Each family at the studio received a link to our competition Google Drive folder “Kirkwood Backstage Pass” via email. Please bookmark the FOLDER, not individual documents as documents change frequently. It will be very important for families to read and be familiar with the syllabus, rules of each festival and to discuss this with your choreographer so as to avoid any risk of disqualification.

Again this year, we are GOING GREEN and using a digital format for all competition registrations. All festival entries need to be submitted online, through the studio, so please watch for registration opening and closing dates as they will be strictly adhered to.

Types of Festivals:

1. Open Festivals & Competitions

Participation in these events is open to all dancers.

2. Closed Festivals & Competitions by Teacher Recommendation Only

Participation in these festivals (eg YAGP) is through teacher recommendation only. Please email festival@kirkwoodacademy.com if you are wanting to attend. Festival registrations will not be completed without prior consent of choreographers.

What Are the Costs?

There is no quick answer to this question. Competitive dance is a financial commitment, and families must budget carefully for each festival and competition season.

Some general ranges to consider:

  • Group competition fees: $40–$90 per dancer, per group, per competition

  • Solo festival entries: $40–$70

  • Solo competition entries: $75–$130

  • Costumes:

    • Used costumes are strongly encouraged to help manage budgets

    • New costumes typically start at $100+

    • A new classical pancake tutu can exceed $800

Below are two sample budget scenarios to give families a realistic picture.

Sample Budget #1

2 solos + 3 group dances, attending 3 competitions

Groups

  • 3 groups × $60 × 3 competitions = $540

  • 3 group costumes (avg $125) = $375

  • Total group cost: $915/year

Solos

  • 2 solos × $100 × 3 competitions = $600

  • 2 solo costumes × $125 = $250

  • Total solo cost: $850/year

Estimated yearly total: $1,765
Does not include monthly tuition or solo choreography fees.

Sample Budget #2

4 solos + 3 group dances

Groups

  • 3 groups × $60 × 3 competitions = $540

  • 3 group costumes (avg $125) = $375

  • Total group cost: $915/year

Solos

  • 4 solos × $100 × 5 competitions = $2,000

  • 4 solo costumes × $125 = $500

  • Additional classical tutu rental = $300

  • Total solo cost: $2,800/year

Estimated yearly total: $3,715
Does not include monthly tuition or solo choreography fees.

Group costs remain relatively consistent year to year. Solo participation, however, significantly increases overall expenses – especially when attending more than 3 competitions.

More is not always better.

We strongly recommend that dancers limit themselves to 2 – 3 solos per season. This allows for meaningful growth, stronger training focus, and healthier physical and mental balance.

It can be easy to get caught up in the flash, glitter and excitement of competition. However, as discussed in our “Do Scores Matter?” article, the goal should always be development – not volume. Families should carefully consider whether adding additional solos supports their dancer’s long-term growth or stretches them too thin physically, mentally, and financially.