Inside Dance Team Union Nationals: America’s Most Intense Competition Experience

What’s up Dance Team World? It’s Activate, reporting from sunny Orlando, Florida, where I just attended Dance Team Union Nationals for the first time — and let me tell you, this event delivered. Here’s your full behind-the-scenes look at one of the most organized and exciting national competitions out there.

? First Impressions: Branding, Hospitality & Experience

From the second you walk into the Hyatt Regency Orlando, it’s clear that Dance Team Union (DTU) knows how to create a premium experience. DTU branding is everywhere — even the hotel check-in desk has signage. The vibe is pro-level.

Teams check in just downstairs to get welcome packets, wristbands, and all competition materials. Your registration feeincludes:

  • Hotel accommodations
  • Airport transfers
  • Admission to the event
  • Fan t-shirt
  • Breakfast options
  • Masterclass dance workshops before competition even starts

Bonus? The Hyatt is minutes from Universal Orlando and 15 minutes from Disney. Theme park core, anyone?

Three Arenas, Endless Action

DTU Nationals spans three performance arenas (Edit: actually they’ve grown to four since this initial post):

  • Arena A: The biggest venue, with stadium seating inside a convention ballroom
  • Arena B: Just down the hall from Arena A
  • Arena C: Across the street in a full performing arts theater

All floors are Marley-covered with sprung subfloors to ensure safety for jumps, tricks, and turns.

Competition Flow: Smooth, Fair & Competitive

Each team is given a designated warm-up time with a private Marley space. From there, they’re escorted to a long backstage hallway before arriving at the on-deck area.

After performing, teams can immediately view an instant replay and may even be selected for a live stream interview.

All routines go through prelims first. Based on scores:

  • Some teams go straight to finals
  • Some advance to semifinals for another shot
  • Others do not advance

This means some teams perform up to three times in pursuit of the national title.

DTU Battle: The Ultimate Showdown

Once all divisions finish finals, DTU hosts the legendary DTU Battle. High-scoring routines from similar styles/ages face off in a hype-filled head-to-head format.

The vibe? Think nighttime showcase meets dance battle. According to DTU’s leadership, the event has outgrown its current space and will move to a larger convention arena next season. The hype is real.

Awards, Scholarships & Celebration

After the battle, DTU rolls right into scholarships, soloist awards, and division placements. Whether your team made finals, semifinals, or not at all — this is when you’ll find out your official national ranking.

Winners get:

  • Trophies (they’re HUGE)
  • Championship banners & jackets
  • Merch + swag

Pro tip: Bring an extra suitcase to ship home your prize — or grab a shipping box from the on-site UPS store!

Thank You, DTU

Major gratitude to DTU owners Laura King, Dave Sanchez, and Corey Smith for:

  • Covering my hotel & meals
  • Inviting me to experience this firsthand
  • Hosting an amazing brunch the next day where we got to collaborate and talk shop

We even discussed exciting developments for the future — some of which are still under wraps, but trust me… you’ll want to stay tuned.

Why DTU Matters

DTU Nationals isn’t just a competition — it’s a full dance team experience with:

  • Studio, All Star AND school divisions
  • Junior high, middle school, and all-star categories
  • Masterclass workshops
  • Real industry support

They even added lyrical and open divisions, making it more appealing to West Coast and studio-influenced teams.

Fun fact: DTU also helped me figure out my virtual nationals live stream setup during the 2020 lockdown. Full circle moment. And I’m so grateful for their support and genuine friendship.

✨ Thinking About Attending?

Wondering if DTU is right for your team? Let’s chat.

  • DM us on Instagram
  • Or hit up DanceTeamWorld.com

Our consultations are generally free. As a long-time coach myself, I know what a team looks for in a nationals experience. And DTU? Delivers! PERIODT!

— Activate
DanceTeamWorld.com