Ignite Dance Company | Performance & Competitive Dance for Ages 5–18

Ignite Dance Company is designed for dancers who love to perform, want to grow technically and artistically, and thrive in a supportive team environment. Whether your child is just beginning to explore performance or is ready to take their training to the next level, Ignite offers a structured yet encouraging path that meets dancers where they are, and helps them grow with confidence.

At Ignite, dancers are challenged, celebrated, and supported as whole humans. We believe excellence doesn’t require burnout. Our philosophy is simple: bring the passion and leave the pressure behind.

Ignite 2026-27 Audition Information

Audition Clinic – May 30
Ages 9+ | May 30 | 1:00–3:00 PM
Ages 12+ | May 30 | 3:30–5:30 PM

What Makes Ignite Different

Ignite is not a one-size-fits-all company. It offers multiple pathways so dancers can explore performance and growth at a pace that fits their goals, personality, and season of life.

Here’s what sets Ignite apart:

Balanced training that develops strong technique and artistry
Performance opportunities that build confidence and stage presence
Optional competitive growth, without making competition the only measure of success
A true team culture where dancers feel seen, valued, and supported
Flexibility that allows dancers to stay involved in school, family life, and other interests

This structure allows dancers to experience the excitement of being part of a company while maintaining joy, balance, and motivation.

How Ignite Benefits Your Child

Parents consistently tell us Ignite helps their dancers grow in ways that extend far beyond the studio.

Confidence & Self-Expression

Dancers learn how to trust their bodies, perform with intention, and express themselves through movement. Being on stage, and being supported through the process, builds lasting confidence.

Discipline & Time Management

Company dancers learn how to balance commitments, set goals, and show up prepared. These skills translate directly into school, sports, and everyday life.

Teamwork & Leadership

Ignite fosters strong relationships between dancers. Students learn how to collaborate, support one another, and lead with empathy, essential skills both on and off the stage.

Artistic Growth

Through exposure to multiple styles and choreographic voices, dancers expand their movement vocabulary, musicality, and creative confidence.

Professional-Level Training

Ignite dancers train with experienced instructors who are deeply invested in their growth. Dancers receive thoughtful guidance, constructive feedback, and encouragement to push beyond what they thought was possible.

Performance & Growth Opportunities

Ignite dancers have opportunities to perform throughout the year in meaningful, high-quality productions and showcases. These experiences help dancers:

Build stage presence and performance confidence
Learn rehearsal etiquette and professionalism
Experience the excitement of working toward shared artistic goals

For dancers interested in competition, Ignite also offers a competitive track that emphasizes growth, teamwork, and artistic integrity, not just trophies.

A Supportive Environment for Every Dancer

Ignite is intentionally designed to feel welcoming, motivating, and safe. Dancers are encouraged to take risks, try new things, and grow at their own pace. Our directors focus on:

Creating a calm, positive training environment
Supporting dancers emotionally as well as technically
Helping each dancer find their strengths and confidence

This approach allows dancers to fall in love with the process, not just the outcome.

Who Ignite Is For

Ignite is a great fit for dancers who:

Love performing and being part of a team
Want to grow in technique, confidence, and artistry
Are curious about performance or competition in a supportive setting
Thrive with encouragement, structure, and creative challenge

Whether your dancer dreams big or is simply looking for a deeper connection to dance, Ignite provides a place to grow, belong, and shine.

Ignite Directors

Shawna Hesketh started dancing at an early age, at her one-room studio, in her small central Texas hometown. Her love of dance continued to grow, and she went on to join her high school’s drill/dance team, and then began teaching dance at the age of 16. She attended Sam Houston State University, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree, in Photography and Dance. While at SHSU, she was in several performances, including a graduate thesis, and also worked in the costume department for their Nutcracker production. After moving to Austin, she got back into dance full-time, diving into ballroom dancing. Shawna then joined Balance Dance Studios, in the fall of 2012, in its inaugural year. Since then, she has created a home and family with Balance, and now gets to share this journey with her two children, as she watches them dance and grow.

Clay Moore Originally from Houston, Clay Moore grew up as a competitive dancer. After graduating, he trained in Los Angeles and New York City where he has trained and worked with the Edge Performing Arts, Mark Morris Dance, Terrill Mitchel, and Dorrell Martin before relocating to Austin Tx. Now an Austin based choreographer and performer, he is a current company member with Blue Lapis Light where he trains and performs in aerial apparatus. He has been featured in works with ARCOS Dance, BLiPSWiTCH, Jennifer Sherburn, Kathy Dunn Hamrick Dance Company, and many more. Clay has been featured in local ATX musicians music videos Including Tomar & the FCs. Clay shares his passion for movement by teaching and choreography with non-profit groups and schools in the AISD and LISD and non-profit groups. He is excited to be back with the CTDC family where he’ll be working the admin desk and hopping in to sub classes from time to time.

Kate McCann fell in love with dance at an early age. The way that movement and music creates its own unique form of artistry has had an unparalleled impact on her life, both in and outside of the studio. She has been working with children since the age of 14, and has found that one of her greatest joys is being able to share her passions with a younger generation. Because Kate didn’t start her formal dance training until high school she is a huge proponent of self discipline, and regards dance as the medium which taught her that all things are achievable through hard work and diligence. It was at Balance Dance Studios she cultivated this understanding, as she is one of our very own Push Dance Company alumni. Kate looks forward to teaching, training, and exploring movement with you!

Ready to Learn More?

Ignite Dance Company is more than a program, it’s a community. If you’re curious whether Ignite could be the right next step for your dancer, we’d love to connect and share more about how our teams support dancers and families throughout the season.

Are you interested in joining Ignite for the 2026-2027 season? Email ignite@balancedancestudios.com to learn more.