Dahlia Separation after Growth

Not knowing much about unfortunately several of my tubers didn't produce this being the third year. However one that is producing has generated several stalkks within a very small area. I'm going to top them to create flowering and shorter bushier plants. However are there too many Stalks too close together? See photos.
Pics 1&2 - These photos shows the entire group of dahlias and their height which is about 24 to 28 inches.
Pics 3&5 - these photos show how many stalks are growing in a small area, noting that the tuber that seems to be generating this growth is about three inches away from the primary patch of growth lying horizontal and only under about 1/2 inch of soil.
Pic 4 - I have read that in order to create I'll smaller bushier plant that flowers more you should pinch or top dahlias off above the 3rd set of leaves.
In picture for my hand is just above the third set if you don't count the set of leaves that are only 1/2 inch off the soil. Note Dad if I top my plants off there I will be removing between 10 and 14 inches of growth on the taller plants. However at this time I continue to get more Leaf growth there's another set at the top of each but still no buds for flowers showing.

One final note. Over the past two years I knew do not see any flowers until late July or August. Keep in mind I have had them in the ground for two years and and the first two years all I have ever done is water and fertilize. No pruning other than cutting flowers that are in bloom to put in vases. Find growing them like this they tend to get about four and a half feet tall provide minimal amounts of flowers Maybe 6 per plant if that and they require significant staking as they tend to fall all over the place and look rather gangly.

Thanks in advance for your responses.