A Stage for Every Student

Some students speak through essays. Others through sports. But for many, their real voice is movement.

In schools, that kind of expression often goes unseen. Competitive Arts changes that.

This is the first program of its kind: an organized, school-day competition that gives dancers and creative movers a real stage. It’s made for the students who light up when the music starts. This is their moment to shine.

What Actually Happens at the Battle?

Students compete in friendly school vs school dance battles using short prepared routines, freestyle moments, and teamwork.

Teams respond to music played live by the DJ. While students will not know the exact song ahead of time, they can prepare short combinations and choreography in advance.

This is a beginner-friendly event focused on:

• confidence

• creativity

• teamwork

• musicality

• school spirit

Students do NOT need professional dance experience to participate.

Teams prepare:

• Short dance combinations

• Counts of 8 (less than 1 minute routines)

• Group formations

• Simple freestyle responses

• Team entrances and energy

• Up to 2 teams per school.

• Teams can have 6 dancers on the dance floor and up to 2 subs. (8 dancers can represent one team from your school)

Battle Format:

• Most battles have 3 rounds

• Each response should be under 1 minute

• Teams may use choreography, freestyle, or both

Important:

Students are NOT expected to be professional dancers.

Judges care more about:

• teamwork

• confidence

• creativity

• musicality

• energy

than perfect technique.

How Students Prepare

What Teachers Need to Know

Teachers do not need dance experience. We simply need staff support selecting student competitors and supervising students during the school-day event.

Beginner Friendly

This event is designed for students of ALL skill levels.

Dance Styles Welcome

Hip Hop, Breaking, cheer teams, dance teams, and open styles are all welcome.

Supervision

Students must be supervised by a teacher or staff member during the event.

Music

There is no official playlist. The surprise element is part of street dance culture.

Preparation Resources

Schools can use:

• DanceStash tutorials

• H4 prep resources

• optional workshops

to help students prepare.

1. Register Your School (Free)

There is no cost to your school. All you need is school approval and transportation

2. Prepare Your Students

Students prepare short routines, combinations, and freestyle responses using school practices, DanceStash.Space resources, or H4 workshops.

Bring them to the Battle

Schools compete in friendly school vs school dance battles judged by street dancers.

How It Works

FAQ for Teachers

Do students need dance experience?

No. This event is designed for beginners and students of all skill levels.

Can students perform choreography?

Yes. Most teams prepare short routines and combinations in advance.

Do students have to freestyle?

No. Teams may use choreography, freestyle, or a combination of both.

How long should routines be?

Each response or “set” should be under 1 minute.

How many rounds are there?

Most battles consist of 3 rounds.

What are judges looking for?

Judges look for:

• confidence

• teamwork

• musicality

• creativity

• originality

• showmanship

• energy

Perfect technique is NOT expected.

Is there a set playlist?

No. Music is played live by the DJ during the event.

What dance styles are allowed?

Hip Hop, Breaking, street dance, cheer teams, and open styles are welcome.

How do schools prepare?

Teams usually prepare:

• short routines (less than a minute long)

• counts of 8

• formations

• freestyle responses

Schools can also use DanceStash.Space and H4 prep resources.

Is this beginner friendly?

Yes. This event was specifically designed to help beginners experience dance battles in a safe and positive environment.

What should students wear?

Students should wear comfortable clothing and indoor shoes they can dance in.

Can schools just watch?

Yes. Schools are welcome to attend and observe the event.

• Any student team. No hip hop experience needed.

When’s the event?

• Wednesday June 10th at the CEC (Catholic Education Centre - 80 Sheppard Ave. E)

Cost?

• None. It’s free for schools and students.

Permission forms?

• Yes. We use the same athletic form schools already have.

B-boy Roen at the first Competitive Arts H4 Battle

How many students can I bring?

• 16. Each team can have up to 6 dancers on the dance floor at one time. Teams can have 2 subs as well.

Why Teachers Say Yes

Competitive Arts is fun and easy to run, but it also brings lasting benefits.

The Student Experience

• Positive competition – learning to win or lose with respect.

• Resilience and sportsmanship – handling setbacks while celebrating others.

• Teamwork and belonging – supporting each other and representing their school.

• Confidence building – stepping onto a stage and realizing they can.

What's in it for you?

• Covers arts curriculum outcomes in a real-world setting.

• No extra lesson planning. All prep materials are provided.

• Builds confidence, teamwork, and resilience in every round.

• Strengthens school spirit and community through shared experiences.

Are Your Students Ready to Battle?

Reach out to learn how you can participate in competitive arts and make a difference in the community.