Lexie Orlowski - Powerhouse Dance Company

Applause Talent is, without a doubt, our favorite competition circuit. Every season, it continues to set the standard for what a dance competition should be. From the moment you walk through the doors, the staff makes you feel welcome. Every team member is genuinely friendly, organized, and always seems to know exactly what's going on, creating a smooth and enjoyable experience for studios, dancers, and families alike. The judging is among the best in the industry—knowledgeable, constructive, and, most importantly, fair. We truly appreciate the thoughtful feedback and consistency that make every award feel well-earned. What really makes Applause stand out is the atmosphere. It's hard to be at an Applause event and not have a great time. They have found the perfect balance between staying fresh and relevant while maintaining the originality and traditions that make them unique. It's clear they are always looking for ways to improve the experience without losing what makes Applause so special. We always look forward to Applause weekends and are grateful to be part of such a positive, professional, and dancer-focused competition.

Cassie and Callie - Premiere Dance Academy

Applause Talent is truly the best of the best! Their events are top-notch, incredibly organized, and always run with professionalism and fairness. We especially love how dancers of every level are celebrated, rewarded, and made to feel important. It is always an exciting and positive experience for our dancers, families, and staff!

Michelle Colon Tijerina - Artistic Director/Co-Owner, Dance 360 Orlando

Our studio has been bringing students to Applause Talent since 1999, and it remains a highlight of our calendar that we always look forward to. As a family-run business, they are exceptionally well-organized and provide a truly state-of-the-art experience for our dancers. The combination of excellent judging and the high-quality overall event experience is exactly what keeps us coming back year after year.

Jeff & Tara Ogle - OnPointe Productions

As studio owners, we simply cannot thank Applause Talent enough for all that you do. It starts with seeing how much you continually invest back into the dancers, your events, and your program to make the Applause experience better every single year. From the moment we walk through the doors, we never feel like we are simply another studio attending another competition. We genuinely feel like we are part of the Applause family.

The inspiration, encouragement, and recognition Applause gives dancers is truly unmatched. Your dedication to creating a growth-minded competition environment and allowing dancers the freedom to be themselves on stage is something incredibly special. For those moments a dancer is on the Applause stage, you make sure they know that moment belongs to them. Their hard work matters. Their artistry matters. Their story matters. They matter. As studio owners and instructors, that means more to us than you may ever fully realize.

We love the judges, the competition format, and the professionalism of your events. And we absolutely love the incredible talent our dancers have the opportunity to compete alongside at both Regional and National competitions. Every year, when we begin planning our Regional competition schedule, we ask our dancers a simple question: “Where do you want to compete this next season?” Without hesitation, the first answer is almost always unanimous … APPLAUSE. In fact, during our Competition Team Signing Day at the beginning of every season in August, we tell every dancer and parent that they are receiving their 11-month notice to plan on spending the first week of July in Pigeon Forge for Applause Nationals. For us, it has simply become part of the OnPointe experience.

And then there is the atmosphere. Applause consistently creates a top-notch competition environment, but Nationals is truly something special to be a part of. Somehow, in the middle of the nerves, pressure, costume changes, quick changes, and competition stress, Applause creates an atmosphere that is still fun, exciting, relaxed, and family-centered. That is not easy to accomplish. Yet Applause does it year after year.

Your staff treats our dancers, instructors, and families as though we truly belong there. Everyone is friendly, welcoming, accommodating, and genuinely invested in creating a positive experience for the dancers. That culture is felt, it is noticed, and it is deeply appreciated.

We are incredibly grateful for the memories Applause has helped create for our dancers and our team over the past years. We are thankful for the opportunities you provide, the recognition you give young performers, and the commitment you continue to make to the growth of competitive dance. Most of all, we are simply proud and incredibly happy to be part of the Applause family.

From all of us at OnPointe Productions, thank you for believing in the dancers. Thank you for celebrating their individuality. Thank you for giving them a stage where their moment truly feels special. And thank you for continuing to remind all of us why we love competition dance so much. We cannot wait to be back on the Applause stage.