M.A.T.S. Tumbling Competition

M.A.T.S. (Mid America Tumbling Society) is a tumbling competition that originated in Kansas City over thirty years ago. Thirty-four teams from three states participated annually with approximately 1000 competitors. Leigh Ann competed in M.A.T.S. herself and has coached competitors since 1984. Leigh Ann was elected to the board that creates routines and updates the competition guidelines from year to year.

​We have renamed our M.A.T.S. organization the Montana Acrobatic and Tumbling Society and we follow the same rules, regulations and judging systems that are used in the Kansas City, MO meet. Whitefish Dance has been hosting M.A.T.S. meets in Whitefish since 2003. 

M.A.T.S. is a great opportunity to have a positive and competitive experience in a safe, supportive environment. Every competitor receives either a large ribbon or a trophy guaranteeing that each tumbler feels reward for their hard work.

Participants of M.A.T.S. attend a 5-week training workshop at Whitefish Dance prior to the competition. Each competitor is taught their appropriate routine then focus specifically on developing it for the M.A.T.S. competition. M.A.T.S. welcomes girls and boys.

RECITAL PRODUCTIONS

​The studios perform together for their Spring Production to showcase their talents and achievements that have been gained over the year. The show is at a professional theater with beautiful costumes and award winning choreography. We strive to keep costume fees and the ticket prices as low as possible without sacrificing the outcome of the show. 

Most dancers love the stage and performing and we are very aware, sensitive, and helpful to the dancers who do not take to performing naturally. A positive experience on stage can be such a powerful confidence builder and we take it very seriously.

The show itself has been described by our audience as "amazing", "unbelievable", "emotional", 'powerful" and "so entertaining" !

​PARADES & COMMUNITY SHOWS

​Bigfork and Whitefish Dance offer entertainment throughout the Flathead Valley at Summer Arts and Town Festivals. Dancers participate in the Bigfork 4th of July Parade, the Columbia Falls Heritage Days Parade the Whitefish Homecoming Parade, and the Whitefish Winter Carnival Parade. All dancers get to perform at these events and the dancers  are always a crowd favorite. 

DANCE FORCE 

​​The Dance Force is a by-audition performance and competitive team comprised of intermediate to advanced level dancers. The Dance Force was created in 2000 and performs all over the valley at school sporting event halftimes. The team has performed for both the girls and boys teams at Whitefish, Columbia Falls, Flathead, Glacier, Bigfork, and the Winter Classic. The dances are choreographed by Director Leigh Ann O'Neill and include jazz, hip hop, tumbling, kick line, precision, cheer, stunts and builds. 

The Dance Force members attend weekly Jazz, Ballet and Turns and Stretch classes. Members also attend dance workshops hosted at the studio by guest teachers and travel out of the valley to dance conventions and competitions. The Dance Force has earned numerous 1st Place awards at competitions in Spokane, Seattle, and Portland. If you are interested in auditioning for this elite dance team, please contact us! 862.3453