Dear Teachers, Dancers, Parents and Families,
On behalf of my family, I would like to welcome you to the 12th Season of Tribute National Talent Competition. Tribute continues to grow each and every year while still at a pace that allows me to always be involved in every detail and to attend every event. I am so humbled by the overwhelming love and support my family and I have received from the beginning. As many of you know I have been involved in the dance industry now for over 30 years and it has truly been an honor and privilege. I have learned so much over all these years and continue to be open minded to learn even more with each new day. I am very proud of what Tribute stands for in an industry where competitions and conventions are plentiful, each with its own set of morals and principles which define who they are. Tribute is truly more than just a dance competition. For those that have attended our events you know one of the most important trademarks of my company is the Tribute to my Parents Award. So many times I hear others say “Oh, the competition with the essays!!” which I am very proud of for many reasons. When I present this award it is so powerful and a silence covers the entire auditorium as the essay is read out loud. At that moment the trophies and awards become less important. The emotional essay about the love and respect a dancer has for his or her parents is absolutely wonderful and provides such a positive message for us all. This award has truly made Tribute different from other events as we give a moment to share unconditional love and appreciation while providing a professional family atmosphere.
I hope that your visit to our website means that you are considering our event for your studio family. We appreciate you taking the time to read about Tribute and what we stand for in the industry. I also know that you have more choices now than ever before on events to attend. If you decide to attend Tribute I hope that you will feel comfortable knowing that I will greet you with a smile and a genuine appreciation that comes from my heart. My family and I are so grateful to all of the studios and families that have attended and supported our family business and allow us to do what we love. You can visit the “our supporters” page to see the studios who have attended or the “testimonial” page to see what others are saying about their experience at Tribute. In addition here are some important facts that you might want to know about Tribute:
• We limit the number of events per weekend to just one and we do not have multiple shows each weekend. This will ensure you receive the highest quality and standards at each of our events. Our staff has been with us for the last 12 years and we are a family unit and it is very evident as we enjoy spending time together with those that attend.
• FREE PROGRAM BOOKS back when I started Tribute in 2011, I wanted to do things that were not the norm in the dance industry. So one of the things I created to help families was to make all program books FREE instead of the normal $8-$10 for a program. This has really made an impact in the industry and now many competitions and conventions have followed our example and provide program books online for free. By posting them online everyone can print a free copy days before the event. Our books also include the “Tribute to Family and Friends” giving everyone the opportunity to share personal comments of love and support with others.
• FREE VIDEO AND PHOTOGRAPHY PASSES From day one at Tribute, we have not charged a MEDIA FEE and prefer to NOT make revenue from the sale of videos and photos that are being purchased by studio owners, teachers and parents. We want to allow the studio owners to decide what is best for their families to provide important keepsakes for memories that are cherished. Each studio in attendance will be given FREE OF CHARGE photographer and video passes to use during the competition. This allows the studio owner to select in advance representatives or parents to take pictures and videotape routines for all of their studio performances. All ID passes must be worn by the studio representatives at all times. Tribute reserves the right to inspect cameras brought into the theater at any time. Tribute has the right to revoke any photography or video pass at any time for any reason. We do not LIVE FEED our events in order to protect the dancers and the choreography the teachers create.
• Back in 2019, we decided to make a change by not selling merchandise or any other items that put families in a position to spend additional monies while their children share their talents on stage at a Tribute Event. I have thought for years that this is a must since it is the norm and what everyone is used to seeing. We just wanted to try something different by not having a retail store like so many other events and to focus more on the art of dance. We try to always put ourselves in the shoes of parents who work so hard to provide for their children.
• Offering a reduced entry fee to $25.00 per dancer for groups with an average age of 4 & Under.
• Created a “Special Angels” Category for special needs children to have the opportunity to perform free of charge in a group routine.
• With the importance of family we created the “Family Category”. This category allows dancers and their parents and family to perform together or just parents by themselves to perform a special number. The entry fee is reduced to $40 per dancer and parents dance for FREE. These routines are always very entertaining and special.
• As we did this past season, we are going to continue to make donations privately at each event to families who are experiencing some hardships and need a helping hand. Studio owners and their staff will play a huge role in nominating a family from the studio who may need financial help. Just send us an email to tell us a story about this family you would like for us to consider for a donation to help them financially. With this personal approach we have met several families who really needed assistance and being able to give them a donation face to face with the studio owner present is something my wife and I will remember for years to come. Over the last 8 seasons we have donated over $50,000.00 to help others.
• Energetic, Enthusiastic and Knowledgeable Judges with their bios available in each program book.
• With an owner who has years of experience you can expect every detail of production to be extremely professional.
• To focus on the importance of love of family by taking the time to know our clients on a personal level.
• Superior Customer Service with a loving and caring staff always available to assist you.
As the owner of Tribute, I will always be present at every event from start to finish and available to care for our participants needs and concerns. In producing a successful event I know first-hand that it takes a staff working together as a team. My staff and I will be together at each event rather than separate teams for two or three shows at a time. I have always seen those who work with me as a part of my family and therefore I will not split my staff. Working as a family unit to make each event a wonderful experience for everyone will be my number one goal. You can be assured that all of my staff will share with you my values and a sense of family and friendship that is so important and comforting.
We look forward to seeing you very soon to share the genuine Gratitude, Respect and Admiration that you will receive when you attend Tribute National Talent Competition.
Darin Troglia
Founder & CEO