Driven by passion. United in purpose. Empowered to perform.
The Gems are the elite competitive dance team of East Coast Dance Arts, designed for dancers who are passionate, driven, and ready to take their training and performance to the next level. With five distinct levels, The Gems offers a structured and supportive environment for dancers of all ages and abilities to grow artistically, technically, and personally.
Whether a dancer is just beginning their competitive journey or preparing for advanced pre-professional opportunities, our team fosters discipline, creativity, teamwork, and a deep love for dance.
The Gems are more than just a team—it's a family. Each level is designed to meet dancers where they are and help them achieve where they want to be. With expert training, inspiring mentorship, and a strong community, our dancers shine both on and off the stage.
What Sets Us Apart?
Our goal for our competition team is to cultivate versatile, well-rounded artists by bridging the gap between commercial and concert dance. Within the world of competition dance, we believe students should not have to choose between artistry and industry — they should experience both.
Concert dance, often seen in theatrical settings, emphasizes storytelling, conceptual work, and technical depth. Rooted in traditions like ballet and modern, it prioritizes artistic exploration and performance for the stage. Commercial dance, on the other hand, is designed for entertainment platforms such as music videos, tours, television, and live events. It focuses on performance quality, adaptability, style, and connection with an audience or camera.
By training in both realms, our dancers gain strong technical foundations, creative expression, and real-world performance skills. We aim to prepare them not only to succeed in competition, but to confidently step into any professional environment the dance world has to offer.
Joining The Gems
All competitive dancers must re-audition each season to maintain their placement on the team. Dancers may join The Gems through one of the following pathways:
Attending one of our Open Auditions
Scheduling a One-on-One Evaluation Session
Being selected from our Recreational Program by faculty invitation
Placement is based on technique, performance quality, work ethic, and potential. We are looking for advanced dancers with a strong technical foundation and a genuine passion for dance. Our goal is to build a well-rounded, committed team each season.
In Person Auditions
Our first round of in-person auditions will take place on July 18, and registration is now open!
Audition Schedule:
9:00–9:45 AM: Ages 5–7
10:00–11:00 AM: Ages 8–11
11:15 AM–12:15 PM: Ages 12+
Dancers will be evaluated in ballet, jazz, contemporary, as well as jumps, leaps, and turns.
Dress Code & Requirements:
Hair in a slick low bun
Leotard with:
Tan tights, pink tights, or black ankle/stirrup tights
Please bring ballet shoes
We’re excited to see everyone in the studio!
