Showcase is a competition event category in which skaters focus on artistry and musicality over technical skills like jumps and spins. Skaters perform theatrical programs with or without the use of props and elaborate costumes. They may perform as single skaters, in duets, and even small or large ensembles.
There are seven categories for single skaters, most of which are available at all skating skill levels.
- Emotional Performance – express a story showing conflict, resolution and/or depth of emotion
- Choreographic Artistry (Juvenile – Senior, Adult Masters only) – express innovative ideas and choreographic processes to instrumental music
- Lyrical Pop – perform to a favorite song with lyrics
- Character Performance – perform as a character from a movie, musical, book, or your imagination
- Comedic Impressions – provide a humorous performance intended to make the audience laugh
- Inflatables – create a theatrical performance with up to three skaters wearing partial-body or full-body inflatables
- Theme Event – perform to a song written by, performed by or made famous by a particular artist, group or genre of music. The theme will change every season and is Divas of the 80s and 90s for the 2025-2026 season
Check the Showcase Handbook for a full description of each category, including what is and is not permitted.
National Showcase
National Showcase is the end-of-the-season competition in which the top showcase performers compete against one another. The top four skaters from all competitions including showcase events are eligible to compete at National Showcase. This competition occurs every summer at the end of July or early August.