We are so pleased you are interested in America's greatest dance competition... Showstopper! Now in its 32nd year, Showstopper will host over 100,000 talented dancers from nearly all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, France and many other countries. Our National Finals, this year being held in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; San Antonio, Texas; and Anaheim, California will be sensational events filled with the best young dancers and performers in the country. My real joy from Showstopper is the knowledge that through our dance competitions, performers of all ages are able to display their talents in a healthy and exciting atmosphere and use the experience to improve their skills and confidence. I encourage all dancers to aim high, think big, live life to the fullest, and never ever give up on your dreams. Good luck to all of you and remember every Showstopper participant is a winner!

A commitment to excellence has been Showstopper’s hallmark since its beginning thirty years ago. To provide every dancer with the best opportunity to display their talent has always been the guiding principle by which Showstopper operates. One of the more obvious examples of this commitment is the staging of our events.

In the very early years Showstopper established a policy of using proscenium stages for the dance competitions, and now we use even bigger arenas. Doing this allows the best view of the performers for the judges and audience and most importantly gives the performers the true feeling of “being on stage”.

Showstopper then designed and manufactured beautiful sets and special lighting which have become a symbol of excellence associated with the Showstopper name, all so dancers will truly “feel like a star” on stage. The surface on which the children dance is of utmost importance to Showstopper. Most auditoriums have floors which are not adequate and safe for dance. Since its beginning, Showstopper began providing professional dance floors at each event. This provides a safe, consistent and attractive surface for dancers, a factor which teachers and parents have reported is so important to them and to the dancers.

Showstopper also brings top quality sound systems, with professional stage monitoring and specially amplified tap sounds to provide a quality blending of sound so important to dance. The highest standard of video recording is also a commitment of Showstopper. Multi-camera presentations with large screen playback and state-of-the art equipment has been a standard for years, all designed to make the Showstopper performing experience a wonderful memory for the dancer.

Showstopper has always taken pride and care in selecting judges based on professional training and experience, broad background, and fairness. Showstopper judges are also chosen for their warmth with children and their ability to provide useful critiques to dancers and teachers.

From the friendly Showstopper staff to the professional organization of the event and the variety of great dance products for sale, Showstopper encourages dancers to pursue their dreams in an atmosphere designed totally with the dancer and teacher in mind.



Debbie started dancing when she was 3 years old, and taught dance for 29 years. She owned and operated a dance studio in North Carolina for 20 years. Recognizing a need for an outlet for dancers to show their talents, she founded Showstopper American Dance Championships 32 years ago. It is the largest and most recognized dance competition in the world, with more than 40 events each year. Millions of dollars in prizes and scholarships have been awarded to Showstopper winners since 1978! Debbie has appeared on the cover of Dance Teacher Now magazine, in Dancemagazine, Glamour magazine, and Entrepreneur magazine. She has appeared on several episodes of Knots Landing, also Cagney & Lacey, Dynasty the Reunion, PM Magazine, and In Living Color. She is author of the book The Super Studio, has produced dance music albums for children and was dance director of the Hula Bowl. Debbie was chosen as an “Outstanding Young Working Woman” by Glamour magazine, and has received numerous awards for her untiring work with the youth of today.