TAP - Traditional tap work and technique

JAZZ - straight jazz, emphasizing technique

BALLET - Classical ballet

POINTE - Pointe technique

LYRICAL - A combination of jazz and ballet technique that interprets the lyrics of the music

CONTEMPORARY - A combination of ballet, lyrical, and/or jazz with modern movement and technique

DANCE TEAM/CHEER - Precision movements, marching, or drill team-style dance with or without props or pom poms

MUSICAL THEATRE - Broadway, theme based, both live and lip-sync singing and minimum of 66% dance of any form.

OPEN - Any style or combination of dance forms as well as baton, clogging, adagio, etc.; this is an open category

HIP HOP - Street dance, free style, funk, etc.

STUDENT CHOREOGRAPHY - Routine choreographed entirely by student ages 9 and above with no assistance from teacher, no repetition of music or major dance combinations from other routines entered by student’s studio; may be performed as a solo, duo, trio, or group. Student choreography may be entered in regular categories at the director’s discretion

TEACHER FEATURE - Routine performed by teacher with or without others. *Teachers are defined as “one receiving payment for their choreography, performance, and/or instruction, but not student teachers ages 18 years or less”

PRODUCTION NUMBER - Spectacular performance by 15 or more dancers of multiple ages, with or without props, and stage sets, this is a completely open category. *Teachers may perform in the production category

Solo, duo/trio, small group (4-9 dancers), large group (10 dancers and up)

are broken up as follows: 3-5 age division, 6-8 age division, 9-11 age division, 12-14 age division, 15-19 age division, and adult division.

NOW 3 LEVELS!

Up & Coming Talent- Dancers that take less than 3 hours of dance lessons per week OR have less than two years of dance instruction

Competitive Talent - Dancers that take less than 6 hours of dance lessons per week

Top-Tier Talent - Dancers that take 6 hours or more of dance lessons per week. In this level high score soloists will receive customized jackets and high score duo/trios will receive customized tee shirts.

Treasured Talent - This division is specifically designed for dancers with special needs or disabilities who love to dance and share their talent.

Routines are calculated based on the level of each performer. For mixed level duos the routine level is determined by the highest level dancer. For mixed level trios and groups the level of the routine is based on the level of the majority of the dancers. If the group is half and half it must be entered in the competitive division. Any routine may compete up a level. Judges can adjust the level of a routine at their discretion. Since no competition can possibly know how many hours a dancer studies we rely on the studio director's judgement in placing students and routines in the appropriate level.

Each Dance Talent Competition will include a panel of three judges. The panel includes qualified teachers, choreographers, and working professionals. Judges will verbally critique and score each routine. One judge per panel directs his or her comments to only the teacher/choreographer. This allows that judge to be more candid and give more exact feedback.

All music must be uploaded to your dashboard by the Monday before each event. Each studio is responsible to make and keep its own back-up music.

Enter dancers according to their age as of January 1, 2022. For duos, trios, and groups, average the dancers’ ages to determine the age group and drop the decimal.

Solos, Duos, Trios, and Small Groups (including Student Choreography and Dance Teams/Drill Teams) - 3 minutes. Large Groups and Teacher Features - 4 minutes. Production Numbers - 8 minutes. You may select the extended time option when registering if needed. Any performance that exceeds the applicable time without selecting extended time will receive a 25 point deduction. It is the teacher’s responsibility to time the music for each routine to assure that the length does not exceed time limits.

Each entry will receive an award based on their adjudicated score (platinum, high gold, gold, silver, or bronze.) Each routine placing in the overalls will receive an overall trophy. The top scoring soloist in each age division of the Top Tier Level will receive a jacket with their overall trophy. The top scoring duo/trio in each age division of the Top Tier Level will be awarded shirts with their overall trophy. (Exception: in the 3-5 age division they do not have to be in the Top Tier Level to receive a jacket or shirts.) Each soloist can only place in the overalls once. Entertainment Showdown winners will receive a specialty trophy. Each judge will present a judges choice, a "Force to Be Reckoned With," and a choreography award at each ceremony as well at category winners if there are at least THREE of the same age, level, size, & style. At the final awards ceremony of the event, the highest scoring routine will be recognized in each genre. A “Talent Distinction Award” will be awarded in tap, jazz, ballet/pointe/lyrical/contemporary, hip hop, musical theatre, and open/dance team. (Note: student choreography, adult division, teacher features, and productions are ineligible for this award.)

Score Grid

Up & Coming Talent
Platinum 275-300
High Gold 245-274
Gold 210-244
Silver 170-209
Bronze 0-169

Competitive and Top Tier Talent
Platinum 285-300
High Gold 265-284
Gold 240-264
Silver 210-239
Bronze 0-209

BE A FINALIST, INVITED BACK BY THE JUDGES TO RE-COMPETE FOR A CHANCE TO BE VOTED THE MOST ENTERTAINING ROUTINE!

These routines are chosen based on entertainment value, not necessarily technique or other categories they are judged on for placement. Showdowns are held when enough eligible routines compete in each session, varying by event and registrations. *Productions, Teacher Features, Adult Division, and Solos not eligible.

submitted less than seven days prior to the event will be charged a $20.00 fee.

are held whenever possible, time allowing, at each event. Master class tickets are to be purchased at the boutique at the event for $15/ticket for competing dancers. Dance down numbers are to also be purchased at the boutique at the event for $15/entry.

The first four performances of each competition day must be back stage 15 minutes before the competition start time. Throughout the day, dancers must be back stage at least four numbers ahead of their scheduled routine.

Programs listing the performances for the competition will be available at the door for $5.00