but are not limited to the Maine Redclaws halftime, Boston Celtics prime time performances, Walt Disney World performances, local holiday performances, and attending dance competitions and workshops each year. Lastly, DUPC dancers perform in our recital finale! Click here to check out some pictures from our most recent convention and competition! 

Who can be a part of DUPC?

Dancers ages 10 and up who LOVE to dance and complete our two-part audition process. 

What is the audition process like?

Dancers must attend our open audition night, followed by our Summer Camp Intensive. Based on their level and abilities, our staff will invite them to join the company and place them in the correct training program. Our youngest members are generally invited to participate in an introductory year to allow them to experience company with a little less commitment. 

What is the training commitment for DUPC?

DUPC dancers are driven and determined to enhance their technique and performance quality. In order to accomplish this, members are required to take a minimum of 6 – 10 classes per week, depending on the age of the dancer. Required classes include Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Modern, and Acro. On top of these classes, DUPC dancers also have additional rehearsals throughout the year to work on routines.

Do DUPC members participate in activities besides dancing?

Yes! Our DUPC members serve as studio ambassadors. They assist in all community service projects, becoming leaders and role models for all of our studio values. 

Are there opportunities to do more dance competitions/routines?

Yes! The DUPCE is a brand new program that stands for Dance Unlimited Performance Company Elite. It is made up of elite level dancers who love competing. This team has a higher commitment level and grants opportunities for solo, duet, trio, and small group routines. They will travel to 3-4 additional competitions and conventions per year!

What does my child gain from being a part of DUPC?

This is by far our favorite question to answer because the benefits of DUPC are simply life-changing for our dancers. Here are just a few:

    • Leadership 
    • Discipline
    • Teamwork & Community
    • Empowerment
    • A Dance Family

Our DUPC and DUPCE grow as dancers and inspirational leaders throughout the year. With all that our DUPC members accomplish throughout the year, it wouldn’t be possible without our fabulous company director Mrs. Bri! 

Mrs. Bri has served under Mrs. Laura as the assistant director for a few years and was officially promoted into the role of Company Director earlier this year. Along with DUPC Faculty, she leads our dancers, runs rehearsals, and helps set the vision for the future of our performance company program. She is a wonderful mentor to our dancers and we are SO lucky to have her as a part of our team! 

If any of these details about DUPC sound like something your child would LOVE, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us here or reach out to Mrs. Bri with any questions. Auditions aren’t until next summer, but it’s never too early to start thinking about joining our advanced dance programs!

Looking for ways to support our DUPC dancers? Current DU families can stop by our annual. Trunk or Treat event this Friday where we’ll be collecting donations! Register HERE!