SEASON INFORMATION
Grow Stronger and Shine Brighter This Cheer Season
At Dakota Spirit, every season is an opportunity to grow, learn, and shine. Whether your athlete is new to cheer or a seasoned All-Star, our programs are designed to teach skills, build confidence, and create lifelong friendships.
Season Details
Each season includes structured practices, exciting routines, and opportunities to perform at competitions and community events. We provide all the information you need to plan your schedule, understand team requirements, and prepare your athlete for success.
Important Season Dates
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Registration Opens
May 1, 2026
Athletes who register by May 15th can attend one free Open Gym in May.Evaluations
May 26-28, 2026Callbacks & Team Stunt Evaluations
June 1-4, 2026Tumbling & Regular Practice Begin
June 9, 2026Choreography — Session 1
June 15-17, 2026
Times based on team placementsStunt Camp
June 18-19, 2026
We understand if athletes have prior commitments.Dahlston Tumbling Evaluations & Choreography
June 23-26, 2026
Times based on team placementsChoreography — Session 2
July 7-10, 2026
Times based on team placementsAtomic & Ignite Choreography
July 20-24, 2026Pyramid & Stunt Camp
July 20-23, 2026
Times based on team placementsDance Choreography
Dates Coming Soon!
Times based on team placementsShowdown
November 7, 2026Valentine’s Classic
January 23-24, 2027
Learn MoreSpiritfest
Date TBD
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Registration Opens
May 1, 2026
Athletes who register by May 15th can attend one free Open Gym in May.Evaluations
May 19-21, 2026Stunt Camp
Dates Coming Soon!
We understand if athletes have prior commitments.Choreography
Xplosion Choreography
Tuesday, 7/21 – 6:15 PM - 9:15 PM
Wednesday, 7/22 – 6:15 PM - 9:15 PM
Thursday, 7/23 – 6:15 PM - 9:15 PM
Times TBD. Times based on team placementsTumbling Bootcamp
September 13, 2026Tumbling Bootcamp
October 18, 2026Showdown 2026
November 7, 2026Tumbling Bootcamp
November 20, 2026
November 22, 2026Tumbling Bootcamp
January 22, 2027Valentine’s Classic
January 23-24, 2027
Learn MoreTumbling Bootcamp
February 19, 2027
February 21, 2027Tumbling Bootcamp
March 12, 2027
March 14, 2027Tumbling Bootcamp
April 9, 2027
April 11, 2027Spiritfest 2027
Date Coming Soon!
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Registration Opens
June 1, 2026Stunt Camp
Dates Coming Soon!
We understand if athletes have prior commitments.Choreography
Dates Coming Soon!
Times based on team placementsShowdown 2026
November 7, 2026Valentine’s Classic
January 23-24, 2027
Learn MoreSpiritfest 2027
Date Coming Soon!
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Registration Opens
June 1, 2026Stunt Camp
Dates Coming Soon!
We understand if athletes have prior commitments.Choreography
Dates Coming Soon!
Times based on team placementsShowdown 2026
November 7, 2026Valentine’s Classic
January 23-24, 2027
Learn MoreSpiritfest 2027
Date Coming Soon!
Gym Closure Dates
The gym will be closed during the scheduled breaks below. No tumbling or team practices will be held.
Independence Day
July 2 - 5, 2026
Christmas
December 23, 2026 - January 2, 2027
Back-to-School
August 3 - 7, 2026
Presidents Day
Subject to the competition schedule
NCA teams will not take a break.
Labor Day
September 4 - 7, 2026
Easter Break
March 26 - 28, 2027
Practices resume Monday, 3/29/2027
Thanksgiving
November 25 - 28, 2026
Planning a trip?
These breaks are a great time for family vacations!
Practice Requirements
Consistent attendance is essential for team success. Missing practice may affect an athlete’s role or choreography in the routine. Our updated attendance policy for All Star Elite will be outlined during Team Reveal Night.
Summer Schedule For Applicable Teams
Our summer schedule is dynamic and exciting, featuring special clinics and training opportunities led by top industry professionals. Athletes will attend regular team practices, along with an additional stunt and tumble class each week.
Fall/Winter Schedule
During the competitive season, teams will practice a minimum of two days per week and continue to attend a required tumbling class. Additional practices may be scheduled for choreography sessions, guest instructor visits, and special events.
Guest Clinics
Whenever we bring in a guest instructor, we ask families to keep those dates fully open and remain flexible. We work hard to bring in some of the best talent in the industry, and many of them fly in and out the same day they teach. Because of that, schedules can occasionally shift due to flight delays or cancellations
Flyer Requirements
Flyers are expected to attend all mandatory workshops led by guest instructors to ensure safety, consistency, and proper technique.
For safety reasons, athletes placed on a Level 2 team or higher may not wear eyeglasses during stunting. Please plan accordingly with contacts or sport-safe alternatives.
Flyers are also required to actively participate in all Flyer Challenges posted in the BAND app, which are designed to promote strength, flexibility, and body control outside of regular practice.
Absence Policy
We encourage families to schedule vacations during holiday breaks, but we understand this isn’t always possible. All planned absences must be approved by team coaches at least one month in advance so coaches can change practice if possible.
Only two absences are allowed after October 26, 2025. This includes vacations, school events, and other commitments.
Advance notice allows us to adjust practices or find substitutes to maintain full team attendance.
We understand that unexpected situations—such as injury, illness, or family emergencies—may arise, and we are committed to working with families when they do.
Please communicate any known conflicts as early as possible.
Competitions
Preliminary Competition schedules are released in July! The All-Star Elite competition schedule isn't confirmed until September/October based on Varsity registration status and hotel block availability.
Communication & Support
Staying informed is essential to a smooth season. Parents are responsible for keeping up with all team and gym updates, so please check BAND, GoMotion, and your email regularly — we use all three throughout the year to share important information. If you ever have an urgent question or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out directly. We’re here to help every step of the way!
Billing/Registration
Office Director
Lesley Good
lesleygoodds@gmail.com
Office Contact
info@dakotaspirit.com
605-373-0414
Team Info, Practices & Coaches
Email info@dakotaspirit.com for coach contact details.
Classes & Lessons
Tumbling Director
Triana McCloud
triana.mccloud@dakotaspirit.com
Athlete Well-Being
Program Director
Joanna Naatjes
joanna.naatjes@dakotaspirit.com
Gym Owner
Robin Fritsch
robin.fritsch@dakotaspirit.com
Get Ready for the Season?
To keep the season running smoothly, families are encouraged to stay organized and connected. Make sure all required forms are completed, your GoMotion account is up to date, and you’ve joined your team’s BAND group for updates.
You’ll also receive reminders for uniform orders, hotel bookings, volunteer sign-ups, and USASF membership steps throughout the year. Customize your BAND notifications, sync your calendar, and don’t hesitate to introduce yourself to other families—our community thrives on teamwork and communication.
Above all, be early, be gracious, and be flexible as we work together to make this a fun and rewarding season for every athlete.
Checklist
Don’t worry — we’ll guide you through each step.
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Complete & submit forms:
Best Practices for a Great Season:
Customize your BAND app notifications and alerts.
Use your full name and a clear profile photo in BAND.
Subscribe and sync to program and team calendars in BAND.
Review your GoMotion account for accuracy.
Introduce yourself to fellow parents and athletes .
Be early, be positive, and be flexible!
Respond promptly to polls and surveys.
Book travel and hotel accommodations early.
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Dakota Spirit offers a variety of cheerleading and tumbling classes and teams tailored to different commitment and skill levels, including Performance, Prep, and All Star programs.
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No prior experience is required to join. Dakota Spirit provides programs suitable for beginners through advanced athletes.
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Classes include tumbling and flexibility classes for all ages!
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Performance Teams are designed for athletes seeking a less competitive experience. Teams practice once a week for 1.5–2 hours and perform and compete locally. No prior experience or tryouts are required.
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All-Star Teams are for athletes who are committed to cheerleading as a sport. It requires the highest commitment level, with practices from November through April, and includes regional and national competitions. Tryouts are typically held in late May or June.
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Item descriptionDakota Spirit’s Prep Teams introduces athletes to the excitement of local competitive cheer in a positive, structured setting. With weekly practices focused on building fundamentals—stunting, tumbling, timing, and performance—athletes gain the foundation needed for future All-Star pathways. This program supports steady growth, teamwork, and confidence through a Christ-centered approach that nurtures both skill development and character.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
Your Top Questions, Answered
We’ve gathered a few of the most common questions families ask about Dakota Spirit — from class options to team commitments.
Want to dig deeper? View a full list of Questions on our FAQs page.
Still have questions? Let's chat!
Have questions about teams, training, lessons, scheduling or finding the right fit? We're here to help!