ALL-STAR PREP TEAMS
A Confident First Step Into Competitive Cheerleading
Dakota Spirit’s All-Star Prep Teams bridge the gap between recreational cheer and competitive All-Star teams. Designed for athletes eager to learn, grow, and compete in a positive, faith-centered environment, this program builds skill, confidence, and teamwork—without the full-season travel commitment.
Program Overview
Our All-Star Prep Teams are a fun and supportive way for athletes to take the next step in their cheer journey. This program helps build the skills, confidence, and experience needed to move up to our elite All-Star teams in the future. Athletes practice two times per week and compete at regional events, with travel limited to nearby states. Summer tumbling and stunt camps are included (and required) to help each athlete grow stronger, make friends, and feel ready for the season ahead.
Weekly practices with professional coaching
Limited regional travel (neighboring states only)
Skill-building summer tumbling and stunt camps
A Christ-centered, family-first environment
Find the All-Star Prep Team That Fits Your Athlete
Each team is designed to match age, ability, and experience—so every athlete can shine.
| Team Name | Level | Ages | Practice Day | Practice Time | Summer Tumbling Day | Summer Tumbling Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xplosion | Junior All-Star Prep 2.2 | 9-15 Years (2011-2018) | Thursday | 5:30 - 7:30 pm | Wednesday | 5:30 - 6:30 pm |
| Flash | Youth All-Star Prep 1.1 | 8-12 Years (2014-2019) | Monday | 4:30 - 6:30 pm | Monday | 5:30 - 6:30 pm |
| Intensity | Mini All-Star Prep 1.1 | 7-9 Years (2017-2020) | Wednesday | 5:30 - 7:15 pm | Wednesday | 4:30 - 5:30 pm |
| Hot Shots | Tiny All-Star Prep 1.1 | 6-7 Years 2019-2021) | Thursday | 4:00 - 5:15 pm | Monday | 4:30 - 5:30 pm |
During the Summer Months, All-Star Prep teams tumble during June and July starting June 1st. They move to the practice schedule the week of August 10th. They will also have 6-8 Mandatory tumbling practices throughout the school year once teams are formed. These dates will be added to the calendar once teams are formed.
2026-2027 Teams
Based on our current enrollment, our goal is to offer the following teams in the 2026/2027 season. We will make final decisions on team placement and division after evaluations. Dakota Spirit reserves the right to change divisions at any time for the success of the team.
Hot Shots - Tiny Prep 1.1
Intensity - Mini Prep 1.1
Flash - Youth Prep 1.1
Xplosion - Junior Prep 2.2
AGE RANGE
Our goal is for athletes to age out of each age division whenever possible. We first set teams up for success to meet the stunting and tumbling requirements, and then strive to keep athletes within their age division until they are too old to compete within that age division.
We strive to be very transparent about our tryout process. Tumbling passes are only considered if they are executed strongly enough to be choreographed into the routine. If a pass is not performed at the level required to be choreographed into the routine, it will not be counted as a skill.
Please refer to the tumbling chart (below) for the minimum tumbling requirements. Athletes are rarely placed on a team based solely on their highest-level tumbling passes. Tumbling is just one component of the scoresheet, and each team may have stunt exceptions, which are athletes who do not tumble.
For the 2026–2027 season, we will not meet with families after tryouts regarding placements. If your child chooses to drop, please notify the office. If you need guidance before tryouts, we are HAPPY to meet with you to help you set realistic goals! Please set up an evaluation in April and May.
Skill Requirements
Tumbling Expectations
The listed tumbling skills represent the minimum requirements for each level. Only skills demonstrated with excellent form and execution will be included in routines. During evaluations, we are looking for skills that choreographers can confidently showcase on the competition floor. In order to create well-rounded teams, there will always be athletes without tumbling skills to ensure the success of the team on all aspects of the score sheet. If you would like a free evaluation to asess is All-Star prep is for you, please email info@dakotaspirit.com
| Minimum Tumbling Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | Level 2 |
| Standing Back Walkover | Back Walkover Switchkick Back Handspring |
| Back Walkover Switchkick | Back Walkover Back Handspring |
| Cartwheel Back Walkover Series | Roundoff Back Handspring Series |
Tumbling Requirements
If a scheduling conflict arises, athletes may request to attend an alternate class with prior approval from the Tumbling director. Even if an All-Star prep athlete does not tumble in the routine, they are expected to attend their tumbling class.
Athletes are expected to maintain the tumbling skills demonstrated at evaluations throughout the season. If an athlete is no longer performing the passes shown at tryouts, they may be reassessed for team placement.
Tumbling Classes & Private Lessons
Dakota Spirit offers additional opportunities for skill development through weekly tumbling classes and private lessons. These services are available at an additional cost.
All-Star Prep Teams Season Information
Season Duration: August 2026 – April 2027
Registration Opens: May 1, 2026
Athlete Evaluations: May 19-21, 2026. Private evaluations can be scheduled by contacting our office.
Parent/Athlete Meeting: June 2026
Summer Tumbling & Training: One practice per week on Mon. or Wed. Starting June 2026*
Summer Stunt Camp: July 2026
Regular Season Practice: Once a week starting August 2026
Performances:
Dakota Spirit Showdown
Spiritfest
Valentine’s Classic
6 Competitions
1 Halftime performance
US Finals (optional)
*Dates & times based on team.
Practice Requirements
Consistent attendance is essential for team success. Missing practice may affect an athlete’s role or choreography in the routine. Please review our absence policy.
Flyer Requirements
Flyers must follow specific safety and training expectations, including attending mandatory workshops, completing challenges, and meeting stunting safety guidelines. Review the full flyer requirements to ensure your athlete is fully prepared.
Gym Closures
Wondering when the gym will be closed? Visit our Gym Closures page for a full list of holiday breaks and planned downtime—perfect for family trips or much-needed rest days.
Tuition & Fees
Dakota Spirit works diligently to keep the sport of cheerleading accessible. This is done in many ways. We understand that you will want clarity about the financial commitment involved and have provided details about the costs accordingly. If you have concerns about costs, please reach out.
Tuition
All-Star Prep Teams’ costs—including tuition, competition fees, choreography, bootcamps, and music—are evenly spread over 11 months for a consistent monthly payment.
Tuition charges appear in your GoMotion account on the 1st of each month, with your selected payment method automatically charged on the 10th. Tuition covers weekly training and facility access, and registration includes your athlete’s first set of practice gear.
Additional Fees
Additional fees not included in tuition: a $300 uniform fee, comp bow, cheer shoes, USASF membership, US Finals competition fee, and hotel/travel expenses for competitions.
| Tuition or Fee | Cost | Due Date | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xplosion | Flash & Intensity | Hot Shots | ||
| Registration | $175/year | $175/year | $175/year | First day of the season |
| Monthly Tuition | $180/month | $165/month | $140/month | 10th of the month |
| Full Tuition | $1,980/year | $1,815/year | $1,540/year | July 1 |
| Uniform | $300 | $300 | $300 | Aug. 1 |
| USASF Membership | $49/year | $49/year | $49/year | Aug. 1 |
| US Finals | TBD | TBD | TBD | |
| Drop Fee (After Aug. 1) | $300 | $300 | $300 | |
*Athletes placed on All-Star Prep Teams after evaluations will pay competition, music, and choreography fees at the time of registration, since these are also prorated over the full season.
Practice & Attendance
Consistent participation is essential to the success of every Dakota Spirit team. All practices are mandatory, and athletes are expected to arrive prepared, focused, and in the proper practice uniform. Missing practices may impact an athlete’s role or choreography within the routine.
Season Schedules
Summer: All-Star Prep Teams practice once per week during the summer months.
Fall/Winter: During the competitive season, athletes attend one weekly team practice and one weekly tumbling class (included in tuition). Tumbling is required, but flexible make-up options are available for occasional conflicts.
Practice Uniform
Athletes must wear the designated Dakota Spirit practice tank and bow paired with black shorts or leggings to every practice. Jewelry of any kind is not permitted for safety reasons.
Absence Policy
To help maintain team consistency, all planned absences must be approved by coaches at least one month in advance. Families are encouraged to schedule vacations during school breaks when possible.
Beginning Sept. 1, 2025, athletes may have no more than two absences for the remainder of the season. This includes vacations, school events, and other commitments.
We understand that unexpected situations—such as injury, illness, or family emergencies—may arise. When they do, we will work with families to find the best solution. Please communicate any potential conflicts as early as possible so we can adjust accordingly.
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.
-
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.
More Than Cheer. It’s Character.
Dakota Spirit’s mission is to promote the physical, mental, and Christian development of youth through cheerleading. Our Christ-centered culture sets the foundation for teamwork, humility, and confidence on and off the mat.
Don’t Miss Your Chance to Join All-Star Prep!
Build your skills, grow your spirit, and get ready to shine on the mat. Secure your spot for the All-Star Prep season today!