The Masquerade Experience

At Masquerade, we pride ourselves on being the most exciting and fun-filled dance competition touring today! It is our mission to blend the thrill of Mardi Gras and the spirit of New Orleans with a well-organized and stress free competitive dance event. We have adopted the phrase “Laissez les bon temps roulez” which simply means ‘Let the good times roll!’

Celebrating our 18th season, we are looking forward to another year of excellence in dance education, and the opportunity to engage with and help guide the next generation of talented, young artists.

2021 Leaving a Legacy Award Recipients

This summer we were pleased to honor three distinguished women who have contributed tremendously to the dance communities in their regions with our Leaving a Legacy Award. Angie Klevorn and Margie Rowe, co-owners of Charmette Academy of Dance and Acrobatics in Crestwood, Missouri were honored at our Ft. Walton Beach 2021 Nationals. Dawn Schulberg, owner of Premiere Dance Academy in Prior Lake, Minnesota was recognized at our 2021 Minneapolis Nationals. Congratulations to these savvy business owners, selfless mentors, and incredible role models who have enriched the lives of so many.

Dancers Against Cancer

We are proud to sponsor the Industry Dance Awards, an annual event that raises funds and awareness for Dancers Against Cancer (DAC). This season dancers will have the opportunity to give back by entering our Dancers Against Cancer Improv Contest at each regional event! It’s only $5 to enter, and all the funds are directed to DAC. We are looking forward to raising funds for those in need, while encouraging the dancers to show off their artistry, and passion for dance!

Top Studio Winners

In the spirit of ‘keeping our krewe together,’ this year our staff will have the pleasure of once again hosting a destination retreat for all of the regional and national Top Studio winners from our 2021 season! These studio owners and their guests will join us in Cancun, Mexico for some much-needed rest and relaxation along the beautiful Riviera Maya. This all-inclusive resort experience is an annual celebration that brings together studio owners from all over the country and has become one of the most anticipated events of the season. We are thankful for this unique opportunity to bring some of our Masquerade family together once again for an unforgettable experience! Congratulations to our 2021 Top Studio winners!

Darby's Dancers

We are encouraging our Masquerade family of dance studios across the country to initiate a Darby’s Dancers program at their studio today. In fact, in 2022 any studio competing at any Masquerade regional event may bring their team of Darby’s Dancers to perform at no charge. We are looking forward to bringing more awareness to this exceptional program for special needs dancers, and we hope you will join us and help build a stronger coalition of Darby’s Dancers across the nation. For more detailed information about becoming part of the Darby’s Dancers family please visit www.darbysdancers.com.

Parade of Stars

At each regional event the Masquerade staff selects outstanding dancers they have watched over the weekend to join our Parade of Stars! These dancers are recognized on stage, featured on our website, and are invited to perform in the opening number at one of our 2022 Nationals events. This thrilling performance, produced by Two4One Productions, combines the talents of top tier dancers from all over the country and offers young artists a realistic, professional dance experience.

All Star Dancers

Students chosen for Parade of Stars at each of our regional events are also eligible to attend the 2022 All Star Dancers New York Experience. Offered by Artistic Adventures, this six-day trip to New York City includes Broadway shows, master dance classes, formal dinner and dance cruise, and a scenic tour of New York’s most spectacular sights! Dancers will also have the opportunity to study with the World Famous Rockettes and take a tour of Radio City Music Hall! For more information about the 2022 All Star Dancers New York Experience please visit www.artistic-adventures.net.

Dance Scholarships

Continuing with the tradition of recognizing outstanding graduating seniors, we were pleased to award over $20,000 in scholarships to dancers from participating studios all over the country. We are looking forward to another outstanding season in 2022, and we wish all of our graduating seniors continued success on whatever path they choose!