Encore Nationals - Parent FYI & FAQ
How do the complimentary convention classes work?
A ticket/reservation is not required for registered dancers to attend the complimentary convention classes throughout the week. There will be “suggested” age groups for each class, but any registered dancer that wishes to participate may do so.
How does Title at Nationals work?
Title – Top 5 Finalists for Miss/Mr Encore: National Title, how does it work…
Solo routines that are registered for Title are adjudicated on two entirely separate scoring systems during their title routine solo performance.
1) Adjudicated awards will be a combination of, but not limited to: Technique, Performance, and Choreography
2) Title score: scored on poise, stage presence, and personality. We are looking for a dancer who will be a strong representative for Encore in person and media.
Top 5 Finalist posted on Encore’s Facebook and Instagram:
Once all Title soloist contenders have competed, Encore will post the Top Five Finalists (Mini, Petite, Junior, Teen, and Senior) for
Miss & Mr. Encore on our social media pages. Approximate time will be Friday, June 26, 1:00 pm
Top 5 Finalists interview
Top 5 Finalists will meet for a mandatory “chat with judges”, on Friday, June 26, 3:00pm – 4:00pm in Edgewood Tower. This will be a
“no stress” short visit for Encore to briefly chat with each dancer personally and for our judges to have the opportunity to experience each finalist’s communication skills first-hand.
There are no hard questions; nothing for the dancers to prepare. Just fun! Party dresses are encouraged for the ladies.
Gentlemen, please dress to showcase your own personal style, no shorts, jeans or flip-flops.
During the Grand Slam Gala
All Top 5 Title Finalists (Miss and Mr.) in each age group will be presented onstage during the Grand Slam Gala. We will crown (5) Miss Encore Winners and (5) Miss Encore Runner-Ups and award (5) Mr. Encore Winners and (5) Mr. Encore Runner-Ups. Party dresses are encouraged for the ladies. Gentlemen, please dress to showcase your own personal style, no shorts, jeans, or flip-flops.
National Title Competition Entry Fees:
Please note: Title entries are not considered registered until payment is made.
Tuesday, June 2nd thru Monday, June 15th before Encore Nationals, preregistration and payment (registration closed June 16-June 20)
$40 Per Solo entered
June 21-26 during Encore Nationals, on-site registration and payment
$50 Per Solo entered on-site
Will there be a Live Stream of the event like at Regionals?
Competition will be live streamed throughout the week during general competition, which can be viewed via the DanceBUG app or via the “Live Stream” tab on the Encore website. The Gala will not be live streamed as it is a ticketed event.
How is National Photogenic/Cover Model chosen and presented?
Our Judging Panel will choose the National Photogenic Winners (Mini, Petite, Junior, Teen & Senior) and National Cover Model Winners (Mini, Petite, Junior, Teen & Senior) prior to our Nationals and the winners will be unveiled at Nationals. National Photogenic and Cover Model winners are chosen from all regional winners from the 2025 Encore Dance Experience and the 2026 Regional Season. Any Photogenic and Cover Model winners in attendance at the event will receive their award in the awards block immediately following their solo performance. If a dancer is not competing a solo at Nationals, awards will be presented in an awards immediately following their group routine.
Will I need to bring a printed copy of my ticket for entry to the Gala?
No, you can keep your ticket and use it to find your designated seat. Spectators will pick up wristbands at one of the pick up times listed below, which will allow you in and out privileges throughout the evening.
Gala Wristband Pick-Up:
Location: Northeast concourse (marked on Event map)
Thursday June 25th 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Friday June 26th 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
If I did not purchase tickets to the Gala will I be able to enter the room for my dancers performance?
A ticket is required to enter the Grand Slam Gala ballroom. Dancers do not need a ticket to perform and will enter the room prior to their performance and exit immediately following their performance. Dancers and Teachers/Directors ONLY are allowed backstage.
Will there be a heads and tails rehearsal?
(Heads & Tails) – Grand Slam Tech Rehearsal –
Production is going to attempt a dry tech which will allow studios to forego the Heads and Tails and gear up for the Gala on their own. **This is a closed rehearsal to all attendees, parents and friends.
Will there be a pizza party for all dancers performing in the Gala?
Pizza will be provided for all dancers re-competing in the Grand Slam Gala. Studio directors will receive tickets for their dancers to receive pizza, location and time can be found below.
Pizza Ticket Pick-Up
Location: Encore Boutique Front Desk
Friday June 26th 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
