The SHARPEN UP SUMMIT 2025 is open to all high school grades freshmen (2029), sophomores (2028), juniors (2027), seniors (2026) and college-aged dancers still looking for their dance team home. Note: At the time of registration in May, it will be any INCOMING Freshmen through Seniors who will be registering (this includes 8th graders who are graduating in May).
Parents and coaches of participating dancers are eligible for admission and for attendance at the Parent/Coach Recruitment classes. Parents and/or coach passes will be sold WITH dancer registration only.
Friends, teammates, and other non-affiliated persons may be eligible to attend based on space availability. If permitted, passes will be sold on the day of the event at the door. Please check back for more information.
Jam-packed with over 18+ hours of education & networking, all Summit participants will attend BOTH Saturday and Sunday. Saturday check-in could be as early as 8:00 am and event wrap-up is at 6:00 pm on Sunday. It is recommended that dancers arrive Friday evening and flights can be booked for later Sunday evening or Monday morning.
Saturday is the convention portion which includes material review and master class, no recruiters present. Saturday evening is reserved for Golden Hour participants and recruiters will be present.
Sunday will be all of the material showcases and recruiter meet and greets. Therefore, dancers may still attend the event if they need to arrive later on Saturday or Sunday morning. However, we do not offer one-day payment options.
Similar to a convention, dancers will experience over 18 hours of classes and networking:
We do not expect dancers to show up “ready” to be recruited and highly encourage our younger classes to attend simply to learn about the process. It is highly advised that dancers focus on proper nutrition, hydration, and rest during these couple of days. Our event mimics what is expected during an audition weekend.
Dancers will learn 3 short combos via video 2 weeks prior to the event and will review on day 1. Styles taught are pom, game day, hip hop, jazz & contemporary. In addition, 2 technique skills combos will be taught during the event. Dancers need to prepare beforehand four eight counts (4 × 8) of their best style & skills to execute to any upbeat music. No solos routines are required.
A 4 x 8 refers to a combination of choreography that lasts for four sets of 8 counts – a total of 32 counts, that goes to any upbeat music, usually a tempo between 130-150 bpm, and is intended to be performed one at a time.
The 4×8 can and should consist of a combination of any styles, techniques, and skills that showcase the dancers strengths when considering movement and performance quality.
Dancers will need to come to the Summit prepared with a pre-choreographed 4×8 and be ready to modify & adjust during the 4×8 workshop to enhance it to its full potential.
If any dancer needs additional help constructing their 4×8 prior to the Summit, we have an impressive list of CDL Mentors ready to assist! Please visit our College Dance Launch program page for more information:
A one-of-a-kind opportunity for upperclassmen (classes 2027, 2026) to showcase their talents in a mock audition-style setting!
Held on the evening of Day 1, this Evaluation/Feedback Add-on promises an unforgettable experience. Prepare to impress as college coaches evaluate your performance on specially chosen material from the event AND provide you useful verbal feedback on the spot. But that’s not all – after the evaluation, enjoy exclusive face-to-face time with the coaches during a premium meet and greet session just for GH participants! Don’t miss your chance to shine under the spotlight and elevate your dance aspirations to new heights!
GH Participants will showcase their personally designed 4 x 8’s during the Golden Hour and will receive a written, mini evaluation from Sharpen Up’s expert judges assessing showmanship, technique, composition and overall impression. Participants will receive their evaluation to their inbox within 2 weeks after the event.
Extras Perks!! Golden Hour participants will receive a special gift (TBA), exclusive discounts off additional SUDTT services, and will enjoy a priority check-in line!
Limited spots available.
What was known last year as the CDL Mini Evaluation is now included with The Golden Hour add-on opportunity for upperclassmen. Dancers will showcase their 4 x 8’s for a panel of judges to receive written feedback.
In staying consistent with our mission to educate all dancers at our event, we are now offering a 4 x 8 workshop for all dancers during Day 1 of our event. This will teach dancers how to properly construct a standout 4 x 8 in preparation for future Summits & college clinics!
At the Sharpen Up Summit, every dancer is seen and every college is heard. Our structured meet-and-greet rotations ensure every dancer connects with every coach – creating real opportunities for the right fit.
The SHARPEN UP SUMMIT 2026 is open to all high school grades freshmen (2030), sophomores (2029), juniors (2028), seniors (2027) and college-aged dancers still looking for their dance team home.
Note: At the time of registration in April, it will be any INCOMING Freshmen through Seniors who will be registering (this includes 8th graders who are graduating in May).
Parents of participating dancers are eligible for admission and for attendance at the Parent Recruitment classes. 2 parent passes will be included with registration this year.
Train at the collegiate level through master classes and showcases in game day, pom, jazz / contemporary, hip hop, and technique, while learning exactly what coaches are looking for in the recruitment process.
We intentionally cap our recruiter attendance at 24 programs to ensure a more personal, high-quality experience.
Quality Promise: 90% Head Coach attendance by our teams! If the head coach is unavailable, the assistant coach or recruitment team are present; NEVER just flyers or handouts left on a table.
Don’t see your dream school? This event gives you the tools and insight to succeed at the next level – it is a MUST ATTEND!
Learn what coaches are REALLY looking for.
Stand out in the recruitment & audition process.
Leave confident. Prepared. Ready.
Build your profile
Connect with recruiters.
Everything in one place.
An exclusive experience for seniors designed to provide more one-on-one time, more feedback, and more visibility. Dancers leave prepared, confident, and ready for recruitment!
Build meaningful connections
Get recruited
Earn fast-passes to clinics and auditions
Unlock scholarship opportunities
Non-Refundable Ticket:
$429
Refundable Ticket:
$494
Non-Refundable Ticket:
$459
Refundable Ticket:
$524
Add-On:
$229
2 Passes Included with Registration
*additional passes will not be sold due to capacity limitations
$50.00
3-day Entry
*By request only
Observer passes grant entry to the event facility; however, seating is limited and not guaranteed.
To support a high-quality training and recruitment environment, select sessions will be closed to spectators within the dance space. We will provide guidance on when and where observation is permitted.
Thank you for helping us maintain a focused, professional experience for all dancers and coaches.
We encourage all families to review our refund policy prior to registering and ensure Summit dates are clear of any conflicts. For added peace of mind, consider selecting the $65 Refund Protection option.
Parents are part of the journey, and therefore a part of our mission.
Registration includes 2 parent passes and access to 3* specialized sessions, including:
Understand the origins and terminology of college dance teams and what makes them different from high school and studio experience; learn about the current college dance team landscape, myths and misconceptions; and where the greatest scholarship opportunities with dance team are found.
For first-time parents only
Will help you understand the new NDCA Common Recruiting Video, understand what it is (and isn’t!), how to guide your dancer through filming, and how coaches are using it to simplify recruitment prep.
Will take a deeper dive on how to manage stress, maintain balance, and build healthy communication as your emerging-adult dancer navigates auditions and decisions.
Hear directly from college coaches and parents who’ve been through it. Get real answers, practical advice, and a clear understanding of what truly matters in the recruiting process.
Elevate your professional image with stunning headshots and action shots with Sariah Harvey Photography, Sharpen Up’s preferred photography partner! High-quality, professional photographs that reflect your beauty and passion. More information coming soon!
Date: Saturday, July 26th 9:00-10:50 am
Location: Sariah Harvey Photography Studio, Scottsdale, Az
Receive: One outfit (audition attire), 2 digital images, including a headshot and an action shot
Time: 10 minute sessions
Cost: $55 – *invoice will be sent to email used to book session
Dates: Saturday, August 2nd 7:10-8:20 am | Sunday, August 3rd 7:00-7:50 am
Location: Onsite at The Summit
Receive: One outfit (Summit attire), 2 digital images, including a headshot and an action shot
Time: 10 minute sessions
Cost: $55 – *invoice will be sent to email used to book session
Do the following to take advantage of this special offer:
Follow Sarah on IG – @Sariahharveyphotography
Take one behind-the-scenes picture or video right before or during your shoot
Post/Story your media on IG
Tag Sarah (@sariahharveyphotography) and SharpenUp (@sharpenupdtt)
We recommend wearing a form fitting tank or bra top with dance shorts or leggings and encourage VIBRANT COLORS.
We recommend wearing a solid color, slim fitted tank or t-shirt & looser fitting shorts.
Select styles & colors that are flattering and compliment your personality that you can freely move in. Bring appropriate dance footwear for ALL styles. Bring poms if you have them. Dress to IMPRESS!
Style Hair down with lots of volume. It is permitted to pull into low ponytail during technique and pom, if preferred. Wear performance makeup appropriate for a collegiate game day look. We encourage individuals with African or curly textured hair to wear their hair naturally or in a manner that best suits them as dancers.
It is recommended to keep a neat, polished hair style with the ability to maintain slicked or gelled, if necessary. Makeup is at the dancer’s discretion, but not necessary.
This beautiful venue offers the perfect setting for an unforgettable weekend of dance, learning, and connection.
We have a block at the Fountain Park Hotel this year to meet the needs of our attendees.
Rooms are limited and first come, first serve—so don’t delay in booking!
We look forward to welcoming you to Fountain Hills this June! Be sure to book your accommodations promptly, as space is limited and will fill quickly.
