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NORTH CAROLINA 
DANCE TEAM ALLIANCE

NCDTA

The Official Pipeline for School Dance Teams

in North Carolina

Define the Future. Dance the Difference.

PICK YOUR PATHWAY

LEADERSHIP

TESS LIANTONIO
Director

A powerhouse in the dance world, Tess Liantonio brings unmatched passion, experience, and creative vision to everything she does. After five seasons as Head Coach of UNC Charlotte’s Dance Team, Tess is known for building not only strong athletes but strong individuals—guiding dancers with a balance of encouragement, skill, and high-level performance training.

Her choreography has been featured in film, television, and music videos, with credits including Hallmark’s A Nashville Christmas  Carol and work for country artists like Raelynn and Sara Evans. With a performance background that includes roles as a Rockette and appearances alongside The Jonas Brothers, Tess blends industry-level expertise with a deep love for

mentoring the next generation of dancers.

She has taught at institutions like UNC Charlotte and Broadway Dance Center, using her platform to empower young dancers to find their voice, build confidence, and elevate their craft. Through every opportunity, Tess remains driven by her mission to advocate for dance as a respected and recognized sport.

New Tricia Headshot.jpg

TRICIA RANA
Director

Tricia Rana is a seasoned marketing and advertising executive with over 25 years of experience in television advertising, entrepreneurship, and podcasting.  For more than a decade, she’s immersed herself in the dance industry as a devoted dance mom to two competitive dancers, gaining invaluable insights into the field.  Recognizing the disconnect between dancers and their high school communities, she was inspired to launch a high school dance team for the top athletic program in the state of NC. 

As the co-director of Weddington’s dance team, Tricia brings her wealth of knowledge and boundless energy to nurture young talent and drive excellence. Renowned for her strategic acumen and commitment to quality, Tricia has left an indelible mark launching many iconic advertising campaigns both regionally and nationally.  She has also crafted compelling content
for many local auto advertisers and negotiated deals for esteemed sports franchises like the Chicago Cubs and Detroit Red Wings.

Beyond her professional achievements, Tricia’s adaptability shone through during the pandemic when she spearheaded the creation of a successful virtual dance competition.  As a valued member of our team, Tricia brings unparalleled expertise and dedication to every endeavor.

BEDHIND THE MOVEMENT

Behind the Movement

ABOUT

 

The North Carolina Dance Team Alliance (NCDTA) is leading the movement to

elevate high school dance across the state.

We provide structured opportunities for competition, training, and program development;

giving dancers, coaches, and schools the tools they need to

build sustainable, high-level programs.

Our mission is simple:
to establish dance as a recognized and respected sport in North Carolina.

Whether you're building a team, preparing for college dance, or competing at the highest level:

NCDTA is your pathway forward.

 

The North Carolina Dance Team Alliance (NCDTA) is leading the movement to

elevate high school dance across the state.

We provide structured opportunities for competition, training, and program development;

giving dancers, coaches, and schools the tools they need to

build sustainable, high-level programs.

Our mission is simple:
to establish dance as a recognized and respected sport in North Carolina.

Whether you're building a team, preparing for college dance, or competing at the highest level:

NCDTA is your pathway forward.

What We Offer

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Train with college coaches, gain exposure, and prepare for the next level.

College Combines

Compete against top programs across North Carolina in a high-energy, structured environment.

Regional Competitions

Earn your place and compete for the official NCDTA State Title.

State Championship

Access proven systems and resources to build and grow a successful dance team program.

Program Development

Who This Is For?

NCDTA is built for dancers, coaches, and schools ready to grow, compete, and lead at a higher level.

DANCERS
Train, perform, and gain exposure while preparing for high school and collegiate dance opportunities.

COACHES 

Build and strengthen your program with access to competitions, resources, and a statewide network.

SCHOOLS 

Launch or elevate your dance team with structured opportunities that support long-term success.

UPCOMING EVENTS

APRIL 

25TH

2026

MIDDLE SCHOOL 
COLLEGE PREP CLINIC 

April 25th 2026

9AM-4PM 
Marvin Ridge Middle School

Charlotte, North Carolina

JULY 

18TH 

2026 


COLLEGE DANCE TEAM COMBINE 

July 18th 2026

9AM-5PM 
Laney High School 

Wilmington, North Carolina

FALL 2026 

COMING SOON!

Dec 2025

Regional #3- Raleigh

Millbrook High School

MIDDLE SCHOOL

MIDDLE SCHOOL 
COLLEGE PREP CLINIC

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Pink Poppy Flowers

Define the Future. Dance the Difference.

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Proud Sponsors

BEDHIND THE MOVEMENT

NCDTA

Define the Future. Dance the Difference.

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