Missed our audition day? Schedule a make-up below — before the season starts Sept 14!

2026-2027 Emeralds.

Searching for a competitive dance team in Seattle that values your dancer’s journey as much as their talent? We prioritize growth over trophies and focus on developmentally appropriate, age-responsive training. Our dancers build strong foundations, gain confidence, and experience more ways to shine—through expanded performance opportunities at local competitions and within the community, plus pre-professional training at elite conventions and workshops.

Emeralds is Productions Dance's
competitive program: ballet, jazz, acro, hip hop, tap, and contemporary training under our award-winning faculty, with more stage time than any other program we offer.

Schedule a make-up →

“Katlin was tremendously committed to my success, and was always willing to put in extra time and effort to make sure I was advancing.  She choreographed my routines to perfectly display my strengths and style.”

Natalie Sheridan
1st Place, Spotlight Nationals.

Missed the Audition? Let's Get You In.

Please fill out the form below to schedule a make-up audition or ask us anything about Emeralds.
Note: There are no fees for auditions, and we welcome all dancers ages 6–17 to try out. There's no obligation if you're offered a spot on the team.
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Why choose Emeralds?

Think of it as "Club Soccer," but for Dance! Emeralds is a competitive performance company open exclusively to PDPA dancers that offers a unique blend of opportunities. Perfect for the dancers that desire the thrill of competitive stages and community performances.

The four Emeralds groups

Emeralds is open to dancers ages 6–17. Each group has its own required classes so technique keeps pace with performance.

Mini Elite

Ages 6–8. Required classes: Ballet, Jazz, and Acro — combo classes count. Two rehearsals a week.

Jr Elite

Ages 9–11. Required classes: Ballet, Jazz, and Acro. Two rehearsals a week.

Un-Cut Hip Hop Crew

Ages 8 and up. Required classes: Hip Hop and Jazz.

Tap Troupe

Ages 8 and up. Required classes: Tap and Jazz.

Make-Up Auditions

Missed our August 12 audition day? We're scheduling make-up auditions one-on-one through early September, before the season starts. Free, ages 6–17, no obligation.
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More Opportunities

Solo, duo, and additional group routines in other genres are available by audition or invite.
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foundational excellence

Required classes keep every dancer's technique strong: Mini Elite and Jr Elite take Ballet, Jazz, and Acro (combo classes count), Un-Cut Hip Hop Crew takes Hip Hop and Jazz, and Tap Troupe takes Tap and Jazz.
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More stage time

Each team (Mini Elite, Jr Elite, Hip Hop Crew and Tap Troupe) come together for a large ALL TEAM group routine, in addition to their own. This means, at minimum, you are performing in two competition routines for the season. Company routines are in addition to technique class routines, which perform in our Holiday and Spring productions.
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Unlock Growth with Emeralds

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Four Productions Dance tap dancers in red satin shirts and black fedoras posing on stage in front of a Spotlight Dance Cup backdrop.
Skill Development

With the time and effort required to be on the Emeralds team, each dancer will experience growth and improvement in their dance skills — supported by on-demand rehearsal videos (walk-through, full speed, and focus-area cuts) and judge-feedback reviews after every competition, so every dancer can keep training between classes.

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The 2011–2012 Productions competition company
Confidence Boost

The camaraderie of being part of a team will instill a newfound confidence in your child.

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Productions Dance performers in pink and black huddled on the outfield grass before a performance at a baseball stadium.
Performance Exposure

Your child will have the chance to perform regularly, instead of just twice a year.

Natalie performing a solo at a dance competition

"The Emeralds taught our son what showing up really means. Every single week, he was at rehearsal -  and you can see it the moment he hits the stage. It's not just dance; it's a team that has each other's backs. He's more confident, more disciplined, and honestly just happier."

Competition Team Parent
Pictured: Emeralds Un-cut Hip Hop Crew

Can't make August 12?
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Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about the Emeralds Performance Company.
What are the time commitments?
Mini Elite and Jr Elite rehearse twice a week. Required classes are Ballet, Jazz, and Acro for both Elite teams (combo classes count), Hip Hop and Jazz for the Un-Cut Hip Hop Crew, and Tap and Jazz for the Tap Troupe. All company dancers must also be enrolled in a session class with Productions Dance Performing Arts.
What Are the Financial Commitments?
Enrollment in at least 1 regular session class with PDPA is required to be eligible. $600 Company Fee is required, split into 4 payments. $150 is due at registration. The other 3 intervals are charged November, January, and March. This covers competition registration and fees, community performances, and extra rehearsals. Additional costs that are not included in the fees: Costumes (estimate $50-$150 total), warm-ups (required, estimated $60), travel expenses, proper dance attire and materials, possible fees associated with other community events (example: 4 tickets to a baseball) Travel is minimal, as most events are local (Mostly Seattle, could be Tacoma-Everett). Families may coordinate fundraisers. *costs based on team participation, doesn't include solo, duets, additional routines.
Are Scholarships Available?
Yes, if finances are a concern, tuition assistance or scholarships may be available. Families can also coordinate fundraising efforts.
What Events Will We Participate In?
Competitive events include Spotlight (2027 dates TBD, Seattle) and Starquest (2027 dates TBD, Seattle). Community events include Lake City Winterfest (Date TBD) and a Fundraiser Showcase (Date TBD, PDPA Studio), plus the two end of session productions. For more details on dates, see the Studio Calendar.

director spotlight

Ms. Katlin is certified in Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Modern by Dance Masters of America and graduated their Teacher Training Program in Buffalo, NY. She has studied dance and teaching methods in Checcetti and RAD, has been an assistant director and company owner. 

Show production is Ms. Katlin's passion and she has put on various forms of production from concept to show. At the National level Ms. Katlin has received choreography awards and trained award winning competitive dancers.

Katlin Zimmer coaching dancers in the studio