Name: Utah Dance Fest 2026 — The Hunger Games
Start: 2026-09-17T16:00:00-06:00
End: 2026-09-20T23:00:00-06:00
Location: Utah Dance Fest

4Full Days of Dancing

30+Workshops, Comps, Classes & Events

Utah's #1Country Dance Convention Festival

All LevelsFrom Newcomers to Advanced

About The Event

Utah's First-Ever Country Dance Convention

Enter the arena. Utah Dance Fest is Utah's first ever country swing convention that started in September of 2024. It is a premier country swing and line dance convention — four days of non-stop dancing, learning, competing, and connecting with the best in the region.

With Country Swing and Line Dance as our main events, we are now adding West Coast Swing, Progressive, Slotted, and Zouk — if you love dancing and learning, this is your event. Come ready to sweat, laugh, learn from world-class instructors, and make memories that last all year.

This year's theme? The Hunger Games. Districts named. Champions crowned. The dance floor is your arena!

Volunteer as Tribute →

What Awaits You

Inside The Arena

Partner Dance Workshops

Country Swing, Progressive, West Coast Swing, and more — taught by nationally recognized instructors.

Line Dance Workshops

Beginner to advanced line dance choreography. Learn new dances and master the classics across multiple levels and styles.

Competitions

Partner or line dance divisions. All skill levels from newcomer through champion. GA pass required to compete.

Nightly Social Dances

After workshops and competitions, the real magic begins. Good music, late-night socials, and hours of dancing with your fellow tributes.

Artist Showcases & Demos

Watch world-class performers bring down the house with demo performances that will leave you breathless and inspired.

Community & Connection

Find your district and become part of Utah's fastest-growing country dance community. Create a network of dancers across the nation and spread the love of dancing. This is your tribe.

The Arena Schedule

Four Days of Action

Detailed Schedule Coming Soon

5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

Check-in and RegistrationDoors open for new arrivals — continues until 6:30 PM

Check-in

7:30 PM - 9:30 PM

Competitions beginAll Slotted comps- prelims and finals & Utah Dance Circuit Finals

Competitions

9:30 PM - 1:00 AM

Social Dancing EndsAll styles and all levels of dancing — let the Games beginWe can't wait to see you in the arena giving it your all over the weekend.

Social

9:30 AM - 5:30 PM

Check-in and RegistrationDoors open for new arrivals — continues until 6:30 PM

Check-in

10:00 AM - 12:50 PM

WorkshopsWorkshops for Partner and Line Dancing

Workshop

1:00 PM - 1:50 PM

Lunch Break BreakTake a break from dancing and refuel for the long night

Dinner

2:00 PM - 3:50 PM

WorkshopsWorkshops for Partner and Line Dancing

Workshop

5:00 PM - 5:30 PM

Last Call for Check in & RegistrationMake sure you buy any last minute comps you want to compete in and are checked in and have your bib number.

Check in

6:30 PM - 9:30 PM

Competitions BeginAll levels take the floor — may the best dancers rise

Competitions

9:30 PM – 1:00 AM

Friday Night Social DanceGood music and dancing the night away with all your allies

Social

9:30 AM - 5:30 PM

Check-in and RegistrationDoors open for new arrivals — continues until 6:30 PM

Check-in

10:00 AM - 12:50 PM

WorkshopsWorkshops for Partner and Line Dancing

Workshop

1:00 PM - 1:50 PM

Lunch Break BreakTake a break from dancing and refuel for the long night

Dinner

2:00 PM - 3:50 PM

WorkshopsWorkshops for Partner and Line Dancing

Workshop

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Lunch Break BreakTake a break from dancing and refuel for the long night

Dinner

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Last Call for Check in & RegistrationMake sure you buy any last minute comps you want to compete in and are checked in and have your bib number.

Check in

7:00 PM - 9:30 PM

Competitions BeginAll levels take the floor — may the best dancers rise

Competitions

10:30 PM – 2:00 AM

Saturday Night Social DanceThe biggest social dance of the weekend — dance until the arena goes dark

Social

9:30 AM– 10:00 AM

Sunday Morning DevotionalA moment to center ourselves, honoring our faith before we enter the final arena

Devotional

10:00 AM– 10:50 AM

Wellness TimeA moment to prioritize healing and wellness for ourselves and come back refreshed.

Wellness

11:00 AM - 1:50 PM

WorkshopsLast chance to learn and grow

Workshop

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Dinner BreakTake a break from the comps and get ready to receive your awards.

Dinner

3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

CompetitionsThe final battles — one last chance to shine

Competitions

6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Awards Ceremony — The Victor RisesChampions crowned. Tributes honored. Legends made.

Ceremony

7:30 PM - 12:00 AM

Closing Social & Farewell DanceSee you next year, tribute

Social

Choose Your Fate

Select Your Pass

Every tribute must choose their path into the arena. Swipe to explore all options — full passes are limited to 40 per month.

Student Tier

Student — All Access Pass

Secure your spot at the Utah Country Swing Dance Festival

$115+ $6.24 fee

Available until Aug 1, 2026 · Only 40 passes per month

Full access to all four days of the event
All workshops — partner dance & line dance
Competition entry for the full weekend
Nightly social dances through 2:00 AM
Opening & awards ceremonies
Out-of-state students only · Valid student ID required

Claim Student Pass →

Best Value — Only 40 Per Month

Tribute Tier

All Access Event Pass

The full arena experience — workshops, competitions, socials, and ceremonies all weekend long.

$165+ $8.82 fee

Available until Aug 1, 2026 · Limited to 40 passes per month

Full access to all four days of the event
All workshops — partner dance & line dance
Competition entry for the full weekend
Nightly social dances through 2:00 AM
Opening ceremony & awards ceremony
The complete arena experience — nothing held back

Enter the Arena →

Utah Student Tier

Utah Student — All Access Pass

For Utah-based students ready to enter the arena

$115+ $6.24 fee

Available until Aug 1, 2026 · Only 40 passes per month

Full access to all four days of the event
All workshops — partner dance & line dance
Competition entry for the full weekend
Nightly social dances through 2:00 AM
Opening & awards ceremonies
Utah residents only · Valid student ID required

Claim Utah Student Pass →

Pre-Party

Launch of Hunger Games — Pre-Party

The biggest country swing party out there — kick off the Games in style

$15+ $1.09 fee

vs. $20 at the door · Available until Sep 20, 2026

Food trucks on-site all evening
Social comps open to all attendees
Free raffle prizes throughout the night
Live demo dances & much more
The perfect way to kick off the weekend
Does not include full event access

Join the Pre-Party →

Capitol Tier

Capitol Elite — VIP Pass

The full Capitol experience — luxury perks all weekend long

$65+ $3.66 fee

Available until Sep 20, 2026 · Limited availability

Access to the exclusive VIP lounge all weekend
Complimentary drinks & snacks throughout
25% off all merchandise at the festival store
25% credit toward any private lesson
The ultimate way to experience the Games
Add-on to any full pass

Claim Capitol Status →

Competitor Tier

Competitors / Social Day Pass

Made for dancers wanting to compete and stay to dance the night away

$25+ $1.60 fee

Compete in your division + own the floor all night

Competition entry for your chosen day
Evening social dance access after 6 PM
Available until Sep 20, 2026
Workshops & daytime classes not included
Full weekend access
VIP lounge access

Get Day Pass →

Spectator Tier

Social / Spectator Pass — Friday

Step inside the arena Friday night — no commitment required

$15+ $1.09 fee

vs. $20 at the door — save $5 online

Entry after 6 PM on Friday
Full access to Friday night social dance floor
Perfect for first-timers or friends tagging along
Workshops & daytime classes
Competition entry
Full weekend access

Get Friday Pass →

Spectator Tier

Social / Spectator Pass — Saturday

The biggest social night of the weekend — join us Saturday

$15+ $1.09 fee

vs. $20 at the door — save $5 online

Entry after 6 PM on Saturday
Full access to Saturday night social dance floor
The biggest social dance of the whole weekend
Workshops & daytime classes
Competition entry
Full weekend access

Get Saturday Pass →

🔥 Register online and save — prices go up at the door 🔥

View every pass on Danceplace

View All Tickets on Danceplace →

Questions? Call or text Loretta: (330) 663-4310 · @utah_dancefest

🔥

The Capitol

Event Director & Coordinators

Behind every great Games is a team who built the arena. Meet the people who pour their heart into making Utah Dance Fest an unforgettable experience year after year.

Event Director

Founder & Director

Franz Lezama-Acharte

Ignite Country Fusion

The visionary behind Utah's first-ever country dance convention. Franz has dedicated years to building a country dance community in Utah, founding Ignite Country Fusion and dreaming up an event that brings dancers of all levels together under one roof — and one incredible theme.

His passion for partner dance, community, and spectacle is the fire that keeps Utah Dance Fest alive. Every year, he makes the Games bigger, bolder, and more unforgettable than the last.

📞 (801) 554-1876 @innovative_dancing_king

Competition Coordinator

Competition & Event Coordinator

Russ Bradchulis

6x World Champion Country Dancer

Russ teaches at events coast to coast. He brings that same energy to Utah Dance Fest as our competition coordinator. With years of experience running competitions at every level, he brings precision, structure, and an unmatched understanding of the dance floor. He's the reason everything runs like clockwork.

As a Kickstart Country Instructor, Russ is known for his ability to connect with dancers of every level — making competitions feel less like a battle and more like the moment every tribute has been training for.

@russbradchulis

Tribute Briefing

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely not! Utah Dance Fest welcomes all experience levels — from complete beginners to seasoned champions. We have workshops designed for first-timers and the community is famously welcoming to newcomers.

Nope! Many attendees come solo. Social dances are a great place to meet partners, and our rotation-based workshops ensure everyone dances with multiple people all weekend.

A General Admission (Tribute) pass or higher is required to enter competitions. The District Pass covers socials and evening events only. If you plan to compete, go Tribute or above.

Utah Dance Fest is a Country Partner and Line Dance event. Styles include Country Swing, West Coast Swing, Progressive, and Line Dancing across all levels.

Yes, upgrades available subject to availability. Contact Franz at (801) 554-1876.

Use the promo code to buy your passes. Contact Franz at (801) 554-1876 with any questions.

The best option is the Salt Lake City (SLC) Airport or the Provo Airport.

Results will be announced on Danceplace as well as Instagram.

The themes will be announced on the Utah Dance Fest Instagam.

Hampton Inn
Sleep Inn
Fairfield Inn

Utah Dance Fest

Utah's First-Ever Country Dance Convention

Inside The Arena

Four Days of Action

Select Your Pass

Student — All Access Pass

All Access Event Pass

Utah Student — All Access Pass

Launch of Hunger Games — Pre-Party

Capitol Elite — VIP Pass

Competitors / Social Day Pass

Social / Spectator Pass — Friday

Social / Spectator Pass — Saturday

Event Director & Coordinators

Franz Lezama-Acharte

Russ Bradchulis

What Tributes Say

Frequently Asked Questions

Your District Needs You