Platinum as a metal is known for its rarity, high quality and lasting endurance. Platinum National Dance Competition is no different from its metal counterpart. With over 10 years in business under their belt, Platinum began with only 5 cities on tour, now they visit over 22. Contributing to this growth is their commitment to the student’s advancement. They give ample opportunities to receive real world experience at both the convention and competition. At the conventions, every dancer auditions for classes to Broadway Dance Center in NYC. At the Nationals, dancers receive 3 FREE master classes, plus the opportunity to win apprentice opportunities.  There is also a Best of the Best Title competition, a spot to perform in the National Finals Opening Number, plus cash and scholarship awards. Platinum National Dance Competition offers the best of both worlds; they award the most deserving talent, plus they entice students to grow through educational opportunities. Visit them on tour this season and discover why they deserve to be referred to as “Platinum.”

Platinum Dance Experience Convention  

Platinum’s conventions offer some serious prizes to strive towards. We’re talking classes to the Broadway Dance Center, competition credits, cash awards, AND apprenticeship opportunities. Every convention offers classes in Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Contemporary, and Musical Theatre, taught by professionals. Classes for Juniors and Seniors last an hour, however, teachers allow time for students to change shoes, grab a snack, get water, etc.  Classes for Petites take 45 minutes, and there is a separate audition for this age group. Juniors and Seniors should expect their days to last 8 hours, and Petites should plan for 4 hour days. Additional convention awards include a Title entry fee, free Solo entry, and a free Nationals Opening Number entry to Nationals. Also, master teachers from every class select a dancer for the Excellence Award, given out at the end of the day.

Auditions for the Broadway Dance Center Scholarship occur at the end of the day as well.  To apply for this opportunity, dancers must attend the entire workshop.  All dancers are automatically entered in the audition and receive numbers to wear throughout the day. Teachers not only choose scholarship winners from the audition, but also consider the dancer’s aptitude throughout the day.  Platinum encourages all dancers to participate in the audition process for the experience in provides, regardless of skill level. Consider the audition process another class that will help prepare for the future.

A sneak peek at the “Platinum” faculty 

Are you a dancing machine who believes all things are possible? Well, dance choreographer extraordinaire Jona Biddle not only has the same outlook, but used this mentality to get to where he is today. Jona grew up in Atlantic City, NJ believing dance transcends all boundaries. “Strivers achieve what dreamers believe,” is a motto he lives by on a daily basis.  After graduating from Virginia State University, he moved to NYC to pursue his dreams and created The Professional Dance Company. Under Jona’s direction, the company’s credits include Beyoncé’s “Let’s Move” campaign for former First Lady Michelle Obama. Other celebrity clientele continuously seek Jona’s professional advice and services. For example, Jona served as a casting agent for dancers in the film Magic Mike. Whether he’s working with celebrities, teaching at his studio or at regional conventions, Jona’s main goal is to take his dancers and their careers to the next level.

If performing on stage is the ultimate fantasy, check out Robb Gibbs. He’s been a dance instructor for over 10 years, beginning his own career in 2007 in NYC.  Gibb’s is an alumnus of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy of New York, and after graduating he had the privilege of sharing the stage with Broadway veterans such as Dana Moore and Alex Sanchez. Since then, he travels around the country and in Canada performing in productions such as Chicago, Hello, Dolly!, Singin’ In the Rain, and much more. Due to his extensive training in Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary, Acro, and Muscial Theatre, he is a highly sought after choreographer/ teacher. Robb is more than thrilled to share his various talents during Platinum’s convention weekends.

These bios only reveal a fraction of the talent PNDC’s faculty has to offer. To meet the entire faculty, please check out the end of the article for a list of events arranged by month.

Eligibility requirements for Platinum Nationals

To qualify for Nationals, studios must attend a Regional competition listed on the tour. But that’s not all…the routine must be a Platinum Plus, Platinum, Gold, or Silver Regional winner. This ensures that only the best routines compete for the ultimate prize at Nationals. Also, please be aware that all entries remain in the same age division for Nationals as they were for Regionals.

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What to expect at Platinum National Dance Competition Nationals

Dancers age 8 and up, from Recreational, Intermediate, and Elite levels that qualified at Regionals are welcome to attend Platinum’s main event of the year! The schedule involves a Solo Best of the Best Battle, where the top 6 scores from various age groups and levels receive special prizes. Also, don’t forget to make time for three FREE workshops taught by master teachers, who coincidentally are the judges for the National Finals. At the end of the weekend, the judges recognize Platinum Recreational, Intermediate, and Elite Grand Champions. Overall Top Awards go to the top scoring entries in each level as well.

Platinum National Dance’s Grand Championship Opening Number

The Opening Number for PNDC Nationals is THE dance of the night, where the audience’s eyes become wide with envy. Every dancer should strive to participate in this spectacular performance. Here’s how it works; Studio Directors select 5 dancers to participate in the Opening Number. The chosen 5 should embody all that the studio represents- talented, hardworking, respectful dancers. The 5 should also be a minimum of 10 years old, and be at the Intermediate/ Elite level in Jazz.

The dancers learn the choreography for the Opening Number in three rehearsal sessions, with a dress rehearsal prior to the Grand Championship.  Every rehearsal is mandatory to participate in the performance.  While there is a $90 fee per dancer for this event, the opportunity of working and learning from a fantastic teacher and choreographer and performing with the best dancers from each studio is priceless!

Since opening their doors in 2007, Platinum National Dance Competition is rapidly growing, bringing on more professional faculty members for their conventions and visiting more cities each year.  They keep their ears open for any type of feedback, and use it to improve and cater to more needs and desires. With this outlook, Platinum is sure to become a top contender in the dance convention world.  Look out world because this company is showing more and more people what it’s like to be Platinum (and once you’ve had platinum, you’ll never go back to gold).

January

Platinum National Dance Competition – East Brunswick – The Jo Ann Magistro Performing Arts Center – East Brunswick, NJ

February

Platinum National Dance Competition – Davenport – North High School Auditorium – Davenport, IA

Platinum National Dance Competition – Virginia Beach – Sandler Center for the Performing Arts – Virginia Beach, VA

Platinum National Dance Competition – Topeka – Albert Taylor Hall – Topeka, KS

Platinum National Dance Competition – Little Rock – Maumelle Performing Arts Center – Little Rock, AR

Platinum National Dance Competition – Chattanooga – War Memorial Auditorium – Chattanooga, TN

Platinum National Dance Competition – Tampa – Jefferson High School – Tampa, FL

Platinum National Dance Competition – Dallas – Granville Arts Center – Dallas, TX

March

Platinum National Dance Competition – Jacksonville – University of North Florida Fine Arts Building – Jacksonville, FL

Platinum National Dance Competition – Lafayette – Heymann Performing Arts Center – Lafayette, LA

Platinum National Dance Competition – St. Louis – Scottish Rite – St. Louis, MO

Platinum National Dance Competition – Tulsa – Robson Performing Arts Center – Tulsa, OK

Platinum National Dance Competition – Mobile – Saenger Theatre of Mobile – Mobile, AL

Platinum National Dance Competition – Montgomery – Montgomery Performing Arts Center – Montgomery, AL

Platinum National Dance Competition – Detroit – South Lyon East High School – Detroit, MI

Platinum National Dance Competition – Jacksonville II – University of North Florida Fine Arts Building – Jacksonville, FL

April

Platinum National Dance Competition – Owensboro – RiverPark Center – Owensboro, KY

Platinum National Dance Competition – Woodbridge – Freedom High School – Woodbridge, VA

Platinum National Dance Competition – Statesboro – Performing Arts Center at Georgia Southern – Statesboro, GA

Platinum National Dance Competition – Pittsburgh –Bethel Park High School – Pittsburgh, PA

Platinum National Dance Competition – Indianapolis – Warren Central High School – Indianapolis, IN

Platinum National Dance Competition – Myrtle Beach – Myrtle Beach Convention Center – Myrtle Beach, SC

Platinum National Dance Competition – Carrolton – Carrolton High School – Carrolton, GA

Platinum National Dance Competition – San Antonio – Scottish Rite Theater – San Antonio, TX

Platinum National Dance Competition – Cincinnati – Mt. St. Joseph University Theater – Cincinnati, OH

Platinum National Dance Competition – Birmingham – The Alabama Theatre – Birmingham, AL

May

Platinum National Dance Competition – Houston – The Hobby Center – Houston, TX

Platinum National Dance Competition – Lexington – Lexington One Performing Arts Center – Lexington, SC

Platinum National Dance Competition – Albemarle – Stanly County Agri – Civic Center – Albemarle, NC

Platinum National Dance Competition – Chicago – Rialto Square Theater – Chicago, IL

Platinum National Dance Competition – Daytona – News- Journal Center – Davidson Theater – Daytona, FL

For updated tournament information, please visit Platinum National Dance Competition.