The ECDA Dance Pathway & Competition Program
At ECDA, we offer a clear path for dancers to grow—from their very first class to advanced training and competition.
At ECDA, we believe something very important:
Every child deserves the chance to dance.
Some dancers just want to move and have fun.
Some want to grow and challenge themselves.
Some fall in love with the stage and want to compete.
There is no “one path”—and that’s why we offer a few different options as your child grows.
Where It All Begins
Most dancers start young in classes like:
- Mommy & Me
- Creative Movement
- Pre-Ballet
These classes are all about:
- Building confidence
- Learning to listen and follow along
- Having fun through movement
*At this stage, it’s not about being “good”—it’s about falling in love with dance.
As They Grow
As dancers get older, they move into more structured classes (like ballet, jazz, tap, etc.).
From here, we begin to see:
- Who wants to dance once a week for fun
- Who is ready for a little more challenge
Pre-Competitive (By Invitation)
If a dancer is ready, they may be invited into Pre-Competitive.
This means:
- They enjoy dance and want to improve
- They are ready for a bit more commitment
- They will start learning how dance works at a higher level
*Think of this as a gentle step up, not a big jump.
Competitive Program
Dancers in the competitive program:
- Train more regularly
- Attend 3–4 competitions per year in Nova Scotia
They take two types of classes:
- Technique Classes
→ These build strength, flexibility, and skills - Competition Classes
→ This is where they learn their dances for the stage
*This balance helps dancers grow safely and feel confident performing.
✨ ELEVATE Team (Age 10+)
For dancers who really love performing, we offer ELEVATE, our audition-based team.
To join:
- Dancers audition
- Take all recommended classes (including ballet)
What to expect:
- Dancers are chosen for specific routines (not every dance)
- 4 competitions per year (usually one out of town)
- Extra practices: Friday evenings + some Sundays
*This is a bigger commitment, but also a very exciting experience.
Extra Opportunities
Sometimes we offer:
- Full studio group dances
→ These are large routines that many dancers can be part of
Fundraising Support
We understand that competition dance can be a financial commitment.
That’s why ECDA offers a fundraising program to help families with Competition fee’s and classes
Families can choose to participate and earn money throughout the year. To learn more about our Fundraising team, email them @ ecdactfc@gmail.com
How to Know What’s Right for Your Child?
At the end of each season, after recital, our teachers provide:
Personalized recommendations
This helps guide:
- What level your child is ready for
- What classes will help them grow
- Whether they may be ready for pre-competitive or competitive
💛 Our Promise to You
We know this can feel like a lot.
Andrea and our team truly believe:
- Every dancer should feel included
- Every dancer should have opportunities
- Every dancer should be supported in their own journey
Whether your child dances for fun or dreams of the stage,
they have a place here.
Dance Exams at ECDA
Dance Exams and Class Awards are a special performance, danced for a trained examiner, from the Royal Academy of Dance. The examiner evaluates the student’s technique, musicality, and performance.
The Royal Academy of Dance is based in England, and operates in more than eighty countries worldwide. Depending on the level, experience and readiness of a student, their teachers will recommend them for either an Exam or a Class Award. It is our experience that students show more improvement when they work towards a goal, and they gain confidence through performance while enjoying the exam experience with their friends.
This experience generally takes place in April, however dates may vary slightly from year to year. Often examinations are booked throughout the day therefore, students will have to take a morning or afternoon off of school to participate. The examinations take place at our studio. They are closed to the parents and teachers so that the examiner can be free from any distraction and properly assess your child.