THE SHOWSTOPPER EXPERIENCE

Compete in Showstopper’s backyard. Our 2027 dance competition in Myrtle Beach, SC runs April 9–11 at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center, on the Grand Strand we’ve called home since 1978. Studios from the Carolinas and up and down the East Coast pair a full production weekend — professional judges, free live streaming, photo and video coverage, awards — with beach time, boardwalk, and spring-break weather. It’s the trip families ask for again the next year.

Step into the spotlight with a competition experience like no other:

• Built for Every Studio and Every Dancer:
  • 5 competition levels, including a level for dancers with special needs and disabilities
  • 5 overall and 20+ category age divisions
  • 15+ dance categories across 6 routine entry types
  • Awards for both categories and overalls
• World-Class Production: Custom Marley stages, pro lighting, and massive LED screens with 100,000+ backgrounds tailored to each routine
• Free Live Stream: Every routine streamed free, with continuous “next-up” updates so nobody misses their dancer
• Capture the Moment: Multi-camera video and professional photos, with packages starting at $6.99 per routine
• Professional Critiques: Honest, helpful feedback from industry pros
• Trophies + Medals: Every dancer gets a medal, every routine earns a trophy
• Special Opportunities: Convention scholarships, magazine features, All-Star invites, and select national performance opportunities
• Shop the Showstopper Store: Over 50 exclusive items dancers love—at prices you’ll appreciate
• Memorable Extras: Just Dance videos, photo ops, and surprises throughout the weekend

FOR TEACHERS & STUDIO OWNERS

• Your Dedicated Rep: We’re with you every step—from sign-up to awards
• Schedules Built Around You: Dancer-specific, group, and full studio views—released to directors 10 days before the event
• Welcome Gift: Complimentary gift for each studio
• Teacher Perks: Free event program and access to our luxury Teacher Hospitality Suite (stocked all day!)
• No Surprise Fees: No observation fees, no mandatory media charges, no penalties for routine changes—you stay in control
• Priority Access: First look at our 2028 Tour schedule and registration

DEADLINES + DETAILS

Registration Deadline: March 22, 2027

Routine entry closes 18 days before each event.

BEFORE THE EVENT

• January 1, 2027: Review your reserved Regional routines and remove any spots you no longer plan to use.
  • Drop unused routines before this deadline to apply those deposits toward your remaining registration fees.
  • After January 1, deposits on any unused routine spots are forfeited and can no longer be applied.
• 30 Days Prior (March 10, 2027): Pay your balance and lock in early pricing.
  • This is the last day to receive the discounted registration rate.
  • After this deadline, all registration fees become non-refundable.
• 3 Weeks Prior: Pre-competition checklist emailed so you know what’s next
• 18 Days Prior (March 22, 2027): Final registration deadline (schedule creation begins the next day). Make sure to:
  • Add or remove routines and complete all changes
  • Upload music files
  • Pay all registration fees in full
• 7 Days Prior:
  • Full event schedule is posted
  • Personalized dancer schedules available in Dancer Hub
  • Photo & video pre-orders open at an extra discounted price
• 3 Days Prior: Know Before You Go email released with:
  • Venue + parking info
  • Prop drop-off details
  • “We’re Competing!” shareable graphic
  • Final event-specific reminders

DURING THE EVENT

• Doors Open: 1 hour before the first scheduled routine
• Props: Large props may be dropped off at the designated prop drop-off area once doors open
• Results: Overall awards posted on touchscreen TVs after each awards set
• Live Stream: Watch on our website or in the Showstopper App
• Photos & Videos: Enter your dancer’s name + birthday to find and order their routines
• Event Tools: Use the FREE Showstopper App for schedules, updates, and orders

AFTER THE EVENT

• 1–2 Days After: Judges’ critiques and final results available in Studio Center
• 3–6 Days After: Routine photos and videos ready for preview/download
• 3–7 Days After: Winner award checks mailed to studios
• Plan your next Showstopper event! Easily copy routines to one of our 2027 Finals, and check out our Fall Convention Tour dates for another unique Showstopper experience!
• May 2027: 2028 Tour Dates announced
• August 2027: 2028 Tour Registration opens