WELCOME TO EPIC!
WELCOME TO EPIC!
Welcome to EPIC Cheer & Dance Academy !
Unleashing the Power of Teamwork: Our Cheerleading Journey
EPIC Cheer & Dance Information Packet
Welcome to the 2026-2027 EPIC Placement!!
Full Season Teams
Our Full Season Teams are the premier competitive teams within the EPIC Cheer & Dance Academy program. These teams demand a high level of commitment, discipline, and dedication from both athletes and families.
Season Timeline
- Evaluations/Placements: May
- Season Ends: May
This structure allows athletes to train, compete, and progress throughout a full competitive season.
Team Commitment
Membership on a Full Season Team includes a high commitment level with the following expectations:
- Practice Schedule:
- 1–2 mandatory team practices per week
- Mandatory tumbling each week
- Mandatory camps and choreography sessions scheduled throughout the season
- Attendance and behavior are monitored closely
- Parent involvement is required to ensure athlete success and team consistency
- Skill progression is continually evaluated to maintain competitive readiness
Once selected, athletes on these teams will represent EPIC at national-level events and compete for bids to prestigious year-end championships such as:
- The Summit
- THE ONE Finals
- US Finals
Team Formation & Levels
The teams available each season are determined by the skills and experience of both new and returning athletes. Multiple factors are considered when forming teams, including:
- Current skill level
- Demonstrated progression
- Coachability and work ethic
- Performance readiness
- Team needs and level balance
- Long‑term developmental goals
We also take into account competition availability within each level. As a competitive program, we strive to place athletes in levels that offer strong, meaningful competition and provide athletes with:
- Appropriate challenges
- Valuable experience
- The excitement of competing at high‑level events
EPIC’s goal is to ensure that every athlete is placed in an environment where they can grow, excel, and feel the thrill of competitive cheerleading.
Recreational Cheer Program Overview
Our Recreational Cheer teams are divided into the following age-based divisions:
- Novice Level 1 (6 & under)
- 6 & Under
- 8 & Under
- 10 & Under
- 12 & Under
- 14 & Under
- Senior (Ages 10–18)
We welcome athletes starting at age 3, provided they can demonstrate the ability to follow directions. Athletes may participate through age 18.
Full-Year Commitment
Recreational Cheer is a year-round program. All of our teams train as full-year teams to ensure strong skill development, consistency, and readiness for performances and events.
Crossover Policy
A crossover refers to an athlete who is placed on more than one team. Crossover opportunities depend solely on team needs, not athlete ability.
You will be asked on your tryout form if you would like your child to be considered for a second team. If your child is not selected for a crossover position, it is not a reflection of their skill. It simply means that, at this time, the team does not require a crossover athlete in that position.
Family Preferences: Prep vs. Novice Levels
While both skill level and experience influence team placement, some families prefer Prep or Novice levels due to fewer time and financial commitments. You will indicate your preference on the placement form.
Team Evaluations & Placement Process
We take team placements very seriously. A great deal of time, discussion, and consideration goes into selecting the best team for each athlete while also ensuring the overall success of the team.
Evaluations
Beginning in mid-May, athletes will have multiple opportunities in March and April to attend open gym evaluation sessions. These sessions allow athletes to work on and be evaluated in:
- Tumbling
- Stunting
- Jumps
- Flexibility
- Coachability and ability to take corrections
These sessions are especially helpful for returning athletes as they may be evaluated for new roles or in different stunt groups.
During this time, your athlete will also:
- Learn a short dance for placements
- Work with coaches to finalize the best tumbling pass(es) for tryouts
- Potential flyers may attend additional flexibility sessions to work body positions
Placement Dates (2026)
Date Age Group Time
Monday, May 18Ages 7–116:00–8:30 PM
Tuesday, May 19 Ages 12–16
6:00–8:30 PM
Wednesday, May 20 All Ages (Walk-Ins)
6:00–7:30 PM
Thursday, May 21 Ages 3–6
6:00–7:30 PMTBD
Stomp N Shake Ages 12–18Time TBD
Placement Apparel
Athletes must wear:
- Plain black t-shirt
- Plain black shorts
- Black, white, or gray cheer shoes
- Any color cheer bow (hair in a ponytail)
- No jewelry allowed
Registration Fees
Early Bird Registration
- $50
- March 17 – May 1 (by 11:59 PM)
General Registration
- $85
- May 2 – May 10 (by 11:59 PM)
Late Registration
- $100
- May 11 – May 15 (by 11:59 PM)
All parents must register and pay the registration fee.
Click: REGISTER NOW
Team Placements
After placements, coaches will meet for several hours to determine the best team assignment for each athlete. Decisions are based on:
- Evaluation results
- Tryout performance
- Coach observations
- Team needs
- Group chemistry
- Long-term athlete development
Athletes will be notified of their placement once decisions are finalized.
Competitions Attended
Our program attends a variety of USASF-affiliated events and Independent Event Producer competitions.
- Local Traveling Teams: 5–6 competitions per season
- Traveling Teams: 7–8 competitions per season
- Competition season typically runs November/December through May
Regular competition locations include:
- Raleigh
- Fayetteville
- Myrtle Beach (final 2-day event)
Some teams may travel farther, depending on:
- Paid bids
- Invites
- Team level
Possible extended travel locations:
- Virginia
- Orlando
- Tampa
- Texas
Attendance Policy
Attendance is mandatory.
We understand that illness and occasional unavoidable conflicts may occur. Please communicate with coaches as soon as possible if your athlete must miss practice. Injured athletes are still required to attend practices unless told otherwise.
The following reasons are NOT acceptable for missing practice:
- Homework
- Parties or social events
- Other sports commitments
Athletes may participate in other sports, but EPIC must remain the top priority, unless pre-approved in extreme situations.
Week of Competition
Attendance the week before any competition is mandatory.
If an athlete misses practice that week, coaches may place an alternate in their position.
Behavior-Related Absences
Removing your child from practice for behavior reasons hurts the entire team. Instead, communicate with the coaches so we can work together on a positive solution.
Summer Practices
We understand summer includes family vacations. Please inform us in advance of any scheduled absences.
The gym will be closed the week of July 4th.
Choreography camps are mandatory.
New to Cheer? No Worries!
If your child has never cheered before, we are excited to train them from the very beginning. Our staff is committed to teaching athletes everything they need to know to become successful all-star cheerleaders.
We promise your athlete will have an amazing, rewarding experience at EPIC Cheer & Dance Academy!
Copyright © 2020 EPIC Cheer & Dance Academy - All Rights Reserved.
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