DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND...
Dance Force Xpress and Dance Device Lab are proud to present 2 options to experience SQUARE ONE in 2027!
January 16/17 - 2027
50% FULL
CLINTON TOWNSHIP, MICHIGAN
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January 30/31 - 2027
MIDLAND, MICHIGAN
Registration for the 2027 Season opens August 1st, 2026.
'Full Experience' registrations must be registered online through an approved Dance Comp Genie studio account.
'Intensive Only' tickets can be purchased through our online merchandise store starting on August 1st on an individual basis.
Dancers may register for 1 Solo and 1 Duo/Trio at this event.
Studio Directors can hold space with an estimated number of participants and a deposit (required) on August 1st.
Early discounted registration rates for the full experience run through October 16, 2026 (Clinton Township) or October 30, 2026 (Midland).
Regular rates expire 6 weeks prior to the event. The registration deadline is one month prior to the first day of the event.
"Square One; A starting point. An initial stage or step." Kick off the 2027 season with this unique experience!
With two options available - the full experience or intensive only - we have options for every dancer at every level!
Square One is not a competition. The focus of the weekend is exposure, feedback, and growth.
Dancers will perform their solo OR duo/trio to receive verbal feedback from three judges, as well as have the opportunity to work with amazing leaders in the dance industry through over 3 hours of classes with guest instructors. Dancers may register independently for the intensive only, or for the full experience through their Studio/Director/Coach. Selected routines will perform in the showcase on Sunday.
This is a two-day event, with Solo and Duo/Trio performances on Saturday, and the Intensive and Showcase on Sunday.
INTENSIVE AGE GROUPS:
Ages *6-12 Years: 8 and Under, 9-12 Beginner/Intermediate, 9-12 Advanced
(minimum age of 6 for this event)
Ages 13 and Over: Beginner/Intermediate, Advanced
Email for pricing, or log into your Dance Comp Genie studio account,
referencing the rate sheet in the top right corner.
Registering for any Dance Force Xpress event indicates that the participant and legal guardian
have reviewed and accepted the terms of the participant waiver in it's entirety.
CLINTON TOWNSHIP, MICHIGAN
MIDLAND, MICHIGAN
Welcome!
Dance Device Lab
We are so excited to welcome Dance Device Lab, joining the Dance Force Xpress team for a day filled with Guest Teachers! On February 1st, DDL’s incredible faculty members will share their knowledge of modern, contemporary, musical theater, and more! This DDL event will bring so much energy and creativity to Michigan - we are thrilled to bring the best of the best to our dancers and families. We can’t wait!
2026 Bios ~ watch for updated bios for 2027!
BRANDON COURNAY
Brandon Cournay is originally from Walled Lake, MI, and received his BFA from the Juilliard School. He currently performs with the Mark Morris Dance Group.
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In addition, he has assisted numerous choreographers such as Larry Kiegwin, Josh Prince, Cherice Barton, and Chase Brock on creative projects in theatre, film, and dance.
He is an award-winning choreographer and a sought-after guest teacher by studios, universities, and companies nationwide. Brandon has worked with The Pennsylvania Ballet, The Juilliard School, Whim W’Him, Montclair University, Marymount Manhattan College, Rutgers University, Barnard College, and Southeast Missouri State University.
Brandon is the Executive Artistic Director of Dance Device Lab.
ASHLEY MARINELLI
Ashley Marinelli is an IRNE Award winning, Broadway World Award Winning, KCCTF Award Winning and Helen Hayes Nominated choreographer, director and performer. She is a proud graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts.
As a performer, Ashley splits her time between the concert, commercial and musical theater worlds. Favorite performances include music videos for Justin Bieber and Mariah Carey, concerts with Ne-Yo, Lady Sovereign, Shakira, Shangela.
She teaches Broadway Dance Center, Peridance, Long Island University, and various dance competitions/conventions.
MICHAELA MCGOWAN
Michaela McGowan, a Virginia native and went on to receive her BFA with honors from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.
Most recently, she was a dancer with Broadway Dance Lab. Michaela has danced for Mia Michaels, Kristen Carcone, Josh Bergasse, Greg Graham, Lisa Shriver (PHISH at MSG, Katarzyna Skarpetowska, Ray Mercer, Aszure Barton, and Larry Keigwin. Michaela is on faculty at Broadway Dance Center and Peridance Capezio Center.