Sharpen Up Summit

Dancers Information PAge

Regular Registration opens May 5th

REGULAR REGISTRATION OPENS MAY 5th 12:00 noon Pacific FOR THE REMAINING AVAILABLE SPOTS UNTIL SOLD OUT!

Thank you for pre-registering for the 2025 Sharpen Up Summit!

Dancers who successfully pre-registered will have PRIORITY EARLY BIRD access to registration before opening live to the public. They will receive an email on April 28th and will have 72 hours to submit their registration before the window closes on May 1st.

Who can attend?

Dancers

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 / Coaches

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.

OThers

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.

2-day Event

all Summit participants will attend BOTH Saturday and Sunday

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

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

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.

For special circumstances, please send us an email!

What to expect

Similar to a convention, dancers will experience over 18 hours of classes and networking:

Commercial style Master Class

Dance classes led by collegiate dancers

Exclusive performance opportunities

"Golden Nugget" tidbits

Standout show-offs

Meeting with coaches

This is a non-intimidating environment

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.

Dance Material

2 short combos

Dancers will learn 2 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, 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.

What is a 4x8?

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:

Golden Hour - For Juniors & Seniors

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!

NEW in 2025

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.

Is there a mini evaluation add-on?

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!

What should dancers wear?

Female Dancers

We recommend wearing a form fitting tank or bra top with dance shorts or leggings and encourage VIBRANT COLORS. 

Male Dancers

We recommend wearing a solid color, slim fitted tank or t-shirt & looser fitting shorts. 

All Dancers

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!

How should dancers style their hair & makeup?

Female Dancers

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.

Male 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.

Parent / Coach Classes

Cracking the Code on Recruitment

presented by Ramona Kitching, College Dance Launch Program Coordinator

Day 01

Saturday August 2nd: 10:30am - 11:30am

“Cracking the Code Part 1: Recruitment 101 for Parents and Coaches” – First time attendees MUST ATTEND!! Get all of your questions answered and a clear roadmap to help your dancer navigate his/her journey from freshman year of high school to college dance team!

Day 02

Sunday August 3rd: 10:30am - 11:30am

“Cracking the Code Part 2: Navigating the Journey – A Parent Roundtable for Strategy & Support for Returning Parents” – Bring your questions, scenarios, and roadblocks—this is your space to collaborate with other parents, gain insight from experienced mentors, and walk away with actionable strategies tailored to your dancer’s unique path. Let’s map out the next steps together!

MUST HAVE PAID SPECTATOR/OBSERVER PASS TO ATTEND

Headshots & Action shots with Sariah Harvey Photography

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.

Arizona Dancers

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

Out of State Dancers

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

Special offer for all dancers

Complimentary full body digital image!

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)

Pricing Info

We acknowledge and respect that this is a big decision and that families will need time to consider their situation before registration goes live in May. Please be aware of our refund policy when considering your decision.

Summit Main Event

Early Bird / Pre-Reg sold out

Non-Refundable Ticket: $379

Refundable Ticket: $454

Summit Main Event

Regular Registration

Non-Refundable Ticket: $429

Refundable Ticket: $504

Golden Hour + Mini Evaluation

Only for classes 2026 & 2027 

Option to add GH and mini evaluation: $159

Limited quantities

Parent Spectator Pass

2 day pass

Purchased with dancer registration: $30.00

Walk-Up (Not a guarantee; only offered if space is available): $25.00 per day

Hotels and summit location info coming soon!

Testimonials