Starfire Dance Company FAQ

Updated 5/30/26

We are excited you are interested in joining the Starfire Competitive Dance Team! Please read below for common questions and notes going into auditions:

Starfire Dance Company FAQ 

How are Starfire members selected? All members are selected through an audition process, with the first audition being $60. Dancers audition based upon age. Dancers with less experience may audition in a younger age division if approved. Some dancers may be called back for a second audition if they are being considered for additional groups. In this case, the second audition fee is $30. 

How is a dancer selected for particular groups? Audition scores, height, age, ability and previous experience all play a part in determining routines for individual dancers. 

Can I limit the number of routines I am selected for? This is always an option, and you select the range on the audition sign up form. Even if you select a number of dances (like 7) that does not guarantee you will be in that many dances. Please keep in mind that groups are our priorities. Dancers who limit themselves in group selection WILL NOT be selected for a duet/trio and are NOT eligible for solos. This is all explained on the form as well.

What are my travel responsibilities if selected for Starfire? The new season begins with the audition process. Following the selection, there are approximately 4 regional competitions and 1-2 national competitions per season for ALL Company members.  The dates and locations of the competitions will be released on or before November 1 and are required for ALL Starfire dancers as specified.  If you miss a competition, the dancer will be removed from the choreography for the remainder of the year. Each dancer must be enrolled in KDA 5+ weekly classes, attend Midwest Movement and any Master Classes. 

What should I plan concerning choreography practices? Choreography usually begins in the fall and continues through March. Choreography weekends are REQUIRED and dancers may not be excused.The number of routines a dancer is involved in will determine how many practices you will have. Choreography dates are scheduled and given to you in advance. 

What about costume accessories? Basic costume accessories are a rhinestone choker and earrings. They are required for all competition dancers and you may purchase them at any time during the season. Advance purchase is always recommended. Any tights/fishnets/shoes are an additional expense to the costume and are not included in the below estimates. Dancers are also required to have team shoes, warm ups, t-shirts and practice gear. Details & sizings will be given when designs have been selected. Orders will be placed online.

Are we responsible for instructor travel expenses? Our studio charges a flat travel fee per year. This basically covers the mileage it takes to get the props to and from the competitions and small things (awards/parties) for the dancers each year.  We do not charge our dancers for staff expenses such as hotel rooms, food, etc. The travel fee is a flat fee of $150 per dancer for all Company members. This charge on your account is in May.  

What are my required dance classes? Starfire Dancers MUST attend KDA every week and be enrolled in the 5+ class schedule. Starfire dancers are required to take Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Jumps & Turns and Company Class. Additional required classes are based upon your Company and are highlighted and noted on your schedule.  Dancers may choose to take additional classes at their discretion.  The core required classes (excluding J&T and Company Class) will be performed at recital along with Starfire dances. Only graduating seniors will perform their solos at our recital.

What about conflicts, whether school or family related? All conflicts that cannot be avoided (weddings, graduations, etc.) should be EMAILED to the office - office only please - no texts, calls or personal emails - as soon as you get them. If your approved conflict is not on our calendar, you will not be excused from any practices. We try to miss school conflicts the best we can. It is strongly suggested that you do not plan vacations until the competition schedule  is announced as vacations will NOT be listed as excused absences. Choreography weekends  will often hit a conflict. It is impossible to avoid everything for 30+ dancers & staff. If you cannot adjust your conflict, you will need to email the office immediately with specific times/days of your conflict. If a schedule can be adjusted, then it will. If not, the dancer will have to be removed from the routine. Absolutely no conflicts are taken for competition weekends.

What happens if I miss class? Dancers who have more than 2 UNEXCUSED absences will be at risk to be removed from the Company. All instructors are considerate of school activities, however, it is YOUR responsibility to keep your instructor and the office informed in advance. Most Company dancers have REQUIRED classes at least 2 days per week. Each dancer is allotted 2 absences per month (example: 1 Monday, 1 Wednesday) If a dancer misses 2 Mondays in the same month, then 1 Monday becomes unexcused. This absence policy INCLUDES school activities. After 2 absences for illness (throughout the year), a doctor’s note will be required, The absence policy does not EXCLUDE anything. Any absence is counted no matter what the reason. Period

What if I quit the team after choreography has begun? If you choose to quit the team after we have started choreography, costume deposits and choreography fees are NON-REFUNDABLE. You will also not be allowed to audition the following year, depending on the circumstances.

When will I receive the competition schedule? We try our best to have it out by November 1st. 

How much do I need to plan for competition costumes? Plan on $200-$300 per costume. This is a guideline that we always try to stay around or under but it can vary. Competition costume deposits are due in October. They are $100 per costume. The balance is billed as soon as the costume is completed.

What is the policy on prop fees? If your dancer is in a routine that uses a prop, there will be a charge on your account per routine that uses that prop. This covers the materials and maintenance of the prop. Construction time is donated by our awesome prop dads.

 What about choreography fees? Choreography fees are charged per routine that the dancer is involved in. These fees are for actual choreography, instruction/blocking of choreography, as well as the travel and expenses of the choreographer. Fees are as follows:

Line $75/pp ✰ Large Group $85/pp ✰ Small Group $95/pp ✰ 

Duet/Trio $150/pp ✰ Solo $250 each

Each solo requires a $1000 deposit when choreography begins.

Is there an estimate for competition fees? Competition fees vary per competition. The fees are based upon how many routines a dancer competes. All fees are calculated for you per competition and you will be notified when they are due. All competitions charge a studio entry fee that is $25 per competition per dancer. Most, if not all competitions have added a media fee. These will range but last year totaled about $250 per dancer. Listed below are current rates but media fees have not been released yet, so look for these to increase. Media fees & studio fees are charges on top of entry fees. We also try to pay all of our entry fees by cashiers check to try and save the credit card service fees which saves you money as well. In order to do this we need everyone to pay their competition fees as soon as they are billed.  Listed below is an average guideline per competition:

Groups/Lines $70-$85 per person ✰ Duet/Trio $85-$95 per person ✰ Solo $140-$170 per solo
Keep in mind that National fees increase significantly from Regional fees.

What about hair, make-up and nails for competition? Once costumes are selected, competition make-up and hair styles are chosen. You will receive notification on make-up to purchase from a local beauty counter or we may provide make up kits. Please refrain from dramatic trends/styles/colors with hair, makeup and nails. We go for a cohesive look as a team. Ideally, hair should be at least to your shoulders and no longer than your back bra strap. Nails should be bare (NO POLISH) or a french tip manicure. 

If I make the team - what happens next? You will have an approximate 12 month contract, extending from the date of auditions to the last day of Midwest Movement,  the dancer and parent will read and review together and accept the dances you were selected for in the season.  Breaking any terms of the contract may result in removal from the team.

How do you get a solo? Select that you are interested in a solo when filling out the audition form.

Do you have a Payment Plan? Yes! We can make an approximate estimate of the cost of your dance season. Once you have accepted the amount of routines that you have been selected for, we can create an estimate which will include monthly tuition, choreography fees, competition fees, competition costumes and recital costumes. We divide that amount by the months remaining with auto monthly billing. You can choose to make a payment once a month, or make several payments on the amount due throughout the month. It isn’t exact - but should get you pretty close. It is strongly suggested that you begin immediately in the month of September with payments. If you miss one month’s payment your account will switch to NET 30  and automatically be taken off of the payment plan. Payment Plan Options (These do NOT include the additional costs of solos) :

  • Net 30 (Each month’s total invoice due in 30 days/by the end of the month) KDA $175 Tuition + the following:

    • September = Choreography Fees

    • October = Starfire Costume Deposits

    • November = KDA Costume Deposit, Studio Entry Registration & Media Fees

    • December = Regional 1 & 2 Comp Fees

    • January = Regional 3 & 4 Comp Fees

    • February = National 1 & 2 Comp Fees

    • March = Starfire Costume Balance

    • April = KDA Costume Balance

    • May = Travel Fee/Prop Fee

    • June = Balance Due/Final Payment

  • Suggested Monthly Payment Plans (Including $175 KDA Tuition). If you would like to reduce the amount estimated below, a down payment can be made up front to help reduce your monthly payment. Down payments over $1000 need to be made with cash or check. Remember, these are estimates. We can be flexible on the monthly amount you pay as long as it’s within reason and you keep your account current.

  • What about Fundraisers? Fundraisers are great! They vary each year.  Parents volunteer to put together events and they are always optional to participate in. We always welcome a great fundraiser - but ALL MUST BE APPROVED BY KARI BEFORE YOU CAN ATTACH THE STARFIRE NAME TO IT. If someone is doing a fundraiser, we generally like to offer it to the entire team over individual fundraisers. 

Being a member of the Starfire Dance Company is an invaluable experience for your dancer. You are presenting your dancer with an opportunity to pursue their dance dreams in a positive way while providing them with excellent training in all areas of dance. Former Starfire dancers are now instructors, choreographers or studio owners, while others are working in the industry in places such as LA, New York & Las Vegas or as members of professional or college dance teams/groups. Even dancers who do not continue in the dance field, view their Starfire years with love and memories that will never be forgotten. We look forward to welcoming you into our STARFIRE family!!

Starfire Audition Day Quick Tips:

  • Dancers audition in at least 3 categories of dance: ballet, contemporary, tap and jazz along with jazz technique. Petites will audition in all of the above minus contemporary. Please be sure to bring all dance shoes needed. They can wear the same outfits for all dances, or they may choose to change with each one showing us a bit of their style and personality. Ballet attire & bun is required for ballet tryouts only. 

  • Natural make-up is suggested, but not required for auditions.

  • Auditions are CLOSED. There are no observers allowed for auditions. Parents must drop their dancer at the door. Dancers are NOT allowed upstairs in the hallway or lounge during tryouts. The downstairs lounge will be open for those that are auditioning. 

  • Returning dancers with an outstanding bill will NOT be allowed to audition.

  • Auditioning dancers should come prepared with an ALL black outfit for photos.

  • Ending times will be based upon the number of auditioning dancers. Be sure to bring a water bottle, snacks and be ready to stay all day! There will be an hour lunch break for auditions that begin in the morning. You are welcome to leave to have lunch or stay downstairs. Please remember to pick up ALL trash when you leave for the day!

  • Parents: Watch social media and we will try to keep you up-to-date on possible ending times!

  • Callbacks are for dancers who may be considered for additional Companies. Callbacks  are $30 and MUST be paid before the next audition. Callbacks will be posted on social media at the end of that audition day.

  • PLEASE, DO NOT contact judges or staff for score information. If you have questions or concerns, please EMAIL them to karisdanceacademy@outlook.com to be addressed.

  • All scores and comments will be available in your information packet once all auditions are complete.

  • Be sure that your registration is completed online in advance of the audition.

  • BE KIND AND REMEMBER THE GOLDEN RULE! ONLY POSITIVE THINGS SHOULD BE SAID - ENCOURAGE YOUR FELLOW DANCERS -  AND SUPPORT EACH OTHER! 

REMEMBER THAT OUR ULTIMATE GOAL IS TO SELECT A TALENTED & COHESIVE TEAM FOR THE 2026-27 SEASON! 

STARFIRE KICKS!!