CSDS Makes History in Las Vegas!

What. A. Week.

Our Elite & Pre-Pro teams traveled to Velocity Dance Convention's Season Finale at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada, for an unforgettable week that exceeded all expectations.

This year's Nationals marked two exciting milestones for our studio: it was our first time traveling out west and the largest Nationals event we've ever attended.

Competing against some of the most talented studios from across the country, we were inspired by the incredible level of artistry, athleticism, and passion, especially from several large West Coast studios. Throughout the week, our dancers gave their all in convention classes, auditions, rehearsals, and competition. Their resilience and determination were evident in every moment.

By the end of the week, we were absolutely blown away by what our dancers accomplished.

Center Stage proudly brought home THREE National Championships, an achievement that reflects the countless hours of hard work our dancers and faculty have dedicated all season long.

The excitement didn't stop there. During The Gala, where the highest-scoring routines from every studio returned to compete one final time, Center Stage earned an incredible honor by being named MVP Winners in both the Teen and Senior divisions. To be recognized among the very best performances of the week is something we will never take for granted, and we are so grateful for this distinction. As a small-town studio from Ohio, moments like these remind us what we are capable of accomplishing when we work together. Our dancers truly put Center Stage Dance Studio on the national map!

One of the most unforgettable experiences of the week came when our 24 MVA Finalists had the opportunity to perform live on stage with recording artist Khalid. It was a once-in-a-lifetime performance that our dancers will remember forever!

We are also thrilled to celebrate four dancers who were invited to join the prestigious MVA+ Program for next season: Alicia Li, Jordan Officer, Brooke Robinson, and Selina Li.

In the highly competitive MVA Finalist Competition, which featured more than 700 dancers, Center Stage had seven dancers finish in the Top 20 of their respective age divisions - an extraordinary accomplishment!

We had the best time seeing CSDS alumna & teacher, Ms. Cailyn Mathis, perform in Awakening at the Wynn! The show was visually stunning, and the technology used was second to none! We were blown away by the costumes, lighting, specialty acts, and dancing! Congratulations, Cailyn!

To cap off the week, Brooke Robinson was named the Senior MVA Winner - the highest individual honor awarded at Velocity Nationals. Brooke's dedication, work ethic, and love for dance have continually inspired those around her, and we couldn't be more proud to see her represent Center Stage as next season's Senior MVA while beginning her exciting new chapter at Chapman University.

We are truly thankful to every Center Stage dancer who joined us in Las Vegas. Thank you to our amazing faculty for your guidance, encouragement, and countless hours of preparation, and to our wonderful dance families for your support throughout the season. None of this would be possible without you!

This was more than just a successful Nationals - it was a week filled with memories, friendships, opportunities, and moments that reminded us why we love what we do. What an amazing way to close out our season!

See our full results and photos below, and go to our Instagram for more video content from the week, including recaps from each of our seven days in Vegas!

🏆 Top Overall Winners & Achievements:

Junior Duet/Trio:

4th Overall - Breaking Faster

Intermediate Solo:

18th Overall - Noelle Detwiller

Intermediate Small Group:

4th Overall - Hearts And Thoughts

Intermediate Large Group:

7th Overall - Old Days 

Intermediate Line:

2nd Overall - Down Stage Crew

3rd Overall - Wepa

Teen Solo:

10th Overall - Annie Taylor

13th Overall - Matthew Merolla

15th Overall - Iris Wu

20th Overall - Alicia Li

Teen Duet/Trio:

2nd Overall - Creeks

3rd Overall - What A Mess

4th Overall - Space Between

10th Overall - DNA

Teen Small Group:

1st Overall - Stay Away

6th Overall - Weightless 

Teen Large Group:

1st Overall - Current Affairs

4th Overall - I Have Been A Fire

Teen Line:

5th Overall - No Doubt

6th Overall - I Won’t Complain

Teen Extended Line:

2nd Overall - Mid Stage Crew

Teen Production:

2nd Overall - Blue Crew

Senior Solo:

3rd Overall - Sean Detwiller

6th Overall - Maura Matuska

7th Overall - Selina Li 

9th Overall - Avery Wolak

18th Overall - Amira Dietrich

Senior Small Group:

2nd Overall - I Know The End

3rd Overall - The Rising

8th Overall - Satisfied

Senior Large Group:

1st Overall - Up Stage Crew

10th Overall - New Dorp 

Senior Line:

5th Overall - Feel The Rhythm

Senior Choreography Award - The Rising

Intermediate MVP 4th Overall - Hearts And Thoughts

Teen MVP Winner - Current Affairs

Senior MVP Winner - I Know The End

📜 Convention Scholarships & Achievements:

Regional Scholarship:

Giovanna Savage

Season Finale Scholarship:

Madden Malone

MVA Runner-Up Scholarships:

Alexis Paluczak

Avery Kover

Avery Wolak

Braelyn Butcher

Bre Dowdell

Cami Byrne

Charlie Springer

Iris Wu

Kai Hinds

Makayla Craig

Maura Matuska

Saiya Fazl

MVA National Finalists:

Alicia Li

Amira Dietrich

Anderson Talley

Annie Taylor

Ashley Mattlin

Ava Wu

Bella Bruce

Brooke Robinson

Francesca Wervey

Grey Evans

Hailey Furman

Jordan Officer

Lilliana Sliwinski

Maddie Linick

Noelle Detwiller

Olivia Ashworth

Presleigh Grant

Sasha Hameed

Sean Detwiller

Selina Li

Shelby Dietrich

Skylar Waldon

Tessa Mattina

Victoria Ashworth

MVA National Top 20 Finalists:

Alicia Li

Bella Bruce

Brooke Robinson

Grey Evans

Jordan Officer

Sean Detwiller

Selina Li

MVA National Top 10 Finalists:

Alicia Li

Brooke Robinson

MVA National Top 5 Finalist:

Brooke Robinson

MVA National Senior Winner:

Brooke Robinson