The Dance Factory is a dance studio in Topeka, Kansas, teaching students from 18 months of age through to adults in what it describes as an exciting, educational, artistic and progressive environment, with a stated philosophy of teaching life lessons as well as dance lessons. Its programs are tiered. Studio Dancers is the recreational track for 18 months through high school, with pupils attending one or two days a week and dancers aged 3 and over performing in an optional Winter Showcase in December and the Studio Spring Concert in June. Mini Company, for 4-year-olds through 2nd grade, competes at three regional competitions in the Kansas City area and attends one convention. Performance Company, for 3rd grade through high school, is an introduction to competition with an emphasis on community performances and two regional competitions, and includes a Hip Hop Crew. Competition Company, also 3rd grade and up, is the advanced competitive track with separate Regional and National levels, the latter requiring three nights of class a week, Saturday rehearsals, national competitions and conventions, and a National Finals event each summer.