QC Dance Youth Recreational and Competition Dance Program
Empowering Young Dancers Through Skill, Confidence, and Creativity
Our esteemed faculty, including Princess Grace Award-winning ballerina Alessandra James, former Checkmate and Martha Graham dancer Brittney Gallagher, and English Tap Dancing Champion Chancey Gregory, bring world-class expertise to every class.
From mastering the basics to competing at the highest levels, our youth dance classes in Charlotte provide a well-rounded curriculum that focuses on technique, performance, and teamwork. At QC Dance, your child will thrive in an environment where excellence is the standard and passion for dance is cultivated every step of the way. Join us and watch your dancer shine both on stage and in life!
Check out our current class list here!
Performance Experience that Counts
Curriculum Based Learning
Recreational vs. Competitive Classes: Discover Your Dance Path
RECREATIONAL CLASSES
Perfect for dancers seeking fun, fitness, and creativity without the pressure of competitions. Rec classes focus on skill-building, self-expression, and building confidence in a relaxed environment.
COMPETITION PROGRAM
For dancers ready to elevate their skills and perform on the big stage! Our Comp Program combines intensive training, teamwork, and opportunities to shine at regional and national competitions.
The Newest Innovation in Competition Dancing
The E-Teams at QC Dance represent our groundbreaking competition team program for dancers who are ready to excel, grow, and compete at the highest level. With teams like Team Edge, Team Excel, Team Empower, Team Elite, Team Enhance, and Team Evolve, this program offers a personalized path for each dancer while fostering a unified team that dominates the competition stage. Combining individualized growth with collaborative teamwork, our E-Teams allow dancers to perfect their skills in solo and small group settings while creating show-stopping large group routines.
In just two years, our E-Teams have earned national recognition—a rare achievement in the dance industry—proving that QC Dance is raising the bar in competitive dance. Our innovative approach to youth dance classes in Charlotte nurtures an environment where every dancer’s progress strengthens the collective. Join The E-Teams at QC Dance and experience a program that doesn’t just prepare dancers to compete—it redefines what’s possible in the world of dance.
North Carolina Dance Education Excellence Award
QC Dance is proud to be named Most Progressive Dance Studio in North Carolina for two consecutive years, a recognition of our innovation, inclusivity, and dedication to nurturing young artists. In 2024, we also received the prestigious Dance Education Excellence Award from the Southern States Business Association, highlighting our commitment to high-quality youth dance classes in Charlotte, inspiring performances, and a supportive community. These honors are a testament to our dedication to shaping the future of dance and providing exceptional training for the next generation of dancers.
Personalized Path to Excellence
At QC Dance, Course Director Natalie Grasheim personally consults with every E-Team family to create a customized training and competition plan that fits each dancer’s goals, strengths, and schedule. This individualized approach ensures every child thrives both on and off the stage, with a program designed to highlight their unique potential.
The E-Teams Difference
Building Skills for a Lifetime of Success:
Unlike many competition studios that simply rehearse routines over and over, E-Teams at QC Dance focus on training in fundamentals and techniques that form the foundation for lifelong excellence. This comprehensive approach not only enhances their competition performances but also prepares them for university and professional auditions, setting them apart as versatile and well-rounded artists.
Elite Training with World Class Experts
QC Dance E-Teams receive instruction from award-winning choreographers and master class teachers like Lonni Olson, Madelyn Underwood, and Brandii McCoy, ensuring dancers gain skills from the best in the industry.
Proven Track Record of Success
QC Dance E-Teams consistently win top awards at regional and national competitions, showcasing choreography that stands out and dancers who are celebrated for their skill and stage presence.
Commitment to Excellence Without Burnout
We balance rigorous training with a focus on dancer well-being, ensuring your child achieves their goals while loving every step of their competitive dance journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
My child is a beginner — how do I get them started?
For young dancers, the first class at QC Dance is always complimentary. A quick talk with any of our professionals will help us recommend a class based on your child’s age and your objectives as a family. Click on the chat box in the lower right hand corner of your screen to schedule your free trial class. Once you’ve had a complimentary class, you can discuss options with our course director, Natalie, look over our Parents’ Guide and determine what is the best fit for you and your child.
Is my child too old to start?
Not at all! No age is too old. We have children who started dance during their teen years and are already winning prizes at competitions! Our programs help children create new skills with no prior experience necessary. All that’s needed is a love of music and a little encouragement to get started!
What should my child wear?
Each class has specific dress code requirements, typically including leotards, tights, and appropriate footwear. Click here for more information on class attire.
Does your studio do competitions?
Yes! If you’ve gotten this far, you already know about the E-Teams at QC Dance. While being on an E-Team is optional at QC Dance, you can see practices nearly every night in our main ballroom. Often times, dancers in the Recreational program get to join in on E-Teams rehearsals to boost their knowledge of fundamentals. Admission to the E-Teams is by invitation or audition, so parents get to decide how to participate. We are proud to be the only dance studio in Charlotte that competes in two fields: Dancers get to compete in the top ballroom dance competitions in the region and they can enjoy regular team events competing with studios from around the Carolinas.
What if my child has a meltdown during class?
Involving parents and families in the dance journey is part of why we have such an open-air environment. As parents ourselves, we understand that parenting is not an exact science. Our teachers encourage participation, but we are always standing by with resources to let a child take a needed break during those more challenging moments.
What is the earliest age you take children?
Children as young as 2 years old have been very successful at QC Dance. Our environment is based primarily on love and social activity. Once your child is out of diapers and comfortable meeting others, they are ready to begin their dance journey at Charlotte’s only all-inclusive dance learning center!
Can parents watch classes?
The environment at QC Dance is very open to parents. We do try to remind parents that being watched by Mom and Dad can sometimes be distracting or unnerving to young dancers, so we have a full patio and bar area for moms and dads to enjoy coffee and light refreshments while their little ones develop new skills on the dance floor. Parents can see classes going on, but we try to encourage parents to wait until designated parent’s days when our teachers have had time to prepare the students for the Mom & Pop-a-razzi!
Do you have recitals or performances?
Yes! QC Dance is a Performance Dance Learning Center. We’re proud of the fact that all of our dancers are “stage ready” by the end of their first year. There is no “waiting for a slot” or “auditioning” to get on stage. Each year, we contract with the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center to put our dancers on the finest performance stage in Charlotte. In 2025 we will be in Charlotte’s prestigious Knight Theater, a spectacular performance venue that normally hosts the Charlotte Ballet and Broadway productions!
Are there any additional fees for costumes or performances?
Yes, there are annual fees for costumes, competition entries, or recital participation. Parents have the option to opt out of recital performance each year, but it’s important to know that costume deposits go directly to manufacturers, and thus they are non-refundable. These fees are outlined in our annual Parents Guide.
I’m concerned about privacy. Will my child be photographed?
Yes. QC Dance has a private photographer that periodically takes photos of classes in progress. While you will see pictures posted, all pictures are in context of a dance studio and/or activity setting.
Join the QCDance Family!
Let your child shine with award-winning classes for all ages and skill levels. Spaces are limited—enroll today!