Set rules, guidelines, and standards to ease transitions for studios
Each entry will be placed in one of the following age groups based on the average age of all competitors in the routine. Average age should be calculated by adding up the age of each competitor (as of JANUARY 1) and dividing by the total number of competitors in the routine using integer ages (all decimals are dropped). Proof of age may be requested on-site of an event if deemed necessary.
Any entry containing a dancer that is 20+ years in age will automatically compete no lower than the senior age division, regardless of the average age of the entry.
| Acro | Routine combining the artistry of dance technique along with the athleticism of acrobatic skills. Choreography must contain 50% dance technique. |
| Ballet | Routine consisting of classical Ballet movement and technique. |
| Ballroom | Routine in which dancers perform a variety of ballroom dance styles, such as Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz, Quickstep, Cha Cha, Rumba, Paso Doble, Jive, etc. Emphasis is placed on technique, partnering skills, and musicality. |
| Baton | Routine in which the dancer demonstrates a variety of twirling technique, such as fingerwork, rolls, and/or a variety of tosses and catches, that is coordinated with dance movements. |
| Character | Routine in which dancers must portray an easily recognizable character or storyline. Does not need to come from a Musical or have Musical Theatre technique or choreography. |
| Clogging | Routine in which dancers perform percussive dance movements, primarily with the feet, to create rhythmic patterns and sounds. Clogging has its own unique rhythms and vocabulary, differentiating it from Tap dance or Irish step. |
| Contemporary | Routine influenced by multiple styles of dance including Jazz, Modern, and Lyrical. The movement is expressive, gestural, and unique in its dynamics. |
| Folk/Ethnic | Routine incorporating one or more ethnic styles of dance. |
| Hip Hop | Routine consisting of mostly Hip Hop or Street Style moves characterized by bounces, rocks, krumping, popping, locking, breaking, etc. This style places emphasis on rhythmic isolations and strong musicality. |
| Improv | Routine consisting of completely improvised choreography. Any style of improv is welcome in this category. Studios must provide their own music. |
| Jazz | Routine consisting of Jazz technique in which the movements traditionally mimic the sounds, rhythms, and syncopations of the music. |
| Lyrical | Routine that places an emphasis on expression and connection to the lyrics of a song. |
| Modern | Routine consisting of codified styles of modern dance technique, such as Graham, Taylor, Cunningham, Limón, Dunham, Duncan, Horton, and etc. |
| Musical Theatre | Routine choreographed to a song from a Broadway or movie musical using song, dialogue, and/or dance. This form of dance strongly focuses on elements of performance quality, such as connecting with the audience, facial expressions, and/or storytelling. |
| Open | Routine consisting of multiple or unspecified styles of dance. |
| Pointe | Routine containing Pointe technique. At least 50% of the performers must be en pointe. This category is only available in the advanced level. Dancers performing en Pointe, even if in another category such as Open, will be moved to the advanced level. |
| Pom/Drill | Routine consisting of Pom Squad/Drill Team dance technique, with an emphasis on precision, clean technique, and sharpness that incorporates elements of Jazz and Hip Hop. |
| Song and Dance | Routine consisting of singing and any style of dance. Music may only have backup voices. Performance will use the boundary microphones or one handheld microphone provided by the competition. |
| Street Jazz | A routine containing a hybrid of Jazz technique with Hip Hop influences. Seamlessly blends commercial dance with traditional dance techniques. |
| Student Choreography | Routine choreographed by students with minimal assistance from an instructor. |
| Tap | Routine consisting of Tap technique. No pre-recorded Tap sounds are allowed. Use of pre-recorded Tap sounds will result in a red card and 2-point deduction. Tap shoes must be worn. |
| Vocal | Any type of vocal performance using one handheld microphone provided by the competition. Backup vocals are permitted. Vocal Routines will be eligible for adjudication only. Vocal solos are not counted towards a dancer’s level. |