Calling all DanceSport Athletes!
Autumn is here, and you may have missed the first Regional, the Kansas City Dance Classic, in June. However, there are four more this year, and it’s time to start planning. Also, our Competition Organizers need some help. It’s hard to secure everything when the dancers are holding off on their registrations and reservations. Let’s get going!
Important note upfront: USA Dance competitions are now open to both USA Dance Members and Non-Members. Members should email the organizers with their USA Dance numbers or input them into Ballroom Comp Express or O2CM to receive their Member’s discount.
Midwest DanceSport Championships
Midwest DanceSport Championships will be held at the Marriott Chicago Southwest, in Chicago, Illinois, October 31 – November 2. The Organizers of the former Carolina Fall Classic, Daniel Boman and Tiffany Bouquet, have joined forces with last year’s Organizers, Shawn Fisher and Annie Topsham, to make this an extra special event.
Regular registration closes October 4. Late registration closes October 24. (Ballroom Comp Express)
Adult/Senior registration comes with a complimentary breakfast, which is not a typical hotel buffet but a custom spread laid out in a dedicated dining area adjacent to the ballroom. It is a trial to see how people like it.
This is a Friday-to-Sunday event. There are currently 150 people registered for the competition, which is triple the number from last year. For instance, expectations already include 4-5 competing formation teams, well-attended 9 and 10-dance events in Senior III and IV, and Semifinals in the open levels on Friday and Saturday evenings.
In addition to all the competition events, on Saturday, there will be a costume event– in honor of Halloween the previous day! The colleges and the kids are already excited about it, but it is open to all ages.
The hair and dress vendor is Lashes and Brushes, and LD Dance shoes will be selling footwear.
For more information, visit the website at www.midwestregionaldancesport.com.
Grand Prix DanceSport Championships
Grand Prix DanceSport Championships will be held at the Grand Bay Hotel – San Francisco, in Redwood City, California, on November 15. This is a one-day competition organized by Christopher Li in beautiful San Francisco!
Early bird registration closes September 30. Regular registration closes Oct 31. Late registration closes November 1. (Ballroom Comp Express)
Most importantly, this competition is an excellent opportunity for dancers on the West Coast to qualify for the USA Dance Nationals.
The Organizer has four vendors:
- All about you – Hair and makeup
- U Dance Star Designs – Jewelry, makeup, and accessories
- Christine Mastumator – Physical therapist, orthopedic clinical specialist, and performance coach
- Pivot Dance Shoes – Shoe vendor
In addition to the above, the organizer is offering a Consignment Shop opportunity. Bring in your dresses, shoes, and practice wear!!!
For more information, go to: www.calidancesportgp.com
The MAC
The MAC will be held at the Newark Liberty International Airport Marriott, in Newark, New Jersey, January 16-18, 2026. Organizers Renata Shvarts, Daphna Locker, and Lisa Spencer are promising another great competition.
Early bird registration (registration and payment) closes September 30. Regular pricing closes November 30. Last-minute pricing closes January 4. (O2CM)
Of special note, the 2026 MAC will host 11 WDSF events:
- WDSF Youth Latin and Standard
- WDSF U-21 Latin and Standard
- WDSF Adult Latin and Standard
- WDSF Senior II Latin and Standard
- WDSF Senior III Latin and Standard
- WDSF Senior IV Standard
If dancers are interested in the “Class A: Rising Star” events, these are ‘Combined Adult – Senior II’ and ‘Combined Senior III – Senior VI’ events. Please look for these events under the Combined Age events. If you scroll down under the Select Age tab, they are at the bottom of the list. The Grading Rounds can be found under ‘Combined Ages 19+’. In addition, for the first time, they will host Salsa and Bachata events.
Like last year, there will be a Consignment shop. Look for more information and vendor announcements soon.
Finally, the MAC is also offering a USA Dance National Training Camp on Monday, January 19, in Staten Island, New York. Transportation is provided to and from the campsite for those attending.
Stay tuned!! This is always a tremendous event.
For more information, go to: https://www.macnyusadance.org
Southeastern DanceSport Championship
The Southeastern DanceSport Championships will be held at the Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia, in Dunwoody, Georgia, February 27 – March 1, 2026. Once again, Organizers Daniel Boman and Tiffany Bouquet are excited to see everyone.
Early bird registration (registration and payment) closes late December. Regular pricing closes late January. Late registration will be announced. (Ballroom Comp Express)
This competition is known for its southern hospitality, great location, and warm atmosphere. As it is the last Regional of the competition year, more information will follow. So, stay tuned!
For more information, go to: https://dancesportgames.com
USA Dance National Ballroom DanceSport Championships – READ THIS!!
USA Dance Athletes are reminded that the USA Dance National Ballroom DanceSport Championships will be held at the Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Hotel in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, March 27-29, 2026.
DanceSport Athletes are reminded that this Nationals will also host the National Collegiate DanceSport Championships; the 2026 USA Dance National Social Celebration, with the largest social dance in the country; and a Professional Excellence Summit. This means more USA Dance Members and more demands on the hotel. DanceSport Athletes and family members should consider registering and making their hotel reservations well in advance.
Non-Championship Senior events (Syllabus and Open) will be grouped by style this year. Senior I through Senior V Non-Championship events for each style will take place on the same day and will only span two days.
Now, here’s an interesting note: The Nationals Committee says that they will add any Senior event that can gather six couples in a given age category. This sounds like a real challenge for those who were fighting for 9 and 10-Dance, as well as Senior V and VI competitions in past years. It’s time to rally your fellow dancers and take your place on the National floor.
For more information, go to https://americandancer.org/ready-for-nationals/
USA Dance Competition Calendars, Proficiency Points, and Qualifying for the 2026 Nationals.
Here is an up-to-date and complete list of USA Dance Competitions.
Here is an up-to-date and complete 2025-26 College DanceSport Calendar.
Here is the Proficiency Points Primer and How to Qualify for the 2026 Nationals. (Special note: Competing at Proficiency level A does not qualify you for Nationals. Read up on this.)
Here is a summary of the 2025 Rulebook and the latest updates.
The USA Dance National Ballroom DanceSport Championships website will be coming soon!
Where to go for more information.
Let’s start with the easy one: Are you reading American Dancer? You should!
Follow the USA Dance, Inc. – Member Forum Facebook Page.
Senior DanceSport Athletes, make sure you are on the Senior Committee’s email list. Stuart Lucas is the Chair. Start working on those Nationals events that need six couples; you can make a difference.
Collegiates and College DanceSport Leaders, if you’re already excited about this, share the news. Speak with your dance friends, teammates, and fellow competitors. Invite them to attend. If you or your team is on the fence or needs assistance, reach out to collegenetwork-dir@usadance.org. Check out the 2025-26 College DanceSport Calendar.
Spread the word!
