cda’s Hip hop crew teams
SWERVE Effects Hip Hop Crew Jr. Level: Ages 5th grade - 8th grade
SWERVE Effects Hip Hop Crew Sr. Level: Ages 9th grade - 12th grade
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When are auditions?
A: Our auditions are always held in May. Auditions for the 2025-2026 season are currently on Friday May 16th but subject to change.
Q: Who can audition?
A: We have levels and groups for dancers aged 5th-12th grade. You do not have to be a current CDA student to audition for our program. We love meeting new dancers who would like to audition for our program.
Q: What classes/styles do they need to be proficient in to join CREW?
A: We require our dancers to have a strong foundation in Hip Hop. We also suggest having a background in Acrobatics/Tumbling, Jazz, & Martial Arts for further opportunities.
Q: How many years in that style are important prior to joining CREW?
A: While we don’t have a set number of years that are required, as all dancers blossom at different times, most dancers have a strong foundation in Hip Hop from previous years of training.
Q: Why audition for CDA’s Hip Hop Crew?
A: Auditioning is an excellent opportunity for dancers looking to take their skills to the next level. Being on CREW would offer your dancer advanced training and growth, performance opportunities, teamwork, camaraderie, professional development, and of course fun and creativity.
Q: How much on average does the program cost me? What do those costs typically cover?
A: Our program is a competitive travel program and on average costs $3500-$4000 for a new dancer, and slightly less as a returning dancer as we wear the same warm up jackets & bags year after year. This includes CREW rehearsal fees, competition costumes, competition entry & on staff fees, guest instructors, choreography fees, convention fees. We provide a detailed fee schedule if your dancer were to make our program for planning purposes and these costs are broken down into monthly payments. This cost does not include your dancers monthly technique class tuition, travel costs, show costumes and fees.
Q: How do I prepare for the audition?
A: Most of our dancers are already in weekly technique classes for each required style. Many participate in our audition prep workshop hosted in the spring that gives specific insight on that season’s audition. Our CDA instructors are also available for private lessons to address any individual concerns or areas that your dancer would like extra practice in.
Q: How many weekly classes do they take and can I pick when those classes are?
A: To be on our CREW, dancers must take Hip Hop and Jazz and/or Acro in addition to their weekly one hour rehearsal class and once a month or bio-monthly weekend rehearsal. Competitive dancers are encouraged to take both Jazz and Acro classes.
Q: Are we required to attend every competition or convention?
A: CDA’s CREW attends 3-4 regional competitions every year. All regional competitions are required. Nationals (held in the Southeast) are also required every other season (even years i.e. 2026). We offer two conventions for participation. CREW dancers are required to attend one per season, many choose to attend both options.
Q: Are there any other performance or training opportunities for CREW members?
A: CDA’s CREW are given the opportunity to perform at professional sporting events, community events, and flash mobs. This summer our CREW dancers have the option to take part in our NYC Dance Experience, training at top studios in New York City. We will continue to offer new opportunities for our CREW so they gain valuable dance experience before graduating high school.