2025-26 Season
Nationals Convention
Everything you need to know about attending DanceMakers Nationals convention. From registration to event day, we've got you covered.
Ages & Fees
| Group | Age | Fee | Late Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher | 14+ | $475 | $20 |
| Assistants | 14+ | $475 | $20 |
| Senior | 14+ | $450 | $20 |
| Teen | 11-13 | $450 | $20 |
| Junior | 7-10 | $450 | $20 |
| Camp Dance | 3-6 | $300 | $20 |
All ages for convention and competition are as of January 1, 2026. The above age levels are guidelines to our DanceMakers convention experience. Each dancer will be issued a wristband that reflects their assigned ballroom for class and gives them access to that room only.
Teachers are more than welcome to move dancers to a different age category for convention. This can be done online during the registration process or on-site. If done on-site, the wristband must be presented at registration by a registered teacher.
One day and college rates are available. Please contact the DanceMakers home office for more info. Dancers that are registered in the competition must be registered for the full week and are not eligible for these discounts.
Registration Details
Registration Opening
Registration for Nationals will open March 5, 2026. You will be able to register for convention and qualified competition routines from this day until the cutoff.
Cutoff date is May 22, 2026.
Registration Process
Registrations must be completed via our online registration system and should be received by event's cutoff date to avoid late fees.
After the registration process is completed you will receive a basic confirmation email confirming we have received your registration.
10 days before the event all of the detailed information will be released on our website and emailed to the studio email address on the account.
Registration Kits
Registrations with 10 or more dancers registered will receive their registration kits in the mail pre-event. These kits will be delivered by the Wednesday before the event.
For studio and independent registrations with 9 dancers or less, we will have your registration kit available on site for pick up at registration.
If you have 9 dancers or less registered and would like your registration kit shipped, there will be a $20 shipping and handling fee applied.
Registration kits will include scholarship numbers, wristbands, teacher lanyards, your teacher handbook and a complimentary program.
Important Requirements
- •Dancers are not required to compete to participate in convention.
- •All dancers are required to be registered for the full convention in order to participate in competition.
- •Independent registrations will be accepted for convention only. These dancers are not eligible to compete.
- •Dancers that attend a studio, but are attending DanceMakers without the studio must have the studio complete their registration under the studio account prior to the event.
Liability Waiver
When submitting a registration, the studio is stating that during the event DanceMakers Inc will not be held responsible for any loss of property and/or injury. You can sign the waiver here.
Payment Information
Payment Deadlines
Registration and payment must be received before the attending event's cutoff date. Competition routines will be removed if payment is not received by this date.
If registration is received after the cutoff date, there will be a $20 late fee applied to each attendee.
Payment Methods
Before cutoff date: Credit cards and checks are accepted. Checks should be made payable to DanceMakers Inc., PO BOX 1836, Charleston, SC 29402.
After cutoff date: All payments made after the cutoff date (pre-event or on site) must be made by credit card, cashier's check or money order.
Refund Policy
There are no refunds. Studio credits are available at the discretion of DanceMakers Inc.
Teacher Discounts
Free Teacher Registration
There is a $47.50 credit for each paid student toward teacher registration, which equals 1 FREE teacher for every 10 paid students.
Event Information
Wristbands & Entry
In order to participate and/or watch DanceMakers convention classes all attendees must have a wristband (teacher/dancer). Competition is open to anyone who would like to watch! No wristband required.
Wristbands for entry into ballroom must be worn throughout the convention and competition. Please do not remove wristband.
If replacement wristband is needed, the old wristband must be presented at registration.
Ballroom Guidelines
During the convention setting there are no oversized dance bags or luggage allowed in the ballroom. Keep all belongings as far back against the walls as possible. This is to ensure that all the dancers have plenty of space.
We no longer offer observer bands for classes. The only exception to this is our Camp Dance room, which is our pre-school program.
Teacher Guidelines
Teachers are more than welcome to observe and/or participate in all ballrooms. When dancing in student classrooms, we ask you dance to the side or in the back of the room behind the student dancers.
Teachers are not eligible to participate in competition.
Teacher's Lounge
All teachers have access to the teacher's lounge for the entire week of Nationals! The teacher's lounge is a private ballroom for all teachers to have a "break area" to relax.
Breakfast and lunch will be provided complimentary in the lounge Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (breakfast only on Thursday). There will be coffee available all day in the teacher's lounge as well!
This is not open to assistant teachers.
Assistant Teacher Guidelines
Assistant Teachers are more than welcome to observe and/or participate in all ballrooms. When dancing in the younger student classrooms, we ask you dance to the side or in the back of the room behind the student dancers. This is not applied in the Senior classroom.
Assistant Teachers are more than welcome to participate in competition as well as the Senior Audition Class.
Dress Code & Etiquette
All dancers must wear cover-up and shoes when outside the ballroom area.
No tap shoes or bare feet outside ballrooms.
Please be respectful of other guests in hotel and public spaces.
Media & Photography
Choreographers and all attendees automatically give their permission to DanceMakers to use all photos and videos from convention and/or competition for advertising, publicity, and professional use.
Photo and video during convention are allowed. Please remember to be respectful of the class.
Questions?
Have questions about Nationals convention registration or guidelines? Our team is here to help!
Contact Us