DANCE CATEGORY RULES

Ballet – Classical ballet technique. Ballet shoes required. Acro tricks are not permitted.

Pointe – Ballet performed on pointe. Pointe shoes required.

Jazz – Traditional jazz technique and performance. Maximum of 2 tricks permitted.

Lyrical – Fusion of ballet and jazz with storytelling through movement. Maximum of 2 tricks permitted.

Contemporary – Incorporates lyrical and jazz technique with contemporary movement vocabulary.

Tap – Rhythmic footwork. Pre-recorded tap sounds are not permitted. Tap shoes required.

Musical Theatre – Dance performance with lip-syncing. Tap shoes permitted.

Song & Dance – Live singing required along with dance choreography. Performers must provide their own microphone.

Acro – Combination of dance and acrobatics with a balanced integration of both styles.

Hip Hop – Street-style movement vocabulary. Acrobatic tricks and breakdancing permitted.

Open – Any dance style or combination of styles. Up to 50% of dancers may wear tap or pointe shoes.

Production – Any dance style portraying a clear theme or storyline.

• Routine length: 3–12 minutes
• Up to 5 minutes allowed for set-up
• Studios must contact the competition in advance if props are used

The Spotlight Division celebrates dancers with physical or developmental disabilities, giving them the opportunity to take the stage and shine like the stars they are.

Dancers in this division will receive a score and medal, and will also be recognized with their own Overall Awards.

Our goal is to create an inclusive and supportive space where every dancer has the opportunity to perform, express themselves, and showcase their unique talents.

• Solos & Duets/Trios: Maximum 3 minutes
• Small Groups (4–9 dancers): Maximum 3 minutes
• Large Groups (10–17 dancers): Maximum 4 minutes
• Extended Lines (18+ dancers): Maximum 5 minutes 59 seconds
• Production: 6–12 minutes

Routines exceeding the time limit by more than 30 seconds may incur additional fees and/or be moved to a different category.

• All music must be submitted through DanceBug.
• Music must be age-appropriate and family-friendly.
• Routines using inappropriate music may be disqualified (includes swearing, illicit lyrics, slurs, or hurtful content).
• All studios must have a backup USB with their music on hand at the event.

1. No photography or videography in the venue. Officials may delete unauthorized recordings. Official DanceBug media will be available after the event.
2. Judging decisions are final.
3. Harassment or unruly behaviour may result in disqualification and removal.
4. Parents are not allowed backstage.
5. Studio business must be handled with studio staff, not parents.

1. Check-In: Pick up your studio owner/teacher bag at registration.
2. Music Submission: All music must be submitted by the deadline.
3. Performance Readiness: Dancers must be ready 30 minutes before their scheduled time.
4. Backstage Check-In: Report to the backstage manager three numbers before your scheduled performance.
5. Performance Order: Routines perform in scheduled order. Any out-of-order performance must be approved by the director and completed within the same session. Performing outside your session disqualifies placement.
6. Holds: Notify the stage manager if a hold is required.
7. Multiple Entries: Dancers may not compete against themselves in the same style and category. Groups may if 50% or fewer dancers overlap.
8. Second Performances: Only allowed for music errors or costume malfunctions.
9. Content: Inappropriate or suggestive material will result in disqualification.
10. Stage Safety: Only rosin is permitted on stage. Substances like baby powder, paint, or anything that leaves debris may cause mark deductions or disqualification.
11. Property & Damage: Studios are responsible for any damage to the venue. Lost items or costumes are not the competition’s responsibility.
12. Judging Scores: Scores will be emailed to the studio director after the competition.
13. Monetary Awards: Credited directly to the studio account and or credits/winning credits reflected for the following season.
14. Props:

• Must be declared prior to schedule finalization.
• Can only be placed backstage before the next scheduled session.
• Maximum prop height: 10’6” (venue permitting).
• Humans as props must be registered performers if actively involved.

1. Tie-Breakers: Judges will decide ties for overall awards at their discretion.
2. Disqualification for Awards: Performing outside assigned category or session disqualifies entries from top/overall awards. Exceptions may be made for verified medical emergencies.
3. Copyright & Plagiarism:

• Disqualified: Complete routines or unique choreography copied from another work.
• Not Disqualified: General ideas, individual steps, costumes, music, props, formations, or similar-looking works.
• Modifying choreography may result in a new interpretation. Ballet/Pointe variations are not considered plagiarism

• All dances compete in their single age division and designated performance style.
• Overall Awards divisions: Micro, Mini, Junior, Intermediate, Teen, Senior.
• The Final Countdown Dance off ( 12 and under and 13+) 
• Acro and Musical theatre will receive separate overall awards.    
• Special awards will be given and selected by our judges at each awards session.  As well as Judges Choice awards at the final awards of the event. 

• A high-energy showdown between all competing studios ( with group routines entered ) 
• Each studio may enter their highest-scoring routines in 12 & under and 13+ divisions.
• Only groups are eligible to compete.
• Two standout routines will receive the “Stop the Clock” buzzer and automatically enter The Final Countdown. This dance will be stopped on stage with the exciting BUZZER and automatically advance. The Studio who is selected will also be eligible with their highest scoring routine ( if this routine possesses their top score , the second highest will enter the dance off as well )  12 and under and a 13+ routine will be selected by the judging panel. 
• The top three routines will be awarded at the end of the dance off