Where the Best become Champions

National Finals

The Ultimate Celebration of Dance Excellence

The Royal Dance Competition National Finals is the pinnacle event of our season—where the most talented dancers from across the country come together for an unforgettable week of competition, performance, learning, and fun. Beyond traditional competition, National Finals offers exclusive opportunities that make this event truly special.

What Makes National Finals Different?

Compete for prestigious Royal Circle championship titles

Perform in elite showcase opportunities

Learn from industry professionals in master classes

Compete for major cash prizes and scholarships

Build friendships that last a lifetime

Experience once-in-a-year special events

Championship Finals Competition

Where the week’s best routines compete for ultimate glory.

During National Finals, the highest-scoring routines from the week are invited back to perform in The Royal Circle—our championship finals held on the final day of competition. This is your chance to compete for the most prestigious awards of the season, including major cash prizes, scholarships, and those giant trophies you've been dreaming about!

Young dancers in blue costumes performing synchronized group routine at Royal Dance Competition

Ultimate Royal Soloist Awards

Novice/Intermediate Solo (combined), ages 12 & under

Novice/Intermediate Solo (combined), ages 13 & older

Competitive Solo, ages 12 & under

Competitive Solo, ages 13 & older

Ultimate Royalty Awards

Novice/Intermediate Non-Solo (combined), ages 12 & under

Novice/Intermediate Non-Solo (combined), ages 13 & older

Competitive Non-Solo, ages 12 & under

Competitive Non-Solo, ages 13 & older

Prizes Include

Cash awards

Scholarship opportunities

Championship trophies

National recognition

Featured placement in promotional materials

National Performance Team

Join an elite group of dancers for the experience of a lifetime.

The Reign brings together some of the season’s most outstanding dancers to create a spectacular opening number for The Royal Circle. Selected dancers learn brand-new choreography, rehearse both in the studio and onstage, and perform together as a unified team on the biggest day of competition.

Solo dancer in green costume performing high leap at Royal Dance Competition

What’s included

Professional choreography taught by TRDC faculty

Studio rehearsal sessions

Onstage rehearsal time

Performance as the Opening Number at The Royal Circle

Exclusive Reign team recognition

How to Join

Dancers are nominated for The Reign at Regional events throughout the season. Nominated dancers receive detailed information about rehearsal schedules, obligations, and requirements.

Note: Due to scheduling, dancers may participate in either The Reign OR the Video Production, but typically not both.

Learn from the Professionals

Expand your skills with industry experts.

All dancers attending National Finals are invited to participate in complimentary master classes taught by TRDC judges and faculty. Classes are offered throughout the week and are included with your National Finals registration.

Group of dancers in earth tone costumes performing contemporary floor choreography at Royal Dance Competition

These sessions give you the chance to

Learn new techniques and choreography

Train with seasoned dance professionals

Explore different styles and approaches

Meet dancers from studios across the country

Gain insights from competition judges

Build confidence and expand your repertoire

See Yourself on the Big Screen

Be part of a professional dance video premiere!

One of National Finals’ most exciting traditions is our annual Video Production. Dancers learn choreography in advance, perform it in groups both large and small, and watch themselves premiere on the big screens during the final day of competition. The finished video is then posted to TRDC’s YouTube channel for all to enjoy!

Young dancer performing for camera during Royal Dance Competition video production shoot

How it works

Choreography is sent to registered dancers before National Finals

Learn the routine on your own or with your studio

Arrive at Nationals ready to perform

Perform in small and large group settings for video recording

Watch the premiere on the final day

Share the finished video with family and friends

The Result

A professional dance video featuring you and hundreds of talented dancers from across the country!

Note: Scheduling may not allow participation in both The Reign and Video Production. Plan accordingly.

The Most Fun Break from Dancing You’ll Ever Have!

Get loud, get crazy, get competitive!

Taking a break from dancing has never been this much fun! In TRDC’s legendary Color Wars, all dancers are assigned to one of four color teams and challenged to show their team spirit through clothing, accessories, inflatables, hair, makeup—you name it!

The Challenge: Teams gather on a nearby field one evening during the week for an epic series of individual and group games, all competing for the coveted title of Color War Champions.

Large group of dancers in coordinated red costumes with creative props at Royal Dance Competition

What to expect

High-energy team competitions

Silly games and challenges

Outrageous team spirit displays

Tons of laughter and memories

New friendships across studios

Bragging rights for the winning team!

Pack your team colors and prepare for an unforgettable night of fun!

Improv Challenge

Show us your Spontaneity

Traditional Improv Challenge: Each studio receives at least one entry spot for our signature Improv Challenge. Dancers choose their genre (lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, tap, ballet, or jazz), and we choose the music. You’ll have 1 minute to demonstrate your musicality, technical ability, and improvisational skills.

Winners’ photos will be featured in the following year’s National Finals program!

Ultimate Improv Challenge

Think the regular Improv Challenge is tough? Try this.

Each studio may nominate ONE dancer for the Ultimate Improv Challenge—where TRDC chooses both the music AND the genre. Dancers don’t know what style they’ll be performing until they step on stage.

This is the ultimate test of

Musical interpretation

Technical versatility

Quick thinking

Stage presence

True improvisation skills

National Improv Champions receive

Ultimate bragging rights

Featured photo placement in next year’s program

Recognition as a top improviser in the nation

Photogenic Challenge

Beauty, expression, and artistry in one stunning image.

The Photogenic Challenge celebrates dancers who capture the essence of dance through photography. Submit your best photo (5x7, 8x10, or digital format) for consideration.

Award Categories

12 & Under - Junior Division

13 & Older - Senior Division

Winners Receive

Trophy recognition

Featured photo in the following year’s National Finals program

Possible inclusion in TRDC promotional materials

Register and submit photos before the event or at the check-in table.

Solo performer in black and white striped costume striking dramatic pose on stage at Royal Dance Competition