Elite History

Dance Etc.’s Elite program began in 1997 with the formation of the Junior Elite team when Dance Etc.’s owner, Jody Shepherd, saw the need for outstanding studio dancers to have an outlet to showcase their talents. That year, the first Junior Elite team brought home the ASC National Championship & Grand Champion title from St. Louis, Missouri. This was a great kick start to an All-Star program that has been successful ever since. In 2000, Dance Etc. founded the PeeWee Elite team made up of 2nd through 5th graders. The next year the Senior Elite team was created for 9th through 12th graders. Soon a Jr. Prep/Youth team was formed.

Today, the Dance Etc. Elite program is now made up of six outstanding teams:

  • Mini Prep Elite

  • Mini Large Elite

  • Youth Elite

  • Junior Elite

  • Senior Elite

  • Open Elite

These talented groups travel to a minimum of four All-Star competitions a season & have won many awards over the years. Some of these organizations include Stage8, AmeriDance, NDA, WCA, ASC, UDA, JamFest, American Open Championships, & The Groove. In 2013, Dance Etc. Senior Elite earned a bid to the prestigious Dance Worlds competition. That first bid was the start to a new & exciting goal which our Senior & Open teams push for each year. To be invited to compete at The Dance Worlds is an honor in itself, as you are surrounded by some on the top dance programs in the country. Each year, our DE Worlds teams shine brighter & brighter as they strive to improve their skills, technique, & movement to place higher than they did the year before.

All six of these teams are built of hardworking, determined young ladies. These outstanding dancers are a wonderful representation of our studio & community. We are very proud of all their accomplishments.

The Elite team members are chosen by invitation each Spring based on their performance in their weekly dance classes. Dancers are chosen based on their dance skill, hard work, dedication, & obvious love for dance. These dancers represent over 7 different counties & over 20 different schools from throughout the area. They all take regular weekly dance classes at the studio as well as their weekly Elite team practices. These teams also practice during the Summer & some weekends to prepare for competition. They are all very hard working & dedicated performers.