Atlantic City, NJ
- July 06-10, 2026
- Venue
- Atlantic City, NJ 08401
- Payment Deadline:
- June 06, 2026
- Host Hotel
- Atlantic City, NJ 08401
NATIONALS WEEK Includes…
WELCOME TO THE ROYAL FAMILY… PJ Party & Game Night
Join us at this good old family game night in the comfort of your PJs! Have a blast with all our
Dance Royalty, laughing, engaging, and making memories.
- Suggestions…Matching PJs, Slippers, Stuffed Animals, Backpack, Hair Ties, etc. Earn up to 25-Points
- Tons of Games…Charades; Dance Games; Limbo and more!
- Battle of the Castles Minute to Win It Challenges Earn up to 50-Points
- Make sure to Rep your Studio hard at this Fun Family Welcoming Night Party.
- BYOB! Bring Your Own Blankets! Color Coordinated preferably.
- Parents, Teachers, and Dancers are ALL Encouraged to participate & join in the fun.
Theme Night DANCE PARTY... Family, Friends & Music
- A fun night of Dancing, Mixing, Mingling and Memory Making.
- Music, Themed Games & Activities
- Dress in matching Attire that best suits your studio colors. Earn up to 25-Points
Royal Rulers Cocktail Party
Studio Owners and Teachers, join the Royal Crew at our Teacher’s Appreciation event. As a thank you we will have Snacks Signature Cocktails waiting for you!
- Take this opportunity to mingle with other Studio Owners, Teachers’ and our Judging faculty.
- DIRECTORS! Earn Battle of the Castles Points by wearing Pink for our Photo Op! Earn 10-Points, per Teacher in PINK!
- All Directors & Teachers (21 & over) are invited to our Cocktail Party.
- NOTE: This event is included with or without Full National Event Option.
The Julianna "JJ" Sannino Memorial Dance Scholarship
We are honored to introduce a special opportunity for our graduating seniors: The Julianna “JJ” Sannino Memorial Dance Scholarship. This award commemorates the vibrant life and enduring spirit of JJ — an incredibly gifted dancer whose presence graced our stage with passion, strength, and kindness.
JJ’s journey reminds us of the deep connection between artistic expression and emotional well-being. In her memory, this scholarship seeks to both celebrate the joy of dance and acknowledge the often-unspoken mental health challenges that dancers may face.
Graduating seniors are invited to submit a reflective essay exploring the relationship between dance and mental health. This could include personal experiences, insights, or ideas for creating a more supportive dance environment.
Our goal is not only to offer a scholarship to a deserving dancer but also to continue JJ’s legacy of empathy, strength, and artistry by encouraging open dialogue around mental health.
We encourage every senior to participate and honor JJ’s memory through thoughtful reflection and heartfelt expression. This is more than a scholarship—it is a tribute to a beloved dancer whose life continues to inspire. We encourage you to use this opportunity not only to honor JJ, but also to raise awareness, support one another, and celebrate the healing power of dance.
A selection committee—including dance faculty and members of JJ’s family—will review submissions. The awardee will be chosen based on authenticity, insight, and alignment with JJ’s values: passion, resilience, and compassion.
Eligibility:
Must be a graduating senior
Essay Prompt:
In 500–800 words, reflect on the connection between dance and mental health. You may consider:
-How dance has supported your mental well-being
-The pressures dancers face emotionally and mentally
-Personal or observed experiences involving mental health in the dance community
-How we can build a healthier, more supportive environment for dancers
Letter of Recommendation
Must be from an adult who knows you well (e.g., teacher, coach, counselor, mentor—not a family member)
Should speak to your character, work ethic, and/or how you’ve engaged with topics around mental health or personal growth
Award:
One scholarship awarded annually at the Battle Royale Grand Finale
Deadline:
June 29, 2026
Submission Instructions:
Submit essays to: [email protected]
Include full name, contact info, and college or post-grad dance plans.
Essay should be typed, double-spaced, 12 pt font. Include your name at the top. PDF or Word format preferred.
Senior Send-Off Party
All Graduating Seniors, Family & Friends are invited to participate in this fun event just for them.
- Seniors are asked to dress representing their college or career choice!Earn 10-Points, per senior
Senior Choreographer Group Dance Challenge
We invite all graduating seniors who have the passion, talent, and love of Choreography to enter this challenge!
- The full routine must be choreographed by a participating senior prior to the competition.
- The routine must have 5 – 15 dancers.
- No charge for this entry!
- Senior Choreographer Dance Royalty Winner Receives… Reigning Senior Choreographer of the Year Banner and of course…Bragging Rights!
- Email Choreographers name, Routine Title, Number of Dancers & Music to [email protected]
Battle of the Castles Studio Dance Challenge
1st Place: 50-Points | 2nd Place: 30-Points | 3rd Place: 15-Points
All Dancers, Teachers, Parents and siblings attending are encouraged to participate in this Studio Spectacular! This must be a New Dance that has NOT been entered in the competition and no holds bar (following our rules & guidelines, of course)!
- Make sure to keep in your Studio’s theme, color scheme and incorporate fun and creative ways for this routine to really stand out!
- Make sure to rep your Castle loud and proud.
- Each Studio must come prepared with a choreographed routine that bests suit your overall Nationals!
- Extra points added if including parents &/or teachers in the performance!!! Earn 10-Points!
- Routines cannot be longer than 7 minutes.
- Each studio is responsible for its own cleanup of the stage.
- Props should not exceed a setup or breakdown of 1 min and 30 seconds.
- Please NO Confetti
Royal Experience Battle Royale…
Final award ceremony.
Battle Royale Line-up includes…
- Walk the Royal Carpet Faculty Photo Op (Formal Attire).
- Royal Rulers Opening Performances.
- Palace Powerhouse Performance Competition.
- Royal Kingdom Rulers Title Bout.
- Specialty Awards, Dynasty Dollar & Scholarship Presentation.
- Palace Powerhouse Award Presentation.
- Battle of the Castles Induction Ceremony.
- Royal Kingdom Rulers Coronation Ceremony.