DEADLINES + DETAILS

Registration Deadline: January 11, 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.
• 30 Days Prior (December 30, 2026): 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 (January 11, 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:ou 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

THE SHOWSTOPPER EXPERIENCE

Open your season at Showstopper’s 2027 dance competition in Columbia, SC, January 29–31, at the Richland 2 Performing Arts Center. Conveniently located in South Carolina’s capital city, Columbia offers easy access, comfortable accommodations, and plenty of dining and shopping just minutes from the venue. Studios from across the Midlands, Upstate, Lowcountry, and neighboring states come together to begin the competition season with the full Showstopper experience. As one of the first events on the 2027 tour, Columbia is where dancers earn their first scores, receive valuable critiques, and build momentum for an exciting season ahead.

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 age divisions
  • 20+ category age divisions
  • 6 routine entry types
  • 15+ dance categories
  • 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