Elite Dance Competiton
East Texas Dance Competition
February 6–7, 2027 | Dr. Russell D. Marshall Performing Arts Center (Mabank, TX)
For studio owners
by studio owners
The Elite Experience
Dedicated Warm-Up Space
A separate rehearsal area with a proper surface so dancers can warm up safely and review choreography away from cramped hallways.
Industry Leading Judges
A hand-picked panel of top-tier professionals providing constructive, inspiring audio and video critiques.
Director Gift
A curated VIP gift package waiting for you at check-in as a small token of our appreciation.
Free Master Class
Every registered dancer gets free access to exclusive master classes taught by top industry talent during the weekend.
Easy Prop Loading
Direct, stress-free backstage loading dock access to get large sets in and out quickly and safely.
On-Site Coffee Shop
A variety of hot food, quick snacks, and drinks are available all weekend long to keep your families, dancers, and teachers fueled without ever leaving the building.
Rules
Age Divisions
Dancer placement is determined by their average age as of January 1, 2027. For duets, trios, and groups, calculate the average age of all performers and drop the decimal.
- Mini: Ages 6 & Under
- Petite: Ages 7–8
- Junior: Ages 9–11
- Teen: Ages 12–14
- Senior: Ages 15–19
Category Time Limits
Routines must fit within the specified maximum limits. A deduction of 1 point per judge will be automatically applied for every 15 seconds a routine runs over its allowed limit.
- Solo: 1 Dancer | Max 2:45 minutes
- Duet / Trio: 2–3 Dancers | Max 3:00 minutes
- Small Group: 4–9 Dancers | Max 3:00 minutes
- Large Group: 10–19 Dancers | Max 4:00 minutes
- Line: 20+ Dancers | Max 5:00 minutes
Categories
Jazz
Contemporary
Lyrical
Ballet / Pointe
Tap
Hip-Hop
Pom
Character
Musical Theatre
Acrobatic Dance
Open
Awards & Fees
Awards & Recognition
- Adjudicated Placements: Every routine will receive an adjudication placement based on our point system: Elite Platinum, Platinum, Elite Gold, or Gold.
- Overall High Scores: Awarded to top-scoring routines in all age brackets across Solos, Duet/Trios, and Group divisions.
- Judge’s Choice Awards: Special visual awards recognizing standout entertainment, technique, and style.
- The Elite Studio Award: Presented at the end of the weekend to the studio demonstrating the highest overall average score and exceptional sportsmanship throughout the event.
- TVCC Cardette Fast Passes: Standout individual dancers will receive an exclusive tryout "Fast Pass" for the Trinity Valley Community College Cardettes to bypass preliminary audition rounds!
Fees & Registration
- Fees: Fees and additional rules are available on the registration portal or by emailing us at competition@etxelitedanceco.com.
Meet our founder
Raylee Cantrell
Raylee Cantrell is an accomplished dance professional, educator, and studio owner who holds a BA in Performing Arts and has spent over a decade guiding dancers from their very first steps to the competitive stage.
Her own dance journey includes elite professional highlights, from performing as a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader and a Dallas Mavericks Dancer to traveling the world with Disney Cruise Line. These high-level experiences instilled in her the standards of performance, precision, and work ethic that she brings to her students and staff every single day.
As a studio owner herself, Raylee knows firsthand the dedication, late nights, and endless logistics it takes to get a team stage-ready. That personal insight inspired her to found Elite Dance Competition. Her mission is to create a high-caliber competitive circuit designed specifically from a director’s perspective—eliminating logistical headaches while providing fair adjudication, family-friendly standards, and premium perks that truly elevate the experience for dancers and directors alike.
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