Just Dance! Competition Teams

Charleston’s Elite, Nationally Awarded Competition & Performance Teams

For more than 25 years, Charleston Dance Center has been a cornerstone of dance in the Lowcountry. Our Just Dance! teams aren’t just about trophies — they’re about training, growth, and community. CDC has a long-standing reputation for excellence, a faculty of seasoned professionals, and a legacy of dancers who have gone on to perform, teach, and lead in the arts.

With multiple teams tailored for different ages, skill levels, and commitment levels, Just Dance! offers a proven path for every dancer — whether they’re stepping into their first competition or training at the highest levels.

When you choose Just Dance! at CDC, you’re choosing experience, consistency, and a program with a proven record of success.

JUST DANCE! AT CHARLESTON DANCE CENTER

Our Teams

Just Dance! Company

The most elite level of competition at CDC. Dancers ages 5–18 compete at top regional and national competitions and conventions. Training and commitment increase with age and ability, helping each dancer reach their full potential.

Just Dance! Collective

A high-level team with more flexibility. Dancers ages 8–18 train with the same faculty as Company but compete primarily at local events. It’s ideal for dancers who want elite training while staying active in other activities.

Just Dance! Mini Minis

A perfect introduction for ages 5–7. With 3 required classes and 1 competition routine each year, Mini Minis build skills and confidence while keeping the experience fun, balanced, and age-appropriate.

Just Dance! Tiny Tots

Designed for young dancers around age 4.5. Invited after one year at CDC, Tiny Tots take 2 required classes and attend 1 Charleston-area competition, offering a joyful first step into competitive dance.

2025–2026 Team Auditions

Our auditions for the 2025–2026 Just Dance! season were held on June 21, 2025.

If you missed auditions but are interested in joining a Just Dance! team, we’d love to hear from you! Spots may still be available, and we’re happy to share information about future audition opportunities.

Contact Us today to learn more about joining Just Dance!

Just Dance! History

The Just Dance! competition dance team was founded in 2000 under the direction of Buffi Wade Whetsell. Since then, the company has continuously grown. In 2016, Lindsey Gentry was named the co-director of Just Dance! Company. In 2019, Just Dance! Collective was founded by Buffi and Vanessa Henry.

Over the past 20+ years, Just Dance! teams have participated in the Performer’s Showcase at the Broadway Dance Center in New York City, provided the children’s cast for the Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker and Charleston Christmas Special, participated in a dance pilot for MTV, was invited to audition for America’s Got Talent, and performed in the Piccolo Spoleto Festival.

Our alumni have gone on to thriving dance careers — from performing in the Super Bowl, serving as Dance Captains in Las Vegas residency shows, and dancing backup for major pop stars, to choreographing across the country and beyond.

    • Our Philosophy

    At Just Dance!, we build more than great dancers — we build great people.

    Although Just Dance! competition teams and dancers have won dozens of national titles, winning isn’t everything. It is far more important to us that our dancers build their self esteem, confidence, and are humble and polite. As much as we work with our dancers on technique, we spend the same amount of time teaching them backstage etiquette and the importance of treating all competitors with respect and kindness.

    The skills our dancers learn will help them to be successful in anything they do – whether they strive to dance professionally or become a lawyer. They are learning how to manage their time and understand the results that hard work and discipline can can bring. They are learning how to work as a team as well as building lifelong friendships.

    Just Dance! Team FAQ

    Your Guide to Joining a Just Dance! Competition Team

    There’s a place for dancers of all levels on our Just Dance! teams.

    • Tiny Tots (average age 4.5) and Mini Minis (ages 5–7) are designed as an introduction to competitive dance. These teams are perfect for beginners, with just a few required classes each week and a limited number of competition routines.
    • Collective (ages 8–18) offers flexible commitments for dancers with some experience who want strong training while balancing other activities.
    • Company (ages 8–18) is our most advanced level, designed for dancers who are ready for a higher commitment and the challenge of regional and national competitions. Learn more

    Whether your child is just starting out or already has years of training, we’ll place them on a team that matches their age, ability, and goals, so they feel both challenged and supported.

    Costs vary depending on the team and number of dances. On average:

    • Mini Minis: about $120/month
    • Collective: $130–$383/month
    • Company: $278–$1,118/month

    In addition, families pay a yearly registration fee ($20), monthly tuition (Mini Minis up to $305; Collective & Company up to $350), a Year-End Performance Fee, and a Team Administrative Fee.

    Exact fees are provided to parents at the first Parent Meeting prior to the season beginning. If you are interested in understanding the costs before then, just reach out and we can share it with you!

    To make expenses more manageable, Charleston Dance Center offers a six-month Installment Plan (Sept–Feb). Installments include competition fees, convention fees, coaches fees, and part of costume fees. Choreography and master class fees are billed separately when scheduled.

    Payments are due monthly (Sept 15–Feb 15). A $100 team administrative fee is due Sept 1. We have a zero-tolerance late payment policy to ensure we can register for events and order costumes on time.

    Being part of Just Dance! opens the door to incredible opportunities both on and off the stage. Our dancers:

    • Perform and compete at local, regional, and national dance competitions and conventions
    • Learn from master teachers through workshops and guest choreographers
    • Build performance experience in community events and showcases
    • Develop leadership and teamwork skills through rehearsals and group performances
    • Join a program with a proven legacy — past Just Dance! members have gone on to dance in the Super Bowl, serve as Dance Captains in Las Vegas residency shows, perform as backup dancers for pop stars, and build successful careers in the arts and beyond

    More than trophies, Just Dance! is about growing as a dancer, building confidence, and becoming part of a community that supports you on and off the stage.

    Dancers attend our scheduled audition day, held each summer at Charleston Dance Center. Auditions include technique, performance quality, and teamwork evaluation.

    If you’re interested in joining or want more information, we encourage you to reach out to us prior to the season to learn about upcoming audition opportunities.

    Yes, Just Dance! competition teams are designed as a full-year commitment (August through June). This allows dancers to train consistently, build teamwork, and prepare for competitions.

    Class requirements depend on the team:

    • Tiny Tots: 2 classes per week
    • Mini Minis: 3 classes per week
    • Collective: Flexible, based on age and level
    • Company: Multiple classes per week; commitment increases with age and skill level

    Dancers are encouraged to take as many optional classes as possible.

    Travel depends on the team:

    • Company dancers compete regionally and nationally across the country.
    • Collective dancers primarily compete at local Charleston-area events.
    • Mini Minis compete locally with 1 routine per year.
    • Tiny Tots attend one Charleston-area competition each season.

    The number of dances your child competes in depends on their team placement and your family’s preference. Parents must let us know at the start of the season if they’d like to limit the number of dances their dancer is in.

    Parents are an essential part of our Just Dance! community. We ask families to:

    • Ensure consistent attendance at all required classes, rehearsals, and events
    • Stay current with financial obligations and meet all payment deadlines
    • Support their dancer at competitions and performances
    • Volunteer as needed for specific events or roles throughout the season
    • Communicate through their team’s designated Team Parent, who serves as the main point of contact

    If you’re interested in being more involved, we’d love to have your support — just reach out to your Team Parent or the CDC staff for opportunities to help.