School of Modern Dance
Competitive Team Members Portal

For Competitive Dancers & Parents

Welcome to the Competitive Team Portal — your central hub for everything related to 2026/27 Competitive Dance Season.
This portal is designed to help dancers and parents stay organized and informed throughout the season. Here, you’ll find important information, updates, schedules, resources, and other details related to our competitive program.
Please use this page as your go-to reference throughout the year and check back regularly for updates to help everyone stay prepared and on the same page.

conventions

Dance conventions provide a unique opportunity for dancers to train with industry professionals, experience a variety of teaching styles, and participate in high-energy classes alongside dancers from other studios. These events help dancers expand their skills, build confidence, gain inspiration, and develop a broader understanding of the dance industry.

RUNWAY DANCE

(Link to an official site, click here)

November 14th, 2026

Delta City Centre Hotel

(101 Lyon St. N, Ottawa, ON K1R 5T9)

>>> schedule link <<<

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This is a full-day event featuring many different dance classes taught by leading industry professionals. It's a wonderful opportunity for dancers to experience different teaching styles, expand their skills, build confidence, and gain new inspiration alongside dancers from other studios.

Please note that SOMD staff will not be supervising this event. A parent or guardian must attend and remain responsible for their dancer throughout the convention. Observer Passes are available at the event for $25 + tax.

Attendance for the Juniors and Intermediate teams is mandatory. We encourage our Competitive Minis to take advantage of this exciting opportunity!

Competitions

This section will include competition dates, venues, schedules, arrival times, award sessions, and any specific event instructions. Please check here before each competition weekend for finalized details.

THIS IS IT (optional)

(for Solo/Duet/Trios)

February 19-21, 2027

Algonquin Commons Theatre

(1385 Woodroffe Ave, Nepean, ON K2G 1V8)

>>> schedule link <<<

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Breakthru Dance Challenge

April 15-18, 2027

Algonquin Commons Theatre

(1385 Woodroffe Ave, Nepean, ON K2G 1V8)

>>> schedule link <<<

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Dance Canada

April 29 – May 2, 2027

Canadian Museum of History

(100 Rue Laurier, Gatineau, QC K1A 0M8)

>>> schedule link <<<

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sign the waiver

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*All dancers are required to complete a participation waiver. Waivers must be submitted no later than April 1st. Dancers will not be permitted to compete without a signed waiver on file.

RUNWAY (away competition)

May 13 – 16, 2027

Aultsville Theatre - Cornwall, ON

(2 St. Lawrence Dr, Cornwall, ON K6H 4R3)

HOTEL BOOKING LINK

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>>> schedule link <<<

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sign the waiver

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*All dancers are required to complete a participation waiver. Waivers must be submitted no later than April 15th. Dancers will not be permitted to compete without a signed waiver on file.

team Photoshoot!

Tuesday, May 12th

Special Events

Information about team events, workshops, intensives, team-building activities, photoshoots, and additional performance opportunities will be shared in this section.

team photoshoot

tuesday, may 12th

65 Denzil Doyle Crt. Studios 1 & 2

We are excited to be hosting a Team Photoshoot for our Mini, Junior, and Intermediate dancers! This will be a fun opportunity for dancers to take group photos with their team.
 Meet in Studio 1, and the photoshoot will take place in Studio 2

map

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Tentative Schedule

  • Mini: Arrive at 5:30 PM
  • Junior: Arrive at 6:00 PM
  • Intermediate: Arrive at 6:45 PM
  • Pick-up for Mini and Junior: 7:00 PM in Studio 1
  • Pickup for Intermediate: 8:00 PM in Studio 2

This schedule is tentative, and a finalized schedule will be shared closer to May 12th.

Please ensure dancers arrive on time and ready so we can keep the schedule running smoothly.

What to Wear

All black, stylish attire that dancers already have at home. We encourage dancers to express themselves while keeping it clean and fresh!

Examples include shorts, crop tops, leotards, and tank tops.

  • Outfits should allow for legs and arms to be visible
  • Accessories: Silver / Metal and black accessories are welcome (express your style)

Please use Makeup and Outfit Inspiration Guide for reference and ideas on what to wear.

Footwear -> Bare feet

Hair & Makeup

  • Hair in a middle part, low ponytail, slicked back with gel (no flyaways)
  • Light, natural makeup - mascara and transparent or natural lip gloss - See images above for ideas!

Team Events

We are planning a fun team bonding night at the studio, most likely on one of the Saturday evenings in April or May. We will keep you posted with details.

SHOOTING STARS Information Guide

Arrival Guidelines
  • Dancers must arrive 2 hours before their scheduled stage time; for Production, arrive 3 hours before the scheduled stage time.
  • Dressing rooms open at 7:00 AM each day — please do not arrive earlier.
  • Hair and makeup must be completed before arrival.
  • Dancers should not arrive in costume. Please bring costumes in labelled garment bags and change at the venue.
  • Competitions may run ahead or behind schedule, so please check the schedule regularly while at the theatre.

Parent / Guardian Responsibility
A parent or guardian must remain with their dancer at all times, except when dancers are backstage preparing to perform.

For any urgent matters during the weekend, please contact Anna at 613-606-3620.

Parking
The theatre does not have a designated parking lot. Parking in Port Hope includes metered street parking and free public lots near the theatre. Metered parking typically costs $3–$4 for approximately 3 hours. Please note that meters require coins (no credit cards). It is recommended to arrive early to allow time to find parking.

What to Bring
Please ensure dancers arrive with:

  • All costumes and required dance shoes
  • Extra tights and undergarments
  • Hair supplies (brush, elastics, bobby pins, hairspray/gel, hair nets)
  • Full makeup kit (Intermediate dancers: include eyelashes and glue)
  • Slides, Crocs, or comfortable shoes to wear between routines
  • Team jacket (required for awards)
  • Warm-up clothing (sweatpants, leggings, etc.)
  • Water bottle and dry snacks
  • Costume care items (safety pins, steamer, or wrinkle spray)
  • Accessories or props required for routines

Awards
Awards typically take place a few hours after dancers perform. Please check the schedule to ensure dancers are present for their category awards. Team jackets must be worn during awards.

Team Lunch – Sunday, March 29
We will be gathering for a team lunch at 1:30 PM in Turtle John's Restaurant & Bar, located 4 minutes walking distance from the theatre.

Additional Reminders

  • No jewelry unless required for a specific routine.
  • Earrings that cannot be removed must be covered with a skin-coloured bandage.
  • No nail polish, or nude nail polish only.
  • Dancers should wear slides, Crocs, or running shoes when walking around the venue.
  • Please be respectful of other studios, dancers, and venue rules at all times.

For specific hair, makeup, and costume details, please refer to the Costume Details / Guides below.

Important Dates & Rehearsals

All key dates — including rehearsals, costume checks, and special events — will be posted here. Families are responsible for reviewing this section regularly to stay informed and prepared.

Additional Practices

Later in the season, we may add one or two additional production practices if needed. We are also planning a fun team bonding night at the studio, most likely on one of the Saturday evenings in April or May. We will keep you posted with details.

Stage Rehearsal - Saturday, JUNE 5, 2027

(Stage rehearsal is mandatory for everyone participating in the year-end showcase).


Year-End Showcase - Thursday, JUNE 17, 2027

Costumes/ MAKEup & Music/videos

All costume information will be posted here, including costume details, required accessories, footwear, hair and makeup guidelines.