GALA
Welcome to the OPUS Nationals Gala
ONE STAGE. ONE NIGHT.
THE BEST OF THE BEST.
An unforgettable evening of performance, recognition, and celebration.
What's in the Gala
01
Opening & Closing Numbers
Performed by the OPUS faculty and the Teen & Senior Artist of the Year Finalists. Directed by Mandy Moore.
02
Best in Show Competition
Performance of the Year Nominees and Featured Performance routines take the stage. Each studio may have only one routine in the Gala; if multiple routines qualify, the studio's one routine is selected by consensus of the OPUS judges. The routines competing for Best in Show are announced at the start of the Artist of the Year Dance-Off.
- Two ways to be invited to perform in the Gala:
- Be selected as a Performance of the Year Nominee in the Mini, Junior, Teen Small, Teen Large, and/or Senior age divisions. For more information please see the Competition page.
- Studios may qualify for a Featured Performance routine based on total routines registered and/or total registration fees.
03
Artist of the Year Awards
The Top 10 and Top 3 dancers in each age division are recognized on stage, along with the announcement of the 2027 Artist of the Year Winners and Runners-Up.
04
Best Artist Awards
The Top 3 finalists in each Best Artist division are recognized, followed by the crowning of each Best Artist Winner.
05
Senior Artist of the Year Performances
Performances by the two 2027 Senior Artist of the Year Winners.
06
Studio Awards & Specialty Nominations
Presentation of all Studio Awards and Specialty Nominations.
07
Surprise Performances
Live music, special guests, and more!
08
The OPUS Award
Presentation of the OPUS Award and the $25,000 Grand Prize.
$25,000
2026 Best In
Show Winner
Project 21
Do-Re-Mi
Tickets & Fine Print
On Sale
Tickets go on sale roughly 7–10 days before the event.
Attire
Upscale chic. Think red carpet meets dance celebration.
Admission
A valid ticket is required for all attendees — including dancers performing in the show who wish to enter the theater before or after their performance.
If It Sells Out
The Gala is expected to sell quickly. If tickets become unavailable, a ticket exchange board will be available on-site during the event.