Pick Your Studio’s Perfect Nationals!
Nationals can be the highlight of competition season, bringing together studios from different areas to showcase what they’ve been working on all year long. With so many companies to choose from and various options available, picking the right nationals for your studio can feel overwhelming. To help with the decision, here are a few factors to consider when selecting the perfect dance nationals.
1. Atmosphere & Experience
The overall vibe of an event will shape the experience. Some competitions emphasize fun, community, and a positive experience, while others are highly competitive and more intense. To get a feel for an event, watch highlight reels from past seasons and ask other studios about their experiences. These experiences may help you determine what aligns best with your dancers' needs and goals.
2. Location & Travel Logistics
When planning for nationals, there are many logistics including travel expenses and time off from school or work. National events typically range from 4-8 days. The event's location may determine whether attendance is practical for your dancers and their families. If travel costs are a concern, an option close to home might be a better choice. If your team is looking for a destination experience, nationals in a city like Orlando, Las Vegas, or Nashville can offer an exciting opportunity.
3. Class & Workshop Opportunities
Alongside competition, some national events offer master classes or workshops with industry professionals. These offerings can be invaluable for dancers wishing to further their training. To add more education to your summer schedule, look for a national event with an inspiring convention component.
4. Awards & Scholarships
Gleaming trophies and medals that celebrate our achievements are memorable souvenirs. Beyond those awards, national events are also awarding scholarships to conventions and festivals, summer intensives, and even college programs. Others award cash prizes or credits for future events. For dancers interested in professional opportunities, some competitions offer industry exposure through their faculty and judges, or connections with agencies.
5. Cost & Value
Nationals can be an investment, but some events give you more bang for your buck. To make the most of your experience, it’s important to weigh the costs against the benefits. What are the entry fees? Are there additional costs for workshops or master classes? What are the extra fees for media packages or merchandise? What do these expenses include, and is the experience worth the investment? When selecting an event, the experience should justify the investment. Be sure to choose an event that meets expectations and fits within your families' budgets.
6. Special Events & Time Commitment
Some nationals include special events, parties, or shows in the schedule. Check sample schedules to see what is available to dancers, teachers, and families. Depending on the nationals, the itinerary could be jam-packed or spaced out to allow for more downtime. Learning your studio’s preferences will help you find the right balance between activity and relaxation.
In Conclusion
Not all nationals are created equal. Choosing the right nationals is about finding the best fit for your studio. At Celebrity Dance, we have designed our national events with studio staff, dancers, and their families in mind. This summer, studios can join us for either Celebrity Nationals at Sea or Nationals on Land for an unforgettable experience. Both events offer brilliant competition with incredible prizes and scholarships from Celebrity and our sponsors, including Apolla Performance.
Our signature Nationals at Sea event, taking place aboard beautiful cruise ships each summer, has been running for over 20 years. This vacation is the perfect combination of sun, fun and dance! Studios can enjoy complimentary master classes, private parties and other special events. When dancers are not competing, families are invited to join in on all the fun-filled activities a cruise has to offer including shore excursions, shows and entertainment, gorgeous pools and waterslides, the fitness center, a world-class spa, dining, wonderful ports of call and so much more. Limited space is available for Nationals at Sea, cruising from either Galveston, Texas or Long Beach, California.
To get on board, call a Celebrity Agent at 877.326.2394.
For those wanting to stay ashore this summer, Celebrity Dance is offering the perfect nationals in Las Vegas, Nevada. Studios are invited to join us for thrilling competition from around North America, an inspiring optional workshop to kick off the week, and a closing show featuring the Celebrity Faculty and special guest performances. When dancers are not competing, families can explore all the fun activities Las Vegas has to offer including tours, rides, shows, restaurants, shopping, and so much more. For more information about Celebrity Dance national events, visit CelebrityDance.com.
Whether you’re looking for intense competition or a fun and encouraging atmosphere, there’s a nationals out there perfect for you. Do your research, talk to other studios, and most importantly—choose an event that will create memories to last a lifetime!
