The smell of dance shoes and rosin, sunlight streaming in on Marley floors and reflecting off studio mirrors, laughs of little ones excited for class. Dance studios are singularly special places. It’s where the magic of learning and creativity happens. Walk in and you’re home. Stagestep wants to shine a light on these special places, in myriad communities all across the country.
Enter their Studio of the Year Competition. Studios can throw their hat in the ring with just a few photos/videos, a bit about the studio, and information on how they use Stagestep products. The deadline to enter is August 31, 2025. Learn more and submit an entry here!
Dance Informa speaks with Susan Crofton and Mathias Escobar with Stagestep to learn more about the competition — why studios should consider entering, how entrees can benefit, what Stagestep hopes to see come of the competition, and more.
How did the Studio of the Year Competition start? Where did the idea begin?
“The Studio of the Year Competition started as a way to celebrate the incredible creativity and hard work of studios that use Stagestep products. We wanted to create an opportunity to showcase the spaces where our clients work, bringing attention to the unique environments they’ve built with the help of our high-quality flooring and dance surfaces.
The idea originated from the feedback we’ve received over the years, with many studios telling us how Stagestep products have transformed their spaces. We wanted to give them a platform to show off their studio and inspire others in the community.”
What are your main goals for the competition? What would you like to see come of it?
“Our main goal is to celebrate the diverse ways our clients use Stagestep products to create beautiful, functional and inspiring studios. We hope to see studios showcase their creativity and demonstrate how our flooring supports their art.
Ultimately, we want to inspire more studios to think about how their physical spaces can enhance their practice and create a positive, safe environment for dancers. We also hope the competition fosters a sense of community among our clients, allowing them to connect and learn from one another.”
Why should studios consider entering? How can they benefit, and what can they be part of?
“Studios should consider entering because it’s a fantastic way to demonstrate the hard work they put into creating the perfect environment for their dance students and teachers. By entering, studios will have the chance to showcase how Stagestep products have helped them create a space that supports their work.
Winning the competition could also bring added exposure, as the winning studio will be featured in a full page advertisement in Dance Magazine and a Dance Informa article – thus gaining attention from the broader dance and arts community. It’s also a great opportunity to be part of a larger community of Stagestep users, who are all working toward elevating their spaces’ standards.”
How might you advise studios entering? For example, show an authentic view of your space and its ethos, demonstrate what you uniquely offer students, et cetera?
“We advise studios to show the personality of their space, and how Stagestep products have been integrated into their studio’s ethos. Whether it’s a cozy, intimate vibe or a high-energy, professional environment, the key is to show what makes your studio unique.
Share images that showcase your space in action — whether it’s a dance class, rehearsal or performance setting — so we can see how Stagestep products enhance the experience. Consider telling a story about the impact the flooring has had on your practice, such as improving safety, sound quality or aesthetics.”
Any other guidance or words of encouragement for studios entering the competition?
“We encourage all studios to enter, no matter the size or style of their space. This competition isn’t just about having the most extravagant or largest studio; it’s about showcasing how Stagestep products help create a functional and inspiring environment for both teachers and students.
Every studio has something special to offer, and we can’t wait to see the creativity and innovation that our clients bring to the table. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your submission — show us what makes your studio feel like home, and how Stagestep has played a part in that!
This is a chance for studios to be part of something special celebrating the spaces where art and movement happen. The winner will be prominently featured in our editorials, and from that gain well-deserved national recognition for their studio’s thoughtful design and functionality.
Whether you’re a small dance school or a large performance venue, we want to see how Stagestep products have helped make your studio the best it can be. We look forward to seeing your submissions. We’re excited to celebrate the incredible spaces our clients have created!”
For more information and to enter, visit stagestep.com/dance-studio-of-the-year.
By Kathryn Boland of Dance Informa.
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