For a lot of competition dancers, the question isn’t if they’ll keep dancing—it’s how. College dance teams have become a major pathway, blending performance, athleticism, and opportunity. But making that transition takes more than strong technique. It takes versatility, precision, and a clear understanding of recruitment, auditions, and what these programs are actually looking for.

So in this conversation, we’re bringing in Derek Piquette founder of PRODIGY - the dance team convention - to dive into what it really takes to go from the competition stage to a college dance team—how dancers can start preparing early, what skills matter most, and how to stand out in an increasingly competitive field.

We are so excited to welcome Derek and welcome you all to this week's episode of Two Dance Moms Podcast!

ABOUT DEREK:

Derek is a highly accomplished performer, choreographer, director, and educator, whose career spans TV, film, live performance, and the commercial dance industry. Derek's credits include SYTYCD, WOD, Cirque du Soleil, Radio City Spectacular, Netflix, Apple TV+, Amazon, Jenifer Lopez, Juno Awards, NY Fashion week, Steps on Broadway, Broadway Dance Center, And Millenium Dance Complex, to name a few! We are so excited to have him on this weeks episode. Find more about Derek and PRODIGY in the links below.

LINKS:

PRODIGY DANCE CONVENTION

Prodigy on Instagram

Derek on Instagram

EPISODE SPONSORS

Dream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles!
www.dreamduffel.com

Apolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue.
www.apollaperformance.com

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Has your child ever experienced plateaus or feelings of complacency? Do they want to grow but feel stuck? In this episode we speak with Studio Owner, Kelsay Stephensen and competition company director, Emma Smith of Trademark Dance Academy to discuss the how and why behind these issues and what might be done to help our dancers when they experience them. To learn more about Kelsay and Emma, their studio Trademark Dance Academy, and watch their podcast, The Studio Rats, click the links below!

KELSEY & EMMA

Studio Rats Podcast on Youtube

Trademarkdance.com

Instagram:

Trademark Dance Academy

Studio Rats Podcast

EPISODE SPONSORS

Dream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles!
www.dreamduffel.com

Apolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue.
www.apollaperformance.com

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

As dancers grow more skilled with their makeup—and as new products continue to evolve—their favorite and go-to items naturally change. In this episode, we talk about our dancers’ current favorite products for both the competition stage and the convention room.

EPISODE SPONSORS

Dream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles!
www.dreamduffel.com

Apolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue.
www.apollaperformance.com

RATE & REVIEW
Rate & Review Apple Podcast
Rate on Spotify

SOCIALS
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/