Pathway Definition: 

The Mini Team Pathway is a dance training program designed to allow students to compete within the competitive dance industry. This training program requires a weekly block of 1.5 to 2.25 hours of technique training in addition to one hour of weekly group choreography rehearsals. This pathway is offered for ages 6-9. Mini Team competes in two dance competitions throughout the season and performs in both EADE’s Winter and End of the Year Showcase. Students registering for Mini Team are registering for a "season long" commitment. The EADE 2025-2026 season starts August 4th, 2025 and ends on the day of the Trading Floor Showcase (scheduled for May 30th, 2026).

Pathway Opportunities: 

Mini Technique Training - 

Mini Team Dancers (ages 6-7) are required to take 1.5 hours of technique classes per week in the following genres: HipHop I, Jazz/Tap I, Ballet/Acro I. (Technique Training I)

Mini Team Dancers (ages 8-9) are required to take 2.25 hours of technique classes per week with Ballet II being a required class within the 2.25 hours. Dancers may select classes from the following genres for the remainder of the required technique training hours: Jazz, Acro, Tap, Flexibility, HipHop, Pom. (Technique II)

Group Routine Choreography - 

EADE requires MINI TEAM DANCERS to participate in two group routines. 

Mini Team Additional Competitive Routines: Group, Duo/Trio, Soloist Choreography - 

Mini Team dancers have an opportunity to participate, learn, rehearse, and compete in additional routines depending on casting following audition results. These routines could be additional group routines, a duo or a trio, and/or a solo. Participation in additional routines beyond the required group routines is offered but not required and not guaranteed. Placement in these routines will be dependent upon the results of the auditions. Dancers have an option to choose the number of routines in which they participate prior to auditions.

Soloist opportunities are an extension of the Team Pathway. Soloist opportunities cater to dedicated dancers who want to pursue dance beyond recreational means. Soloists must attend all technique classes required by the Team Pathway and actively participate in the Team Pathway (groups) to remain eligible for solo opportunities. Soloist opportunities will be relinquished if the soloist is unable to uphold the expectations of both the Team Pathway and soloist opportunities.  Soloists agree to attend scheduled meetings during existing rehearsals—an introductory meeting and a mid-year meeting with the dancer’s teacher to review expectations throughout the year.

Dancers are asked NOT to audition if they have no intention of accepting their routine placements and/or will be disappointed with their routine placements. 

Dancers will receive three hours of one-time choreography rehearsals per group routine, duo, or trio, or solo placement prior to the start of the season. Choreography rehearsals will be scheduled following auditions. Students are required to attend choreography rehearsals in order to participate in the group routine.

Each group routine, duo, trio, and solo will receive a 30-minute weekly choreography rehearsal.

Students are required to compete these routines at dance competitions throughout the season as well as perform on the Trading Floor in January and May. Mini Team will compete at two dance competitions throughout the season.

Pathway Entry Requirements: 

Prior dance experience is recommended to register for Mini Team Pathway. In most circumstances, students will be required to take two years of Technique Training prior to auditioning for the Team. Students must complete the registration process, uphold EADE policy, and make timely payments in exchange for EADE services. 

Mini Team Dancers must participate in Dance Camp I or Dance Camp II and the corresponding Mini Team Auditions in July in order to be considered for the Mini Team Pathway and understudy positions. 

To be considered for soloist opportunities, mini team dancers must participate in the soloist auditions held during the technique audition in July.  

Students are placed in the appropriate Technique Training class based on age. Students under the required age can request access to older level technique classes by registering for Technique Auditions in July. The results of the auditions will determine the students’ placement in the appropriate level class according EADE’s knowledge requirements for each class. Students may request access to classes beyond the dancer’s age range throughout the season. Students must be able to define and perform the terms and skills listed in the knowledge requirements documents in order to be granted access to Technique Training classes outside the dancer’s age range. Teacher discretion can override the results of the knowledge review. 

EADE can override the age division placement if the dancer’s level is better suited for another class; however, dancers will be required to perform a series of skills prior to attending these classes. This override can occur at any point in the season. 

Mini Team placement will be based on the following considerations: 

Includes but is not limited to:

Dance Camp / Auditions: 

• Ability to attend EADE events and attend EADE events on-time
• Ability to attend EADE events in the proper attire
• Ability to abide by EADE expectations and procedures
• Preparation for the scheduled class or rehearsal
• Encouragement and support of peers and teachers
• Demonstration of determined work ethic
  • Immediately applies corrections
  • trains outside of scheduled class time
  • remembers and reviews choreography and concepts without direction from teacher
• Ability to promptly follow and respond to teacher instructions and respect EADE’s facility 
• Demonstrates a strong, well-rounded technical foundation in ballet, jazz, tap, and acro
• Willingness to adapt, to explore, and to challenge one’s potential
• Approaches class with a positive, encouraging, determined, and respectful attitude 
• Presents her/him-self as a role model and leader for students
• Consistency in performance, in attitude, in work ethic, in leadership
• Dancers’ ability complement’s the ability of his/her peers
• Parental support, encouragement, and positive involvement in the studio, with the dancer, with EADE staff, and with other EADE community members

Veteran EADE Team Dancers: 

• EADE considers the above considerations for the time period in which dancers have participated in the Team Pathway—veteran performance will be taken into consideration for upcoming season placements and opportunities.