Info and Rules

Competition Levels

We offer four distinct competition levels to accommodate dancers of varying skill levels and experience. Studios have the option to register dancers in a higher category than what is recommended below, but they cannot move down a level once registered. In the event that judges unanimously agree to bump up a routine, the routine will be moved to the next level up. Teachers must use their own judgment when determining the number of hours of practice per dancer and in which level contestants should be placed.

For groups, duets, and trios, the competition level will be determined by the average level of all dancers in the routine. Our Artistry level, which is our advanced level, offers unique opportunities for dancers and studios. We encourage all participants to strive for this high level rather than staying comfortable in our intermediate category. Please see our awards section to learn more.

Performance (Beginner)

• Geared towards beginner dancers with limited training and competition experience.
• Dancers in this level typically train less than 3 hours per week in dance and/or acrobatics, with no more than 3 years of competitive experience.
• Routines in this level should emphasize performance value, with beginner skills and technique.
• Judges will be looking for enthusiasm, energy, and stage presence, as well as basic technical skills.

Creative (Intermediate)

• Designed for dancers with intermediate training and competition experience.
• Dancers in this level typically train between 3 to 5 hours per week in dance and/or acrobatics, with no more than 5 years of competitive experience.
• Routines in this level should showcase solid technique, musicality, and expression, with a focus on emotional execution and storytelling.
• Judges will be looking for well-executed choreography, stage presence, commitment to performance and a solid foundation of technique.

Artistry (Advanced)

• Reserved for advanced dancers with extensive training and competition experience.
• Dancers in this level typically train over 5 hours per week in dance and/or acrobatics.
• Routines in this level are expected to demonstrate exceptional technique, artistry, and creativity, pushing the boundaries of dance performance.
• Judges will be looking for mastery of choreography, musicality, emotional expression, and overall stage presence.

Inspirational (Inclusive)

• Dedicated to dancers with disabilities or special needs, providing an inclusive and supportive platform for participation and performance.
• Dancers in this level may have varying levels of training and experience, with routines tailored to accommodate individual abilities.
• Routines in this level should celebrate each dancer's unique strengths and talents, focusing on inclusivity, creativity, and personal expression.
• Judges will be looking for effort, creativity, and enjoyment in performance, valuing participation and personal growth above technical proficiency.
• Dancers at this level may compete in a variety of routines, including solos, duets/trios, and group performances, with accommodations as needed.

Categories

1. ACRO:
   Routine must mainly use acro tricks accompanied by flexibility and control, with dance throughout the entire routine.
   
   
2. BALLET:
   Routine must consist of ballet technique and include classical steps and movements. No pointe shoes allowed. No gymnastic/acrobatic tricks allowed.
   
   
3. BATON:
   A routine using baton(s) and baton technique, judged on Baton technique, dance moves, steps, and choreography. Any number of Acrobatic tricks allowed.
   
   
4. CHARACTER ROUTINE:
   A routine portraying a recognizable character throughout, with the character listed on the entry form. May incorporate either dance or acrobatic techniques. Any number of Acrobatic tricks allowed.
   
   
5. CLOGGING:
   A routine utilizing either traditional or contemporary style clogging technique. A maximum of three gymnastic/acrobatic tricks allowed.
   
   
6. CONTEMPORARY:
   Routine should utilize a pedestrian style of dance to show extension and balance, combining lyrical, modern, and concert style techniques. A maximum of three acrobatic tricks allowed.
   
   
7. FOLKLORIC:
   A routine using an ethnic style of dance, such as Belly Dancing, Hawaiian, Bollywood, etc.
   
   
8. HIP HOP:
   Routine consisting primarily of Hip Hop musicality, rhythms, and motions replicating that of the category's technique. No inappropriate lyrics in the music are allowed.
   
   
9. JAZZ:
   Routine must consist primarily of jazz technique. Judges will focus on the musicality of choreography. A maximum of three gymnastic/acrobatic tricks allowed.
   
   
10. JAZZ FUNK: 
    Routine must consist of a fusion of jazz technique and elements of hip hop. Routine must consist primarily of jazz technique. Judges will focus on the musicality of choreography. A maximum of three gymnastic/acrobatic tricks allowed.
    
    
11. LYRICAL:
    Routine should demonstrate balance, extension, isolations, and control utilizing the lyrics or mood of the music. A maximum of three gymnastic/acrobatic tricks allowed.
    
    
12. MODERN:
    Interpretive routine in Modern Style. A maximum of three acrobatic tricks allowed.
    
    
13. MUSICAL THEATER:
    Routine featuring any style of dance interpreting a song from a Broadway show or movie musical. Style of dance or portrayal of character should be dominant in this category.
    
    
14. OPEN:
    Any combination of the listed category styles.
    
    
15. POINTE:
    Routine must consist of pointe technique. No gymnastic/acrobatic tricks allowed.
    
    
16. POM POM:
    A routine incorporating the use of Pom Poms. Should use precise and defined movement. No stunts or pyramids taller than one person allowed, or a penalty will be incurred per judge.
    
    
17. PRODUCTION:
    A routine utilizing a group of at least 15 dancers incorporating any style/styles of dance or acrobatics, with a time limit of 8:00 minutes.
    
    
18. SONG & DANCE:
    Routine must contain both singing and any listed category of dancing, judged on both singing and dancing.
    
    
19. TAP:
    Routine must contain tap technique and primarily tap work. It is preferred that tap sounds not be prerecorded in music. A maximum of three gymnastic/acrobatic tricks allowed.