
Reach new heights
We're on a mission to inspire all dancers to be their best, have fun and make lasting friendships.
7 Tour Stops
4 Convention Dates
18 Performance Categories
2027 Season
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we're On a mission to Inspire all dancers to be their best, have fun and make lasting friendships.
seven stops
one runway
Join our RUNWAY family and let's ‘Reach New Heights’ together.
Host hotel blocks and preferred rates are listed with each stop.
Aultsville Theatre 2 St. Lawrence Drrive Cornwall, ON K6H 4Z1, Canada
we are reinventing
the runway
See below, we hope to see you on the RUNWAY soon!
01. Family-owned and operated by former competitive dancers
More than 35 years combined of competitive dancing, creating and learning in and out of the dance studio.
02. A positive, inclusive & supportive place for dancers
Featured speakers at events discussing causes important to RUNWAY including: Mental Health, Injury Prevention, Auditions and more!
03. Huge cash prizes, all-star judges and convention faculty
Separate “Grand Finale” competition for Pre-Comp and Competitive dancers, “Top of the RUNWAY” Title Category and more!
18 ways to take off
and shine
Every performance category RUNWAY offers, with the acrobatic
limit that applies to each.
01. acro
Combination of gymnastics and dance choreography. An unlimited number of acrobatic tricks allowed.
02. aerials
Combination of gymnastics and dance choreography using an aerial rig. An unlimited number of acrobatic tricks allowed. *ONLY OFFERED AT CERTAIN LOCATIONS*
03. ballet
Classical or contemporary ballet technique and movements. Ballet shoes required. No acrobatics allowed.
04. ballroom
Styles of ballroom dance that use step-patterns, move rhythmically, expressing the characteristics of music. No acrobatic tricks allowed.
05. character ballet
A performance using ballet technique to portray a character or theme. Soft ballet slippers required. No acrobatics allowed.
06. contemporary
Combination of lyrical and jazz technique with modern movements. A limit of up to three acrobatic tricks are permitted.
07. hip hop
Focuses on street style movements. Acrobatic tricks and break dancing are permitted.
08. jazz
Traditional jazz technique and performance. A limit of up to three acrobatic tricks are permitted.
09. latin
Dancers incorporate fast-paced, explosive energy, and special attention to detail in their movements. Including movements from salsa, mambo, merengue, rumba, bachata, bomba and plena.
10. lyrical
Dancers incorporate lyrics and emotion to tell a story using ballet and jazz technique. A limit of up to three acrobatic tricks are permitted.
11. modern
Interpretive movements using contemporary modern technique. A limit of up to three acrobatic tricks are permitted.
12. musical theatre
Any style of dance interpreting a song using lip-syncing, dancing, acting and/or props. A limit of up to three acrobatic tricks are permitted.
13. open
Any style of dance or combination of dance styles. Pointe shoes are prohibited. A limit of up to six acrobatic tricks are permitted.
14. pointe
Classical or contemporary ballet technique on pointe. Pointe shoes required.
15. song & dance
Live singing performance with dance movements and choreography interpreting the song choice. One acrobatic trick permitted. Only solos will be mic'd.
16. tap
Technical tap footwork combined with dancer's musicality. Pre-recorded tap sounds will NOT be permitted. Tap shoes required. A limit of up to three acrobatic tricks are permitted.
17. production
Production entries have no age division. Can consist of any dance style. The entry must convey a theme or story throughout the performance. A maximum of 5 minutes is allocated to set up. Unlimited acrobatic tricks.
18. improvisation
Dancers will hear a small section of the song they will be performing to and then come out on stage one at a time and have one minute to showcase their improvisation skills and overall dance ability. Music will be chosen by RUNWAY Dance Connection.
sisters, best friends, business partners
We are sisters, best friends and business partners – co-founders and directors of RUNWAY Dance Connection. It has taken a family-sized effort to fuel our RUNWAY vision and make dreams come true. We couldn’t be happier to be on this journey with you. Everyone is welcome in our RUNWAY Dance Family! We can't wait to 'Reach New Heights' with you!

CO-FOUNDER / DIRECTOR & BIG SIS
Riley Nimens
CAREER
Has worked on some of the world's largest sporting events — Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, the US Open Tennis Championships, the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Her documentary “BROKEN: The Toxic Culture of Canadian Gymnastics” won Best Documentary at the Canadian Screen Awards in 2024.
KELLY SAYS
“My sister is the embodiment of hard work and determination. She pushes herself to new heights every day and is my biggest inspiration.”

CO-FOUNDER / DIRECTOR & LIL SIS
KELLY Nimens
CAREER
Professional dancer and the “CanCan” soloist at the world renowned Moulin Rouge. Performed at the Opening Ceremonies of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and the New Year's Eve Show 2025 at the Arc de Triomphe. Has worked for Adidas, Red Bull and Maserati, and graced the Electric Daisy Carnival Main Stage multiple times.
RILEY SAYS
“Kelly is the total package — talented, determined, passionate and wholeheartedly committed to uplifting those around her.”
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before you fly with runway
No. Taking videos and/or photos during the competition while dancers are performing is strictly prohibited. DRC captures all photos and videos of each performance and uploads them to DanceBUG following the competition. However, you are welcome to take photos and videos during adjudications.
YES! Every entry at a RUNWAY competition receives an award.
Please email us at info@runwaydanceconnection.com
Unfortunately, we do not offer refunds for competition fees, except in extremely extenuating circumstances. For more information, please contact your studio director.
RUNWAY Rules & Regulations can be found on the Rules & Regulations page.
Please contact your studio owner, and have them contact RUNWAY with the mistake found.
We accept cash, debit, or credit card to purchase merchandise.
50% or more of dancers in a routine must be Pre-Competitive in order for the routine to be considered Pre-Competitive and vice versa for Competitive.
For any duet/trio with performers who are a mix of novice, pre-competitive, and/or competitive dancers must dance in the higher category.
The location of each competition varies. Please go to our Events page for a full list of competition dates and locations.
Top of the runway
These accomplished RUNWAY Ambassadors secured their roles by achieving a top placement in the exclusive Title Category “Top of the RUNWAY,” and now work closely with the RUNWAY Directors. Throughout the season, they've connected on virtual zoom calls, participated in meaningful discussions with top industry professionals and built lasting friendships within our RUNWAY family.
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