Be apart of the story.
2026 crew auditions
what?
Auditions at Ace Dance Studios help us assess each dancer’s skills, performance, and potential placement in the right crew and the right coach. We also place strong importance on behaviour and attitude in class, as these can have just as much impact as dance ability. For returning students, behaviour throughout the previous competition season is a major factor in determining opportunities for moving up to a higher crew.
Our audition format depends on the level:
Juniors learn one dance and then audition.
Development crews take two classes with two different teachers before auditioning.
Semi-Advanced/Advanced crews also take two classes with two teachers before auditioning.
Elite crews take three classes with four different teachers before auditioning.
Even if a session is linked to a specific crew, dancers are considered for every crew in their age group.
IMPORTANT NOTE
All dancers must send a chest-up headshot by email before the audition. This helps teachers and the judging panel remember each dancer and place them in the best crew.
Who?
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Crews:
Chance Junior (9-12 years old)
Chance Teens (12-18 years old)
About:
Non-competitive crew that trains at a competitive level to work on technique, performance and foundations. However, some students put in Chance may be offered a spot in the semi-advanced competitive mega crew, Jokerz.
Events
Perform at community and studio events.
Finances
Can be financially demanding.
Commitment
High standards for performance and dedication.
Students are not expected to drop other commitments, but effort and attitude are considered for 2027 auditions.
Extra trainings required, especially before competitions (approx. 2–5 additional hours per week which are free of charge).
Expectations
Students must uphold the values of our studio.
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Crews:
Uno (Junior Crew)
For dancers aged 9-12 with prior competition experience and natural performance skills.Jokerz (Development Mega)
For dancers aged 10-18 with little to no competition experience and want to build strong foundations in a fun, supportive mega crew.Deuces (Semi-Advanced Varsity Crew)
For dancers aged 13–18 with prior competition experience and solid skills who are ready to train harder and compete at a semi-advanced varsity level.Speed (Semi-Advanced Varsity Crew)
For dancers aged 13–18 with prior competition experience and solid skills who are ready to train harder and compete at a semi-advanced varsity level.
Competitions & Events
Compete in all South Island based competitions.
Perform at community and studio events.
Finances
Can be financially demanding.
Commitment
High standards for performance and dedication.
Students are not expected to drop other commitments, but effort and attitude are considered for 2027 auditions.
Extra trainings required, especially before competitions (approx. 2–5 additional hours per week which are free of charge).
Expectations
Students must uphold the values of our studio.
Dancing in both your small crew and mega crew is compulsory but can be discussed if student is unable to.
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Crews:
Solitaire (Advanced Varsity)
For dancers aged 13–18, ideally with years of competition experience, who dance at a high level with strong skills, focus, and performance ability.Vivace (Advanced Varsity)
For dancers aged 13–18, ideally with years of competition experience, who dance at a high level with strong skills, focus, and performance ability.Full House (Advanced Mega)
Dancers with strong stamina, precision, and presence who thrive in the intensity of a large advanced crew.
Competitions & Events
Varsity crews compete in 2 major competitions while Full House compete at 1, and compete at all other local competitions.
Perform at community and studio events.
Finances
Financially demanding crews to be part of.
Commitment
Very high standards for performance and dedication.
Crew commitments such as competitions and extra trainings are a priority — other activities must be worked around.
Extra trainings required, especially before major competitions (approx. 5–10 additional hours per week, free of charge).
Expectations
Advanced/Elite dancers are role models and the “Face of Ace” at competitions.
Must uphold the highest levels of kindness and studio values.
Humility is essential — even at the top, dancers must remain humble, hardworking, and team-focused.
Dancing in both your small crew and mega crew is compulsory.
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Crews:
Deface (Elite Varsity)
Looking for exceptional dancers aged 13–18 with elite-level skill, discipline, and a strong competitive mindset.Menace (Elite Adults)
Looking for adult dancers with elite technique, power, and maturity to perform at the highest level.A1 (Elite Mega Crew)
Looking for the very best 13+ dancers with unmatched stamina, precision, and presence to represent at the highest level.
Competitions & Events
Compete in all major competitions and at least one international competition each year (if qualified).
International opportunities are discussed with whānau, unless Ace decides against participating.
Entered into new competitions we haven’t competed at to test potential and aim for good scores.
Perform at community and studio events.
Finances
The most financially demanding crews to be part of.
Commitment
Very high standards for performance and dedication.
Crew commitments such as competitions and extra trainings are a priority — other activities must be worked around.
Extra trainings required, especially before major competitions (approx. 5–10 additional hours per week, free of charge).
Expectations
Advanced/Elite dancers are role models and the “Face of Ace” at competitions.
Must uphold the highest levels of kindness and studio values.
Humility is essential — even at the top, dancers must remain humble, hardworking, and team-focused.
Dancing in both your small crew and mega crew is compulsory.
At Ace Dance Studios, our crews are divided into levels to ensure dancers are challenged appropriately while still supported in their growth. Each level comes with different competition opportunities, financial commitments, and expectations.
where and when?
Auditions will be held at Ace Dance Studios (430 St Asaph Street, Phillipstown) on Friday 13th and Saturday 14th December.
Saturday 13th December
Junior Crew auditions: 9:30am–12:15pm (Ages 9 - 12)
Semi-Advanced Crew auditions: 1:00pm–5:30pm (Ages 13-17)
Sunday 14th December
Advanced Crew auditions: 9:30am–3:30pm (Ages 13-17)
Elite Crew auditions: 4:00pm–9:00pm (Ages 13+)
Please arrive on time and be ready for your full session. The schedule may shift slightly depending on the number of participants. We may also ask students to stay behind for different level auditions if we believe they could fit in a higher level crew.
how?
To take part in auditions, dancers need to register online through our Dance Studio Pro system which you can find in the top right hand corner of the website. Audition registration fees are:
$20 for Junior Audition
$30 for all other sessions
$10 for each OTHER session registered for
Note: Students who are asked to stay for other auditions will not need to pay for the extra session.
Invoices will be sent out closer to the audition dates.
On the day, dancers should bring appropriate dancewear, a water bottle and snacks, and a positive attitude. Each session includes warm-ups, the class, self-practice time, and the audition. Results will be sent out no later than a week after the audition.
terms and conditions.
Registration and attendance at auditions indicate agreement to being placed in a crew if selected.
Students are expected to participate in both their small crew and mega crew if offered a spot.
While we are happy to have discussions about placement in a crew, ALL crew placements are final.
Families will receive an Information Pack one month before auditions, outlining fees, competitions, important dates, and other key details. We ask all families to read this pack fully. If, after reading, you feel a crew is not the right fit, please cancel your registration and your payment will be refunded.
Audition fees are non-refundable unless a cancellation is made as described above.
All dancers must provide a waist-up headshot and paid the registration fee before the audition.
By registering, you agree to the above Terms and Conditions.
FAQs
Do returning dancers automatically keep their spot?
No. Each year, all crews are re-formed through auditions. This keeps the process fair and allows us to place dancers where they will thrive.
Which audition should I participate in?
If you’re a returning dancer, we highly suggest participating in the audition level you’ve already been in (e.g. Development crew in 2025 = Go to Semi-advanced auditions etc.) This helps us assess if you’re ready for the next level. We will ask students to attend a higher level audition if this is the case.
If you’re new to Ace, we recommend reading through the crew descriptions above, as well as the details on the registration page. Please don’t register for a high-level audition if you’ve never competed before. It’s always easier for us to invite you to return for a higher-level audition than it is if you attend a high-level audition and we’re unable to place you in a crew.
When in doubt, please contact us and we can help you decide.
What are reserves?
Reserves are dancers who are not placed as a permanent member in a small crew straight away but still attend trainings and competitions with the small crew and are a permanent member of a mega crew. In both 2024 and 2025, every reserve either became a permanent crew member or replaced someone who left — so being a reserve is still a strong opportunity.
What if i can’t make the audition weekend?
Please contact us as early as possible. In some cases, we may arrange an alternative audition, though this isn’t guaranteed. We also will no longer be able to accept video auditions as we base auditions heavily on who dancers suit dancing next to.
What do I need to bring to auditions?
Comfortable dance clothes and sneakers
Water and snacks
A positive, focused attitude
When will I find out the results?
Results will be emailed within a week after auditions. If successful, you’ll also receive a Student Agreement to confirm your spot.
Can parents watch auditions?
No. Auditions are closed to parents and spectators to create a fair, focused environment.
why do i need to be in two crews?
Being in both gives dancers more stage experience, helps them build stronger teamwork skills, and ensures they are challenged at different levels. Mega crews also prepare dancers for larger competitions and create a strong sense of community within the studio.
In some cases, if small crew spots are limited, dancers may only be offered a place in a mega crew. This still provides excellent performance opportunities and training, and many dancers have thrived in mega crews before moving into small crews the following season.