For dancers, by dancers. Learn about our mission, values, and commitment to creating positive, memorable experiences.
Headliners is a family-run dance competition dedicated to creating a positive, professional, and inspiring environment for dancers of all ages and skill levels. With over 30 years in the industry, our focus remains on honesty, integrity, and delivering events where dancers feel supported, challenged, and celebrated. From regional events to our National Finals, every competition is thoughtfully designed to encourage growth, confidence, and a love for performance.
We believe every dancer deserves an experience that goes beyond awards. Our events are built to foster community, sportsmanship, and lasting memories for studios and families alike. By combining organized, well-paced competitions with a welcoming atmosphere, Headliners continues to be a place where dancers can learn, improve, and truly enjoy their time on stage.
From first-time performers to advanced competitors, Headliners is committed to providing an experience that supports every dancer’s journey while making each event exciting, rewarding, and unforgettable.
For Dancers. By Dancers.
Built on passion and experience, our events are designed to inspire confidence, celebrate progress, and create lasting memories for every dancer.
Our directors bring years of experience, passion, and dedication to every event, working together to create a supportive and inspiring environment for dancers.
A former dance teacher and competition team director, Shari began dancing at the age of 4. Training included summers in NYC studying with many masters including Charles Kelley, Don Farnworth, Bob Audy, and Henry LeTang just to name a few. She earned her BFA in Theater and Production from Fordham University/Lincoln Center and in the Fall of 1989, along with her mother, Irma Ziegler, created Headliners while still operating a dance studio in northern NJ. As a teacher, choreographer and dance parent, Shari understands what it takes to get a dancer to the competition stage and is grateful to all the dancers, teachers, parents and studio owners that have supported Headliners the last 37 years!
Rachel Hennin, the National Director and Chief Operating Officer at Headliners, boasts a remarkable 13-year track record, cementing her role as an indispensable figure within the organization. As the torchbearer of her family legacy, she is the third generation to lead the family business, exemplifying an unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of honesty and integrity in the competitive landscape. Responsible for overseeing the operational aspects of the company on a national scale, she ensures seamless logistics and coordinates various facets of Headliners’ competitions. Rachel’s leadership style blends innovation with tradition, fostering an environment where creativity and inclusivity thrive while upholding the core values that define Headliners. Her clear vision for the organization is to continue the traditions that exemplify honesty, integrity, and the pursuit of excellence.
Christian is the Chief Technical Officer at Headliners Dance Championships, following his passion for media in the production industry. Originally hired as a tour videographer 7 years ago, his journey at Headliners unfolded into so much more as he discovered a profound love for dance. Now in an executive role, his current responsibilities encompass a diverse range of tasks, from hiring/staffing the media crew, to overseeing warehouse operations, equipment maintenance/transport logistics and of course touring Event Director or Media Director. Christian’s dedication and multifaceted expertise form the backbone of Headliners’ ever growing technical operations, reflecting his unwavering commitment to both the art of dance and the intricacies of live event production.
Daniela started competing at Headliners when she was 5 years old and worked in Merchandise while studying dance in college. Her previous roles also include Regional Judge and teaching the first Modern dance classes at Nationals. Daniela came back on tour in 2023 after a 15 year hiatus and is thrilled to be with Headliners full time as Director of Client Relations in addition to your Regional Competition Director. Her favorite thing about working for Headliners is being surrounded by people who love dance so much they fill every event with an overwhelming amount of joy – she hasn’t been able to replicate that sense of belonging or inclusion anywhere else except with the people who dance at Headliners.
Taryn is a former ballerina who received training at the prestigious School of American Ballet. Her experience also includes training with the New York City Ballet Company at Skidmore College in Saratoga and attended the acclaimed summer programs at Boston Ballet and Burklyn Ballet Theater. She was also fortunate to receive a full scholarship with STEPS on Broadway. After her performance career, Taryn began directing events for MAC cosmetics, which included working with and photographing dancers. She has traveled worldwide, including Europe, South America, Canada, and the Middle East, and has collaborated with renowned brands such as Gucci, Tiffany, Katy Perry, Dolce & Gabbana, Well + Good Magazine, and many more. Taryn enjoys working with Headliners as it combines her love of dance and photography. As a photographer, due to her background, she can anticipate the dancers movements and capture the amazing photos you see. As a regional director, her event background provides the professional and fun atmosphere that Headliners is known for.
Our Newest Regional Director! Kelsey works full-time with Headliners, where she supports our Registration Team and collaborates on the logistical and operational decisions that bring our events to life. She also channels her creativity into designing our merchandise each season! Kelsey grew up as a competitive dancer and continued her education at James Madison University in Virginia, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Dance along with a K-12 Dance Arts Teaching License. Her work with Headliners includes hands-on experience across nearly every production role on tour, ultimately leading her to her current title as Regional Director. Passionate about creating meaningful experiences, Kelsey is dedicated to supporting studios from the earliest stages of registration through every moment at the event. She strives to foster a positive and welcoming environment for all studios, dancers, and dance families at her Regional Events.
Incorporated in 1989, Headliners is an educationally based, goal-oriented competition.
A true competition experience, we aspire to provide a fun, encouraging event for studios and dancers of all sizes, levels and abilities while staying true to our mission of proper training, education, family and commitment.
Headliners was the first competition to provide free photo and video to the studios and dancers that attend our events. Headliners was the first competition to offer levels based on skills. Our primary goal is how to better serve you.
Pricing is available to Studio Owners and Teachers only. Please contact Headliners for more information.
Hear directly from families and dancers who trust our studio for quality training, supportive teachers, and unforgettable experiences.
We absolutely loved Headliners!! It was such a positive atmosphere!! The judges gave wonderful comments and were so kind and genuine! Will definitely be back! Looking forward to nationals!!!
Nationals is so well run. Amazing classes with teachers who know their fields. Even a session on how to do a resume, how to audition- invaluable information for parents and dancers; so glad the parents were given a chance to be there.
Fabulous competition, one of the few that judged fairly, ran on time, and had an Emcee that I could actually understand.
Great competition. Video critiques we so specific and positive! Great free pictures and videos!
I appreciated all the consistent, strong, positive messages to the dancers and the entire dance community. They celebrate dance and all the hard work all the dancers put into their performances.
What a great competition experience! Everything was great in every way - ran smoothly and on time. The judges attentiveness to the dancers and what they gave the dancers back was super great. All was great from the super friendly retail of selling of shirts to the top notch pics and videos.
With a focus on offering support to and enriching the dance community, Headliners seeks to provide more for our dancers. From college scholarships to in-studio master classes, we partner with some of the best organizations in the dance industry.
Headliners offers more than just a trophy. We offer opportunities.
Explore our complete rules, policies, and important competition details to help studios, dancers, and families prepare for every event.