THE FINALS EXPERIENCE

Showstopper’s 2027 Northern Finals brings the championship stage to Kalahari Resort in Sandusky, OH, June 18–21. Any studio can compete — no regional required and no qualification needed — and dancers from across the Midwest and Northeast gather at a resort where rooms, restaurants, and America’s largest indoor waterpark sit under the same roof, so the week is a vacation as much as a competition. Expect elevated production, national-level adjudication, free live streaming, and a finale worth traveling for.

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

• Special Finals Moments:
  • America Loves to Dance Awards – a championship day of epic dance that brings the week’s top competitive groups back to the stage to perform once more
  • Opening Number featuring 2027 All-Star dancers
  • Senior Day celebrations + gifts
  • Pink Carpet Walk for Seniors – a walk to remember before they take their final bow
  • ProductionMania! – a special end-of-Finals event featuring all registered production routines
• 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
• Pink Carpet Walk for All Studios: Walk the pink carpet and celebrate your studio’s incredible season
• Priority Access: First look at our 2028 Tour schedule and registration

DEADLINES + DETAILS

Registration Deadline: May 31, 2027

Routine entry closes 18 days before each event.

Studios do not have to compete at a regional event to compete at the Finals!

BEFORE THE EVENT

• February 1, 2027: Review your reserved Finals routines. Finals deposits are no longer refundable or transferable.
• 3 Weeks Prior: Pre-competition checklist emailed so you know what’s next
• 18 Days Prior (May 31, 2027): Final registration deadline (schedule creation begins the next day). Make sure to:
  • Enter all routine details and complete changes
  • Upload music files
  • Submit full payment
• 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
• August 2027: 2028 Tour Registration opens

2027 Northern Finals Tentative Schedule