Stop us if we sound like a broken record (but don't, because you guys totally deserve it): 2017 was seriously the best year yet for Nationals. From minis to seniors, solos to production numbers, you comp kids proved once again that you've got all of the technique, presence, and fierceness. Until next summer—when you'll undoubtedly make our collective jaws drop yet again—here are the top 10 hottest trends we spotted at Nationals 2017.
1. Bendy Backs
This year, you literally bent over backwards to impress the judges—not to mention the audience!
Courtesy The Dance Awards
Courtesy Ash Productions
Photo by Aaron Williams, courtesy Showstopper
2. Low Buns
Modern and classic, sleek and edgy, this style kept our focus on the elegance and power of your dancing.
Photo by Evolve Photo, courtesy Star Dance Alliance
Photo by Universal Event Photography, courtesy Star Dance Alliance
Courtesy The Dance Awards
3. It's a Setup
Props to you for using set pieces without letting them distract from your incredible dancing.
Photo by DRC Video, courtesy Leap
Photo by Universal Event Photography, courtesy Star Dance Alliance
Courtesy Velocity Dance Convention
4. Suit and Tie
Justin Timberlake would be more than proud of the dapper, dashing costumes for many of this year's classic jazz and swing numbers.
Photo by Tori Sullivan, courtesy Dancemakers
Photo by Silvie Damskey, courtesy Headliners
Photo by Evolve Photo, courtesy New York City Dance Alliance
5. Ms. Robot-o
Sci-fi themes were everywhere this year, showcasing a dancey vision of the future.
Photo by Evolve Photo, courtesy New York City Dance Alliance
Photo by Take Creative, courtesy Hollywood Vibe
Photo by Universal Event Photography, courtesy Star Dance Alliance
6. Sheer Elegance
Mesh, lace, and other sheer inserts on costumes made for a trendy, but never overdone, style #upgrade.
Photo by Visual Tech Productions, courtesy Adrenaline
Photo by Evolve Photo, courtesy New York City Dance Alliance
Photo by Universal Event Photography, courtesy Star Dance Alliance
7.Ladies in Red---and Burgundy
💃🏽 much? You really brought the fire this year, in ruby, garnet, and crimson shades.
Photo by Shutter Storm Media, courtesy L.A. Dance Magic
Photo by Evolve Photo, courtesy New York City Dance Alliance
Courtesy The Dance Awards
8. Free Lunge
We're declaring 2017 the Year of the Lunge. Adding drama, power, and excitement, this versatile move showed up consistently to great effect.
Photo by Universal Event Photography, courtesy Star Dance Alliance
Photo by Evolve Photo, courtesy New York City Dance Alliance
Photo by Visual Tech Productions, courtesy Adrenaline
9. Military Time
Atten-TION! We were mesmerized by the sharp, clean routines that soldiered on with inspiration from the armed forces.
Photo by Patrick Andrada, courtesy Dance Educators of America
Courtesy The Dance Awards
Photo by Dancepixs, courtesy Bravo!
10. Comps Get Real
We fell hard for the true-to-life costumes and gestural choreo that lit up Nationals stages with authenticity and relatability.
Photo by Mike Farella/Exulting Images, courtesy Encore DCS
Courtesy The Dance Awards
Photo by Evolve Photo, courtesy New York City Dance Alliance
A version of this story appeared in the November 2017 issue of Dance Spirit with the title "The Finals Countdown."