PROJECT MINOR

Project Minor is EMPIRE 951’s elite teen competitive hip-hop team, made up of dancers ages 13–18. As one of our flagship crews, members train weekly with both local and guest choreographers, pushing boundaries in movement and style. Project Minor competes at regional and national events and represents EMPIRE 951 at community showcases. With a strong focus on discipline, creativity, and unity, this team leads by example, showing what it means to grow both as dancers and as a crew.

UNOFFICIAL

Unofficial is our new powerhouse junior hip-hop team, representing EMPIRE 951 with high energy and big passion. For dancers ages 9–13, Unofficial is where performance skills are sharpened through consistent training, choreography, and teamwork. This crew competes throughout the season and performs locally while building strong foundations in freestyle, musicality, and stage presence. Every week, Unofficial dancers grow through guidance from professional instructors and our monthly EMP951 Workshop experience.

CONNECT ZERO

Connect Zero is our newest, and youngest competitive team under EMPIRE 951, designed for dancers ages 6–9. This dynamic crew introduces young performers to the excitement of hip-hop competition and showcases while building confidence, teamwork, and rhythm. Through weekly classes and mentorship from seasoned choreographer and Director Jacobie Bluhm, Connect Zero learns the value of dedication, training, and fun. They're small in size but bold in spirit—representing the future of EMP951.

FAQs

When and where do your teams rehearse?

We rehearse once a week at Murrieta Dance Project. Connect Zero & Unofficial rehearse for an hour, and Project Minor rehearses about an hour and a half.

What is the time commitment for team members?

Dancers are expected to attend weekly rehearsals, drop-in classes, and our monthly EMP951 Workshop. Additional rehearsals may be scheduled before competitions or showcases. Attendance and punctuality are required for team success.

What is EMPIRE 951 and what makes it different?

EMPIRE 951 is a competitive hip-hop dance program founded by Jacobie Bluhm. We focus on training with intention, performing with excellence, and developing dancers as leaders—on stage and in life. Dancers are part of a structured, team-centered environment that combines high-level instruction with discipline, commitment, and mentorship.

What are the Age Ranges on the team?

Connect Zero – Ages 6–9

Unofficial – Ages 9–13

Project Minor – Ages 13–18


Placement is based on age, ability, work ethic, and team dynamics.

Is EMPIRE 951 ran THROUGH Murrieta dance project?

No. Empire 951 is a program created and directed under Jacobie Bluhm for hip-hop training opportunities and competition. We only rehearse and hold our classes at MDP.

How much is it to be on a team?

Tuition is $110 a month, and includes the weekly drop-in class. This is about 3-4 classes each month, on top of rehearsal.

About how many competitions does each team do?

Each EMPIRE 951 team is thoughtfully structured to match age, experience, and readiness with the level of competition and performance.

  • Connect Zero (Ages 6–9) and Unofficial (Ages 9–13) will focus on localized competitions and performance opportunities. These teams typically attend 1–2 competitions per season, with the goal of building foundational skills, confidence, and team experience in a supportive setting.

  • Project Minor (Ages 13–18) represents EMPIRE 951 at a more advanced level, competing in 2–3 major competitions each season. In addition to competing, this team performs regularly at local events, showcases, and community activations, serving as leaders and ambassadors of the program.

Our goal is to challenge each dancer appropriately while making sure the commitment feels meaningful, manageable, and motivating at every level.

Is previous dance experience required to audition?

While experience is helpful, we also look for potential, work ethic, and attitude. Auditions help us evaluate readiness and placement. We welcome dancers who are passionate and willing to grow.

How do I stay informed throughout the season?

We communicate through email, group messages, and our online parent portal. A full calendar will be shared at the start of the season. We encourage open and respectful communication.

WHAT opportunities are available (outside of team commitments) for training?

Any dancers can still take our weekly drop-in classes and workshops. Dancers can also learn specifically from our director, Jacobie Bluhm, through Murrieta Dance Project’s recreational classes.