Headliners … creating a true competition experience promoted by passion and education centered

In 1989, the CEO Shari Tomasiello and his mother created poster heads with a simple mission: that it would be an educational competition and objective oriented, providing a fun and encouraging environment that includes dancers of all sizes, levels and skills. The heads continue to expand and organize autumn conventions and regional competitions in 19 states, culminating in a national final in July. Tomasiello remains committed to that base and keeping the dancers in the center of everything. “We have always been about children,” she says. “This is not just a job for us. It is really a passion a passion.”

The head of the heads speaks for itself: during the last year, the competition has received a record number of positive criticisms, praising Tomasiello and his team for their professionalism, warmth and enthusiasm for young dancers, and observing the justice of the trial. “We are always supporting the dancers,” says Tomasiello from the values ​​of the head heads. “We hope they do not focus on the prize won, but on experience, the opportunity to continue learning and growing, and making new friendships and connections.”

Maintain affordable competition

Coming from a dance fund, Tomasiello and his two daughters, with whom he now directs the company, know how it feels to attend a competition as a dancer, father and teacher. Keeping the expenses that the competition take into account, the heads aim to maintain reasonable entry rates. Headliners was also the first competition or convention in offering photos and videos for free: a tradition Tomasiello is proud to maintain.

Accommodate students

To optimize the registration process, studies are requested to indicate programming conflicts that wish the competition will accommodate. Knowing this information in advance allows poster heads to create specific schedules for each event, which are shared with participating studies with weeks in advance. Tomasiello is also aware of students' school schedules when it comes to the weekend start and completion schedules. “By limiting the tickets, we ensure that the events begin after school hours,” he says, and adds that poster heads also aim to finish at a decent hour on Sundays.

Gain

Headliners is deeply committed to following his own rules. For example, the competition offers three levels, but if the judges panel realizes a routine recorded at a level that seems too low for the skill level of the dancers, they will adjust that routine to the appropriate level. “Studies should want to give their dancers the opportunity to be the best versions of themselves,” says Tomasiello. “And our levels are such that each one provides more opportunities, with the highest level that offers cash and other scholarships. We passionately believe that competitions can and should be used to improve the education of dancers.”

Supporting the future of dancers

Headliners supports the growth of dancers beyond the competition stage by associating with an increasing number of organizations, including AMDA, the Norwalk Conservatory of the Arts and Peridance Center, which provide scholarships to competitors. Through the trophy or charity program of Headliners, studies and dancers can select and donate the value of their awards to several charities, including the Headliners Foundation, which offers university scholarships for dancers attending nationals and are interested in obtaining a title or career in dance.

Tomasiello believes that the life skills that dancers learn from training and competitions are vital if they are interested or not in following a professional performance career. “The dance really provides much more beyond technique,” she says. “It is camaraderie, teamwork, strength, the way you get along. Everything can be used in your life.”

The experience of the main ones of the main

While the head heads are directed to their 2025–2026 season, the competition continues to focus on providing a positive and welcoming experience on the site, including the limitation of tickets per event to maintain reasonable hours and have judges with training and teaching experience in all the main forms of dance. The heads are proud that their events are an experience: Nationals grants almost $ 500,000 in university scholarships, offers a teacher hall with meals, has conventions classes, a dance and a prize gala. “It is important for us to also show our thanks to the teachers who choose to attend our events,” says Tomasiello.

The pre -registration to maintain its place for the heads of 2025 conventions and 2026 contests is now available. Online registration officially opens on August 1. For more information about attending the header event next year, click here or send an email [email protected].