Meet The Team

This year’s DUPC brought the energy, the passion, and the dedication every step of the way. If you missed it, check out our “Meet the Team” video and get to know the dancers who have made this season so special.

Convention Classes

At Dance Unlimited, we intentionally choose competitions that also offer convention classes, because they are so important for the growth of young dancers. These classes give them the chance to train with diverse, top-tier instructors, explore new styles, and challenge themselves in unfamiliar settings. It can be nerve wracking to leave the “safety net” of our studio and take class in front of hundreds of strangers! Convention weekends are where creativity expands, resilience is built, and dancers learn to move in new ways. 

Our dancers took classes at Revel Dance Convention, LA Dance Magic Convention and Revive Dance Convention. Check out this video of our dancers training at Revive! 

Competition Highlights

We just finished up our competitive dance season. Our dancers have competed at 6 Regional Competitions! We are so proud of their wins on stage, but more importantly the growth they’ve shown across the entire season. Click on the competitions below to view award highlights and photos from each weekend!

• Revel Dance Convention in Portland
• LA Dance Magic in Boston 
• Take Centerstage Dance Challenge in Waterville
• Revive Dance Convention in Portland
  This event was a major highlight! All of our dancers were able to participate in the weekend REVUE showcase with their full team routine “I Am Here”, and they were all chosen to perform with the City Crew, which is a routine they learned over the course of the weekend.
• Headliners
  This was our highest scoring overall competition of the season! 

Your Chance to Join the Magic

If you’ve been following along with all of our accomplishments and you want to join the magic, NOW is your chance! We are already looking ahead to our 2025/26 Season and auditions are next month for dancers ages 5 and up.

DUPC/DUPCE Auditions | Ages 8+
Friday, May 16th
Audition 4:00-5:30pm
Parent Meeting 5:30-6:00pm
OR
Wednesday, June 25th
Audition 4:00-5:30pm
Parent Meeting 5:30-6:00pm
Click here to view the Team Information Packet.

DUPC/DUPCE Mini Team Auditions | Ages 5-7
*Brand NEW This Year*
Friday, May 16th
Audition 6:15-7:00pm
Parent Meeting 6:30-7:00pm
OR
Wednesday, June 25th
Audition 6:15-7:00pm
Parent Meeting 6:30-7:00pm
Click here to view the Team Information Packet.

If you’re interested in joining the DUPC or DUPCE, follow these three steps:

1. Click here to complete the DUPC Audition Form
2. Register here for our Open Auditions on May 16th OR June 25th
3. Register here for Summer Camp

The stage is yours; come experience the magic! 

The post DUPC Season Highlights appeared first on Dance Unlimited, LLC.

So what is Acro? 

In an Acro Dance Class, students learn how to combine their dance technique with acrobatic elements, as these disciplines greatly complement each other. Our Acro Programs teach students how to use their flexibility, strength, and athleticism to execute impressive skills safely.

What makes DU’s Acro Programs unique? 

Here at DU, all of our Acro instructors are certified by Acrobatic Arts, a worldwide training program and network for dance educators. The Acrobatic Arts training program gives our skilled dance instructors further knowledge of anatomy, skill progressions, and best safety practices for their classes. Their courses provide hands-on training in spotting and step-by-step skill development. Acrobatic Arts has set the standard for excellence in Acro Training and we are so proud to have our instructors certified! 

How does DU put safety first? 

In addition to getting all of our instructors certified with Acrobatic Arts, DU uses the following best practices to ensure that our Acro Students stay safe while training:

• • A comprehensive warm up in every class. Complete with gross motor skills, stretching, and conditioning exercises, each warm up lowers the likelihood of injuries due to stiff and under-engaged muscles/joints. 
  • A clear progression of skills. Our students move through skills in order of difficulty. Each student must master each skill in order before moving on to the harder progression. This ensures that no one is attempting anything if their body hasn’t mastered the necessary building blocks!
  • Supportive equipment. We use mats and assistive equipment to help train a child’s movement and prevent injuries. Our students don’t learn skills on studio floors.   
  • Spotting techniques. Our instructors are trained to assist a child through a skill, as well as catch/hold a child if they don’t execute it properly. They are in GREAT hands! 

As you can see, safety isn’t just a priority for us at DU, it’s a practice. Safety is woven into everything we do here and we know that trusting us with your child is a great responsibility. We take our students’ safety very seriously and we hope you’ll choose us as your child’s home for Acro Training!

We are currently enrolling in our 2024 Summer Programs! To check out our Summer Offerings and enroll online, click here. In addition, our 2024/25 School Year Schedule is coming soon! Stay tuned for VIP Priority Registration Info! 

The post Twist and Tumble Safely: Discover DU’s Acro Program! appeared first on Dance Unlimited, LLC.

Our DUPC dancers attend multiple competitions and conventions throughout the year. They train in Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Modern, Acro, and Ballet and those of age and ability also train in Pointe. The DUPC is for dancers who want more time on stage and are ready to take their dance training to the next level in a team environment.

In addition to getting extra performance opportunities throughout the dance year, our DUPC dancers participate in community events, volunteer, and fundraise. They are role models within our studio community!

So who’s ready to meet the dancers? We asked them a few questions to help us get to know them a little better. Check out their responses below! 

Josephine T.

How long have you been dancing at DU? 10 Years

Favorite style of dance? That’s a tough question…but it’s a tie between Jazz and Contemporary

Favorite food? Chicken tenders and fries

Who is your favorite celebrity and why? Taylor Swift. I love her music and I can relate to some of her songs.

Favorite TV show or movie? Coraline

What would you do with a billion dollars? I would share it with my mom and I would give some to the food bank for people in need.

Besides dance, what are you really good at? Drawing

What is one of your goals for the future? To become a professional dancer and make my family proud.

Erica S.

How long have you been dancing at DU? 14 Years

Favorite style of dance? Jazz

Favorite food? Eggo Chocolatey Chip Waffles

Who is your favorite celebrity and why? Mr Beast, he helps people and his chocolate candy bars are good

Favorite TV show or movie? Grandma’s Boy

What would you do with a billion dollars? Upgrade our house, put some into a SP500, some into a savings account, shopping

Besides dance, what are you really good at? Binge watching TV

What is one of your goals for the future? Not to be poor

Lucia S.

How long have you been dancing at DU? 7 Years

Favorite style of dance? Hip hop

Favorite food? Potstickers

Favorite TV show or movie? Knives Out

What would you do with a billion dollars? Take a trip to Japan

Besides dance, what are you really good at? Softball

What is one of your goals for the future? I want to be in the DU Splits Club this year!

Ruby A.

How long have you been dancing at DU? 3 years

Favorite style of dance? Tap and Modern

Favorite food? 5 cheese tortellini

Who is your favorite celebrity and why? Taylor Swift, I love her music.

Favorite TV show or movie? Once Upon a Time

What would you do with a billion dollars? No idea! That’s a lot of money.

Besides dance, what are you really good at? Art and playing the flute

What is one of your goals for the future? To get all three of my splits and level up my acro skills.

Nora K.

How long have you been dancing at DU? 8 years

Favorite style of dance? Acro

Favorite food? Chicken Pot Pie

Who is your favorite celebrity and why? Taylor Swift – she is very talented at what she does.

Favorite TV show or movie? Girls Just Want to Have Fun

What would you do with a billion dollars? Donate it to a homeless shelter

Besides dance, what are you really good at? Drawing

What is one of your goals for the future? To do an ariel.

Kennedy G.

How long have you been dancing at DU? 11 years

Favorite style of dance? Tap

Favorite food? Bread

Who is your favorite celebrity and why? Billie Eilish. Her Music

Favorite TV show or movie? The Rookie

What would you do with a billion dollars? Save for the future, give to family, and donate  to charity

Besides dance, what are you really good at? Crafting

What is one of your goals for the future? Go to LADM for fashion design.

Gabby  T.

How long have you been dancing at DU? 13 years

Favorite style of dance? Hip Hop and Jazz

Favorite food? Pasta salad

Who is your favorite celebrity and why? Briar Nolet. She is a really strong all around dancer.

Favorite TV show or movie? Dance Moms

What would you do with a billion dollars? College education, dream car, and donate some to help others

What is one of your goals for the future? To go to college and get my dream job after.

Ellie R.

How long have you been dancing at DU? 2 years

Favorite style of dance? Hip Hop

Favorite food? Cinnamon Rolls

Who is your favorite celebrity and why? Lizzo, I like her music.

Favorite TV show or movie? Barbie Movie

What would you do with a billion dollars? Donate it to people in need.

Besides dance, what are you really good at? Basketball

What is one of your goals for the future? Become a hairdresser.

Kaitlyn O.

How long have you been dancing at DU? 7 years

Favorite style of dance? Hip Hop

Favorite food? Mac and Cheese

Favorite TV show or movie? Any movie that’s funny!

What would you do with a billion dollars? College, car.

Besides dance, what are you really good at? Art

What is one of your goals for the future? Become a dance teacher.

Brylee M.

How long have you been dancing at DU? 8 years

Favorite style of dance? Modern

Favorite food? Mac and cheese

Who is your favorite celebrity and why? Taylor Swift. Because she’s a great singer (I love all her songs! ) and she’s a good person.

Favorite TV show or movie? Descendants

What would you do with a billion dollars? Give some to a charity, help my parents pay off their bills, give some to Dance U to help Miss Laura for all her hard work, and save some.

Besides dance, what are you really good at? Drawing

What is one of your goals for the future? To be a good person and have a good job.

Thank you, dancers, for sharing a little bit more about your life both in and out of the dance studio!

Our DUPC dancers recently competed at Turn it up Dance Challenge in Portland. Check out our Facebook page to see the awards and accolades these dancers received. 

We are SO proud of their dancing, work ethic, and sportsmanship!

If your child is interested in joining the DUPC, please save the date for our upcoming auditions on June 2, 2024. We’re always looking for hardworking, passionate dancers to join us. Visit our website to learn more and RSVP.

The post Meet Our DUPC Dancers! appeared first on Dance Unlimited, LLC.

Our Elite Team is our most advanced team and is made up of students ages 10-18. The elite-level dancers are striving for added excellence in their dance training. This team attends multiple competitions and conventions throughout the year, in addition to their weekly technique classes, rehearsals, and being proud members of the Dance Unlimited Performance Company. They train in Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Modern, Acro, and Ballet and those of age and ability also train in Pointe.

So who’s ready to meet the dancers? We asked them a few questions to help us get to know them a little better. Check out their responses below! 

Myla N.

How long have you been dancing at DU? 9 Years

Favorite style of dance? Modern

Favorite food? Dilly Beans

Who is your favorite celebrity and why? Morgan Wallen because he is a good singer.

Favorite TV show or movie? The Girl Who Believes in Miracles

What would you do with a billion dollars? Give half to my parents and use the rest for when I get older.

Besides dance, what are you really good at? Horseback riding and art 

What is one of your goals for the future? To have my dream car.

Lila B.

How long have you been dancing at DU? 4 Years

Favorite style of dance? A mix of hip-hop, jazz, and modern. 

Favorite food? Fruit

Who is your favorite celebrity and why? Olivia Rodrigo because I like her music and how she is her own person.

Favorite TV show or movie? Young Sheldon; it is a tie between Sneakerella and the Greatest Showman.

What would you do with a billion dollars? Keep some to myself; give some to Make-A-Wish and other organizations that give to disabled people like my brother.

Besides dance, what are you really good at? Soccer and writing.

What is one of your goals for the future? To go to college to get my dream job.

Alexia B.

How long have you been dancing at DU? 14 Years

Favorite style of dance? Lyrical

Favorite food? Ice Cream

Who is your favorite celebrity and why? Jordan Clark. I used to watch her show “The Next Step” when I was younger and then a few years later I got the opportunity to dance in one of her classes at one of our conventions. I love watching her dance and she’s one of my role models.

Favorite TV show or movie? My favorite tv show is “Friends” and my favorite movie is “The Twilight Series”.

What would you do with a billion dollars? Go to college, pursue a career in dance, buy a house, and donate some to people in need.

Besides dance, what are you really good at? Art

What is one of your goals for the future? Get a college degree

Olivia B.

How long have you been dancing at DU? 14 Years

Favorite style of dance? Lyrical & Ballroom

Favorite food? Sushi

Who is your favorite celebrity and why? Taylor Swift- Because she has a great stage presence

Favorite TV show or movie? Gilmore Girls

What would you do with a billion dollars? I would buy a new car

Besides dance, what are you really good at? Field hockey

What is one of your goals for the future? To be a nurse practitioner

Mia N.

How long have you been dancing at DU? Since I was 3 years old

Favorite style of dance? Contemporary

Favorite food? Pizza

Who is your favorite celebrity and why? Zendaya

Favorite TV show or movie? Ironman

What would you do with a billion dollars? Put it towards college, buy houses and a few cars. I would get a dog or two!

Besides dance, what are you really good at? Building legos

What is one of your goals for the future? Get my driver’s license!

Addison B.

How long have you been dancing at DU? About 9 years

Favorite style of dance? Lyrical/contemporary

Favorite food? Baked Potatoes

Who is your favorite celebrity and why? Lainey Wilson

Favorite TV show or movie? Dance Moms

What would you do with a billion dollars? Travel the world like Europe, Maldives, and South Africa.

Besides dance, what are you really good at? Travel, soccer, and skiing. 

What is one of your goals for the future? To get into medical school. 

Ainsley N.

How long have you been dancing at DU? 5 years

Favorite style of dance? Hip hop

Favorite food? Spaghetti

Who is your favorite celebrity and why? Taylor Swift, because I love her music. 

Favorite TV show or movie? My Little Pony

What would you do with a billion dollars? Donate a lot of it to charity.

Besides dance, what are you really good at? Singing!

What is one of your goals for the future? To be as good of a dancer as my dance teachers. 

Cassidy B.

How long have you been dancing at DU? 11 years

Favorite style of dance? Jazz

Favorite food? Chicken Tenders

Who is your favorite celebrity and why? Taylor Swift because she works really hard for her career.

Favorite TV show or movie? Desperate Housewives

What would you do with a billion dollars? Go on lots of vacations

Besides dance, what are you really good at? Field hockey

What is one of your goals for the future? To be successful

Vitalia B.

How long have you been dancing at DU? 8 years

Favorite style of dance? Lyrical

Favorite food? Pasta

Who is your favorite celebrity and why? Sofi Dossi, because she’s a contortionist.

Favorite TV show or movie? Dance Moms

What would you do with a billion dollars? Get an extension on the studio and add more studio rooms! 

Besides dance, what are you really good at? Drums

What is one of your goals for the future? Ariel and backhand spring on hardwood floor

Aubryana C. 

How long have you been dancing at DU? 8.5 years

Favorite style of dance? Hip hop and contemporary

Favorite food? Fruit salad and pasta

Who is your favorite celebrity and why? My favorite celebrity is Lainey Wilson because she’s such a amazing country singer and puts out positive messages to the world.

Favorite TV show or movie? Fuller House and Ninja Turtles

What would you do with a billion dollars? I would give some to family because they deserve the world and the rest would be used for future spendings. 

Besides dance, what are you really good at? Soccer

What is one of your goals for the future? To grow better and stronger in my dancing each year. 

Haylee C.

How long have you been dancing at DU? 9 years

Favorite style of dance? Hip hop

Favorite food? Dino nuggets

Who is your favorite celebrity and why? My mom!

Favorite TV show or movie? Chicago PD

What would you do with a billion dollars? New house, new boat, new tow truck, and help animals.

Besides dance, what are you really good at? Field hockey

What is one of your goals for the future? Get better at tap.

Kenna C.

How long have you been dancing at DU? 6 years

Favorite style of dance? Acro

Favorite food? Homemade mac and cheese

Favorite TV show or movie? Toy Story

What would you do with a billion dollars? Spend it on dance!

Besides dance, what are you really good at? Playing with my friends

What is one of your goals for the future? To start to like vegetables

Sailor D.

How long have you been dancing at DU? 4 years

Favorite style of dance? Hip hop and lyrical

Favorite food? Pork

Who is your favorite celebrity and why? Sofie Dossi because I love watching and learning how to be a contortionist just her. I also love Lucille Ball from I Love Lucy because she is so funny and my favorite episode is The Girls Want To Go To A Nightclub.

Favorite TV show or movie? I have two favorite shows on Netflix and one is Cobra Kai because I love to try and copy all the karate moves. The other is All Of Us Are Dead because I love Zombies and love pretending to act like one. On tv I love watching Dr. Pimple Popper and I try to practice on my dad but he won’t let me. My favorite movies are Life of The Party and The Lost City because they’re so funny!

What would you do with a billion dollars? I would buy the most fashionable clothes, a Gucci bag, Versace perfume, and buy myself a car.

Besides dance, what are you really good at? I’m really good at doing makeup, basketball, swimming, doing math, baking, training dogs, and being an actress and fashion star.

What is one of your goals for the future? My goal is to dance really hard so I can travel. I’m really hoping to dance in Europe, Hawaii, Paris, and New York.

Charlotte D.

How long have you been dancing at DU? 7 years

Favorite style of dance? Acro

Favorite food? Ravioli

Who is your favorite celebrity and why? Taylor Swift because she is a great singer

Favorite TV show or movie? Barbie Movies

What would you do with a billion dollars? I would travel anywhere I want.

Besides dance, what are you really good at? I’m really good at math.

What is one of your goals for the future?  I want to be able to do an aerial.

Elyse E.

How long have you been dancing at DU? 12 years

Favorite style of dance? Modern

Favorite food? Ice Cream

Favorite TV show or movie? Stranger Things

What would you do with a billion dollars? Travel the world

Besides dance, what are you really good at? Field hockey

Morgan H.

How long have you been dancing at DU? 5 years

Favorite style of dance? Hip Hop

Favorite food? Popcorn

Who is your favorite celebrity and why? Taylor Swift because she has a lot of songs I like to listen to. 

Favorite TV show or movie? Tangled

What would you do with a billion dollars? I would donate it to animal shelters. 

Besides dance, what are you really good at? Drawing and coloring

What is one of your goals for the future? To go to college.

Thank you, dancers, for sharing a little bit more about your life both in and out of the dance studio!

You can catch our talented Elite Team at An Evening of Dance on March 30th at 6pm at the Winthrop Performing Arts Center. Just click here to purchase tickets!

If your child is interested in joining the DUPC, auditions will be held in early June. We’re always looking for hardworking, passionate dancers to join us. Check our Facebook Page for updates and reminders!    

The post Meet the Elites! appeared first on Dance Unlimited, LLC.

Round of applause on a wonderful 2023 Competition Dance Season!

DUPC competed at Take Center Stage Dance Challenge and Turn It Up Challenge this year. We were absolutely thrilled by their performances, awards, and sportsmanship. Our routines received countless platinum awards, special judges awards, and top ten overall score placements.

When it comes to competition dance, the recognitions are great – but what we REALLY LOVE is watching our dance family behind the scenes. The love, the support, the giggles, those are priceless! Enjoy some pictures from our incredible competition weekends!

DUPC is packing their bags and heading to Disney World!

That’s right, we’re taking our magical dancing to the most magical place on earth! After submitting an application video, our dancers were selected to participate in the Disney Youth Performing Arts Program.

Heading to Disney is an opportunity for our dancers to perform in front of a wider audience and leap outside of their comfort zone! Over the next several weeks, we’ll be gearing up for the performance and trip of a lifetime. We’re headed to sunny Florida in June, so be sure to wish our DUPC dancers good luck and safe travels!

DUPC was featured on News Center Maine!

In honor of our incredible season and our upcoming trip to Disney, the local news featured our dancers! We were so excited! If you missed it, you can check out the article here.

This season has been absolutely spectacular. We love watching our DUPC dancers flourish inside AND out of the studio. The hours of training are great, but watching them spread their wings at competitions and out-of-state performances is unforgettable.

Our DUPC dancers will be performing at our end-of-year recitals on June 16 and 17 at the Winthrop Performing Arts Center! Be sure to cheer them ( and all of our DU dancers!) on during their final performance before heading to Orlando. We are already preparing for the upcoming 2023-24 dance season and we would LOVE for you to be a part of the EXCITEMENT, ENERGY, and EXCELLENCE of the Dance Unlimited Performance Company.

The post DUPC is Reaching New Heights! appeared first on Dance Unlimited, LLC.

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! 

The post Looking to take your dance training to the NEXT LEVEL? DUPC Q&A appeared first on Dance Unlimited, LLC.