WHAT IT IS
These focused title competitions celebrate dancers who excel in a specific style – Contemporary, Hip-Hop, Musical Theatre, Jazz, Tap & Ballet.
Dancers compete for Specialty Solo Titles by showcasing their skill, artistry, and passion through both a finals solo performance and a style-specific audition class.
Finals Solo (50%) + Audition Class (50%) = Specialty Solo Title
Each style is treated as its own spotlight event, created to honor dancers who bring a deep connection and voice to their chosen form. This is a space to be recognized not just as a great dancer—but as a true artist in your element.
WHO CAN COMPETE
Specialty Solo Titles are open to Teen and Senior dancers only and are not divided by gender. There is ONE winner for each title, not one per Teen and Senior. Dancers may enter for one style title only.
AVAILABLE TITLES
Best Contemporary Artist
Best Hip-Hop Artist
Best Musical Theatre Artist
Best Jazz Artist
Best Tap Artist
Best Ballet Artist
Best Ballroom Artist
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- •Register for the specific title competition during the Nationals online registration process. There is a $50 fee to be considered for the award.
- •Compete a Finals solo in a specific style (Contemporary, Hip-Hop, Musical Theatre, Jazz, Tap or Ballet). Standard Finals solo fee applies.
- •Participate in the corresponding audition (there will be an audition class for each title).
- •Scoring Breakdown: 50% Solo + 50% Audition
- •To win a Specialty Solo Title a dancer must receive a Platinum or higher in the Finals Competition.
AWARDS
Title Winners will receive:
- • The prestigious title of Best [Style] Artist
- • $500 cash
- • PLUS a curated prize package designed to elevate their journey in their chosen style. This may include personalized genre-specific instruction, mentorship opportunities, sponsorships, and exclusive industry experiences. For example, the Best Musical Theatre Artist might enjoy lunch with a Broadway choreographer, a backstage tour of a major production, or other unique behind-the-scenes access tailored to their artistic path.
Winners will be announced at the Gala along with Top 25 and Top 10 in each style.
FINE PRINT
- •Ages: Open to Teen and Senior dancers (ages 13–19).
- •All ages are calculated as of January 1, 2026.
- •Dancers competing for Artist of the Year are also eligible to compete for a Specialty Solo Title.
- •Dancers may compete for and win Specialty Solo Titles across multiple years; however, they may not win the same genre two years in a row.
- •All Specialty Solo Title contenders must also be part of a Finals group routine.
- •The solo submitted for the Specialty Solo Title must be different from the Artist of the Year solo.
- •Dancers must be registered for the full Nationals Workshop to be eligible for a Specialty Solo Title.
- •Independent entries are not eligible for the Specialty Solo Title competition.
- •Auditions are closed to parents. Only registered teachers and studio owners may observe.
Your style. Your story. Your moment.
