Inside DEViATE’s 5-City Dance Tour: How Starlite Delivered Seamless Production Every Step of the Way
Five Cities, One Seamless Experience: How Starlite’s Jeff Bettencourt Elevated The Deviate Dance Competition Experience
From the very beginning, Deviate Dance Competition knew they wanted to take their dance tour on the road. But touring isn’t just about reproducing identical shows —it’s about creating a high-quality AV and lighting experience in each city, no matter the room, layout, or crew dynamics. That’s where Starlite shines.
In 2025, Deviate’s tour spanned five cities:
Dulles, VA
Atlantic City, NJ
Spartanburg, SC
King of Prussia, PA
Troy, MI
Each stop brought its own unique challenges—from ballrooms with low ceilings to convention halls with strict timelines. But Jeff and the Starlite team delivered a seamless setup every time. Whether it was the first show of the year or the final weekend of the tour, the lighting, stage, and energy were consistent—because the prep, planning, and partnership never wavered. Since 2022 the partnership between Starlite and Deviate has blossomed into something much deeper than logistics and lighting. That kind of collaboration doesn’t happen by accident. It comes from mutual trust, deep preparation, and a shared sense of purpose: to make events that matter.
“I’m not just some guy that shows up with the stage and lights. I’m part of their crew, their family. I’ve worked with some of them for over three years now, and they’ll jump in and help with anything—even if it’s not technically their job.”
Laying the Groundwork for Flawless Execution
Every Deviate weekend begins well before the first dancer takes the stage. Jeff’s prep starts weeks in advance—reviewing floor plans, communicating with venues, specifying the AV and lighting equipment and accounting for every detail.
“The reason things go smoothly on-site is because we’ve put in the hours ahead of time,” Jeff explains. “From gear pulls to packing to coordinating with the venue staff—it’s all about prep. That’s what eliminates surprises.”
That level of diligence is essential when you’re touring five different cities, each with its own venue quirks. Whether it’s a hotel ballroom or a sprawling convention center, Jeff adapts the production plan to the room, the stage size, the dancer count—even the local prop dimensions. When things are seamlessly happening, it’s usually because people are working together and planning was done right-and that’s what Starlite’s Event Technology team prides itself on.
AV and Lighting Gear That Works As Hard As the Dancers
Starlite provides full production support: a 28’x48’ stage, performance lighting, and technical expertise throughout the weekend. Lighting design is clean and impactful—designed to make every dancer shine, whether in person or on the live stream.
Key gear includes:
- ETC Ion XE console
- Chauvet MK2 Spot fixtures with custom Deviate gobos
- GLP X4 bars and Martin Mac Aura XBs
- ETC Source4wrd Lekos and Chauvet Ovation Lekos
- 100′ of 20×20 truss and 150′ of black velour drape
Interested in our equipment…check out our rental catalog!
The custom gobos add an immersive brand element, with Jeff able to project Deviate’s logo anywhere in the room, changing colors and positions dynamically throughout the day. The goal at the end of the day is to make the dancers feel confident on stage. Lighting is key to add the elements needed for the performers to feel their best and perform their best.
Leading With Experience—and Enthusiasm
Jeff’s role goes far beyond technical direction. He leads with trust, flexibility, and a calm, seasoned approach that sets the tone for everyone on site.
His crew is a hybrid: Starlite technicians and Deviate staff who double as AV and lighting production support. Over time, Jeff has built a system of clearly assigned roles that keep things moving efficiently and safely on this dance tour.
“One of the best lessons I’ve learned is not to judge a book by its cover,” he says. “The Deviate crew might be dancers by trade, but they work just as hard and effectively as any tech crew I’ve worked with.”
This shared commitment is what transforms a production into a partnership. And it’s why Starlite has become a trusted part of Deviate’s DNA.
Impact That Lasts Long After the Final Curtain
The Deviate Dance Competition draws over 1,000 dancers and more than 50 studios. It’s not just a competition—it’s a celebration of art, effort, and growth. Dancers compete one day, then spend two more days taking masterclasses with professionals from Broadway, cruise ships, and theme parks. It’s high-energy, high-impact, and high-stakes for the kids involved.
“Success to me is seeing those kids smiling on stage,” Jeff says. “Knowing that we helped create a moment they’ll remember forever—that’s what it’s all about.”
That heart—shared by Jeff, the Event Technology team, and everyone at Starlite—is what powers every production we’re a part of. From dance competitions to concerts to corporate meetings, we don’t lose sight of what these events mean to the people attending them.
We bring quality gear, yes. We bring skill, absolutely. But above all, we bring our niche enthusiasm and energy for the world of AV and lighting.
Looking Ahead
As Deviate continues to grow, Jeff and the Starlite team are already planning ways to streamline load-ins, evolve the lighting design, and add subtle but meaningful upgrades that keep the event fresh year after year. With another city added to the tour in 2026 and thousands more dancers to inspire, this is more than just a show. It’s a shared journey. And Starlite is proud to be along for the ride.