Howard School of Dance is proud to have many of our students dance on a competitive level.  The HSD Competitors are a group of students that work together on many levels, competing against students from other dance schools, both locally and regionally.

We currently have 14 Level II dancers, 11 Level III dancers, and 16 level IV dancers.    Students in each level typically compete as a group in categories such as ballet, jazz, tap and contemporary.  We take a large number of solos, duos, and trios to competition, as well.

After receiving a teacher recommendation in the spring, potential competitors take a month’s worth of technical classes, during which they are evaluated.  Once the competitors are selected, they spend two weeks in the summer learning dances and taking classes. Competitors are at the studio a minimum of two nights per week, dancing 4 - 12 hours in the studio, depending on their age and level.  They take ballet (up to five times per week) and jazz classes.  Some also study tap.  Competitor's classes are 60 – 90 minutes in length.  As they mature, they add pointe to their schedules.  Rehearsals for the competitive dances are held separately from the technical class time.

A few HSD competitors are chosen each year, along with CCB members, to compete at the Youth American Grand Prix in Chicago.  This is a highly prestigious, all ballet, preliminary competition that includes two days of competition and a third day of master classes.

HSD competitors may also be invited to participate as corps members in the CCB Spring Concert.