Top 10 Canadian Dance Competitions to Watch in 2026

From livestreams to national finals — here are the must-watch competitions for studios across Canada

Whether you’re a competitive dancer, studio owner, or dance parent planning the 2026 season, one thing’s for sure: Canada’s dance competition scene is bigger, more diverse, and more exciting than ever. From coast to coast, competitions are expanding their reach, investing in livestreaming, and offering prestigious national finals that dancers dream of qualifying for.

But with so many options, one question keeps coming up:

What is the best dance competition in Canada?

While “best” depends on your studio’s goals, we’ve compiled a list of the Top 10 Canadian dance competitions to watch in 2026 — based on event count, presence in multiple provinces, livestream availability, general industry reputation, production quality, accessibility for Canadian studios, and the prestige of their finals or championship formats.

These events represent some of the most active and trusted names in Canadian dance, and they’re poised to make 2026 their biggest season yet.

We’ve linked directly to each organizer’s website so you can explore their schedules and offerings further. For a broader search of competitions by city or province, check out the full DanceComp.ca directory.

🥇 1. View Dance Challenge

With 21 stops across 8 provinces, View Dance Challenge stands as one of the largest and most accessible dance competitions in Canada. Known for its slick production, strong adjudication standards, and a prestigious National Finals, this competition is a staple for many studios from B.C. to Nova Scotia.
🎥 Livestream available
📍 Tour locations include Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec, and Saskatchewan

🥈 2. Summit Dance Challenge

Summit’s 15 Canadian events in 2026 cover a wide swath of the country — from Newfoundland to British Columbia. Their Summit Finals offer dancers a true championship experience, and the tour’s professional production has made it a favorite among competitive studios.
🎥 Livestream available
📍 Tour includes Alberta, B.C., Manitoba, Newfoundland & Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec

🥉 3. Phoenix Dance Competition

Phoenix continues to grow its presence across the country with 14 Canadian events, pairing a sleek stage experience with a high-level National Finals. Its artistic flair and strong provincial presence make it a go-to for both seasoned and up-and-coming studios.
🎥 Livestream available
📍 Tour includes Alberta, B.C., Manitoba, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec

4. Candance Competition

A veteran of the Canadian comp scene, Candance remains one of the most well-known national dance competitions in Canada, with 17 events planned for 2026 and a long-standing National Finals. Studios appreciate its consistency and smooth scheduling.
🎥 Livestream available
📍 Alberta, B.C., Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec

5. Inspire Dance Challenge

Inspire has carved out a strong following thanks to its passionate team and attention to detail. With 12 events scheduled in 2026 and a Finals competition, it’s a reliable choice for studios seeking a high-energy, inclusive atmosphere.
🎥 Livestream available
📍 Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec

6. 5678 Showtime Dance Competition

A household name in Eastern Canada, 5678 Showtime delivers 10 Canadian events and a polished National Finals. Their events are well-structured and known for staying on schedule — always a win for dancers and families alike.
🎥 Livestream may vary
📍 Alberta, B.C., Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Ontario

7. Terpsichore Dance Celebration

Known for its supportive vibe and balanced adjudication, Terpsichore offers 12 Canadian events and hosts a Finals celebration that emphasizes community and artistry. It’s especially popular with small-to-medium-sized studios.
🎥 Livestream not currently available
📍 Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and Saskatchewan

8. Karv Dance Challenge

Karv is a rising star in the Canadian competition scene, with 11 events on the calendar for 2026 and a growing reputation for strong production quality. Their livestreaming platform adds value for families and long-distance supporters.
🎥 Livestream available
📍 Alberta, B.C., Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec

9. On The Floor (OTF)

With 13 Canadian stops and a great reputation for community engagement, OTF is a solid pick for studios looking for a supportive environment. While it doesn’t currently host a national finals, the event quality speaks for itself.
🎥 Livestream not currently available
📍 Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec

10. Shine Dance Competitions

With a reputation for elegant staging and well-run events, Shine continues to be a trusted favourite, especially for studios in Eastern Canada. While it currently focuses on three provinces, its loyal following and consistent production quality earn it a place among Canada’s top competitions for 2026.
🎥 Livestream not currently available
📍 Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec

💡 Final Thoughts

So, what is the best dance competition in Canada?

The answer depends on what your studio values most — but whether you’re looking for nationwide exposure, national finals glory, or a great livestreaming experience, these 10 competitions offer some of the strongest options for Canadian dancers in 2026.

Looking for even more competitions? Explore the full directory of Canadian dance competitions by city and province at DanceComp.ca — new events are added regularly as organizers announce tour dates and locations.

🪩 Coming Soon on DanceComp.ca:

Stay tuned — and we’ll see you backstage. 💃🇨🇦