ABOUT ATLAS
NOT JUST A STAGE AND A SCORE
Dance competitions inspire excellence celebrate achievement and encourage growth.
OUR STORY
YEARS IN COMPETITION.
Atlas Dance Challenge was created from years of experience on the studio side of the dance competition world. With not only growing up being on and off stage in the competition industry, we have seen what makes a competition great, and what can make the experience fall short.
Atlas was built to bring a fresh, modern approach to competitions, one that puts meaningful achievement, fair judging, and the dancer experience at the center.
Atlas is a challenge to grow, an opportunity to achieve, and a place to be inspired. But most importantly, more than just a stage and a score.
MEET THE FOUNDERS
ZACK GETTIS
CO-FOUNDER / OWNER
Zack Gettis brings a background in business, entrepreneurship, finance, and dance studio operations to Atlas Dance Challenge, along with a lifelong connection to the dance industry. Growing up in Miami, Florida, Zack was raised around his family's dance studio, where he danced and competed while gaining an early understanding of what goes into running a successful studio.
As he grew older, Zack began building his own experience outside of dance. He has built, grown, and managed several businesses, gaining experience in business development, financial management, operations, customer experience, and long-term growth.
Zack has also spent years working in dance studio management, bringing his business experience back into an industry he has known his entire life. His perspective comes from seeing dance as both a dancer and competitor, and from working behind the scenes with studio owners, teachers, dancers, and families.
As Co-Founder of Atlas Dance Challenge, Zack focuses on the business and operational side of the company. His goal is to create events that are organized, professional, efficient, and enjoyable, while continually finding ways to improve the experience for the studios and dancers Atlas serves.
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DAN BURKE
CO-FOUNDER / OWNER
Dan Burke has spent his life in dance, with a career that has taken him from the competition studio to cruise ships, professional entertainment, and Walt Disney World. He began performing professionally at 18, dancing aboard cruise ships before going on to perform in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
Dan later joined Walt Disney World as an Equity dancer and performer in parades and live shows. He eventually became a Maintenance Choreographer, a position he held for eight years, where he worked with performers and creative teams to stage, teach, and develop entertainment throughout the resort. He was also part of the creative teams behind several major Disney productions, including Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular, Festival of Fantasy Parade, and Mickey's Royal Friendship Faire.
For the past decade, Dan has also taught and choreographed locally, working extensively with pre-professional dancers and competitive companies. His experience as a dancer, performer, choreographer, teacher, and studio professional has given him a broad understanding of both dance education and the competition world.
As Co-Founder of Atlas Dance Challenge, Dan focuses on the dancer and teacher experience. He wants Atlas to provide strong competition, meaningful feedback, professional events, and an environment where dancers are challenged to grow while still enjoying what they do.
