The Dance Awards are a National Competition presented annually in Las Vegas and Orlando, and are awarded to recognise excellence in dance for young dancers between the age of five and eighteen. They are widely regarded as the most prestigious award presented for dance in the US, and are considered to be one of the toughest competitions internationally for young pre-professional dancers.
Overview
The Dance Awards, was first held in 2011 in New York City, where it continued to be held annually in 2012 and 2013. In 2014, the competition expanded to two locations, Las Vegas and New York City. It continued to be held this way for another year in 2015. However, in 2016 and 2017, instead of New York City the second location was changed to Orlando. The competition is usually held in the first week of July. In 2017, it was announced that The Dance Awards 2018 will be held between June 30 – July 7.
Famous competitors
There have been several competitors that have competed or appeared on several other talent or dancing shows such as America's Got Talent, World of Dance, Dance Moms, Dancing with the Stars, and So You Think You Can Dance. Those competitors include Jenna Johnson, Tanisha Belnap, Ricky Ubeda, Jonathan Wade, Justin Pham, Kalani Hilliker, Maesi Caes, Landon Anderson, Teddy Coffey,Rudy Abreu, Alexia Meyer, Nick Garcia, Taylor Sieve, D'Angelo Castro, Amanda Carbajales, Gabe DeGuzman, Ruby Castro, Tate McRae, Moises Parra, Addison Moffett, Sydney Tormey, Tristan Ianiero, Sophia Lucia, Brynn Rumfallo, Derek Piquette, Tristen Sosa, Vivian Ruiz, Lex Ishimoto, Brianna Penrose, Ryan Maw, Joziah German, Artyon Celestine, Riley Kurilko, Sage Rosen, Quinn Starner, Eva Igo, Gavin Morales, Avery Gay, Jay Jay Dixonbey, Izzy Howard, Logan Hernandez, Andres Penate, Murphy Lee, Parker Garrison, Maddie Ziegler, Ava Brooks, Mackenzie Ziegler, Brightyn Brems, Nick Daniels, Howard Johnson, Camila Schwarz, Diana Pombo, Hailey Bills, Jaxon Willard, Elliana Walmsley, JT Church, Gino Cosculluela, Stephanie Sosa, Charity Anderson, Lauren Yakima, Kayla Mak, Findlay McConnell, Kaeli Ware, Ezra Sosa, Benjamin Castro, Shamus Moriarty, Rylee Arnold Emma Hellencamp, and Ellie and Ava Wagner.
New York City
New York City was the original location for the competition in 2011, but it was replaced by Orlando in 2016.
Studio of the Year winners
Male Best Dancer winners
Female Best Dancer winners
Las Vegas
Las Vegas was introduced as a location in 2014. It is widely considered to be the toughest place to compete as the most prestigious dance companies choose to attend the Las Vegas competition instead of the Orlando or New York City location.
Studio of the Year winners
Male Best Dancer winners
Female Best Dancer winners
Orlando
In 2016 Orlando replaced New York City as the second competition location.
Studio of the Year winners
Male Best Dancer winners
Female Best Dancer winners
LIVE
The Dance Awards LIVE was held online in 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
