At CaRu Entertainment, competition is about far more than earning awards.
It is an opportunity to communicate.
To collaborate.
To challenge ourselves.
To inspire others.
To tell meaningful stories.
We believe dance is one of humanity's greatest forms of communication, and every rehearsal is an opportunity to build confidence, deepen artistry, and connect with audiences through authentic performance.
Pathways
Find Your Competition Path
Every artist's journey is unique. Our Competition Program is intentionally designed to meet dancers where they are, providing age-appropriate training, meaningful performance opportunities, and a supportive environment that grows with them every step of the way.
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Mini Pre-Competition Team
Where Confidence Begins
Kindergarten–2nd Grade
Designed for our youngest performers, the Mini Pre-Competition Team introduces dancers to performance, teamwork, and the excitement of the stage while building strong technical foundations in a positive and encouraging environment.
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Pre-Competition Team
Where Potential Takes Shape
Grades 3–6
The Pre-Competition Team bridges the gap between recreational dance and advanced competitive training, helping dancers build confidence, versatility, artistry, and performance quality while preparing them for future opportunities.
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CaRu Crew
Where Performers Become Artists
By audition and placement
Our nationally recognized pre-professional competition company provides elite training, innovative choreography, meaningful performance experiences, and mentorship for dancers pursuing excellence at the highest level.
The Program
The CaRu Crew
The CaRu Crew is a pre-professional, nationally recognized competition team that trains and performs alongside top studios from across the country at both regional and national events. Rooted in technical excellence and elevated performance quality, the CaRu Crew offers dancers an opportunity to grow as artists within a rigorous yet supportive environment.
The team has been featured on Dance Moms, appeared in a pilot for a non-scripted docu-series, performed as part of New York's Got Talent in Times Square, and taken the stage at NYC's Cabaret for a Cause alongside Broadway and television performers. The CaRu Crew was also proud to participate in the first-ever ECDC Charity Showcase, uniting leading competitive studios from across the region in support of a shared cause.
Both the CaRu Crew and its faculty have received widespread industry recognition. The team and its lead choreographer and Artistic Director, Cassie Russo-Sweeney, were honored as nominees at the Industry Dance Awards. CaRu Entertainment is also an invited member of the Association of Dance Competitions and Conventions and has been recognized as a Studio of Excellence Award recipient.
Individually, CaRu Crew dancers have achieved notable milestones, including competing as soloists at The Dance Awards, training at the prestigious Joffrey Ballet School, and being featured in Dance Spirit Magazine, Pointe Magazine, A Wish Come True, and So Danca Apparel. Dancers have also appeared in programs for Encore DCS and Headliners. CaRu Crew alumni have gone on to perform on So You Think You Can Dance, dance professionally and collegiately—including with teams such as the Knicks City Dancers—and gain acceptance into highly competitive college dance programs.
At its core, being a member of the CaRu Crew means joining a team built on mentorship, opportunity, and integrity. Dancers are guided by experienced professional instructors who are committed to developing versatile people, not just versatile dancers. Mutual respect and support are foundational values—upheld by both students and faculty—creating an environment where artists are challenged, nurtured, and empowered to achieve extraordinary growth.
The Difference
Why Families Choose CaRu
Storytelling Through Movement
Our choreography is recognized for communicating meaningful stories that resonate with audiences long after the performance ends.
Professional Mentorship
Experienced educators and industry professionals guide dancers both artistically and personally.
Character & Community
Mutual respect, encouragement, teamwork, and integrity are foundational values of every rehearsal and performance.
Performance Opportunities
Regional and national competitions, conventions, professional experiences, charity performances, and community events provide meaningful opportunities to grow as artists.
Technical Excellence
Comprehensive training develops versatile, confident performers prepared for the next stage of their artistic journey.
Achievements
Recognition & Achievements
While awards are never our ultimate goal, we are honored to have our dancers, faculty, and choreography recognized by respected organizations throughout the competitive dance industry. These accomplishments reflect the dedication, artistry, and collaborative spirit of our students and faculty.
2026 America Loves to Dance Awards
Champion — Teen Large Group — "To Be Loved"
2nd Runner-Up — Senior Small Group — "Heal"
2nd Runner-Up — Junior Small Group — "Home"
2nd Runner-Up — Teen Super Group — "MonStars of Mayhem"
2026 Showstopper Northeast Finals
Mashantucket, Connecticut
1st Overall — "To Be Loved"
1st Overall — "Home"
2nd Overall — "Heal"
4th Overall — "Her Way"
5th Overall — "Handle With Care"
10th Overall — "The Reading"
2nd Overall Duo/Trio — "The Head vs. The Heart"
3rd Overall Duo/Trio — "Locomotion"
10th Overall Duo/Trio — "Don't You Mess Around"
1st Overall Solo — Poppy Sweeney
7th Overall Solo — Ava Charlton
9th Overall Solo — Emma Schmelzer
10th Overall Solo — Leila Advani
2026 Encore DCS Regionals
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Top Scoring Elite Routine — "The Head vs. The Heart"
2026 Ticket to Broadway Regionals
Wilmington, Delaware
Highest Scoring Routine — "Heal"
Best Choreography (Elite Division 13+) — "Heal"
Best Performance (Elite Division 13+) — "Dancing People"
Best Technique (Elite Division 12 & Under) — "Home"
Our Measure of Success
Beyond the Awards
We believe the greatest success of the CaRu Competition Program cannot be measured by trophies alone.
It is reflected in the artists our dancers become, the stories they learn to tell, the confidence they develop, the friendships they build, and the impact they make long after they leave our studio.
Our proudest accomplishment is watching our students grow into thoughtful artists, confident leaders, and compassionate individuals prepared for whatever stage comes next.