Training Programs at KJ DANCE
Character - Competence - Compassion
Welcome to KJ Dance!
KJ Families,
Welcome to KJ Dance! We are so excited to have your family join our vibrant, supportive, and inspiring dance community. Whether your dancer is taking one class each week for fun and recreation or is interested in pursuing more advanced training, we hope this guide will help you navigate the many opportunities available at KJ Dance.
Inside, you'll find class descriptions, program information, helpful links, and resources designed to help you plan your dancer's journey and discover the path that's right for your family.
At KJ Dance, we believe every dancer's journey is unique. As we celebrate our 34th season of dance excellence, we remain committed to providing exceptional training while fostering confidence, character, and a lifelong love of dance. No matter where your dancer begins, we are here to encourage, challenge, and support them every step of the way.
If you'd like to discuss your dancer's goals, explore additional class opportunities, or map out a personalized training plan, we would love to meet with you one-on-one. Our team is always happy to answer questions and help your family find the best fit.
Please don't hesitate to reach out to us at kjdance.office@gmail.com. We look forward to partnering with your family and sharing an incredible season together.
Thank you for choosing KJ Dance. We are truly grateful to have you as part of the
#THEKJWAY Family!
KJ Dance
Training With Confidence (TWC)
TWC Program
At KJ Dance, our Training With Confidence (TWC) program is designed for dancers who want to enjoy the art of dance while building strong technique, confidence, and lifelong friendships. Often referred to as a recreational program at other studios, TWC offers high-quality training in a fun, encouraging, and supportive environment.
Many TWC dancers choose to take one or several classes each week, exploring a variety of dance styles while progressing at their own pace.
Click Here to explore class descriptions and find the perfect fit for your dancer! Whether they're interested in Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap, Acro, or a Combo class, you'll find age recommendations, class levels, and program information to help you choose.
Fall registration is now open! Fall Classes begin the week of August 17th. Class sizes are limited, so we encourage you to visit www.kjdance.com and reserve your dancer's spot today.
Not sure which classes are the best fit? We'd love to help! Give us a call, and our team will be happy to recommend a schedule that matches your dancer's age, experience, and goals. We're excited to help your family begin your journey #THEKJWAY!
EDGE TEAM
The EDGE Program at KJ
What is the EDGE Team?
The EDGE Team is KJ Dance's accelerated training program designed for dancers who are ready to take the next step in their dance education. The program emphasizes strong technical development while providing dancers with valuable performance opportunities in a positive, encouraging, and team-oriented environment.
EDGE serves as a bridge between our Training With Confidence (TWC) program and our PULSE Competitive Company, preparing dancers for more advanced training while fostering confidence, discipline, teamwork, and a love for dance.
What ages participate in EDGE?
EDGE dancers are typically 7–14 years old and are placed on teams based on both age and ability.
At KJ Dance, we believe dancers learn best when surrounded by peers who are similar in age while still being appropriately challenged. Our goal is to provide an environment where dancers continue to grow technically, build confidence, and most importantly, enjoy the process.
Many of our current PULSE Company dancers began their journey in EDGE, and we look forward to watching today's EDGE dancers become tomorrow's graduating seniors.
How do dancers join the EDGE Team?
Dancers interested in joining EDGE participate in an audition held during one of our North Texas Summer Dance Intensives.
To audition, dancers should:
- Complete the Intent to Audition Form
- Register for one North Texas Summer Dance Intensive
2026 Audition Information
- North Texas Summer Intensive #2: August 5th-8th, 2026
Auditioning dancers are only required to attend one of the two summer intensives.
What are the weekly training requirements?
EDGE dancers train together in a three-hour block of consecutive classes on either Monday or Tuesday, depending on team placement.
The required core classes include:
- Ballet
- Jazz
- Contemporary
Many dancers also choose to enroll in additional classes such as:
- Tap
- Hip Hop
- Additional Ballet
- Specialty Technique Classes (by invitation)
After team placements are announced, the KJ Administrative Team will enroll dancers in their required classes. Families may then add any additional optional classes to their schedules.
**Some advanced technique and ballet classes are invite-only, and invitations are extended at the beginning of each season.
Do EDGE dancers compete?
Yes!
EDGE dancers perform throughout the season, including:
- The KJ Giving Gala
- Two local competitions during the spring season
- The KJ Dance Concert
These performance opportunities allow dancers to experience teamwork, goal setting, stage confidence, and the excitement of performing in a supportive environment.
Is summer training required?
Summer classes are not required, but they are strongly encouraged.
KJ Dance offers summer classes specifically designed for EDGE dancers to help maintain technique, continue progressing, and prepare for the upcoming season.
Does the EDGE Team have required team gear?
Yes!
EDGE dancers proudly represent their team by wearing:
- Red team leotards
- Grey EDGE backpacks
- Black EDGE jackets
Required team gear helps create a sense of unity, pride, and belonging within the program.
EDGE Mission Statement
The EDGE Team is designed to prepare dancers for advanced technical training while building confidence, discipline, and a passion for excellence. As an accelerated program, EDGE serves as a possible pathway to the PULSE Competitive Company, outside curriculum opportunities, or continued advanced dance education.
Through quality instruction, meaningful performance experiences, and a supportive team atmosphere, dancers develop strong technical foundations while learning valuable life skills including creativity, leadership, perseverance, responsibility, and teamwork.
Our mission is to provide a challenging yet encouraging environment where dancers grow as artists, teammates, and individuals—all while discovering the joy of working toward common goals together.
Questions?
We are always happy to help!
If you have questions about the EDGE Team or would like to discuss whether it may be the right fit for your dancer, please contact the KJ Dance office. We'd love the opportunity to visit with your family and help map out your dancer's journey #THEKJWAY.
PULSE Performance Company
PULSE Competitive Company
The PULSE Competitive Company is KJ Dance's premier training and performance program, designed for dancers who are passionate about pursuing the highest level of dance education. PULSE dancers are committed to comprehensive training across all dance genres, including ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, contemporary, lyrical, hip hop, and more.
At KJ Dance, our mission extends far beyond developing exceptional dancers. We are committed to helping each student grow both physically and emotionally by providing outstanding dance education in a positive, encouraging, and challenging environment. Through the art of dance, PULSE dancers develop leadership, responsibility, discipline, resilience, and respect for others—qualities that will serve them well throughout their lives, regardless of the path they choose.
Success in PULSE is truly a partnership between dancers, families, and faculty. The dedication and commitment required are significant, but the lifelong friendships, unforgettable experiences, and personal growth make the journey incredibly rewarding.
Auditioning for PULSE
New dancers interested in joining the PULSE Competitive Company will audition during our 2026 North Texas Summer Dance Intensives.
Audition Requirements:
- Complete the Intent to Audition Form
- Attend the August 2026 North Texas Summer Dance Intensive
Weekly Training
Training requirements vary depending on a dancer's placement within the PULSE Company. As dancers progress through the program, their weekly training schedule increases to support continued technical growth and performance opportunities.
For detailed information regarding training expectations and weekly class requirements, please contact the KJ Dance office. We are happy to discuss the program and help determine the best path for your dancer.
What ages are in PULSE?
The PULSE Company offers opportunities for dancers beginning with our Tiny Team (ages 5–6) and continues through our oldest Pre-Professional Company, which includes graduating high school seniors.
Each company is thoughtfully designed to provide age-appropriate training while continually challenging dancers to reach their highest potential.
Interested in Learning More?
We understand that every dancer's journey is unique. If you're interested in learning more about the PULSE Competitive Company or discussing which training path is the best fit for your dancer, we'd love to visit with your family.
Please contact us at kjdance.office@gmail.com to schedule a time to talk.
We look forward to helping your dancer discover their potential and continue their journey #THEKJWAY.
Have questions about your dancer's next steps? We're here to help!
Whether you're exploring additional classes, considering one of our training programs, or simply looking for guidance on the best path for your dancer, we'd love to connect with you.
Please feel free to call the KJ Dance office or email us at kjdance.office@gmail.com. Our team is happy to answer your questions, discuss your dancer's goals, and help map out a training journey that is the perfect fit.
We look forward to partnering with your family and watching your dancer grow #THEKJWAY!
KJ DANCE - PLANO
General Questions : kjdance.office@gmail.com
Account Billing Questions : kjdancebilling@gmail.com
Costume Questions : kjdance.office@gmail.com
Email: kjdance.office@gmail.com
Website: WWW.KJDANCE.COM
Location: KJ Dance Plano, Preston Road, Plano, TX, USA
Phone: 9724734017
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kjdancedesigns/
KJ DANCE - FRISCO
General Questions: kjdance.office@gmail.com
Account Billing Questions: kjdancebilling@gmail.com
Costume Questions: kjdance.office@gmail.com
Email: kjdance.frisco@gmail.com
Website: WWW.KJDANCE.COM
Location: KJ Dance Frisco, Farm to Market Road 423, Frisco, TX, USA
Phone: 2144691770
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kjdancedesigns/
KJ Dance Designs, owned and directed by Kristy Ulmer Blakeslee, has been in Plano, Texas since 1993. In 2014, we opened the doors to our second location in Frisco, Texas. The KJ Dance VIRTUAL TRAINING EXPERIENCE was launched in March of 2020 and will continue to be an online educational dance platform available to new and existing students. We are thrilled to serve the DFW area and to have the privilege of training young dancers with integrity. The mission of KJ is to focus on each individual by teaching grace, poise and selflessness. KJ provides a safe nurturing environment where dance is the vessel by which a child can gain self esteem and valuable skills including teamwork and leadership. Our program teaches honesty, integrity, loyalty and dedication through the art of dance. The KJ faculty is committed to keeping standards high and constantly reinventing creative and exciting teaching techniques. Here, students excel in their development as young adults. It’s a dancer's world at KJ. Whether you are a serious dancer seeking to develop your art or a recreational dancer seeking exercise and fun, there is no better place than KJ Dance. WWW.KJDANCE.COM