top of page

Season 2 Has Begun: Celebrating the Start of the 2026 ORO Tour


Season 2 of the ORO Dance Competition is officially underway, and with it comes a renewed sense of purpose, connection, and excitement across the dance community. What began as an idea rooted in intention has once again come to life on stages across the country—bringing dancers, studios, educators, and families together to celebrate artistry, growth, and shared experience.


Season 2 Begins at the Visalia Convention Center
Season 2 Begins at the Visalia Convention Center

With successful opening events in Fresno and Las Vegas, the ORO Season 2 tour has already set a powerful tone. These first stops delivered more than competition weekends; they created moments of joy, learning, recognition, and belonging. As we look ahead to Houston and the rest of the 2026 tour calendar, we’re taking a moment to reflect on how Season 2 has begun—and why this season already feels so special.


A Meaningful Launch: Fresno Sets the Tone


The opening weekend of Season 2 in Fresno marked more than the first stop on the tour—it marked the beginning of a journey shaped by intention and community. From the moment dancers arrived, the atmosphere carried a sense of focus and excitement. Studios reunited, new faces joined the ORO family, and dancers prepared to take the stage with confidence and pride.


Performances throughout the weekend reflected dedication and heart. Dancers across all age divisions brought storytelling, musicality, and presence to the stage. For many, this was their first competition of the season; for others, it was a continuation of years of training. Regardless of experience level, every dancer contributed to the energy and success of the weekend.


Backstage, moments of quiet preparation mixed with encouragement and support. Teachers guided, families cheered, and dancers supported one another in ways that truly define the ORO experience. Fresno set the foundation for Season 2—one rooted in respect, growth, and shared celebration.


Building Momentum in Las Vegas


Following a strong opening, the tour continued in Las Vegas, where momentum was unmistakable. Dancers arrived energized, confident, and ready to build memories. The performances in Las Vegas showcased growth, risk-taking, and a deepening sense of artistry across all divisions.


Choreography pushed creative boundaries. Musical interpretation felt intentional and mature. Dancers took ownership of their movement, performing with clarity and emotional depth. Judges observed not only technical excellence, but growth from studio training into performance readiness.


Las Vegas also reinforced the spirit of connection that defines ORO. Studios supported one another, dancers formed new friendships, and families shared in moments of celebration that extended beyond awards ceremonies.


Together, Fresno and Las Vegas established a strong beginning for Season 2, proving that this tour is about more than competition—it’s about community.


Season 2 continued with its second stop at Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall
Season 2 continued with its second stop at Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall

Celebrating Achievement: Awards That Honor the Journey


Awards are an important part of any competition, and at ORO, they are designed with intention. Throughout Fresno and Las Vegas, dancers were recognized across a wide range of categories that honor not just results, but growth and effort.


Age & Division-Based Recognition


Awards are presented across age divisions including Mini, Petite, Junior, Teen, Senior, and Adult. Within each age group, routines are evaluated by entry type—Solo, Duo/Trio, Small Group, Large Group, and Productions—ensuring fair and meaningful comparison.


Level-Based Awards


To encourage confidence and healthy competition, routines are judged within Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels. This structure allows dancers to be celebrated within their appropriate stage of development, emphasizing progress and personal growth.


Overall & Category Winners


Across both Fresno and Las Vegas, standout performances were recognized as overall and category winners. These routines demonstrated exceptional artistry, musicality, and stage presence, setting a high standard while inspiring fellow dancers.


ORO Title Awards


Among the most meaningful honors are the ORO Title Awards. These titles recognize dancers who embody the values of ORO—not only through performance excellence, but through professionalism, confidence, and leadership throughout the weekend.


At ORO, awards are not about comparison; they are about celebration. They recognize the countless hours of preparation, the courage to perform, and the teamwork behind every routine. Every dancer who steps on stage contributes to the success of the event—and that contribution matters.


Growing Beyond the Stage: Masterclasses in Fresno & Las Vegas


A defining element of the ORO experience is the opportunity to grow beyond competition through ORO Masterclasses. Both Fresno and Las Vegas featured inspiring educational sessions that allowed dancers to learn, explore, and expand their artistry in a supportive environment.


Tiffany Shontelle – Lyrical & Contemporary Fusion


Led by Tiffany Shontelle, the lyrical and contemporary fusion masterclasses focused on emotional connection, storytelling, and intentional movement. Dancers explored how breath, control, and release can elevate performance quality and deepen artistic expression. These sessions encouraged dancers to move with authenticity—connecting technique with emotion in meaningful ways.


Julia Myers – Hip Hop & Jazz Funk


Julia Myers brought energy, confidence, and precision to her hip hop and jazz funk masterclasses. Her classes emphasized musicality, performance presence, and individuality. Dancers were challenged to commit fully to movement, sharpen dynamics, and perform with bold intention.


These masterclasses provided dancers with tools they could immediately apply both on stage and in the studio. More importantly, they reinforced ORO’s commitment to dancer education and long-term development. Learning is not separate from competition—it’s an essential part of it.


The Power of Community and Shared Moments


What truly defines Season 2 so far are the moments shared beyond scores and schedules. The friendships formed backstage. The encouragement exchanged between studios. The pride felt by families watching dancers grow in confidence.


At ORO, competition weekends become gathering spaces. Dancers meet peers from other cities. Teachers connect and collaborate. Families bond over long days filled with anticipation and celebration. These shared experiences create memories that last far beyond a single weekend.




Looking Ahead: Houston and the 2026 Tour Calendar


As we celebrate the successful start of Season 2, excitement is already building for what’s next. Houston is the upcoming stop on the tour, bringing new routines, new energy, and new opportunities for dancers to shine.


Beyond Houston, the 2026 tour calendar reflects ORO’s continued growth across multiple cities. Each venue is selected with dancers, studios, and families in mind—ensuring spaces that support performance quality, comfort, and community connection.

The journey through the 2026 season is just beginning. Each upcoming city represents another chapter—another stage where dancers will grow, connect, and create golden moments together.


Thank you to every dancer, studio, teacher, family, judge, and staff member who has already been part of Season 2. Your passion and trust are what make this tour possible.

We look forward to seeing you in Houston—and throughout the rest of the 2026 ORO Tour.


Oro Masterclass with Tiffany Shontelle
Oro Masterclass with Tiffany Shontelle

Comments


bottom of page