Special to IFN
Statesville Dance & Performing Arts (SDPA) achieved an extraordinary milestone in the studio’s history, earning the 2026 Elite Studio of Excellence Award at the Inspire National Dance Competition, which was held last weekend in Charlotte.
Competing at the highest level of competitive dance, SDPA delivered stellar performances all weekend, with nearly every soloist and group routine earning top overall placements, judges awards, and special recognitions. The weekend was defined not only by competitive success, but by the team’s artistry, sportsmanship, and unwavering support for one another, hallmarks of the SDPA culture.
The Elite Studio of Excellence Award is one of the most prestigious honors presented at Inspire National Dance Competition. It recognizes the studio with the highest average score among its top 10 routines, highlighting overall excellence, consistency, and elite-level performance quality. This distinction is typically achieved by studios securing multiple first overall finishes while competing against the highest caliber of talent in the region.
“This is such an incredible honor,” said Haley Price, marketing manager for SDPA. “This is our first year with all teams competing in the Elite category—the highest level of competitive dance—so to be recognized as the top studio in that division is absolutely extraordinary. It speaks volumes about the dedication, resilience, and passion of our dancers and faculty. We are beyond proud of the hard work, commitment, and teamwork that has defined our entire season and led us to this moment.”
A Season of Excellence
This achievement marks a defining moment in what has been a record-breaking and transformative season for SDPA. In an ambitious move, the studio elevated its entire competition team to the two highest competitive divisions this year (Competitive and Elite) challenging dancers to rise to a new standard of technical execution, artistry, and performance quality.
Throughout the season, SDPA dancers have consistently earned top overall placements, judges awards, and national-level recognition, all while maintaining a strong emphasis on character, teamwork, and love for the art of dance. The Elite Studio of Excellence Award serves as a powerful culmination of months of preparation, growth, and achievement.
Notable Awards from Inspire National Dance Competition
Solo Awards
• Dwa Carson – Flawless Gem, 3rd Overall; Judges Award for Best Technique; Costume Winner; and Opening Number All Stars Invite
• Auriel Doss – Flawless Gem, 2nd Overall; Judges Award for Most Entertaining; Teen Title Winner; and Opening Number All Stars Invite
• Olivia Haneline – Flawless Gem, 1st Overall; Judges Award for Most Captivating; Top Scoring Solo of the Entire Competition; and Opening Number All Stars Invite
• Aaliyah King – Judges Award for Electric Energy
• Isabella DiFiore – 3rd Overall; Senior Title Winner; and Opening Number All Stars Invite
• Catherine Severson – 8th Overall; Senior Title Runner-Up; and Costume Winner
Group Awards
Junior Division
• Junior Jazz – “Tribe” – 2nd Overall; Golden Egg Judges Award
• Junior Lyrical – “Iris” – 1st Overall; Golden Egg Judges Award; and Top Scoring 11 & Under Routine of the Competition
Teen Division
• Teen Lyrical – “Work Song” — 1st Overall
• Teen Jazz – “Come Together” — 1st Overall
• Teen Hip Hop – “Icon Living” — 2nd Overall
Senior Division
• Senior Contemporary – “American Beauty” – Flawless Gem, 1st Overall; Golden Egg Judges Award; and Choreography Award (Ally Capehart)
• Senior Hip Hop – “Level Up” — 1st Overall
• Senior Tap – “Candle in the Wind” – 1st Overall; and Golden Egg Judges Award
• Contemporary Line – “Dawns” – Flawless Gem, 1st Overall; Golden Egg Judges Award; Judges Artistry Award; and Top Scoring 12 & Up Routine of the Competition
• ICONIC Production — 1st Overall
Photogenic Awards
• Leola Price — Miss Petite Overall Photogenic Winner
• Raven McConathy — Miss 12-Year-Old
• Dwa Carson — Miss 13-Year-Old
• Ally Kirkendall — Miss 17-Year-Old; Costume Winner
Looking Ahead
With regional competition season coming to a close, SDPA now turns its focus toward two of the most exciting moments of the year. The studio will take the stage for its highly anticipated 6th Annual Recital, “ICONIC,” on May 16–17 at Mac Gray Auditorium, celebrating the hard work and growth of every dancer in the program.
Following recital, the competition team will continue its journey on the national stage, heading to Charleston, S.C., for Nationals in June, where they will represent Statesville and build on the incredible momentum of this season.
About Statesville Dance & Performing Arts
Statesville Dance & Performing Arts is dedicated to providing high-quality dance education in a positive, encouraging environment where dancers are empowered to grow both technically and personally. Known for its strong sense of community and commitment to excellence, SDPA continues to shape confident, disciplined, and passionate performers. Visit StatesvilleDance.com or find us on socials @statesvilledance
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