Comp & Troupe | Give Dance A Chance

ADULT COMP & TROUPE TEAMS 2026/2027

Welcome to GDAC's landing page for our brand new ADULT PERFORMANCE TROUPE & COMP TEAMS!

GDAC comp/troupe teams are targeted to intermediate-advanced level dancers looking to step up their dance training in a financially, physically and emotionally accessible way and get back to boogying on stage surrounded by community, friends and lots of support!

Upcoming auditions for comp/troupe will be held at Union Studios on August 29th in 2 time slots.

Audition time slot #1: 1:15-3:15 PM (2 hours)

Audition time slot #2: 3:45-5:45 PM (2 hours)

Infographics on each of our teams is here for you to read over! Each group is a 1 hour a week time commitment, however, if you are unable to make multiple weeks throughout the year, don't stress, we still want you on our teams! Read more below ⬇️

The Comp/Troupe audition registration form will open on July 10th! Register if you want to be on GDAC's comp and/or troupe teams this season!

Our full comp/troupe season runs from October 1st-May 23rd for weekly classes (December no payment due and dancers have the whole month off)!

Info About Performance Troupe!

What is the Give Dance A Chance Performance Troupe?

The Give Dance A Chance Performance Troupe is a welcoming, non-competitive team for dancers (16+) who want to continue growing their skills, perform throughout the community, and be part of an inclusive dance family.

What does "Performance Troupe" mean?
Unlike our Competitive Teams, Performance Troupe does not attend dance competitions. Instead, members learn exciting choreography and have the opportunity to perform at local community events throughout the season. Performances are offered on a sign-up basis, so you'll always know the dates well in advance and can choose which performances fit your schedule.

Each week, you'll receive high-quality dance training from talented instructors and choreographers from across Ottawa. Rehearsals are designed to keep you learning, with new styles, techniques, and choreography introduced throughout the season.

How do auditions work?

Auditions are general auditions, meaning you're not auditioning for one specific team. During registration, you'll indicate which Performance Troupe and/or Competitive Team(s) you're interested in joining. About one week after auditions, you'll receive an email with your placement offer(s). If you're offered multiple groups, you can choose to accept or decline each one individually—there's no obligation to join every team you're offered. Auditions will be held in 2 time slots on August 29th at Union Studios. There will be an option for you either audition in person or online! :)

What is the commitment like and can I miss rehearsals?

We know life is busy! You're welcome to miss rehearsals whenever needed for work, school, travel, family, or other commitments. We simply ask that you communicate with us when you'll be away.

The only requirements for being a member of Give Dance A Chance are:

A commitment to helping foster a healthy, safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for everyone.
Attendance at at least one performance during the season if you're a Performance Troupe member and/or one competition if you're on a Competitive Team.

Our philosophy is simple: dance should fit into your life—not the other way around.

Register for Comp/Troupe Auditions on August 29th here!

**Opening on July 10th**

Info About Our Comp Teams!

What are the Give Dance A Chance Adult Comp Teams?

Our Competitive Teams are designed for dancers (16+) who want to challenge themselves, and experience the excitement of competing—all while being part of an inclusive environment.

Our 2026-2027 COMP SZN is offering 3 comp teams which each focus on 2 comp routines/styles year round:

Broadway Baddies – Tap & Musical Theatre

**Rehearse at the Bronson Centre - Friday evenings

Dynamic Divas – Hip Hop & Jazz Sass

**Rehearse at the Bronson Centre - Friday evenings

Abstract Angels – Contemporary & Lyrical

**Rehearse at the Bronson Centre - Sunday late afternoons

Each team is directed and led by Manhattan MacLennan, with guest Choreographers/Instructors joining throughout the season to bring fresh perspectives, professional training, and new lessons.

How do auditions work?

Auditions are general auditions, meaning you're not auditioning for one specific team. Please read about audition info in the Performance Troupe section above! :)

And yes—you can be a member of multiple teams! If you're offered all 3 Comp teams + the Performance Troupe, you're welcome to accept all 4! That commitment = 4 hours/week.

Fees and Fundraising!!

Competitive Teams have a base fee of $45/month. Each additional Competitive Team is +$20/month. If you get offered and want to add Performance Troupe onto your comp routines that fee stays the same at $38/month.

For example:

1 Team: $45/month (2 competition routines/1 hr a week)
2 Teams: $65/month (4 competition routines/2 hrs a week)
3 Teams: $85/month (6 competition routines/3 hrs a week)
1 Team & Performance Troupe: $83/month (2 comp routines & 2+ performance type routines)

There are no hidden fees for being part of GDAC's teams. Your monthly membership covers your training, choreography, rehearsal space/time, and all team programming.

Costumes for comps and our year-end video recital will either be sourced by dancers following simple costume guidelines or funded through our fundraising initiatives!

To keep dance as accessible as possible, GDAC will host one fundraiser every month through Oct-Feb with the goal of covering 100% of competition entry fees for every Competitive Team dancer!

What are the attendance requirements & team expectations?

We understand that work, school, travel, and life happen. While we encourage regular attendance to help the team succeed, we are very flexible and understanding and ask that you simply communicate with us when you'll be away!

The only expectations of every GDAC team member are:

Help foster a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment.
Attend at least one competition if you're on a Competitive Team and/or one performance if you're a member of the Performance Troupe.

Our goal is to make competitive dance affordable, accessible, and community-driven—so you can focus on what matters most: dancing and having fun!