Are you a dancer with big dreams and aspirations to shine on stage? The dance world is competitive, demanding hard work, unwavering passion, exceptional performance quality, and refined technique. Gaining experience is paramount, and dance competitions serve as crucial platforms for growth, learning, and achieving your dreams. Excitingly, a fresh opportunity has emerged for dancers seeking to elevate their skills and gain invaluable exposure: the Dream Maker Dance Competition. Brought to you by Star Dance Alliance, the renowned organization behind Starpower, Wild Dance Intensive, and the World Dance Championship, Dream Maker is poised to become a pivotal event in the dance competition circuit.
Dream Maker isn’t just another competition; it’s a launchpad. With talent scouts present at every event, substantial scholarships up for grabs, and recognition for student choreography, Dream Maker is genuinely designed to live up to its name – helping dreams take flight. In its inaugural season, Dream Maker is set to tour across 15 cities nationwide, reaching aspiring dancers in locations from Denver, CO, and Dallas, TX, to Woodbridge, VA, Little Rock, AR, and Long Island, NY, among others. This national reach ensures that dancers from diverse backgrounds have the chance to participate and benefit from this unique experience.
Group of young dancers in dynamic pose on stage at Dream Maker dance competition
“Dream Maker is specifically tailored for young performers who are driven by dreams and ambitious goals,” explains Gary Pate, the visionary founder of Starpower National Talent Competition. “Our core vision is to empower these young individuals by providing them with scholarships and exclusive invitations that propel their dance aspirations and broaden their horizons. Star Dance Alliance is deeply committed to fostering the most supportive and nurturing environment for every dancer and performer, regardless of their style or background. We want everyone to feel welcome, comfortable, and have abundant opportunities to showcase their talents.”
Brittney Bilgrien, the National Director of Dream Maker, emphasizes that the competition transcends mere placements and trophies. “Dream Maker is introducing a transformative approach to dance competitions,” she states, “where the primary emphasis is on nurturing young dancers and performers, empowering them to realize their dreams far beyond the competition stage.” This dancer-centric philosophy sets Dream Maker apart, focusing on long-term development and career advancement in the dance industry.
A distinctive feature of Dream Maker is its inclusivity and breadth. Offering three distinct levels of competition, Dream Maker caters to dancers of all ages and stages of training. From beginners to seasoned pre-professionals, and even adults, there are opportunities for everyone to participate and grow. Expanding beyond traditional dance categories, Dream Maker also incorporates fashion modeling and vocal categories. This innovative approach acknowledges the multifaceted talents of performers within the Star Dance Alliance community. Recognizing that many dancers possess skills beyond just movement, these additional categories provide a platform to showcase these diverse talents, receive constructive feedback, and cultivate well-rounded performers prepared for diverse career paths.
“Childhood is the perfect time to explore various forms of self-expression and performance,” Pate further notes. “We wholeheartedly encourage young people to explore these avenues!” Dream Maker provides the perfect environment for this exploration, fostering creativity and confidence across different disciplines.
Participating in Dream Maker events opens doors to a wider network of opportunities within the Star Dance Alliance. Dancers can qualify for prestigious events such as the Power Pak summer dance intensive, the World Dance Pageant, and the renowned World Dance Championship. Dream Maker is committed to providing a top-tier competition experience, boasting state-of-the-art sound equipment, professionally designed stages with high-quality flooring, and a highly experienced and supportive staff. Bilgrien highlights the significant scholarship opportunities, the presence of talent scouts actively seeking promising dancers, and promises “surprises” throughout the competition season, adding an element of excitement and anticipation for participants.
Beyond the immediate rewards of the competition weekend, Bilgrien underscores the invaluable life skills that dancers develop through participation. “They learn crucial real-world skills, extending far beyond the stage,” she explains. “They cultivate responsibility – to themselves, their teammates, and their teachers – by adhering to schedules, being prepared in costume, warming up effectively, and performing punctually. Dance competitions are about so much more than just winning trophies; they are powerful tools for building self-confidence, fostering bravery, and learning to adapt to unexpected challenges. In live performance, unforeseen events can occur – costumes malfunction, technical issues arise, or injuries happen. Competitions provide a safe space to learn resilience and problem-solving. We offer a supportive environment where dancers can confidently take the stage, feel supported by our staff and their dance community, and know that they can handle anything that comes their way. The feedback process is also designed to be constructive. At Star Dance Alliance, we ensure that our judges are not only accomplished performers but also experienced educators. Their ‘critiques’ are valuable tools, providing dancers and routines with actionable feedback to enhance their training back at their studios. We strive to ensure every dancer leaves feeling proud of their weekend achievements and equipped for future growth.”
Reflecting on the inaugural season of Dream Maker, Bilgrien shares her heartfelt aspirations: “If we can positively impact just one dancer’s life, I will consider this season an overwhelming success. My genuine passion is to help dreams become reality. Growing up in a small town in Wisconsin, dance competition was my sanctuary. It was where I felt truly inspired, supported for who I was, formed lifelong friendships, and learned invaluable lessons about both success and navigating setbacks – experiences that have shaped my journey to where I am today.”
To discover more about the Dream Maker Dance Competition and find out when it will be in a city near you, visit dreammakerdance.com. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to take your dance journey to the next level and potentially make your dreams a reality!
