07/23/2026
As we wrap up our trip to the Poconos for Nationals, I honestly don’t have enough words to express how incredibly proud I am of these three dancers.
Every single routine they performed earned the highest adjudicated award possible!
✨ Malawna earned a Standout Star Award, 1st Overall, and was named a National Title Runner-Up.
✨ Emily earned 1st Overall and was crowned a National Champion.
✨ Micah earned 3rd Overall, a National Title, and the Total Commitment Award.
These dancers also competed four duets together. Stretchy Pants received a Special Judges Award, placed 1st Overall, and earned the National Title, while Baggage finished as the National Runner-Up.
The awards are incredible, but they only tell part of the story.
This week, all three dancers stepped outside of their comfort zones. They took workshops, learned from amazing instructors, performed in the opening number, joined in on a fun group dance, made a super cute TikTok, and built friendships with dancers from studios across the country.
There were challenges, too. We turned trios into duets, and Emily learned two new dances in just two weeks, stepping on stage with confidence and performing them beautifully. Every obstacle became another opportunity to grow.
Before we left, we talked about our goals for Nationals. Of course, bringing home awards would be exciting, but our biggest goal was to leave as better dancers, better teammates, and better people.
This week proved that success isn’t measured only by trophies. It’s measured by courage, hard work, resilience, kindness, and the way you lift others up. Watching these dancers support and encourage not only each other but competitors from other studios reminded me what dance is truly about.
The memories we made, the friendships we built, the lessons we learned, and the joy we shared will stay with us long after the trophies are put away.
Congratulations, Malawna, Emily, and Micah. Thank you for representing Next Level Dance Studio with talent, heart, humility, and positivity. You have made your studio and your family incredibly proud.
