Since 1994, Starbound National Talent Competition has focused on creating a competition with a personal touch. The organization has grown to nearly 60 Regional and 5 National events, all while maintaining the family feel that founder Sandra Coyte and her husband Wayne pride themselves on. Dance Informa spoke with Robbie Mulrey, one of the competition Directors, who has been with the organization for over 20 years.
Mulrey graduated from The University of the Arts Philadelphia in 1999, before beginning a career in Los Angeles, and later returning to New York for a few Broadway tours. He competed with Starbound as a child, and reconnected with Coyte after his Broadway stint. Mulrey shares, “We just clicked. It became more than employer/employee, we became family. She’s like a second mother to me. I started off as a judge, did some tabulation, worked backstage a few times, then I became a director about 10 years ago. Sandy and I started doing all the Dance Moms filmings. I was her right-hand man.”
Mulrey could not speak highly enough of the family-like atmosphere that permeates Starbound. This tight-knit staff energy ripples outward, welcoming dancers, teachers and their loved ones as true extensions of the Starbound family. Mulrey says, “We always take the five minutes to get to know those who walk through our doors. We make a point to introduce ourselves if we don’t already know them and establish a rapport.”
In addition to its welcoming atmosphere, Starbound is committed to its Dancers Care Partnership. Mulrey notes, “Dancers Care is something Sandra has been passionate about for as long as I can remember. We’ve raised close to $3 million for cancer research.”
The organization has also created an award in honor of Maggie Kudirka, the Bald Ballerina, which is given out at every Regional and National event. “Maggie actually painted the award,” Mulrey explains. “It’s for a dancer of any age who’s like Maggie – who shines bright and sparkles from head to toe. They don’t have to be a crazy technician; it’s about heart and passion. Maggie also started the Dancers Care Angels. The Angels money raises money for dancers struggling with cancer.”
This year, Starbound is bringing back its Dancers Care Benefit, an event where every cent raised goes toward cancer research. Additionally, Starbound is excited to announce that there will be a vocal and tap judge present at every competition. This means more opportunity for more talent to shine.
Another new element is Starbound’s Improv Battle. Mulrey says, “Kids love to showcase, and be free to do their own thing. It’s a creative outlet for them. We pick random music. It’s fun because it’s interactive for us as emcees. We do it right before the awards – the crowd gets into it, the kids get into it. The judges then start to pick finalists, and the winner gets this really nice Starbound Improv Battle sweatshirt.”
Starbound aims to stay current and innovative each season through a commitment to excellent customer service and strong relationships. “We listen to what teachers want and to what the industry needs. Whatever the industry is calling for, we try to give that and then top it. Our biggest thing is listening to our clients.”
With five National options, the locations are what truly set each event apart. Teachers can explore the option that most excites their dancers, giving them an opportunity to perform on some of the country’s most iconic stages.
Mulrey expands, “Texas is in the Lila Cockrell. It’s the most amazing showroom, convention center, right on the riverwalk. In Orlando, we’re at the Swan & Dolphin in Disney, so you get the whole Disney effect. Atlantic City, we’re in the Tropicana Showroom – it’s an actual old school showroom theatre and is unbelievably stunning. In Foxwoods (CT), we’re in a gorgeous part of the casino. We end in Lake Tahoe, which is so beautiful. We’re on the top of a mountain right on the California Nevada state line. The view is stunning. There’s a lot of love and planning that goes into our Nationals and makes them different.”
Mulrey acknowledged some days dancers are really on their game, and others, they aren’t. With that in mind, Starbound is committed to completely unbiased and fair judging. “We don’t influence judges in any way. If there’s ever a tie, we’ll stop the show and meet with the judges to have a conversation. When showcase ends, we take the judges to a private room to discuss things. We give them freedom to voice their opinion. Utmost respect to our judges – they’re all extremely qualified in their field.”
As the conversation concluded, Mulrey offered a heartfelt invitation to studios considering a Starbound event. “Just try us. From the beginning to this day, our biggest thing has always been customer service and being family oriented. You’ll see what makes us different.”
Starbound has three November shows, before its season kicks off January 23-25, 2026, in Redondo Beach, California. For more information, visit starbound.net and follow on Instagram @starboundcomp.
By Melody McTier Thomason of Dance Informa.
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