MISSY BLACKBURN
(artistic and creative director)
Carolina Groove Elite (CGE) is our pre-professional competitive team for dancers ages 5 and up. This company is designed for the serious-minded dancer looking to focus on technique, performance, and versatility.
In addition to their required training at Carolina Dance Center these dancers learn a variety of choreography that is competed at events like NYCDA, Hollywood Vibe, Velocity, and Revel. At these events dancers also have the opportunity to participate in master classes featuring world renowned choreographers. Throughout the season we bring incredible guest artists to CDC to teach master classes and choreograph our competitive dances. In our experience the challenge of this team helps dancers reach their goals and become true artists. We are most proud of the fact that our team maintains an atmosphere that is positive, kind, and nurturing. Come join our incredible dance family!
THE DETAILS:
Opportunities
-
CGE dancers have the opportunity to closely work with choreographers such as Andy Pellick, Grace Buckley, Karen Chuang, Emily Greenwell, Valerie Rockey, Tawanna Hall, Ashley Gonzalez, Jaimie Goodwin, Savannah Cobb, Jakob Karr, Karen Chuang, MacKenzie Simons, Bekah Howard, Bri Castiller and MORE!
-
Dancers are able to participate in exclusive master classes at CDC throughout the season.
-
Dancers have options to compete group dances in ballet, contemporary, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, musical theater, open/fusion styles, and tap.
-
Dancers have the option to compete a solo and duet/trio.
-
We also offer a TAP ONLY and HIP HOP ONLY option for dancers who only want to specialize in those genres.
-
CGE dancers can ALSO be a member of Carolina Civic Ballet and/or Carolina Rhythm but it is not required.
Requirements
-
CGE dancers attend 4 required out of town conventions where they also compete group dances. We also offer optional events that dancers can attend throughout the season.
-
All CGE dancers will perform in Prelude at a local theater to debut the competition group dances.
-
Dancers must compete a minimum of two group dances and families can indicate a max number of dances on the CGE contract. CGE dancers are given the option to compete a wide range of dances if they desire.
-
Training classes are separate from company work and dancers are required to have great attendance in these weekly classes.
-
CGE dancers will have a weekly company class to rehearse and receive specific training to prepare for the season and achieve our team goals. Dancers will also have convenient weekend rehearsals to clean the group dances.
Values
-
We value a strong work ethic both in the classroom at the studio and also at conventions and events. Our students are challenged to demonstrate their professionalism as they work closely with world-renowned guest choreographers.
-
We believe that it is possible to pursue excellence while also prioritizing kindness and inclusivity.
-
We value working as a team and supporting each other across the various age divisions. We also recognize the importance of parents modeling this behavior amongst each other.
-
Dancers receive feedback throughout the season which facilitates growth as a dancers, artists, and people. As a team we prioritize growth over prizes.
Carolina Groove Elite Auditions
Audition Schedule
Friday, May 15, 2026
Rising K - 2nd Grade
(Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary) - 5:30pm-6:30pm ($30)
(Hip Hop) - 6:30pm-7:00pm ($15)
Saturday, May 16, 2026
Rising 9th - 12th Grade
(Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary) - 9:30am-11:00am ($30)
(Hip Hop) - 11:00am-11:30am ($15)
Rising 6th - 8th Grade
(Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary) - 1:00pm-2:15pm ($30)
(Hip Hop) - 2:15pm-2:45pm ($15)
Rising 3rd - 5th Grade
(Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary) - 4:15pm-5:30pm ($30)
(Hip Hop) - 5:30pm-6:00pm ($15)
*Dancers who need a make-up audition must still register online and follow up with an email requesting a make-up audition option.*
Audition Attire
Dancers will be scored on appearance and should be thoughtful about their overall appearance
*similar to a convention*
Appropriate dance attire for the jazz, contemporary, lyrical and technique auditions: leotard, sports bra, tight tank top, leggings, booty shorts, tight joggers.
No baggy t-shirts, sweatpants, or running shorts.
Hair must be slicked back in a bun, braid, or ponytail. Small earrings are acceptable.
Dancers should start barefoot but can bring jazz shoes.
For the hip hop auditions baggy clothing is acceptable and encouraged and dancers should wear sneakers.
Dancers may bring a water bottle into the audition.
Audition Results
RESULTS will be sent via email by Friday, May 22nd
*New dancers might be asked to come to an additional call back.*
If you are selected as a 2026-2027 CGE member, there will be a mandatory parent meeting on Wednesday, June 10th at 7:00pm (in person at CDC).
Audition Information
Dancers wishing to audition for CGE (Tap ONLY) must be a member of Carolina Rhythm and attend that May 17th audition through Carolina Dance Foundation. Dancers who are auditioning as a full CGE member do not need a separate tap audition to be cast in a CGE tap group dance.
Dancers who want to be considered for a CGE ballet group dance must be a member of Carolina Civic Ballet and attend that May 17th audition through Carolina Dance Foundation.
Dancers who want to be considered for CGE hip hop choreography or the CGE (HIP HOP ONLY) option must register for the appropriate hip hop audition (see audition schedule above).
Interest Form & Meeting
New dancers who need information/guidance can fill out the interest form and one of our company directors will be in touch to provide more information and answer questions.
Please use this same form to RSVP to the interest meeting.
Thursday, May 7th (7:00pm) In Person at CDC