Lights, Camera, Nationals: Our Favorite Trends of 2019

September 17, 2019

Take another bow, comp kids: Nationals 2019 was INCREDIBLE. From jaw-dropping solos to showstopping production numbers, you guys brought nothing less than your A-game to every number—and it showed. Before visions of next season start dancing in your heads, let’s reflect on some of the top trends of this past summer’s Nationals.

1. Mission Im-props-ible

Courtesy Starpower

It’s all too easy for props to become a distraction onstage, but this season dancers found innovative ways to use all sorts of accessories.

{“adCodes”: [], “adsOrder”: [3]}

{“product_info”: {“caption”: “Buy Now”, “product_price”: 0, “product_vendor”: false, “linkout_url”: false, “product_compare_at_price”: 0}, “headline”: “1. Mission Im-props-ible”, “credit”: “u003cpu003eCourtesy Starpoweru003c/pu003e”, “description”: “u003cpu003eIt’s all too easy for props to become a distraction onstage, but this season dancers found innovative ways to use all sorts of accessories.u003c/pu003e”, “caption”: “”}

{“product_info”: {“caption”: “Buy Now”, “product_price”: 0, “product_vendor”: false, “linkout_url”: false, “product_compare_at_price”: 0}, “headline”: “1. Mission Im-props-ible”, “credit”: “u003cpu003ePhoto by Exulting Images, courtesy Encoreu003c/pu003e”, “description”: “”, “caption”: “”}

{“product_info”: {“caption”: “Buy Now”, “product_price”: 0, “product_vendor”: false, “linkout_url”: false, “product_compare_at_price”: 0}, “headline”: “1. Mission Im-props-ible”, “credit”: “u003cpu003eCourtesy Fusion National Dance Competition u003c/pu003e”, “description”: “u003cpu003eIt’s all too easy for props to become a distraction onstage, but this season dancers found innovative ways to use all sorts of accessories.u003c/pu003e”, “caption”: “”}

{“product_info”: {“caption”: “Buy Now”, “product_price”: 0, “product_vendor”: false, “linkout_url”: false, “product_compare_at_price”: 0}, “headline”: “1. Mission Im-props-ible”, “credit”: “u003cpu003eCourtesy Turn It Up Dance Convention u003c/pu003e”, “description”: “u003cpu003eIt’s all too easy for props to become a distraction onstage, but this season dancers found innovative ways to use all sorts of accessories.u003c/pu003e”, “caption”: “”}

2. Pantsuit Nation(als)

Photo by Exulting Images, courtesy Encore

Who says suits are just for the boys? We love that the ladies brought their strongest suits to the stage.

{“adCodes”: [], “adsOrder”: [3]}

{“product_info”: {“caption”: “Buy Now”, “product_price”: 0, “product_vendor”: false, “linkout_url”: false, “product_compare_at_price”: 0}, “headline”: “2. Pantsuit Nation(als)”, “credit”: “u003cpu003ePhoto by Exulting Images, courtesy Encoreu003c/pu003e”, “description”: “u003cpu003eWho says suits are just for the boys? We love that the ladies brought their strongest suits to the stage.u003c/pu003e”, “caption”: “”}

{“product_info”: {“caption”: “Buy Now”, “product_price”: 0, “product_vendor”: false, “linkout_url”: false, “product_compare_at_price”: 0}, “headline”: “1. Pantsuit Nation(als)”, “credit”: “u003cpu003ePhoto by Dance Bug, courtesy Turn It Up Dance Conventionu003c/pu003e”, “description”: “u003cpu003eWho says suits are just for the boys? We love that the ladies brought their strongest suits to the stage.u003c/pu003e”, “caption”: “”}

3. Hair Apparent

Photo by Visual Tech Productions, courtesy National Dance Honors

Tucked up in elegant braids or totally free-falling, your hair was majorly on point this season.

{“adCodes”: [], “adsOrder”: [3]}

{“product_info”: {“caption”: “Buy Now”, “product_price”: 0, “product_vendor”: false, “linkout_url”: false, “product_compare_at_price”: 0}, “headline”: “3. Hair Apparent”, “credit”: “u003cpu003ePhoto by Visual Tech Productions, courtesy National Dance Honorsu003c/pu003e”, “description”: “u003cpu003eTucked up in elegant braids or totally free-falling, your hair was majorly on point this season. u003c/pu003e”, “caption”: “”}

{“product_info”: {“caption”: “Buy Now”, “product_price”: 0, “product_vendor”: false, “linkout_url”: false, “product_compare_at_price”: 0}, “headline”: “3. Hair Apparent”, “credit”: “u003cpu003ePhoto by Kathleen McPherson, courtesy National Dance Honorsu003c/pu003e”, “description”: “u003cpu003eTucked up in elegant braids or totally free-falling, your hair was majorly on point this season.u003c/pu003e”, “caption”: “”}

4. Shape Shifters

Courtesy Hollywood Vibe

Dancers took flexibility to a whole new level this season, creating stunning shapes the likes of which we’ve never seen before.

{“adCodes”: [], “adsOrder”: [3]}

{“product_info”: {“caption”: “Buy Now”, “product_price”: 0, “product_vendor”: false, “linkout_url”: false, “product_compare_at_price”: 0}, “headline”: “4. Shape Shifters”, “credit”: “u003cpu003eCourtesy Hollywood Vibeu003c/pu003e”, “description”: “u003cpu003eDancers took flexibility to a whole new level this season, creating stunning shapes the likes of which we’ve never seen before. u003c/pu003e”, “caption”: “”}

{“product_info”: {“caption”: “Buy Now”, “product_price”: 0, “product_vendor”: false, “linkout_url”: false, “product_compare_at_price”: 0}, “headline”: “4. Shape Shifters”, “credit”: “u003cpu003ePhoto by Dance Bug, courtesy Turn It Up Dance Challengeu003c/pu003e”, “description”: “u003cpu003eDancers took flexibility to a whole new level this season, creating stunning shapes the likes of which we’ve never seen before.u003c/pu003e”, “caption”: “”}

{“product_info”: {“caption”: “Buy Now”, “product_price”: 0, “product_vendor”: false, “linkout_url”: false, “product_compare_at_price”: 0}, “headline”: “4. Shape Shifters”, “credit”: “u003cpu003eCourtesy Velocity Dance Convention u003c/pu003e”, “description”: “u003cpu003eDancers took flexibility to a whole new level this season, creating stunning shapes the likes of which we’ve never seen before.u003c/pu003e”, “caption”: “”}

5. Monochrome Majesty

Photo by Drew Dizzy Graham, courtesy National Dance Honors

You all made bold and unified statements in monochrome ensembles this season.

{“adCodes”: [], “adsOrder”: [3]}

{“product_info”: {“caption”: “Buy Now”, “product_price”: 0, “product_vendor”: false, “linkout_url”: false, “product_compare_at_price”: 0}, “headline”: “5. Monochrome Majesty”, “credit”: “u003cpu003ePhoto by Drew Dizzy Graham, courtesy National Dance Honorsu003c/pu003e”, “description”: “u003cpu003eYou all made bold and unified statements in monochrome ensembles this season. u003c/pu003e”, “caption”: “”}

{“product_info”: {“caption”: “Buy Now”, “product_price”: 0, “product_vendor”: false, “linkout_url”: false, “product_compare_at_price”: 0}, “headline”: “5. Monochrome Majesty”, “credit”: “u003cpu003eCourtesy Hollywood Vibeu003c/pu003e”, “description”: “u003cpu003eYou all made bold and unified statements in monochrome ensembles this season.u003c/pu003e”, “caption”: “”}

6. A Grab Bag of Tricks

Courtesy Fusion

Styles blended together like crazy this season, and we were #HereForIt. We were especially into innovative choreography that combined hip-hop grooves with jazz and contemporary.

{“adCodes”: [], “adsOrder”: [3]}

{“product_info”: {“caption”: “Buy Now”, “product_price”: 0, “product_vendor”: false, “linkout_url”: false, “product_compare_at_price”: 0}, “headline”: “6. A Grab Bag of Tricks”, “credit”: “u003cpu003eCourtesy Fusionu003c/pu003e”, “description”: “u003cpu003eStyles blended together like crazy this season, and we were #HereForIt. We were especially into innovative choreography that combined hip-hop grooves with jazz and contemporary. u003c/pu003e”, “caption”: “”}

{“product_info”: {“caption”: “Buy Now”, “product_price”: 0, “product_vendor”: false, “linkout_url”: false, “product_compare_at_price”: 0}, “headline”: “6. A Grab Bag of Tricks”, “credit”: “u003cpu003ePhoto by Evolve, courtesy New York City Dance Allianceu003c/pu003e”, “description”: “u003cpu003eStyles blended together like crazy this season, and we were #HereForIt. We were especially into innovative choreography that combined hip-hop grooves with jazz and contemporary.u003c/pu003e”, “caption”: “”}

{“product_info”: {“caption”: “Buy Now”, “product_price”: 0, “product_vendor”: false, “linkout_url”: false, “product_compare_at_price”: 0}, “headline”: “6. A Grab Bag of Tricks”, “credit”: “u003cpu003eCourtesy Velocityu003c/pu003e”, “description”: “u003cpu003eStyles blended together like crazy this season, and we were #HereForIt. We were especially into innovative choreography that combined hip-hop grooves with jazz and contemporary.u003c/pu003e”, “caption”: “”}

7. Timeless Technique

Photo by Evolve Photo, courtesy New York City Dance Alliance

The verdict’s in: Technique never goes out of style. We loved watching dancers show off their finely honed turnout, épaulement, and alignment. And bonus points to every kid who hit the comp stage en pointe!

{“adCodes”: [], “adsOrder”: [3]}

{“product_info”: {“caption”: “Buy Now”, “product_price”: 0, “product_vendor”: false, “linkout_url”: false, “product_compare_at_price”: 0}, “headline”: “7. Timeless Technique”, “credit”: “u003cpu003ePhoto by Evolve Photo, courtesy New York City Dance Allianceu003c/pu003e”, “description”: “u003cpu003e The verdict’s in: Technique never goes out of style. We loved watching dancers show off their finely honed turnout, u00e9paulement, and alignment. And bonus points to every kid who hit the comp stage en pointe! u003c/pu003e”, “caption”: “”}

{“product_info”: {“caption”: “Buy Now”, “product_price”: 0, “product_vendor”: false, “linkout_url”: false, “product_compare_at_price”: 0}, “headline”: “7. Timeless Technique”, “credit”: “u003cpu003eCourtesy Showstopperu003c/pu003e”, “description”: “u003cpu003eThe verdict’s in: Technique never goes out of style. We loved watching dancers show off their finely honed turnout, u00e9paulement, and alignment. And bonus points to every kid who hit the comp stage en pointe!u003c/pu003e”, “caption”: “”}

8. Left on Red

Courtesy Velocity Dance Competition

From deep burgundy to candy apple and everything in between, red was definitely the color of the season.

{“adCodes”: [], “adsOrder”: [3]}

{“product_info”: {“caption”: “Buy Now”, “product_price”: 0, “product_vendor”: false, “linkout_url”: false, “product_compare_at_price”: 0}, “headline”: “8. Left on Red”, “credit”: “u003cpu003eCourtesy Velocity Dance Competitionu003c/pu003e”, “description”: “u003cpu003eFrom deep burgundy to candy apple and everything in between, red was definitely the color of the season.u003c/pu003e”, “caption”: “”}

{“product_info”: {“caption”: “Buy Now”, “product_price”: 0, “product_vendor”: false, “linkout_url”: false, “product_compare_at_price”: 0}, “headline”: “8. Left on Red”, “credit”: “u003cpu003eCourtesy Groove Competitionu003c/pu003e”, “description”: “u003cpu003eFrom deep burgundy to candy apple and everything in between, red was definitely the color of the season.u003c/pu003e”, “caption”: “”}

{“product_info”: {“caption”: “Buy Now”, “product_price”: 0, “product_vendor”: false, “linkout_url”: false, “product_compare_at_price”: 0}, “headline”: “8. Left on Red”, “credit”: “u003cpu003eCourtesy Velocity Dance Competitionu003c/pu003e”, “description”: “u003cpu003eFrom deep burgundy to candy apple and everything in between, red was definitely the color of the season.u003c/pu003e”, “caption”: “”}

9. Next-Level Storytelling

Courtesy Showstopper

From Broadway-ready musical theater to sci-fi-esque contemporary, dancers created entire worlds of their own onstage.

{“adCodes”: [], “adsOrder”: [3]}

{“product_info”: {“caption”: “Buy Now”, “product_price”: 0, “product_vendor”: false, “linkout_url”: false, “product_compare_at_price”: 0}, “headline”: “9. Next-Level Storytelling”, “credit”: “u003cpu003eCourtesy Showstopperu003c/pu003e”, “description”: “u003cpu003eFrom Broadway-ready musical theater to sci-fi-esque contemporary, dancers created entire worlds of their own onstage. u003c/pu003e”, “caption”: “”}

{“product_info”: {“caption”: “Buy Now”, “product_price”: 0, “product_vendor”: false, “linkout_url”: false, “product_compare_at_price”: 0}, “headline”: “9. Next-Level Storytelling”, “credit”: “u003cpu003eCourtesy National Dance Honorsu003c/pu003e”, “description”: “u003cpu003eFrom Broadway-ready musical theater to sci-fi-esque contemporary, dancers created entire worlds of their own onstage.u003c/pu003e”, “caption”: “”}

10. Talent on Tap

Courtesy West Coast Dance Explosion

Tap truly thrived this season. (Tap solos to Kendrick Lamar? YES PLEASE.)

{“adCodes”: [], “adsOrder”: [3]}

{“product_info”: {“caption”: “Buy Now”, “product_price”: 0, “product_vendor”: false, “linkout_url”: false, “product_compare_at_price”: 0}, “headline”: “10. Talent on Tap”, “credit”: “u003cpu003eCourtesy West Coast Dance Explosionu003c/pu003e”, “description”: “u003cpu003eTap truly thrived this season. (Tap solos to Kendrick Lamar? YES PLEASE.) u003c/pu003e”, “caption”: “”}

{“product_info”: {“caption”: “Buy Now”, “product_price”: 0, “product_vendor”: false, “linkout_url”: false, “product_compare_at_price”: 0}, “headline”: “10. Talent on Tap”, “credit”: “u003cpu003ePhoto by Drew Dizzy Graham, courtesy National Dance Honorsu003c/pu003e”, “description”: “u003cpu003eTap truly thrived this season. (Tap solos to Kendrick Lamar? YES PLEASE.) u003c/pu003e”, “caption”: “”}

11. TeamWERK

Photo by Kathleen McPherson, courtesy National Dance Honors

This is our favorite trend of all! We were so inspired by the camaraderie and cooperation of every team this season. There’s nothing like true human connection onstage, not to mention all the encouragement and memories made backstage.

{“adCodes”: [], “adsOrder”: [3]}

{“product_info”: {“caption”: “Buy Now”, “product_price”: 0, “product_vendor”: false, “linkout_url”: false, “product_compare_at_price”: 0}, “headline”: “11. TeamWERK”, “credit”: “u003cpu003ePhoto by Kathleen McPherson, courtesy National Dance Honorsu003c/pu003e”, “description”: “u003cpu003eThis is our favorite trend of all! We were so inspired by the camaraderie and cooperation of every team this season. There’s nothing like true human connection onstage, not to mention all the encouragement and memories made backstage.u003c/pu003e”, “caption”: “”}

{“product_info”: {“caption”: “Buy Now”, “product_price”: 0, “product_vendor”: false, “linkout_url”: false, “product_compare_at_price”: 0}, “headline”: “11. TeamWERK”, “credit”: “u003cpu003eCourtesy Showstopperu003c/pu003e”, “description”: “u003cpu003eThis is our favorite trend of all! We were so inspired by the camaraderie and cooperation of every team this season. There’s nothing like true human connection onstage, not to mention all the encouragement and memories made backstage.u003c/pu003e”, “caption”: “”}

{“product_info”: {“caption”: “Buy Now”, “product_price”: 0, “product_vendor”: false, “linkout_url”: false, “product_compare_at_price”: 0}, “headline”: “11. TeamWERK”, “credit”: “u003cpu003eCourtesy Groove Competitionu003c/pu003e”, “description”: “u003cpu003eThis is our favorite trend of all! We were so inspired by the camaraderie and cooperation of every team this season. There’s nothing like true human connection onstage, not to mention all the encouragement and memories made backstage.u003c/pu003e”, “caption”: “”}

{“product_info”: {“caption”: “Buy Now”, “product_price”: 0, “product_vendor”: false, “linkout_url”: false, “product_compare_at_price”: 0}, “headline”: “11. TeamWERK”, “credit”: “u003cpu003eCourtesy Velocity Dance Competitionu003c/pu003e”, “description”: “u003cpu003eThis is our favorite trend of all! We were so inspired by the camaraderie and cooperation of every team this season. There’s nothing like true human connection onstage, not to mention all the encouragement and memories made backstage. u003c/pu003e”, “caption”: “”}