Inaugural Ascension Dance Experience
October 31–November 1, 2026 | Johnson City, Tennessee
We’re excited to welcome dancers to the Inaugural Ascension Dance Experience for a weekend filled with dance, inspiration, learning, and connection.
More event details coming soon!
WHY ASCENSION?
Ascension is constantly working to keep our workshop the most fun and innovative in the industry!
Here are just a few of the things that make Ascension Dance Experience unique:
SO MANY STYLES!
Ascension believes in dancers training in ALL styles! Our weekends consist of most of the following styles: Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Jazz Funk, Lyrical, Musical Theatre, and Dance Team Experience!
MOST IMPORTANTLY
Our Artists strive to have every class be an uplifting, positive experience. We understand that the Studio is where the real training takes place. Ascension’s classes are designed for dancers to go back to their studio feeling refreshed, inspired and motivated for a great season of dance!
WORKSHOP LEVELS
All Ascension ages are determined as of January 1, 2027. For example: Ages for November 2026 events will be as of January 1, 2027, and ages for April 2027 events will be as of January 1, 2027.
The workshop ages listed above are simply guidelines; Studio Owners/Directors may use their discretion to place their dancers in the appropriate classroom levels.
Refund Policy: If an event is canceled (for COVID or any other reason), refunds will be made within 10 days of the event. No refunds if attendee cancels. If a dancer is unable to attend, a credit voucher will be issued towards a future Ascension event.
Ascension uses a cashless payment model. We do not accept cash onsite at the Ascension Store or General Info Desk.
Level changes can be made within the first two classes of the workshop. Please notify the Ascension desk of any level changes and we will exchange wristbands, if necessary.
In some cities, levels may be combined.
DANCER DISCOUNTS
Dancers attending more than one 2026-2027 Ascension regional workshop will receive a 25% workshop fee discount for each additional city.
COLLEGE DISCOUNTS
Ascension is proud to offer a discounted workshop rate of $155/dancer for dancers with valid college IDs. Dancers applying the college discount must be registered for the Senior Ballroom. The college discount is only valid for dancers 17-26 years of age and cannot be combined with any other discounts.
MINI CLIMBERS
Our Mini Climbers program consists of a one-day workshop. This is a great intro into the convention world for dancers 5-7 years old! The Mini Climbers program is for young dancers who want to experience Ascension and are just beginning their dance journey. The Mini Climbers workshop consists of one-day of shorter classes on Saturday.
One free Mini Climbers Observer band will be given to the studio for the appropriate parent/guardian for each registered Mini Climbers dancer. This wristband will only allow entrance to the Mini Climbers classroom. It does not grant access to the Petite, Junior, Teen, Senior or Teacher rooms – NO exceptions. Additional Mini Climbers Observer bands can be purchased, if needed. Observer must always remain in the room with their Mini Climber.
INDEPENDENT DANCERS
Ascension believes a dancer is best served by attending consistent classes with a reputable dance studio. We do acknowledge that in certain circumstances a dancer is “independent.” Ascension defines independent dancers as dancers not associated with a physical dance studio and taking consistent classes as part of a structured program. We understand this rule is subjective, therefore any questions will be resolved at the Ascension Director’s discretion.
Independent dancers are welcome to participate in the Ascension Dance Experience.
OBSERVERS
Parents of registered dancers are allowed into the workshop classes if they have purchased an Observer wristband through their studio or onsite.
Observer wristbands will be sold at the Ascension Store for $50. Ascension uses a cashless payment model. We do not accept cash onsite at the Ascension Store.
Observers are not allowed into any Audition class that may be scheduled.
Observers do not have access to the Teacher/Studio Owner room or closed rehearsals at any time.
One free Mini Climbers Observer band will be given to the studio for the appropriate parent/guardian for each registered Mini Climbers dancer. This wristband will only allow entrance to the Mini Climbers classroom. It does not grant access to the Petite, Junior, Teen, Senior or Teacher rooms – NO exceptions. Additional Mini Climbers Observer bands can be purchased onsite at the Ascension store, if needed.
Observer wristbands are not required for the Welcome Show or Closing Show.
Ascension reserves the right to limit observers within each ballroom, subject to attendance and space limitations. If limit is reached prior to convention, Observer wristbands will not be sold at the door.
Ascension reserves the right to revoke any Observer privileges.
One-day Observer wristbands are not available.
Observers 10 years and under are free, if they are accompanied by a paid Observer.
NO videotaping or photography allowed at any point during the workshop classes. Still photos can be taken in between classes, with the artists, etc.
Observer wristbands are NON-REFUNDABLE. No exceptions.
SCHEDULE
The schedule may vary from city to city.
Friday night classes and events are only held in select cities.
Tentative workshop schedules are available one week prior to the event. Please remember that workshop schedules are subject to change up to the day of the event. Please see our Info Desk or our website for the most current schedule.
Sample Schedule
DIGITAL MEDIA
Photography and Video recording from any media devices (i.e. digital cameras, cell phones, SLR’s, Flip, etc.) is strictly prohibited during classes. This is to enforce the children’s safety and privacy, as well as protecting the work of choreographers and artists.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
The host hotel, facilities, and Ascension Dance Experience are not responsible for any lost personal items or injuries.
If a participant of Ascension Dance Experience is in need of first aid, please see an Ascension Staff member at the Info Desk.
Please make sure all personal items are against the perimeter of the ballroom, under the chairs, and out of the way of dancers to avoid injury.
All dancers under the age of 16 who are registered with Ascension Dance Experience must be accompanied by an adult and/or studio representative of a legal age.
All dancers registered for the workshop must complete and sign a waiver in order to participate. This waiver will be sent via link to studio owners and should be forwarded to their dancers & guardians.