As Encore Performing Arts National Dance Competition nears its 30th anniversary, owners Brad Barnes and Aaron Pomeroy, who took the helm in 2022, are reimagining what a dance competition can be. Dance Informa sat down with Pomeroy to discover how he and Barnes are building on a legacy of integrity and inclusivity while creating a space where every dancer, studio and story matters.
“Karen (Encore’s previous owner), started a Dance Without Boundaries category, and we’ve updated it a little bit,” Pomeroy shares. “We’re very proud of it. I have a sister with Down Syndrome who I take care of full-time, and she travels with us on the road. She loves to help out onstage and pass out trophies. Our Dance Without Boundaries category is for dancers who may have some sort of special needs – differently enabled is what we like to call them. This category gives them a space to dance and express themselves.”
That same heart for inclusion reaches beyond the stage. “We also have a trophy for charity program,” Pomeroy explains. “A lot of our studios don’t want trophies, because they collect dust and take up space. So, we pick a charity that has something to do with arts, arts education, etc. For the past three years, that charity has been Arms Wide Open, which is a nonprofit in San Diego County. They put on shows and provide dance classes, and I would say 99 percent of their studio are adults with special needs. Every year, we take the money that is donated back from studios for trophies and write a check to Arms Wide Open.” Over the past three years, Encore has donated about $30,000 to Arms Wide Open – proof that its commitment is backed by real dollars.
Inclusivity also shines in Encore’s cover model contest. Pomeroy adds, “This year, I’m really proud that our program cover photo is of a girl with Vitiligo. We didn’t choose her because of it; she really had the best photo. But, it’s amazing to have that inclusivity on our cover.”
In an effort to balance competition with a positive, uplifting environment, Encore prioritizes taking care of every dancer. One of the ways they do this is by breaking down Top 10 Awards as much as possible. Pomeroy shares, “Our Junior category is ages 9-12, and sometimes there are nearly 100 solos. So, depending on the math, we’ll do a top 10 for 9-year-olds, top 10 for 10-year-olds and so on. We try to get as many dancers in the top 10 as possible. We do this for all ages and division levels – solos through groups. It’s amazing to see when a dancer wins first overall because we broke it down like this. If we had combined it all together, they might not have been in the top 10 at all. We love seeing their reaction, and by getting more dancers into the top 10, their confidence grows. Plus, it gives another shout-out for the studio.”
Another way Encore takes care of every dancer is through thoughtful special awards. Pomeroy reflects, “If you come to a dance competition and leave, you just leave. But if you leave with something, whether it’s a technique award or choreography award or a personality award, or scholarships for your dancers, maybe you didn’t win the big prize, but you have something. We try to take care of everyone, and it’s not superficial; they have to truly earn it. But we try to spread the wealth when it comes to special awards, so that everybody leaves feeling valued and like their money was spent well.”
Encore also respects real life. Competitions never start before 3pm on Fridays and wrap by 9pm Sundays, keeping school, work and travel manageable.
This year, they’re also leveling the playing field with production numbers. Pomeroy explains, “Production numbers are typically scored a little higher because they’re more of a spectacle. This year, we’re having all productions compete against each other regardless of age or division level, and they’ll have their own overalls. We’re taking them out of the mix score-wise for our top scoring studio to give studios a fairer chance when competing for the top scoring studio award.”
This change came about due to feedback from studios voicing concerns that the scoring was unfair. Pomeroy emphasizes the value Encore places on having open communication with their clients: “We always advocate communication. With communication, I can make almost anything happen.”
This year, Encore’s Nationals sold out in 52 minutes – proof that Encore’s open communication pays off, and studios feel heard, valued and eager to return. Pomeroy shares, “We’re in Lake Tahoe at the Tahoe Blue Event Center. It’s inside a hockey arena, which we’ve never done before. The stage will be on the floor, with seating in the bleachers. We always have complimentary master classes, a teen party and a teachers’ reception. There’s a big gala at the end of the week. We haven’t been to Tahoe in a while, so we’re very excited to go back.”
Encore’s supportive environment creates a culture that lasts beyond competition years. “We have a lot of dancers who graduate, go to college and then come work for us. It’s always fun to have those dancers come back. It really helps when you develop relationships with those kids and you’re trying to help their after-competition life,” shares Pomeroy.
Backstage, the joy is contagious. He continues, “We like to have fun – we dance backstage, we’re easygoing, we’re always there to encourage. I think that’s why we’ve grown since Brad and I took over the business. We keep asking ourselves how we can get better, and I think studios are seeing that, and they have trust in us to keep getting better. That’s what keeps them coming back.”
Pomeroy encourages studios of all types and sizes to give Encore a try. “If you want to come to a competition that’s fair and is going to recognize everybody, come to Encore. No matter what you bring, whether it’s 100 routines, 50, 5 or 1, you will be treated equally and just like everyone else. That’s my promise to you, and why I feel like we’re successful.”
At the end of the day, it’s all about giving dancers a joyful space where they can grow. “I always tell people when you walk offstage, you should ask yourself three things: What did I do well? What can I do better next time? Did I have fun? With that, you compliment yourself, you leave room for improvement, and you accept the joy of being onstage,” Pomeroy concludes.
Encore’s 2026 season kicks off January 30, 2026, in Albuquerque. Learn more at encoreperformingarts.com, and follow them on Instagram @encoredanceco.
By Melody McTier Thomason of Dance Informa.
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