Are you ready to take your dance journey to the next level? The Elite Dance Challenge at our National Finals offers an unparalleled platform for dancers of all levels to shine. From aspiring young talents to seasoned performers, our event is designed to inspire, challenge, and reward dedication to the art of dance. Get ready for a week packed with exciting opportunities, culminating in the prestigious Elite Dance Challenge finales.
Experience the Elite Performance Team
Selected dancers from regional competitions are invited to join the Elite Performance Team, a unique program offering intensive training and performance opportunities. These talented individuals will collaborate with diverse choreographers and dancers from various studios, learning a dynamic group routine. Imagine performing this routine multiple times during the National Finals and, most notably, opening the Elite Challenge on the final day! Teams are carefully divided by age into Mini (8 & Under), Junior (9 – 12), and Senior (13 & Over) divisions, ensuring a fair and inspiring environment.
Members of the Elite Performance Team are not only rewarded with invaluable experience but also significant prizes. In each age group, one standout dancer will receive a $200 cash prize, and numerous dancers will be awarded scholarships (typically 10-25 per team, based on team size). Beyond monetary awards, team members receive exclusive team apparel, a commemorative trophy, and a special registration number to be worn during rehearsals and convention classes. To participate, dancers need to bring black shorts (without logos or markings) and nude jazz or lyrical shoes for rehearsals and performances.
If you receive an invitation to join the Elite Performance Team, remember to accept it by the deadline indicated on your certificate! Ensure your application is complete by including the entry fees; incomplete applications will not be processed until payment is received.
Enhance Your Skills with Convention Classes
All registered competitors enjoy FREE Convention Classes taught by our esteemed EDC judges and faculty. These classes cover a wide range of dance styles and subjects, providing invaluable learning opportunities. Convention classes are also divided into age groups: Mini (8 & Under), Junior (9 – 12), and Senior (13 & Over), mirroring the competition age divisions. Dancers have the option to challenge themselves by taking classes in the next level or age division. Exceptional talent is recognized in these classes as well, with scholarships awarded to deserving dancers at the end of each session.
To participate in Convention Classes, each registered dancer must check in at the registration table to receive their unique registration number. This number is required for entry into the convention ballroom and must be worn visibly throughout all classes. Registration numbers are non-transferable and should be kept until all convention classes are concluded. Dancers should come prepared with appropriate dance attire and footwear for various class styles.
Join the National Scavenger Hunt
Beyond the dance floor, the National Finals also features a fun and engaging Scavenger Hunt spanning 2-3 days. This studio-based activity encourages teamwork and creativity. Studios will receive clues and are challenged to complete the Scavenger Hunt with the most imaginative and original submissions. The studio that triumphs will be awarded the coveted Studio Scavenger Hunt Banner, a symbol of their collaborative spirit and ingenuity.
Show Your Studio Pride with the Team Spirit Award
Let your studio spirit shine throughout the National Event with the Rep Your Studio: Team Spirit Award! Showcase your studio pride by wearing team shirts, hats, signs, pants, jackets, and any other creative expressions of unity. Parents and visitors are also encouraged to join in supporting their favorite studio. Our judges and staff will be observing throughout the week, seeking out the studio that embodies the most enthusiastic and creative team spirit. The winning studio will receive the Studio Spirit Banner and a celebratory $250 pizza party to share their victory. Awards are based on participation levels and the creativity displayed.
Witness the Solo Showcase
The Elite Challenge Solo Showcase is a highlight of the National Finals, taking place on the final day. This prestigious event features the top 3 competitive soloists from the Mini, Young, Teen, and Senior age levels from the National Finals competition. These exceptional dancers will re-compete their routines in front of a fresh panel of judges for the Solo Showcase title. Participation and attendance are free, offering a fantastic opportunity to witness top-tier solo performances. Two Solo Showcase winners will be crowned, one for the 12 & Under age group and one for the 13 & Over age group, each receiving $250 and a trophy.
The Elite Challenge Overview: Battle of the Best
Formerly known as the Dance Off, The Elite Challenge is the ultimate culmination of the National Finals week. These challenges represent the pinnacle of competition, where dancers battle for top honors across Recreational, Intermediate, and Competitive performance levels. At the conclusion of each group award ceremony, qualifying dances for each respective challenge will be announced. Awards are presented immediately following each Elite Challenge.
The Elite Recreational Challenge
The Elite Recreational Challenge invites the top 2 highest-scoring routines in Small Group, Large Group, Line, and Production categories from the Mini, Young, Teen, and Senior age groups within the Recreational level. Studios are limited to one entry per age group in each division. Adding to the excitement, judges will select TWO Wildcard routines from the Recreational Level, across all age groups, to join The Elite Recreational Challenge. These Wildcard selections will be revealed at the final group award ceremony for recreational entries.
Awards & Prizes: Trophies are awarded to the top 3 highest-scoring routines in The Elite Recreational Challenge. The routine achieving the Highest Overall Score will be crowned the Winner of The Elite Recreational Challenge and will receive a $500 Scholarship.
The Elite Intermediate Challenge
The Elite Intermediate Challenge extends invitations to the top 3 highest-scoring routines from Small Group, Large Group, Line, and Production categories in the Mini, Young, Teen, and Senior age groups within the Intermediate level. Similar to the Recreational Challenge, studios are limited to one entry per age group within each division, and if a studio sweeps a category, only their 1st place routine will be invited. Judges will also select TWO Wildcard routines from the Intermediate Level, across all age groups, to participate in The Elite Intermediate Challenge. Wildcard routines will be announced at the last group award ceremony for intermediate entries.
Awards & Prizes: Trophies are awarded to the Winner and Runner-Up in each of the following categories within The Elite Intermediate Challenge:
- 12 & Under Intermediate Challenge Small/Large Group – $500
- 12 & Under Intermediate Challenge Line/Production – $500
- 13 & Over Intermediate Challenge Small/Large Group – $500
- 13 & Over Intermediate Challenge Line/Production – $500
The Elite Competitive Challenge
The Elite Competitive Challenge represents the highest level of competition, inviting the top 3 highest-scoring routines from Small Group, Large Group, Line, and Production categories from the Mini, Young, Teen, and Senior age groups within the Competitive level. Studio entry limitations and Wildcard selection processes mirror the Recreational and Intermediate Challenges. Judges will select TWO Wildcard routines from the Competitive Level to participate in The Elite Competitive Challenge, announced at the final group award ceremony for competitive entries.
Awards & Prizes: Trophies are awarded to the Winner and Runner-Up in each category of The Elite Competitive Challenge:
- 12 & Under Elite Competitive Challenge Small/Large Group – $1,000
- 12 & Under Elite Competitive Challenge Line/Production – $1,000
- 13 & Over Elite Competitive Challenge Small/Large Group – $1,000
- 13 & Over Elite Competitive Challenge Line/Production – $1,000
The Elite Dance Challenge at National Finals is more than just a competition; it’s a celebration of dance, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence. We invite you to be a part of this extraordinary event and witness the future of dance unfold.
