Nationals

You Don’t Have to Navigate Nationals Alone—Start Here

🎉 NEW & FREE: Let’s Make Nationals Week a Breeze

Nationals week is exciting… but also exhausting. Between the late nights, costume chaos, and emotional rollercoasters, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed before you even hit the venue.That’s why I created this free, printable guide—designed to help you prep, plan, and actually enjoy the week without the panic.

Inside you’ll find:

A “Before You Go” checklist that keeps the panic at bay
Pages to plan your hotel, meals, and family rhythm
Sibling and spouse support tips (so you’re not holding it all together alone)
A full Nationals-specific packing list with often-forgotten essentials and category breakdowns
A budget tracker to avoid surprise costs
Encouragement for you and your dancer when the emotions run high

Whether it’s your first Nationals or your fifth, this guide will help you show up calm, confident, and ready to make memories that last.

💻 Nationals Blog Library: What You Really Need to Know

If you're heading to Nationals and feeling even a little overwhelmed — these blog posts are for you.

I break down the stuff most people don’t talk about: the emotional load, the family logistics, what actually makes Nationals different, and how to avoid the stress spiral before it starts.

📚 These aren’t just blogs — they’re survival tools for dance moms (and dads) who want to show up prepared, present, and still standing by the end of the week.

Hotel Must-Haves for Traveling Dance Moms: Stay Sane, Clean, and Stage-Ready

Packing for hotel life during dance competitions? Skip the chaos and check out these hotel must-haves for traveling dance moms—a hilarious yet practical guide to keeping yourself (and your dancer) clean, calm, and competition-ready.

4 min read

What to Expect at Dance Nationals: A Realistic Guide for New Dance Moms

What to expect at Dance Nationals: A bold, emotional, and helpful guide for first-time dance moms and their families.

9 min read

The Ultimate Must Haves for Dance Travel: What Every Dance Mom Needs (and Deserves)

Competition weekends and Nationals don't come with a packing list—so I made one. These must haves for dance travel will save your sanity, your schedule, and your snack stash. From garment bags to gear that keeps the glam intact, this is how busy dance moms stay ready without the last-minute chaos. Consider this your overprepared-mom starter kit—because you deserve to feel as put together as your dancer looks.

6 min read

Making the Most of Nationals: Turning the Week into a Memorable Family Trip

Nationals isn’t just about rhinestones and routines—it’s a chance to make lasting family memories. Get practical downtime ideas, vacation vibes without the stress, and the ultimate Dance Dad checklist to keep everyone (including Mom!) happy and prepared. Make the most out of Nationals with tips that turn chaos into connection.

4 min read

💪 Dance Dad Survival Guide: Your Ultimate Nationals Week Playbook

Dance dads, this survival guide is your Nationals Week playbook—support, sanity, and snacks included.

4 min read

💪 Dance Dad Nationals Guide: Your Quick Start Cheat Sheet for Keeping Everyone Sane

Dance dad Nationals guide: 10 tips to crush chaos and earn MVP status this week.

3 min read

10 Fun Beach-Themed Gifts for Dance Nationals (Because Moms Deserve an Easy Win)

Fun, beachy gift ideas for Dance Nationals—easy Amazon finds to keep your dancer cool, stylish, and competition-ready!

3 min read

Which Nationals Are You Attending? I’m Setting Up Our Nationals Shine Squad Group to Help Us Connect!

I’m launching a free membership for Dance Moms called Shine Squad, and inside it is our main community space—the Shine Lounge. It's where you'll find encouragement, support, and real talk from moms who get it.

But here's the exciting part: I'm also creating a dedicated Nationals Group inside the Lounge, with separate topics for each event (like Starpower Myrtle Beach or Showstopper Anaheim) so you can:

Find other moms going to your Nationals
Ask questions about the venue, schedule, food, and more
Swap tips, hotel info, and what to expect
Feel more confident walking in, because you’ve already connected with your people