What Is D1 University?

My girls are rising juniors in high school, and they want to join a competitive dance team when they enroll in college. As a mom, I want to support them in every possible way, and take advantage of opportunities that will help them reach their goals. But this process can be very overwhelming, and I find myself scouring social media for clinics and combines that will help my twins to gain experience and exposure. So when I came across a post about D1 University, I was intrigued.

I reached out to the founders of the program to find out more; it sounded somewhat different than a college clinic or combine, and Courtney and Ashley were kind enough to answer my questions. Here is what they had to say about this unique event!

Tell us a little bit about yourselves!

We’re Courtney and Ashley Frato — co-founders of D1 University, passionate educators,  choreographers, and dance advocates with over a decade of experience in the competitive and collegiate dance world. As co-owners of The Source Dance Lab in New Jersey, and former professional dancers and collegiate athletes, we saw firsthand the lack of accessible guidance for dancers who wanted to take their talent to the college level on the East Coast. 

That’s why we created D1 University — to bridge the gap between high school and college dance, and give dancers the resources, exposure, and direct connections they need to succeed.  We’ve worked with hundreds of athletes, from minis to Worlds competitors, and have seen the incredible growth that happens when dancers are surrounded by the right mentorship and opportunity. 

Whether we’re in the studio or on the convention floor, our goal is always the same: to build confidence, create pathways, and help dancers realize just how far their talent and work ethic can take them. 

Can you give us an overview of what D1 University is?

D1 University is the premier college dance convention designed specifically for high school dancers aspiring to continue their dance journey at the collegiate level. Unlike traditional conventions, D1 University connects dancers directly with real college dance programs — not just masterclass teachers. Our mission is to give athletes an authentic and immersive look at what it’s like to be part of a collegiate team. 

Through curated classes taught by current coaches, alumni, and team leaders from top universities, D1 University allows dancers to train, network, and even be recruited in real time.  We also offer a College Panel experience, where families can ask questions, learn about different  programs, and explore the path to collegiate dance in an approachable, supportive environment. 

This isn’t just about dance — it’s about opportunity, exposure, and access. We’re proud to be the only East Coast-based college dance convention of its kind, and we’re redefining what it means to prepare for the next level in dance.

Why did you create this event?

We created D1 University because we saw a huge gap in the dance industry — especially on the East Coast — for dancers who wanted to pursue dance in college but didn’t know where to start. As studio owners and former collegiate dancers ourselves, we constantly had students asking: What’s the process? How do I get seen? What does a college team even look like? 

There were plenty of conventions and competitions, but none that actually connected dancers to real college programs and in an intimate setting where they could actually be seen and remembered— where they could train with current coaches, ask questions, and experience what dancing in college actually feels like. So we decided to build it. 

D1 University is more than just a convention — it’s a launchpad. It’s a space where athletes can be educated, seen, recruited, and inspired but in an intimate setting. We built it for the dancer who has big goals but needs the access, the training, and the community to help them get there.

Who should attend D1 University?

D1 University is designed for middle school to high school dancers who are serious about dance — whether their goal is to dance in college or simply to grow as artists and athletes. While our convention offers unique access to collegiate programs and recruitment opportunities, it’s also built for any dancer who wants to be challenged, inspired, and pushed to the next level. 

This weekend is one of the most inspiring and transformative experiences a dancer can have.  The environment is high-level, but supportive — blending artistic expression with athletic intensity in a way that mirrors collegiate dance culture. 

It’s also perfect for dancers who: 

• Want to be recruited or seen by college coaches 
• Are unsure what type of college program fits them best 
• Are looking to gain real experience with college-style technique, choreography, and  expectations 
• Want to learn directly from current university coaches, alumni, and athletes 

Whether you’re exploring college dance or just want to train with some of the best coaches and dancers in the country, D1 University offers the kind of growth, connection, and motivation that lasts long after the weekend ends. 

How should dancers prepare for the event?

To get the most out of D1 University, dancers should come in with an open mind, a ready body, and a focused mindset. This weekend is fast-paced, challenging, and unlike a typical  convention — so preparation is key! 

Here are a few ways dancers can prepare: 

• Train smart in the weeks leading up to the event — focus on stamina, flexibility, and versatility across styles like pom, jazz, hip hop, and technique. 
• Bring a notebook — not just for choreography notes, but to write down tips from coaches, college reps, and panel sessions. There’s so much information shared and you’ll want to remember it all. 
• Update your dance resume and headshot — especially if you’re hoping to be seen or recruited by a college program. 
• Fuel your body — get rest, stay hydrated, and pack healthy snacks. This weekend is physically demanding, and recovery is just as important as performance. 
• Come with curiosity — ask questions, introduce yourself to coaches and dancers, and take advantage of every moment. This isn’t just about being “perfect” — it’s about being present and hungry to grow.

Most of all, dancers should prepare to be inspired. The energy, talent, and level of instruction at  D1 University is unlike anything else — and it has a way of reigniting your passion for dance. 

What steps would you recommend dancers take after the weekend?

After an inspiring and impactful weekend at D1 University, it’s important for dancers to take action while everything is still fresh. Here’s what we recommend: 

1. Follow Up with Coaches 

If you connected with a college coach, introduced yourself, or were noticed in class — send a short, professional follow-up email. Thank them for their time, share what you loved about their class or program, and express your interest in learning more. Coaches remember those who take initiative! 

2. Organize Your Notes 

Go back through your notebook and highlight key takeaways — whether it’s technique corrections, program info, or advice from the College Panel. This becomes your personalized roadmap for what to work on. 

3. Research the Programs You Loved 

Visit the websites or social media pages of the colleges that stood out to you. Look at team  requirements, upcoming clinics, and audition timelines so you can start preparing early. 

4. Update Your Materials 

If you don’t already have one, start building your dance resume and audition reel. If you do, this is a great time to update it with new skills, achievements, and footage. 

5. Keep Training — and Stay Connected 

Let the motivation from the weekend fuel your training. Stay in your studios and make sure your  teachers/directors know your goals so they can best guide you. DO NOT skip out on studio classes – you need these. Stay in touch with dancers you met, follow the programs you’re interested in, and keep showing up as your best self. 

What would you like the future of D1 University to look like?

Our dream is for D1 University to become the go-to national platform for dancers who want to pursue college dance — a place where education, access, and opportunity collide. 

We see it expanding into multiple regions across the U.S., with pop-up clinics, multi-city conventions, and even virtual resources that help dancers no matter where they live. We want to  continue building real bridges between athletes and college programs — not just for D1, but also for D2, D3, club, and spirit squads — because there are so many incredible paths in collegiate dance. 

But more than that, we want D1 University to stand for confidence, preparation, and inclusion.  We want dancers of all backgrounds and training levels to feel seen, supported, and prepared —  whether they’re actively seeking recruitment or just looking to grow. 

Our goal is to make college dance feel attainable — and to give every dancer who walks into our space the tools, mentorship, and mindset to believe, “I can do this.”

What is the most important thing to know about D1 University?

The most important thing to know about D1 University is that it will always stay intimate,  intentional, and athlete-focused. This isn’t about packing hundreds of dancers into a room —  it’s about creating meaningful, personal connections between dancers and real college programs. 

We’re committed to keeping the event small on purpose so that every athlete has the chance to truly feel the vibe of each program, ask questions, be seen, and be heard. And unlike other events, we bring the colleges to you. The classes are taught by current coaches and team members — not random choreographers — because that’s who dancers need to learn from when making life-changing decisions about their future. 

Instead of traveling to dozens of clinics, D1U gives you a chance to experience programs from all over the country under one roof, in one weekend. Less travel. More access. Better use of your time. 

Whether you leave feeling confident about a team you want to pursue or simply walk away having received the best training of your life — that’s the win. That’s the D1U difference.

Thank you to Courtney and Ashley for taking the time to give us insight into this amazing event – we can’t wait to attend! For more information, head to the D1 University website.

Is your child in middle school? Before deciding on a high school, check out Performing Arts High Schools: A Good Fit?