University of Arizona
Arizona Arts
School of Dance

What’s New!

Arizona Jazz

Dance Showcase

October 9-11, 2026

NEW FOR 2026

  • The Special Topics Class is now optional and has been moved to Saturday during lunch. This class is available to all attendees and is included with registration. Please note that food is not permitted in classrooms. Attendees wishing to participate should plan accordingly and have lunch prepared or readily available during the lunch break.

  • The first class on Sunday is now a specifically designed warm-up and technique-focused class to help dancers prepare for a successful day of training.
  • All BFA in Dance 1st year applicants are required to submit their application through the Common App. International students must still apply to the University of Arizona directly through admissions.

NEW FOR 2025

  • New Registration Platform: Registration is now hosted through Trellis, the University of Arizona’s official event platform for a smoother experience.

  • Ticket Representative Required: All registrations must begin with selecting an adult (18+) Ticket Representative who will serve as the primary contact and submit payment. Please note: This is not an observer band. 

  • Observer Bands Process Updated: Families and guests can purchase Observer Bands to attend performances and observe classes (excluding the Scholarship Class). To purchase an Observer Band, you will still begin by selecting a Ticket Representative, then complete the Observer Band section during registration.

  • BFA Audition Registration Now Separate: Registration for the BFA Dance Audition is now a separate process from AJDS registration. If you select age 17 or 18+ during your AJDS registration, you’ll be prompted to indicate your interest. Please note: Indicating interest does not guarantee a spot—you must complete the official BFA audition registration once it opens on August 1.

  • Larger Venue: The event has moved to an expanded space to better serve all participants.

  • New Class Type: There are multiple Special Topic classes now included with all dancer registrations.

  • Updated Awards Timing: Scholarship Class awards will now take place immediately following the Invitational Concert on Saturday, September 20.

  • Vendor Area Relocated: External vendors were moved back to the courtyard from the Stevie Eller Dance Theatre lobby to improve traffic flow and visibility.
  • New Scholarship Partner: LA Establishment joined the Scholarship Class as a new partner, offering access to top-tier educational programming rooted in Los Angeles’ professional dance scene.

NEW FOR 2024 & 2023

  • Brand-New Website: AJDS launched a completely redesigned website to improve the registration and attendee experience.

  • New Producers: Marquez Johnson and Gianni Howell were named producers of the Arizona Jazz Dance Showcase, succeeding founder Michael Williams.

  • No Headshot or Resume Required: Dancers were no longer required to bring a headshot or resume for the Scholarship Class.

  • New BFA Audition Day: The BFA audition moved from Saturday to Friday, aligning with the Scholarship Class schedule.

  • Ballroom Expansion: The large ballroom was used for both Saturday and Sunday to better accommodate classes and audiences.

  • Expanded Scholarship Partners: More scholarships were available than ever before, with new and returning partners offering summer intensives, convention access, and more.

  • Check-In Location Update: Event check-in was relocated to the lobby of the Stevie Eller Dance Theatre for easier access.

  • Saturday “Welcome” Moved: The Opening Ceremony shifted to the ballroom instead of classrooms 124/130, providing a more inclusive and energetic kickoff space.