February 27-March 1, 2026
Savannah Convention Center
One International Drive
Savannah, GA 31421
Competition Information
Encore DCS General Event Information
When will my students perform?
We make a custom schedule for every competition, but this is how we typically (but not always) run an event:
If the event starts on Friday night, we typically start with Petite and/or Junior solos. On Saturday, we will complete Petite and Junior solo competition if needed, move to Petite and Junior Duet/Trios and then finish with Petite and Junior groups. If time permits, we will start Teen and Senior Solos and/or Duet/Trios. All Teen and Senior groups (as well as any solos or duet/trios that did not perform on Saturday) will typically, but not always, compete on Sunday. A tentative outline of the schedule will be posted to our website two weeks prior to the event. A detailed schedule with performance times for each routine will be emailed to studio directors at least one week prior to the event. Parents, please contact your studio director for questions about performance times.
I have a quick costume change. What should we do?
We do our best to allow at least four numbers for costume changes. Please see the stage manager during the event if an issue arises. If you have a special request that needs to be handled prior to the event, please email info@encoredcs.com. Unless arranged ahead of time, routines that are not performed within three numbers of the scheduled order are subject to a 5 point deduction.
Do you accept independent dancers?
We do not accept independent dancers. All dancers must be registered under a studio name and we require a minimum of TWO participating students from each studio. This rule does not apply to soloists that have qualified for Grand Finals and are attending without their studio. Independent dancers can register for Encore Extreme convention classes, but can only compete a solo if they are entered under a studio name.
Which levels should my students enter?
Please visit the Rules section of our website for information on placement.
What is a Super Solo?
Students who perform more than 1 solo (not including vocal or song and dance) are placed in our "Super Solo" Overall Awards. The highest two solo scores for each Super Solo are averaged to determine the Super Solo score for overall placement. ALL Super Soloists should compete in the competitive division. All super solos will be recognized with a special award. Students performing only one solo per competition will be judged separately and will compete for the Top Soloist in every age division.
Do you have a Title competition?
Soloists are eligible to compete for Title at an additional charge. Regional Title scores are based on Showmanship and Overall Appeal. All genders are combined for title, but winners will be recognized in each age division and level.
“Solo Title Entry” must be checked on the registration form to compete for title. Vocal entries are ineligible for Title.
There are TWO ways to compete for Title:
1) If a student competes only one solo they would be eligible for Title Winner AND regular Overall Solo awards.
2) If a student competes multiple solos, they would be eligible for Title Winner (by selecting just one of their solos to compete for title) AND their top two scores would go into the running for Overall Super Solo.
Can we take photos and videos from the audience?
Video recording and photography is not allowed. Professional photos and videos are available at no extra cost. Please see below.
How do I access Photos and Videos?
Encore DCS is excited to include photos and videos of each routine with entry fees. Media will be available via digital download and/or email within five business days of the event. Passwords for downloads will be provided to all teachers that have paid in full. Teachers will be responsible for distributing the studio password to parents and students. To locate media after the event, visit our website, choose the city you attended, and click on the link for Photo or Video. Video recording and photography is not allowed when a videographer or photographer is contracted by ENCORE DCS. Thank you for complying with these rules and helping us protect teacher choreography.
What should we do with props?
Each venue is different, but most locations have an area for trailer parking. Please see the stage manager when you arrive at the event for help with props and trailers.
Are there assigned dressing rooms?
Each studio will be assigned a dressing room based on the number, size, and type of entries. There is a designated Male Dressing room when space allows.
Do you have a photogenic competition?
We offer a photogenic competition at Nationals only.
Is there an admission fee to watch the competition?
There is NO admission fee at the event.
Does everyone receive an award?
Everyone that performs on the Encore stage receives an award. In addition to recognizing 1st-5th place in each category, every routine is recognized with a Silver, Gold, High Gold, Platinum, Diamond, or “Mic Drop” placement. Please see the awards section of our website for the full list of awards and prizes.
For complete rules, regulations, and awards information please visit the respective pages on the website.
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Coming Soon
Special Host Hotels
Homewood Suites by Hilton Riverfront
Savannah Historic District
611 East River Street
Savannah, GA 31401
Phone (912) 355-0025
Special Rates:
Thursday - $209
Friday - $289
Saturday - $289
Sunday - $169
At 400 sq. ft., this spacious studio features a king-sized bed, fully-equipped kitchen,
including refrigerator, microwave, two-burner stove, dishwasher, and toaster,
42-inch TV with HD channels, full-sized sofa bed and a dining area.
Must book before January 26, 2026 or until rooms sell out
*The Savannah Ferry docs next door to hotel which goes directly to Convention Center
every half hour
or
* 10 minute drive to Convention Center
For help or questions, contact
Don 904.303-4424
Courtyard by Marriott Historic District
415 West Liberty St
Savannah, GA 31401
Phone (912) 790-8287
Special Rates:
$208 (Doubles)
* Must book before Wed, January 28, 2026 or until rooms sell out
** Short 3 miles (7 minutes) via Bridge to venue
* Hotel was recently remodeled
* Valet parking = $39 a day or.. public garage next door for less
For help or questions, contact
Don 904.303-4424
Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa
1 Resort Drive
Savannah, GA 31421
Special Rates:
Golf View Doubles: $259 + Reduced resort fee of $33 per room/per night
Resort fee includes:
* Twilight golf on the PGA Golf Course
* Access to spa, sauna and steam rooms
* Use of property bikes
* Nightly S'mores at dusk by the fire pit
* Resort shuttle transportation
* Fitness club access
* Use of tennis, racquet and courts, croquet, golf club storage
* Use of chipping and putting greens and driving range (including use of comp clubs)
* Disc Golf
* Basis in room high speed wireless internet access
Reservations: (912) 201-2000 (ENCORE DANCE)
MUST book before Monday, January 26, 2026 or until rooms sell out
NOTE: SOLD OUT OF GROUP BLOCK ROOMS
*Directly next door to venue
For help, contact
Don 904.303-4424