With the holidays out of the way, many studios are gearing up for the competition and festival season where dancers from all over the country have the chance to showcase their skills at the local, provincial and national level -some even heading south of the border!

There are a number of benefits that come with participating at competitions and festivals. For one, students use the experience to develop and improve their skills and confidence. It also gives the studio a chance to build team spirit outside of regular class time and creates some lifelong memories for that dancer. 

Here are just a few festivals and competitions wanttodance.ca readers will be participating in or attending:

Kick It Up Dance Competition
This family-owned and operated competition will have even more dates on their tour including University/College events. website

Dance It Out
From Toronto to Winnipeg to Halifax, this competition will have dancers on their toes around the country! Studios can choose from over ten dance categories for their dancers and cash scholarships are available at each venue. website

Showtime Dance Promotions
Fifteen events, a variety of dance challenges and festivals, and a final summer camp in Jasper, Alberta. This organization offers exciting entertainment and fun for studios in Western Canada. website

Dance Power
Based in Edmonton, the dance competition will be celebrating 20 years! The 2012 season will include stops in British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan with the grand championships taking place among the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas. website

C.A.R.S and Galaxy Dance Festival
Catch a Rising Star Dance Festival has been offering non-competitive festivals to Alberta for the past 10 years and is excited to announce that the NOVA Dance Challenge is at a new venue for the 2012 Festival Season. For more information, email cars.df@shaw.ca .

Canadian National Dance Championships
A sub committee of the International Olympic Committee and the only dance competition in Canada recognized by the International Dance Organization, this competition provides the chance for dancers to qualify to represent Canada at the World Championships. website

Bedazzled Dance Championships
A competition for all ages, Bedazzled not only awards every dancer, but they give back too! Last year the organization donated a percentage of their program sales to Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. website

Jump Shout Boogie
Entering its 7th year awards of hosting dance competitions, this year’s tour will include a Fresh Dance Workshop as well as cash scholarships at each venue. website

Rhythm Dance
New awards, scholarships make for an exciting year with this dance competition that has been around for more than 20 years. Those looking to get early feedback on their solos can attend dancing solo for the dancer who wants early feedback. website

StarCatchers
This three-day event travels across Ontario to eight venues where every category is placed and each presentation is full of awards, scholarships and giveaways. website

Believe Dance
This dance competition is entering its third year with venues across Ontario. website

Strive Dance Challenge
Run in a healthy, fun and inviting atmosphere, this competition has venues around Ontario. New to 2012 are new awards, a dance off as well as a University Dance Challenge. website

En Pointe and Just Dance
This organization runs two festivals: one specific to ballet and the second for all other dance styles! Master classes and workshops are free to participate in during the event and studios interested in having students perform in a non-competitive environment are offered the presentation/recreational stream. website

Let's Get Loud
Touring all around Ontario, the competition will hold six events with great giveaways and numerous cash awards for over 10 categories (including a university dance challenge). LGL strives to have each dancer and studio leave with lasting memories. website

Ultimate Dance Connection
Taking place in Ontario, this competition hits four cities in 2012. Dancers also have the chance to be part of So You Are The Ultimate Dance where the winner gets $500. Last year, Amanda Cleghorn from Season 3's So You Think You Can Dance Canada did a meet and greet at all the venues. Prizes include overall awards in ballet, acro, and musical theatre. website

Whether you are a studio owner looking for a place to showcase your dancers or want to check out the dance stars of tomorrow, below are just some of the exciting events happening across the country. Some festivals and competitions have already begun registration -with some of the venues already filled up- so take a look at what's happening in your area!

Across Canada

5,6,7,8 Showtime | American Dance Awards | Champions Dance | Canadian National Dance Championships | Dancefest | Dance It Out | Dance Sport | CanDance | Extreme Dance Conventions and Competitions  | Hip Hop Canada | Kick It Up Dance Competition  | Thunderstruck Canada

Western Canada

Synergy Dance Competition | Showtime Promotions  | Shine Dance Festival  | Dance Power | Synergy Dance | C.A.R.S and Galaxy Dance Festival

Eastern Canada

Bedazzled Dance Championships | Jump Shout Boogie  | Let’s Get Loud | Luv 2 Dance Ontario | The Ultimate Dance Competition | Rhythm Dance | StarCatchers | Canadian National Dance Championships | Canadian Cheer | Dance Canada Inc. | Attitude Dance | Believe Dance | Dance Odyssey Competitions | Dance Beat Competition | Move Dance Competition |Non Stop Dance Competition | Northern Stars Dance | On Stage Productions | Pick the Stars International | Six Degrees Salsa Competition | Star Beat Dance Champions | Strive Dance Challenge | The Ultimate Dance Connection