Dancers from school teams and studios throughout the region will take the stage at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College this fall as the Gulf Coast Dance Championships return to the Perkinston Campus on Saturday, Nov. 21.

Following the success of the inaugural competition, which drew 25 teams and studios, more than 300 dancers and approximately 400 spectators, the 2026 Gulf Coast Dance Championships will offer an expanded day of competition and a new Solo Showdown event.

The competition is open to school dance teams and dance studios, with divisions for Varsity, Junior Varsity, Elementary, Small Group, Large Group, Duo/Trio and Solo Showdown. Performances will begin at 7:30 a.m., with the awards ceremony expected to take place between 5 and 6 p.m.

The new Solo Showdown will give individual dancers an additional opportunity to take center stage. Soloists will compete in a separate competition throughout the day, culminating with one dancer being named the 2026 Gulf Coast Dance Champion.

“There is something really powerful about bringing our dance community together under one roof,” said Britney Patten, MGCCC dance instructor/coach and spirit coordinator. “For one day, we get to put rivalries aside, celebrate one another, and remind these young performers that there is a much bigger dance family cheering them on. That is what I hope continues to define the Gulf Coast Dance Championships.”

In addition to providing a competitive performance opportunity, the Gulf Coast Dance Championships are designed to strengthen the dance community across the Gulf Coast and Southeast by connecting dancers, coaches and studios while providing educational, networking and performance opportunities for young dancers.

The event also introduces hundreds of prospective students and their families to MGCCC and the Perkinston Campus while serving as a fundraiser for the MGCCC Dance Team.

“One of my favorite parts of this event is welcoming so many young dancers to our campus,” Patten said. “Whether they eventually become Bulldogs or simply leave with a great memory of their time at MGCCC, I want them to feel the warmth, pride and sense of community that make Gulf Coast such a special place.”

Registration is $125 per routine. Solo Showdown entries are $100 each.

Spectator admission is $10 for adults and $5 for students and children.

Teams, studios and individual dancers may register at mgccc.edu/dance-team.

For more information about the Gulf Coast Dance Championships, contact Britney Patten at britney.patten@mgccc.edu.