A Week to Remember: Soul 2 Sole Shines at Empire Nationals

Nationals 2026

Every year, Nationals is about so much more than trophies or placements. It’s about watching months of hard work come to life, creating memories with teammates, stepping outside of comfort zones, and celebrating the incredible growth of every dancer who takes the stage.

This past week, our Company Team traveled to Niagara Falls, NY for Empire Dance Challenge Nationals, and what an unforgettable experience it was!

From early mornings to late-night awards, dance-offs, cheering each other on, sightseeing, and spending quality time together, our dancers represented Soul 2 Sole with incredible professionalism, kindness, and heart. We could not be prouder of how they supported one another throughout the entire week.

Our dancers took the stage with confidence, passion, and determination across solos, duets, trios, small groups, and productions. Whether they were performing for the first time at Nationals or returning as seasoned competitors, each dancer gave their very best.

Throughout the week, our routines earned numerous High Gold, Platinum, and Elite Platinum awards, along with many special recognitions from the judges.

Solos

• A Thousand Years – High Gold
• Sorry – High Gold, 7th In the category
• In My Own Little Corner – Platinum, 1st in category
• Overwhelmed – High Gold, 8th in the category
• How Villains Are Made – Platinum
• Golden Touch – High Gold, 4th in the category
• So Good – High Gold, 5th in the category
• Put Your Records On – Platinum, 4th in the category
• If I Were a Man – Platinum, 2nd in Category
• Red – High Gold, 4th in the category
• My Own Way – High Gold
• Work of Heart – Platinum, 1st in Category, 10th Overall
• Champion – Platinum, 6th in the Category

Duets

• Count On Me – High Gold, 3rd in Category
• Badder – Platinum, 2nd in Category
• Men In Black – Platinum, 3rd in Category
• Don’t Stop Moving – High Gold, 4th in the category

Trios

• Washington Post March – Platinum
• Bird Box – Platinum, 2nd in the category, 10th Overall
• Jump Mix – Platinum, 9th Overall

Groups & Productions

• 5 Guys Named Moe – Platinum, 2nd in Category, 4th Overall
• Running With The Wolves – Platinum, 2nd in Category, 9th Overall
• Play – Platinum, 4th Overall, Dance-Off Invitation
• Omigod You Guys – Elite Platinum, 2nd Overall, Dance-Off Invitation
• Seuss – Platinum, 2nd in Category, 3rd Overall, Dance-Off Invitation

We were also honored to receive several special judges’ awards throughout the week, recognizing areas such as:

• Best Costume – Badder (Brianna W & Elizabeth S)
• Best Emotional Execution – My Own Way (Oakley V)
• Best Technical Execution – Overwhelmed (Ali G)
• Control & Extension – Champion (Kylie M)
• Musical Masters – Play (Ayvah D, Abigail D, Brynn D, Brynn K, John K, Danica N, Adalynn G, Abigail S, Emily S, Elliemay J)
• Ballet with a Twist – How Villains are Made (Brianna W)
• Highest Scoring Ballet Routine – Washington Post March (Mackenzy N, Grace H & Evelyn F)
• Highest Scoring Musical Theatre Routine & OMG Fabulous Judges Award – Omigod You Guys (Ali G, Gracey V, Elizabeth S, Brianna W & Kylie M)

Every award represented countless hours of rehearsals, corrections, teamwork, and dedication.

 

Individual Achievements

Nationals also gave many of our soloists the opportunity to participate in Performer of the Year, an experience that challenged them to continue growing beyond the competition stage.

We are incredibly proud of every dancer who stepped outside their comfort zone to participate.

A special congratulations goes to:

✨ Oakley and Brynn K. for earning the Empire Modeling Award.

✨ Liz for placing 2nd Runner-Up in Performer of the Year!

These accomplishments are a reflection of not only their talent, but their work ethic, confidence, and commitment to continual growth.

 

 

More Than Dance

While the performances were incredible, some of our favorite moments happened off the stage.

Watching teammates encourage one another backstage.

Celebrating personal bests.

Exploring Niagara Falls together.

Laughing during downtime.

Sharing meals.

Making memories that will last long after the competition season ends.

These are the moments that truly define our Company Team.

At Soul 2 Sole, we believe dance is about building strong dancers, but even stronger people. This week was a beautiful reminder that success isn’t measured by awards alone—it is measured by courage, friendships, perseverance, and the joy of sharing what you love.

 

Thank You

To our incredible dancers—thank you for your dedication all season long. Your growth this year has been inspiring to watch.

To our families—thank you for every mile driven, every costume sewn, every rehearsal attended, and every word of encouragement you gave along the way. Your support allows these dancers to chase their dreams.

To our coaching staff—thank you for the countless hours spent planning, teaching, encouraging, and believing in each dancer.

And finally, congratulations to every member of our Company Team. We hope you leave Nationals feeling proud—not just because of the awards earned, but because of the dancers and people you have become.

We can’t wait to see where the next season takes us.

Congratulations, Soul 2 Sole Company Team! We are so proud of each and every one of you.

❤️ Inspiring students to dance from their soul to sole.