COMPETITION INFORMATION
Choose a topic below to find levels, ages, group sizes, time limits and discipline definitions.
TIME LIMITS & ENTRY TYPES
Solo
1 dancer
2:45 MAX
Duo / Trio
2 - 3 dancers
2:45 max
Small Group
4-9 dancers
3:30 max
Large Group
10-16 dancers
4:00 max
Line
17+ dancers
5:00 max
Production
20+ dancers
10:00 max
Production setup: Up to 5 additional minutes are provided for setup and takedown.
Additional routine time: Must be arranged in advance. $25 for each additional minute.
COMPETITION LEVELS
Studios select the level that best reflects each dancer's competition experience, training and current stage of development.
RISING STAR
1st-2nd year
competitive dancers
For dancers who are new to competition and building confidence and stage experience in a supportive introductory level.
ELEVATE
2nd-4th year
moderate training hours
For dancers with some experience who are developing consistency in technique, performance quality and training habits. Dancers may train approximately 5-7 hours per week.
CORE
3rd-5th year
6-8 training hours weekly
For solid, committed dancers working at an intermediate to advanced level who are ready for a focused challenge.
ELITE
6+ years
8+ training hours weekly
For highly experienced, technically advanced dancers who train extensively and consistently pursue excellence in technique, artistry and performance.
Attending the THE NEXT ONE: Mission?
Our dedicated Rising Star Experience uses its own Level One and Level Two placement system rather than the standard competition levels.
LEVELS BY EXPERIENCE
Regional Events
Rising Star, Elevate, Core and Elite
Mission Regional
Elevate, Core and Elite
Boutique Experience
Elevate, Core and Elite
The Next ONE
Rising Star Level 1 and Rising Star Level 2
AGE DIVISIONS
All dancers' ages are determined as of December 31, 2026.
4 - 6 YRS
PETITE
9 - 10YRS
JUNIOR
13 - 14 YRS
TEEN
17 - 19 YRS
SENIOR
7- 8 YRS
MINI
11 - 12 YRS
PRE-TEEN
15 - 16 YRS
INTERMEDIATE
20 YRS +
ADULT
Group ages: The age division is based on the average age of all dancers in the routine. Decimal points are dropped.
Adult Category: Any duo/trio containing at least one dancer aged 20 or older, and any group/line containing at least two dancers aged 20 or older must be entered in the Adult category.
WHERE DOES MY BALLET ROUTINE BELONG?
Start here: What best describes the choreography?
Pointe placement: Use the appropriate Pointe category when 30% or more of the dancers perform en pointe, or when 50% or more of the routine is performed en pointe.
All seven categories are grouped together under Classical for overall awards.
A recognized variation or excerpt from an established classical ballet, retaining its traditional choreography and style.
PERFORMED EN POINTE
Variation en Pointe
PERFORMED EN DEMI-POINTE
Variation en Demi- Pointe
New choreography built primarily from traditional classical ballet technique, structure and styling.
PERFORMED EN POINTE
Classical Pointe
PERFORMED EN DEMI-POINTE
Classical Demi-Pointe
New choreography rooted in ballet technique where contemporary movement, dynamics or expression are a defining part of the work.
PERFORMED EN POINTE
Contemporary Pointe
PERFORMED EN DEMI-POINTE
Contemporary Ballet (Demi-Pointe)
A demi-pointe routine where character portrayal, gesture, mime and theatrical storytelling are central to the choreography. May include props.
PERFORMED EN POINTE
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PERFORMED EN DEMI-POINTE
Demi Character Ballet
Subdivisions are entered as distinct categories but are combined under their broader discipline for overall awards.
ACRO
A routine combining dance and acrobatic technique in approximately equal measure.
CIRQUE
A routine consisting primarily of acrobatic or circus technique rather than dance technique. This may include contortion, canes, aerial hoop or clowning.
CLASSICAL POINTE
A classical ballet routine not taken from established repertoire, performed en pointe.
CONTEMPORARY DEMI- POINTE
A ballet-based routine incorporating contemporary movement and expression, performed on demi-pointe.
DEMI CHARACTER BALLET
A demi-pointe ballet routine in which character portrayal, gesture, mime or theatrical storytelling is central to the choreography.
JAZZ
A routine incorporating jazz technique and movement vocabulary, including elements such as jumps, turns and kicks.
MODERN
A routine rooted in established modern techniques such as Graham, Cunningham, Horton or Limón.
MUSICAL THEATRE
A theatrical routine performed to prerecorded vocals, incorporating lip-synching, characterization and dramatization. Emphasis is placed on performance, expression and storytelling.
OPEN
For a routine that does not accurately fit within another listed discipline or category.
SONG & DANCE
A routine incorporating both live singing and dancing. Prerecorded vocals are not permitted.
STUDENT CHOREOGRAPHY
A routine combining dance and acrobatic technique in approximately equal measure.
VARIATION EN DEMI-POINTE
A routine selected from established classical ballet repertoire and performed on demi-pointe.
BREAK DANCE
A street-dance routine combining athletic footwork, power moves, spins, freezes and acrobatic movement.
CLASSICAL DEMI-POINTE
A classical ballet routine not taken from established repertoire, performed on demi-pointe.
CONTEMPORARY
A routine blending different movement styles with an emphasis on expression, fluidity and exploration. Routines primarily rooted in ballet technique should enter Contemporary Ballet.
CONTEMPORARY POINTE
A ballet-based routine incorporating contemporary movement and expression, performed en pointe.
INCLUSIVE PERFORMANCE
For dancers with accessibility needs or unique performance circumstances not suited to another category. Entries receive adjudication only. Please contact The One in advance.
LYRICAL
A routine combining ballet and jazz technique with music or lyrics to express emotion. Balance, control and extension should be demonstrated.
MUSIC INTERPRETATION
An improvised solo performed to music supplied at the event. Dancers hear the music once before performing. No costume is required.
NATIONAL/TRADITIONAL
A routine rooted in a recognized national, cultural or traditional dance form, such as Chinese dance or Highland dance.
PRODUCTION
A large-scale routine combining any combination of dancers or disciplines. Productions are not separated by age or level. See Time Limits for duration and setup allowances.
STREET DANCE
A routine consisting of hip hop, popping or another recognized street-dance technique.
TAP
A routine demonstrating tap technique and musicality. Prerecorded tap sounds are not permitted.
VARIATION EN POINTE
A routine selected from established classical ballet repertoire and performed en pointe.
Need the policies?
REGISTRATION, MUSIC, PROPS, SAFETY, AND ELIGIBILITY LIVE IN COMPETITION RULES.