THE NEXT STEP
Step into the spotlight with The Next Step - a one-day dance convention designed to elevate dancers as they prepare to transition from training to the professional world.
Come take The Next Step—a one-day dance convention designed to elevate dancers as they dream of transitioning from the studio to the spotlight. Created for dedicated dancers ages 6+, passionate teachers, and forward-thinking studio owners, this immersive experience is a high-energy, artistically rich event that inspires dancers to dream bigger and explore the many avenues a career in dance can take.
Each city will feature three resident faculty members who are celebrated performers, choreographers, and educators with extensive experience in film, television, theater, and commercial dance- plus one prominent industry guest. All faculty members are known not only for their work on stage and screen, but also for their dedication to mentoring the next generation of talent. And each guest brings a unique perspective to the event, making every stop on the tour distinct.
Eight cities—eight industry experiences.
Through a variety of styles, each class is designed to expand a dancer’s vision beyond performance alone, offering glimpses into choreography, assisting, creative direction, and more—all while reinforcing the strength of their foundational training.
The Next Step is where inspiration meets the road map. It’s one unforgettable day of connection, elevation, and artistic momentum—designed to empower dancers to dream of a bigger future!
Introducing The Next Step’s 2-Track Experience
The only convention that lets you customize your journey!
With The Next Step’s NEW and innovative two-track format, dancers can now tailor part of their day to match their personal goals and passions. This unique approach allows each dancer to dive deeper into the experience that fits them best.
Track 1: The Entertainer Experience is for dancers who want a fun, no-pressure environment focused on building confidence, passion, and self-expression. With an emphasis on performance skills and content creation, this track uplifts and energizes dancers while still introducing them to essential industry tools.
Track 2: The Icon Experience is designed for dancers inspired to pursue a professional path. With a focus on advanced training, audition prep, versatility, branding, content creations, and artistic development, this track gives dancers the insight and skills they need to stand out and level up. *Designed for ages 10+
Both tracks offer equal access to top-tier educators and meaningful growth—because in the dance industry, and at The Next Step- success looks different for everyone, and every path deserves to be celebrated.
Registration Now Open!
2025 Class Dates
Event
Dates
Venue
Kansas City, MO (New!)
09/27/2025
KCI Expo Center (Salon ABC, DEF, & Ambassador)
11730 N Ambassador Dr
Kansas City, MO 64153
Map: Link
Omaha, NE
10/05/2025
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Omaha Downtown
1616 Dodge Street
Omaha, NE 68102
Map: Link
Daytona Beach, FL (New!)
10/12/2025
Ocean Center- 201, 202, 203 Ballrooms
101 N. Atlantic Ave.
Daytona Beach, FL 32118
Map: Link
Grand Rapids, MI
10/19/2025
Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton
187 Monroe Ave NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Map: Link
Davenport, IA
11/02/2025
Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center
2021 State Street
Bettendorf, IA 52722
Map: Link
Pittsburgh, PA
11/09/2025
Hyatt Regency, Pittsburgh International Airport
1111 Airport Blvd
Pittsburgh, PA 15231
Map: Link
St. Louis, MO
11/16/2025
Renaissance St. Louis Airport
9801 Natural Bridge Road
St. Louis, MO 63134
Map: Link
Kansas City, MO (New!)
09/27/2025
KCI Expo Center (Salon ABC, DEF, & Ambassador)
11730 N Ambassador Dr
Kansas City, MO 64153
Map: Link
Omaha, NE
10/05/2025
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Omaha Downtown
1616 Dodge Street
Omaha, NE 68102
Map: Link
Daytona Beach, FL (New!)
10/12/2025
Ocean Center- 201, 202, 203 Ballrooms
101 N. Atlantic Ave.
Daytona Beach, FL 32118
Map: Link
Grand Rapids, MI
10/19/2025
Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton
187 Monroe Ave NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Map: Link
Davenport, IA
11/02/2025
Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center
2021 State Street
Bettendorf, IA 52722
Map: Link
Pittsburgh, PA
11/09/2025
Hyatt Regency, Pittsburgh International Airport
1111 Airport Blvd
Pittsburgh, PA 15231
Map: Link
St. Louis, MO
11/16/2025
Renaissance St. Louis Airport
9801 Natural Bridge Road
St. Louis, MO 63134
Map: Link
FACULTY
Eric WIlliamsClient Relations
Eric – A Beloved Fixture in the Showbiz Talent Community: With over 30 years of experience in the dance competition industry, Eric has become a cornerstone of the Showbiz National Talent family. His extensive involvement and deep-rooted passion have earned him a reputation as one of the most respected and recognizable figures in the circuit.
Eric is known not only for his industry expertise but also for the warmth and humor he brings backstage. His positive energy creates a welcoming environment for dancers, teachers, and parents alike, making him a favorite across generations of dancers.
Eric’s legacy continues to inspire and uplift the community he has helped shape for decades.
Kenya LardJazz
Kenya is a professional dancer and actress based in Los Angeles, California. Her dynamic career has included performing alongside major artists such as Nicki Minaj, Yung Bleu and many more as well as taking the stage in high-profile shows like live Vegas performances with pop artist Conrad Sewell.
Kenya has also shared her expertise on the road, touring and teaching for dance conventions and workshops and assisting some of the industrys top choreographers.
In the world of acting, Kenya has been featured on ABC's hit series Modern Family and appeared on AwesomenessTV's Foursome. She also worked alongside Gabrielle Union and Jessica Alba in FOX's acclaimed series LA's Finest.
With a wealth of industry experience, Kenya is passionate about inspiring the next generation of dancers. She is committed to helping young artists unlock their full potential and pursue greatness in every step of their journey.
Adam AckermanHip Hop
From hip hop prodigy to international performer, Adam has starred in America’s Got Talent, The Middle, Kung Fu Panda, and toured the world with Nick Cannon’s boy band 4Count. Most recently, he choreographed Japan’s “Golden Hawks” to a bronze medal at UDA Dance Worlds 2024.
His energy, creativity, and star power make him the perfect addition to our TNS team.
Joey PizziMusical Theater
Joey Pizzi is an award-winning choreographer with a celebrated career across Broadway, film, and television.
He’s choreographed for major films like Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Mary Poppins Returns, Burlesque, and Lucky Stiff. As associate choreographer, he’s contributed to iconic movie musicals including Chicago, Rock of Ages, Dreamgirls, Hairspray, Into the Woods, and Nine.
Joey began his Broadway journey as a teenager in CATS and went on to perform in over 12 Broadway shows before transitioning to associate choreographer and choreographer roles across Broadway, Off-Broadway, the West End, and major regional theaters.
TV credits include Dancing with the Stars, The Tony Awards, The Academy Awards, PBS Great Performances, and Gossip Girl. He also choreographed the legendary Rockettes on ABC’s Broadway Under the Stars.
A master educator and movement coach, Joey has trained and directed performances for artists like Beyoncé, Cher, Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Hudson, Kristen Bell, Halle Bailey, Melissa McCarthy, Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Renee Zellweger, John Travolta, Queen Latifah, Zac Efron, and many more.
His recent collaborations include movement direction for Annie Leibovitz shoots and coaching performers from Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
Teaching faculty is subject to change without notice.