The 2026 Tucson Dance Festival brought three days of country/western dance competition to El Conquistador Tucson, tucked into the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains just outside the city, and The Average Nomad was there to shoot video throughout the weekend.
Event director Mona Brandt, who also runs the Arizona Dance Classic, brought that same organized touch to the desert once again this year, and full event details are always available on the Tucson Dance Festival website.
Between heats, dancers made the most of the resort’s 50 acres — cooling off in the outdoor pools and waterslide, or unwinding at the spa’s salt therapy lounge with views of Pusch Ridge. The weekend kicked off with a Welcome Dance featuring a two-step group class from Brian B and Miss Megan, followed by nightly social dancing that mixed country and West Coast Swing crowds long after the competition floor cleared for the night.
Alongside the usual ProAm, Couples, Line Dance and Teams divisions, this year’s event introduced a new Solo Stars competition for pre-teen, junior, and youth dancers performing syllabus routines without a partner, plus a full day of Ballroom competition to close out the weekend — American Smooth and Rhythm, International Standard and Latin, and social styles like Argentine Tango and Night Club Two-Step. A Saturday Night Dinner Show capped the evening before Sunday’s ballroom heats took over the floor.
Between rounds, competitors stopped by the vendor tables for hair and makeup from Rachele Eads and Marieta, or picked up new competition wear from I&M Couture Designs.
It was another action-packed weekend on the floor, and The Average Nomad was proud to help capture it — keep an eye on our YouTube channel for footage to relive the weekend or find your own heats.