StarQuest International, Inc.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1993
- HeadquartersGalveston, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What StarQuest International, Inc. does
StarQuest International, Inc. (dba StarQuest Dance Competition) is a privately held U.S. dance competition organizer founded in 1993 by Steve Wappel and headquartered in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina. The company operates a touring regional competition circuit across more than 65 cities annually (January through June), structured around three skill tiers (Nova, Classic, Select), and culminates each season in four World Finals events held in Galveston TX, Orlando FL, and Hershey PA (two sessions). Its primary customers are verified dance studio owners and directors who register dancers through the gated DanceComp Genie online portal; independent entries are not accepted. Supporting customer segments include dancers of all ages and their families, plus a distributed touring workforce of judges, stage managers, photographers, emcees, and sound/console operators hired on a per-event basis (first-year pay averaging $600-$1,200 per event).
The company's technology stack centers on a multi-platform digital ecosystem comprising the SQ App (iOS/Android) for routine status, photo/video download, digital ticketing, and password-protected livestream; the DanceComp Genie registration platform used by verified studios to manage entries, deposits, fees, and judging critiques; a proprietary livestream system; and an All-Inclusive Media Package delivery system covering every dancer's photos and videos. Digital tickets distributed through the SQ App also function as the venue-entry control mechanism for safety and capacity management.
StarQuest's revenue is generated primarily through per-entry competition fees paid by studios and a mandatory All-Inclusive Media Package charged per dancer (payable only at the dancer's first regional event of the year, making the package effectively recurring across the circuit). Ancillary revenue comes from branded merchandise sold through a third-party-operated e-commerce storefront (shopstarquestdance.shop). The company also distributes over $30,000 annually in senior scholarships to graduating high school seniors pursuing higher education, funded as a community investment rather than a paid service. Distribution is community- and event-driven: growth depends on the reputation of the competition experience, word-of-mouth within the dance studio network, and the SQ App/Facebook/Instagram ecosystem, with no public consumer pricing and no independent (non-studio) registrations accepted.
StarQuest International, Inc. firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- StarQuest International, Inc.
- Legal name
- StarQuest International Inc.
- Website
- https://starquestdance.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1993
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
StarQuest International, Inc. industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Dance Competition Services
- NAICS
- Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events with Facilities (71131), Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events with Facilities (711310)
- SIC
- Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Dance Festivals & Dance Series (MPAGADAJ)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Event Operations & Venue Services (Box Office, FOH/BOH, Concessions) (MPAIAFAL), Dance Performances (THAJAFAD)
Keywords
Where StarQuest International, Inc. is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Galveston
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices7 records
Markets served
StarQuest International, Inc. business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Competition Entry Fees (Regional & Finals): Dance studios pay per-entry fees for each dancer or routine entered in regional and World Finals competitions. Entry fees are non-refundable and calculated on each studio's online registration page. Studios must pay a reservation deposit to secure their spot.
- All-Inclusive Media Package: Mandatory pre-paid media package covering all photos and videos per dancer, digital program, and event livestream. A low-cost separate fee from entry fees, calculated per studio's registration page. Studios attending multiple regional events pay the package only at the first event.
- Senior Scholarships Funded by StarQuest: StarQuest distributes over $30,000 in scholarships to graduating high school seniors who participate in StarQuest events and are pursuing higher education. Funded directly by StarQuest as a community investment.
- Merchandise Sales: StarQuest operates a branded merchandise storefront (shopstarquestdance.shop) selling official apparel and gear. Managed by an independent merchandise vendor.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Competition entry fees — tiered by Nova, Classic, and Select levels |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | All-Inclusive Media Package (mandatory per dancer) |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels8 records
StarQuest International, Inc. product offering
Product offeringCore offering
StarQuest International operates a touring U.S. dance competition circuit, delivering regional events across 65+ cities annually and culminating in four World Finals events in Galveston, Orlando, and Hershey. The company serves verified dance studios as its direct customers, providing a multi-tier (Nova, Classic, Select) adjudication experience, an all-inclusive media package, digital ticketing, and an SQ mobile application, supported by an online registration platform and proprietary livestream.
Product overview
StarQuest International, Inc. operates a comprehensive dance competition ecosystem centered on its core StarQuest Dance Competition platform. The company delivers regional competitions across 65+ cities annually, culminating in World Finals events. Key supporting products include the SQ App (mobile application for event access, media downloads, and livestreaming), Digital Ticketing System (safety-focused digital entry via app), and an all-inclusive Media Package (photos, videos, and livestream). Additional offerings encompass Senior Scholarships ($30,000+ program), the Artists Unite Collective convention brand, an e-commerce merchandise store, and the Viral Video Contest. The portfolio functions as an integrated event management system combining competitions, digital services, and audience engagement tools.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Artists Unite Collective: A dance convention focusing on artistry, health and wellness, and professional growth for performers.
Products and services
- StarQuest Dance Competition (Regional) A touring dance competition circuit delivering regional events across 65+ U.S. cities annually, with three skill tiers (Nova, Classic, Select), professional adjudication, and standardized competition rules. Direct customers are verified dance studios and schools that register dancers.
- World Finals The flagship championship events featuring qualifying dancers from regional competitions, held across four sessions in Galveston, TX; Orlando, FL; and Hershey, PA (two sessions).
- SQ App Mobile application available on iOS and Android that enables dancers and families to check routine status, download photos and videos, view digital programs, access digital tickets for venue entry, and watch a password-protected live stream of events.
- All-Inclusive Media Package Mandatory per-dancer paid package covering all event photos and videos, a free digital program, and complimentary livestream access; dancers attending multiple regional events pay only at the first event.
- StarQuest Merchandise Store Online storefront selling official StarQuest branded apparel and gear, including the 2026 collection.
- Artists Unite Collective A StarQuest sub-brand dance convention focused on artistry, health and wellness, and professional growth for performers, designed to help dancers achieve personal and professional goals.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over $30,000 in annual scholarships awarded to graduating seniors pursuing higher education
Companies that use StarQuest International, Inc.
Customer profileNamed customers2 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
StarQuest International, Inc. technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
StarQuest International, Inc. partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
18 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Artists Unite CollectivecoreArtists Unite Collective by StarQuest is a reimagined dance convention program featuring a unique focus on artistry, health and wellness, and professional growth. It is a company initiative designed to collaborate with performers to help them achieve future goals personally and professionally. The program has its own website (artistsunitecollective.com) and is marketed alongside StarQuest competitions.
- Acrobatic ArtsminorAcrobatic Arts is listed as a sponsor on the StarQuest Meet The Sponsors page. They appear to support StarQuest events as an award or studio sponsor.
- American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA)minorAMDA is listed as a sponsor and appears in the Award Sponsors section. AMDA College of the Performing Arts provides performing arts education.
- Dance Educators CollectiveminorListed as a sponsor on the StarQuest website. The Dance Educators Collective is a community for dance educators.
- Dance Teacher Summer ExpominorListed as a sponsor. The Dance Teacher Summer Expo is a professional development event for dance educators.
- Dream DuffelminorDream Duffel appears as a sponsor on the StarQuest website. They manufacture dance bags and luggage designed for touring dance companies.
- Weissman DancewearminorListed as a sponsor and appears in the Studio Directors & Teacher Gift Sponsors section. Weissman Dancewear manufactures dance costumes.
- Kendra ScottminorKendra Scott is listed as a sponsor. They offer jewelry and accessories, likely providing gift items or award prizes.
- Bold Dance ProjectminorBold Dance Project appears as a sponsor on the StarQuest website.
- PeridanceminorPeridance (Peridance Capezio Center in NYC) is listed as a sponsor. Peridance is a dance studio and school in New York City.
- Penny PrimaminorPenny Prima is listed as a sponsor on the StarQuest website.
- Moving PropsminorMoving Props appears as a sponsor. They supply stage and dance props for performances.
- Jo-JaxminorJo-Jax is listed as a sponsor on the StarQuest website. Jo-Jax designs and manufactures dance costumes and activewear.
- Tap RootsminorTap Roots appears as a sponsor on the StarQuest website. Tap Roots is a dance-focused wellness and movement brand.
- Passion PlannerminorPassion Planner is listed as a sponsor. They produce planners and journals for goal-setting, likely relevant to dancers and studio teachers.
- Forward SpaceminorForward Space appears as a sponsor on the StarQuest website.
- Dance Competition HubminorListed as a sponsor. Dance Competition Hub is a dance industry resource and competition listing platform.
- The Legacy of YouminorThe Legacy of You (thelegacyofyou.com) appears as a sponsor. The brand appears to focus on dance studio legacy and leadership resources.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
StarQuest International, Inc. competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Starz Dance Ovation: U.S. touring dance competition with a regional circuit and national finals targeting the same verified dance studio customers as StarQuest, with similar entry-fee and award structures.
- KAR Dance Competition: Touring dance competition company running regional and finals events for studio-registered dancers — directly comparable business model, customer base, and touring footprint.
- Tremaine Dance Conventions: Long-established U.S. dance convention and competition tour operator serving verified studios with regional events and a national finals — analogous season-based touring model.
- NUVO Dance Convention: Dance competition and convention tour with a multi-city circuit and finals serving studio-based dancers, overlapping directly with StarQuest's customer segment and event cadence.
- ShowStopper Dance Competition: Touring dance competition circuit with regionals and a flagship finals event for studio-registered dancers — closest direct comparable to StarQuest's competition and World Finals structure.
- Nexstar Dance Competition: National touring dance competition running regional events and a nationals-level competition for studio-recruited dancers — directly comparable event-driven GTM.
- JUMP Dance Convention: Dance convention and competition tour operating across U.S. cities with finals, targeting the same studio-registered dancer customer base as StarQuest.
- In10sity Dance Competition: Touring dance competition circuit featuring regionals and The Dance Awards finale, serving verified studios in a model that overlaps with StarQuest's regional + Finals structure.
- Hollywood Vibe Dance Competition: National dance competition tour with regional events and a national finals targeting studio-registered dancers across multiple U.S. cities.
Broad incumbents
- Dance Masters of America: Established national dance educators' and competition organization with regional and national competition events for member studios — a broader, more decentralized incumbent in the same niche.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
StarQuest International, Inc. social profiles
Digital presenceStarQuest International, Inc. financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
StarQuest International, Inc. leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
StarQuest International, Inc. funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
StarQuest International, Inc. M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about StarQuest International, Inc.
What does StarQuest International, Inc. do?
StarQuest International operates a touring U.S. dance competition circuit, delivering regional events across 65+ cities annually and culminating in four World Finals events in Galveston, Orlando, and Hershey. The company serves verified dance studios as its direct customers, providing a multi-tier (Nova, Classic, Select) adjudication experience, an all-inclusive media package, digital ticketing, and an SQ mobile application, supported by an online registration platform and proprietary livestream.
Is StarQuest International, Inc. a public or private company?
StarQuest International, Inc. is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was StarQuest International, Inc. founded?
StarQuest International, Inc. was founded in 1993. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is StarQuest International, Inc. based?
StarQuest International, Inc. is headquartered in Galveston, United States, in the North America region.
How does StarQuest International, Inc. make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Competition Entry Fees (Regional & Finals) is the primary driver. The others are all-Inclusive Media Package, senior Scholarships Funded by StarQuest and merchandise Sales.
Who are StarQuest International, Inc.'s main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Starz Dance Ovation, KAR Dance Competition, Tremaine Dance Conventions, NUVO Dance Convention, ShowStopper Dance Competition, Nexstar Dance Competition, JUMP Dance Convention, In10sity Dance Competition and Hollywood Vibe Dance Competition. Dance Masters of America is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does StarQuest International, Inc. have an API?
No public API is recorded for StarQuest International, Inc..
What industry is StarQuest International, Inc. in?
StarQuest International, Inc.'s product category is Dance Competition Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAGADAJ, Dance Festivals & Dance Series, with a secondary code of MPAIAFAL, Event Operations & Venue Services (Box Office, FOH/BOH, Concessions). Its NAICS code is 71131 and its SIC code is 7900.