Ballet
Routines have classical ballet techniques characterized by grace and precision of movement . (As ballet is the core to all dance movements, separate Overalls will be awarded if enough entries are received, the category may combine both Level 1 and 2 depending on entries). Pointe dancers must wear Pointe shoes while executing ballet techniques. (Will be grouped with ballet for Overalls). Pointe entries under 11 years old will not be accepted.
- Parts of Specialty Overalls may be grouped into regular overalls based on lack of competition and entries. Eg 10 ballet soloists in Junior have a specialty overall, however, only one junior group is entered and that group competes in regular overalls.
- All entries in the specialty for CL1 & CL2 divisions will be considered for the Overall highest award for the Specialty grouping regardless of whether there is a specialty overall for it to compete in.
Tap
Technique using percussive footwork that marks out precise rhythmic patterns on the floor. (A separate Overalls will be awarded, if enough entries are received, the category may combine both Level 1 and 2 depending on entries)
- Parts of Specialty Overalls may be grouped into regular overalls based on lack of competition and entries. Eg 10 Tap soloists in Junior have a specialty overall, however, only one junior group is entered and that group competes in regular overalls.
- All entries in the specialty for CL1 & CL2 divisions will be considered for the Overall highest award for the Specialty grouping regardless of whether there is a specialty overall for it to compete in.
Acrobatic Dance
Routine using controlled acrobatic moves such as aerials, walkovers, hand and elbow stands, etc. The routine must include other dance elements & steps. (Separate Overalls will be awarded in this category if enough entries are received, the category may combine both Levels 1 and 2 depending on entries).
- Parts of Specialty Overalls may be grouped into regular overalls based on lack of competition and entries. Eg 10 Acro soloists in Junior have a specialty overall, however, only one junior group is entered and that group competes in regular overalls.
- All entries in the specialty for CL1 & CL2 divisions will be considered for the Overall highest award for the Specialty grouping regardless of whether there is a specialty overall for it to compete in.
Open
Routines can contain any dance combination, which does not fit into any other categories. A maximum of 5 acrobatic tricks are allowed. (Will be grouped with jazz, lyrical, modern, contemporary & hip-hop for Overalls).
Jazz
Routines must contain standard jazz technique and performance (extensions, elevations, turns, etc.) No tumbling passes allowed *. (Will be grouped with open, lyrical, modern, contemporary & hip-hop for Overalls).
Lyrical
Routines must have control and technique while expressing and interpreting the music while telling a story. No tumbling passes are allowed *. (Will be grouped with open, jazz, modern, contemporary & hip-hop for Overalls).
Modern
Routine may have one or more styles of modern technique using specific body movements with the use of contraction and release and abstract style. (Will be grouped with open, jazz, lyrical, contemporary & hip-hop for Overalls).
Contemporary
Routine with fluid and unlimited personal style, not associated with any specific dance techniques. Dancer(s) must show strong emotional commitment. May involve balance, floor work, fall and recovery, and improvisation with emphasis on the connection between mind and body. (Will be grouped with open, jazz, lyrical, modern, & hip-hop for Overalls).
Hip-Hop
Routines to hip-hop music using dance techniques like music video style, street dancing, and break dancing. (Spinning on performers’ heads is not permitted). Dances should be age appropriate. (Will be grouped with open, jazz, lyrical, modern, & contemporary for Overalls).
Musical Theatre
A routine portraying a character(s) while telling a story. Lip-synching is allowed. Other styles of dance are acceptable to include. (A separate Overalls will be awarded if enough entries are received, the category may combine both Level 1 and 2 depending on entries).
- Parts of Specialty Overalls may be grouped into regular overalls based on lack of competition and entries. Eg 10 Musical Theatre soloists in Junior have a specialty overall, however, only one junior group is entered and that group competes in regular overalls.
- All entries in the specialty for CL1 & CL2 divisions will be considered for the Overall highest award for the Specialty grouping regardless of whether there is a specialty overall for it to compete in.
Song & Dance
Performers must sing their own vocals while incorporating dance. No lip-synching or lyrics in the music. (Can be grouped with Musical theatre in overalls).
Vocal
Performers must sing their own vocals. No lip-synching or lyrics in the music. (Can be grouped with Musical theatre in overalls).
Production
Routines with 17 + dancers that tells a story through music and has a theme. Any style of dance is acceptable. (Separate overalls will be awarded).
Acrobatics
Any gymnastic style moves with the performer’s feet above their head. Partner lifts are exempt from this definition unless the partner is thrown to perform a trick.
- * Rule amendment March 1st, 2018 Acrobatic Trick Exemption for Jazz and Lyrical Categories has been updated to better reflect the current competitive dance world. This exemption now will state that “Tumbling Passes” will be disallowed from these two categories, which are defined as two or more head-over-heels tricks in immediate succession. ie: Tucks, handsprings, aerials etc. Where the completion of these tricks requires the entire body to be upside-down and without contact with the stage.
