THE SHOWSTOPPER EXPERIENCE

Kick off the holiday season at the Showstopper Holiday Dance Classic in Lakeland, FL, November 20–22, 2026, at the RP Funding Center. Set right on the I-4 corridor between Tampa and Orlando, this early-season event gives Central Florida studios a low-pressure stage to test new choreography, collect judges’ critiques, and get a jump on the 2027 competition season — with the same production, live streaming, and awards you expect from Showstopper.

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: November 2, 2026

Routine entry closes 18 days before each event.

BEFORE THE EVENT

• 30 Days Prior (October 21, 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 (November 2, 2026): 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! 2027 Regional registration is open—choose your city and reserve your routine spots before they sell out!
• May 2027: 2028 Tour Dates announced
• August 2027: 2028 Tour Registration opens