Competition Guidelines 

The information you'll need to register your dancers

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AGE DIVISIONS

All ages are determined as of December 31st, 2021

To determine the average age of Duets, Trios, Groups, and Productions, add up the ages of the competitors, then divide by the number of competitors and DROP ALL DECIMALS.

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Mini 8 and under

Junior 9 to 12

Teen 13 to 14

Senior 15 and Over

CLASSIFICATIONS

NOVICE - A Dancer(s) in their first season of competition.  A dancer competing in a novice solo may have participated in a competition before but not previously in a solo of any dance style. If the dancer has competed in a jazz solo in a previous season and this season is competing in tap solo that dancer is not eligible to compete in novice.

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A novice group/line must be 100% novice, Solo/Duo/Trio’s must be 100% novice.
A soloist can compete as Novice provided, they have not competed in a solo of any style in a previous season.

Separate overall awards are awarded for Novice Categories. If you're unsure of your dancer(s) classification, please contact us to discuss.

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DIVISION 1 (Also known as: Recreational/Part-Time/Pre-Comp) - Dancer(s) who train 6 hours or less per week. A group must be 100% Amateur to compete in this division. If you're not sure about your group’s classification, please give contact us to discuss proper placement.   Separate overall awards are awarded for Select Categories.

DIVISION 2- (Competitive Level) A Dancer (s) who has previously competed in a competitive dance season. Training more than 6 hours per/week. 

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PROFESSIONAL - A dancer who earns a living by teaching or performing dance. Dancers in this category are not eligible for overall awards.

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ADULT - Any non-professional adult performance. Adult performances are not eligible for overall awards.

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Solos/Duo/trios, groups, lines and productions compete in the following age divisions:

• 4 & Under (Mini)

• 5-6 (Mini)

• 7-8 (Mini)

• 9-10 (Junior)

• 11-12 (Junior)

• 13-14 (Teen)

• 15-16 (Senior)

• 17-18 (Senior)

• 19 & over (Senior) 

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(Should a solo category be over 14 Competitors we will separate into multiple flights)

PERFORMANCE SIZES AND TIME LIMITS

Solo - 1 Dancer 3:00 min max

Duet/Trio - 2 to 3 Dancers   3:00 min max

Small Group - 5 to 9 Dancers 3:00 min max

Large Group - 10 to 15 Dancers 4:00 min max

Line - 16 to 24 Dancers 5:00 min max

Extended Line - 25 or More Dancers   4:00 min max

Production - 16 or More Dancers 10:00 min max

DISCIPLINES

Demi Pointe: Display classical or contemporary ballet technique. Ballet shoes or soft blocks are to be worn.

Pointe: Classical Ballet technique with the emphasis on strong pointe work.

Demi Character: Must portray a theme throughout using 60% ballet technique performed on demi pointe or pointe.

Jazz: Routine must consist of jazz technique and movements. (Illusions are not considered an acrobatic trick and are permitted in jazz routines) Jazz routines may consist of a maximum of 1 acrobatic trick (Tumbling pass, handsprings, aerial, walkovers, etc)

Lyrical: Routine must demonstrate expressive interpretation of the lyrics of the music through movement. Routine should demonstrate emotion, balance, extension, control, and technique. Think telling a story with your body. 

Contemporary: A routine that is a combination of strong ballet fundamentals with modern and jazz techniques utilizing strength, flexibility, alignment, breath, contraction, suspension, tension and relaxation while emphasizing artistic expression.

Classic Modern: Routine should demonstrate balance, control and extensions using Modern Dance technique.

Tap: Routine must contain 80% tap technique. Music may not contain tap sounds.

Musical Theatre: Portraying a theme. The routine must have a 60% dance and 40% other (acting or mime). Characterization through lip-syncing, props, and minimal vocalization are permitted.

Song and Dance: Routines must primarily consist of vocals, incorporating any style(s) of dance and must have a theme or story throughout. Only Solo/Duo/Trios will be given mic’d.  Groups will perform with no microphone. (Competition will schedule a sound check and dancer(s) must be present)

Hip-Hop: Routine can include Crump, Break-dance, Funk, Street Dancing, Free Style Choreography.

Acro: The routines shall not exceed 60% acrobatics (with a min. of 4 acrobatic tricks or tumbling run/passes) and contain at least 40% dance movement.

Production: Routine incorporating any style(s) of dance and must have a theme or story throughout.

Open: Any dance that does not fit into any of the above categories.