cda’s Hip hop crew teams
SWERVE Effects Hip Hop mini Crew: Ages 5th grade - 8th grade
SWERVE Effects Hip Hop Crew: Ages 6th grade - 12th grade
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When are auditions?
A: Our auditions are always held in May. Mini Crew Auditions for the 2026-2027 season are currently scheduled for Friday, May 1st from 5:00 PM-7:00 PM with Crew auditions are scheduled for Friday, May 8th from 5:30 PM-8:00 PM.
Q: Who can audition?
A: Everyone! We have levels and groups for dancers aged 2nd-12th grade. You do not have to be a current CDA student/Crew member to audition for our program or have prior competitive experience. 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 and basic Hip Hop technique. We also suggest having a background in Acrobatics/Tumbling and Jazz for further opportunities. Sometimes having lots of training in another dance form, for example jazz, will crossover into hip hop in some areas (control, isolations, musicality, spatial awareness, etc).
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 is required, as all dancers blossom at different times, we just prefer that most dancers have a strong foundation in Hip Hop training and are able to demonstrate proficiency in basic areas (understanding musicality, choreography retention, applying critiques quickly, showing a variety of textures and technique in movements, performance and projection, etc).
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. Going through the audition process builds confidence and provides priceless experience for future auditions by building applicable life skills. Being on Crew would offer your dancer advanced training and growth, performance opportunities, teamwork, camaraderie, professional development, and of course fun and creativity. We teach both dance technique AND life skills!
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 $3,000-$4,000 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 dancer's 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 areas of concerns that are relevant to your dancer and their needs.
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 technique class AND a Jazz and/or Acro in addition to their weekly 1.5 hour rehearsal class. Additionally, there is a once a month or bi-monthly weekend rehearsal depending on the group and routine. Competitive dancers are encouraged to take both Jazz and Acro classes. There are multiple options for Hip Hop Technique, Jazz Technique, and Acro classes throughout the week at CDA; however, all Crew dancers will take enroll in the same required rehearsal class.
Q: Are we required to attend every competition or convention?
A: Yes, competition attendance is required. CDA’s CREW attends 3-4 regional competitions every year, and Mini Crew attends 2-3 regionals per year. All regional competitions are required. Every other year, Crew will attend a required Nationals event which is held in the Southeast (even years i.e. 2026, 2028, etc), but does require travel. Mini Crew does NOT attend Nationals. We offer one required convention for Crew. Mini Crew dancers are NOT required to attend convention, but they are given the opportunity if they would like to attend with the older Crew members. Conventions are local to the Atlanta area and we try to avoid travel for conventions when possible.
Q: Are there any other performance or training opportunities for CREW members?
A: CDA’s CREW are sometimes given the opportunity to perform at professional sporting events, community events, and flash mobs. Our Crew members are offered elite training with private master classes from industry leaders, such as coaches from Division 1 collegiate national hip hop teams as well as leading industry choreographers. Last summer our CREW dancers had the option to take part in our NYC Dance Experience which featured 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. Our program aims to prepare dancers for any future outcome and desired goal. From training the more casual dancer who wants to be on a fun team to those dancers who want to dance competitively in college or pursue industry opportunities, our program truly offers training for every outcome.