Within the aggressive dance world, Starbound Nationwide Expertise Competitors has earned a particular place among the many high names within the business. Based in 1994, Starbound has grown into one of many largest and most revered dance competitions in america, admired for its inclusive and family-like ambiance. This Dance Informa interview brings us behind the scenes with founder Sandra Coyte, revealing the journey behind Starbound’s success, its influence on the dance neighborhood and the thrilling plans in retailer for the long run.
Since its inception, Starbound has distinguished itself with a novel mixture of professionalism and heat. Apart from having essentially the most regional occasions per season, additionally it is acknowledged by many from its appearances on the hit present, Dance Mothers. The competitors additionally boasts a prestigious judging panel, which incorporates top-tier expertise from Broadway choreographers, Radio Metropolis Rockettes, and dancers with credit in movie and tv.
Coyte’s imaginative and prescient for Starbound grew out of her personal experiences as a dance instructor and studio proprietor. Reflecting on her motivations for founding Starbound, Coyte explains, “I knew a contest was wanted which might relate to the client as their peer. I additionally knew we wanted some new contemporary concepts to pioneer this business!” From its earliest days, Starbound has championed a concentrate on customer support, setting itself aside by constructing robust relationships with studio administrators, dancers and their households. “Buyer Service is a real concern for the way our occasions are run,” Coyte emphasizes. “Together with making a household oriented, nurturing atmosphere for lecturers, dancers and their households.”
Constructing a platform like Starbound didn’t come with out its challenges, significantly in an business the place women-owned companies are nonetheless within the minority. “The most important problem was being a feminine and a mother of two younger kids attempting to make her mark in a male-dominated company platform,” Coyte displays. “Having to show that our clients are households, and a family-friendly occasion is what was wanted. Nothing company about that!” Starbound’s dedication to this imaginative and prescient has made it a favourite within the dance neighborhood and a supply of inspiration for dancers of all ranges.
Starbound’s influence additionally extends past the competitors flooring. Via its partnership with the Dancers Care Basis, Starbound has raised over $2.4 million for most cancers analysis, underscoring its dedication to creating a constructive distinction. The neighborhood can sit up for much more within the coming years. “We plan on increasing Dancers Care Basis by holding a NYC awards gala in 2026, the place dancers can earn their efficiency place and meet among the dance idols from Broadway,” Coyte reveals. On the subject of what else we will count on within the coming years, Coyte mentions, “We additionally plan on a global tour to Australia, London and Eire.”
In terms of inclusivity, Starbound goes the additional mile to make sure that dancers of all ranges really feel supported and impressed. “We work exhausting to ensure all dancers shine,” Coyte shares. “Not simply the highest general, however all for his or her exhausting work and efforts. We’re consistently searching for methods to inspire and encourage the younger inexperienced dancer.”
This strategy has change into certainly one of Starbound’s defining traits, fostering an atmosphere the place everybody — from inexperienced persons to superior dancers — can really feel comfy and motivated. It’s heartening for among the judges to go to the identical cities yr after yr and watch the dancers develop from season to season. Starbound’s occasions have a good time effort and development alongside achievement, which Coyte sees as integral to the competitors’s core mission.
Starbound’s success is a testomony to the energy of the relationships Coyte has cultivated with dancers, households and studios throughout the nation. As Starbound continues to develop and evolve, Coyte stays devoted to her authentic imaginative and prescient — one which locations folks and their ardour for dance at its coronary heart. Whether or not creating new alternatives for dancers or constructing a constructive dance neighborhood, Starbound is poised to go away a good greater mark on the dance world within the years to return.
For extra data on Starbound, go to www.starbound.web.
By Abby DeReamer of Dance Informa.
