Your Roadmap to Collegiate Dance Success Starts Here

Welcome to Collegiate Dance Connection

Finding the right college dance team can feel overwhelming. The competition is fierce, coaches expect different things, and programs follow different paths - from auditions and clinics to combines and recruiting apps - leaving families unsure where to begin.

That's where Collegiate Dance Connection comes in.

We believe tryout success isn't just about talent - it's about preparation, fit, and being seen. Whether you're a dancer aiming for a Division IA program or simply hoping to find a positive team environment where you feel at home, our personalized guidance will help you every step of the way.

At Collegiate Dance Connection, we've been in the dancers' shoes - and the coaches' seats. With over 20 years in the dance team world, we know what coaches look for, what mistakes to avoid, and how to stand out authentically. Our goal: to help you find not just a team, but the right home for you for the next four years.

Finding the right college dance team isn't just about talent. It's about preparation, fit, and being seen. At Collegiate Dance Connection, we provide personalized guidance so dancers and their families can navigate this process with clarity and confidence. We've built our mentorship to cover every stage of the process, including:

Why Us

What makes Collegiate Dance Connection different is the depth and reach of our expertise. Co-founder Julie Berardi has spent her career immersed in the world of competitive and collegiate dance — not just as a dancer, but as a coach, choreographer, program builder, and national judge. She brings dancers and families the kind of insight you simply can't find anywhere else.

Julie's Experience Includes:

• Four years as a Division IA dancer with the Penn State Lionettes Dance Team

• Six years coaching the nationally ranked Penn State Lionettes and serving as their Nationals choreographer

• Building the Cheer and Dance programs at Eastern University from the ground up as Spirit Coordinator

• Owner of Synergy Dance, a sought-after choreography company serving top high school and college programs nationwide

• Over 16 years choreographing for programs across the U.S. and judging at the national level

Julie has evaluated hundreds of dancers during the tryout process. She knows the difference between good and great, between fitting in and truly belonging.

What sets us apart is authenticity. We don't push dancers toward the biggest-name program — we guide you toward the right program for you. Because the best fit isn't just about prestige. It's about where you'll feel at home, thrive, and grow as both a dancer and a person.

Meet Your Mentor

Additional Services

Beyond our core mentorship, we provide additional resources to ensure dancers feel fully prepared for every stage of the tryout process:

• Research and program selection guidance

• Review and guidance on video submissions

• Mock interviews with a Collegiate Dance Co-founder and former Emmy-Award-Winning Good Morning America producer

• Email guidance for reaching out to coaches

• Dos and don'ts at auditions and clinics

• Introductions to current team members or alumni (when possible)

• Solo choreography designed to highlight your strengths

• Application timelines and checklists

• Parent guidance on transitioning from high school to college dance

Each service is designed to reduce stress, improve preparation, and give dancers an edge in an increasingly competitive field.

Testimonials

What Dancers and Families Are Saying