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.

MODERN - Interpretive dance patterned after Graham technique.

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.

Solo

Duo/trio

Small group (4-9 dancers)

Large group (10-19 dancers)

Line (20 +)

Production (15 +)

Mini (6 & Under)

Petite (7-9)

Junior (10-12)

Teen (13-15)

Senior (16-19)

Adult (20+)

NEW 3 LEVELS!

NOVICE- Dancers that take less than 3 hours of dance lessons per week OR have less than two years of dance instruction

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

ADVANCED - 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 intermediate 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.

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 1st.

Solos, Duos, Trios, and Small Groups (including Student Choreography and Dance Teams/Drill Teams) - 3 minutes. Large Groups and Teacher Features - 4 minutes. Lines - 5 minutes. Production Numbers - 8 minutes. You may select the extended time option when registering if needed. It is the teacher’s responsibility to time the music for each routine to assure that the length does not exceed time limits.

🏆 Awards & Adjudication

Adjudicated Awards & Scoring

Each entry receives an adjudicated award based on their averaged score:

• 💎 Diamond: 97.00 – 100.00

• ✨ High Platinum: 93.00 – 96.99

• 🏆 Platinum: 89.00 – 92.99

• 🥇 High Gold: 85.00 – 88.99

• 🟡 Gold: 84.99 and below

🥇 Overall Awards

• Soloists may only place in the overalls once per event.

• The top scoring soloist in each age division of the Advanced Level receives a DTC Jacket plus their overall banner.

• The top scoring duo/trio in each age division of the Advanced Level receives DTC Shirts plus their overall banner.

🎭 Entertainment Showdown

• Select routines may be invited to compete in the Entertainment Showdown.

• Winners receive a specialty DTC Showdown Banner.

⭐ Special Awards

At each awards session:

• Judges present their own personally crafted special awards.

• Choreography Awards are presented at every session.

• Category Winners are awarded when three (3) or more routines compete in the same age division, level, size, and style.

🌟 Talent Distinction Awards

Presented at the final awards ceremony to the highest scoring routine in each genre:

• Tap

• Jazz

• Ballet / Pointe / Lyrical / Contemporary

• Hip Hop

• Musical Theatre

• Open / Dance Team

Not eligible: student choreography, adult division, teacher features, productions.

NEW!!!

🏆 Top Scoring Studio Award

• Awarded to the studio earning the most 1st Overall placements in the Advanced Level.

• The winning studio receives a DTC Top Scoring Studio Banner.

🎭 ENTERTAINMENT SHOWDOWN — WHERE THE STAGE EXPLODES WITH ENERGY!

Get ready for the most electric moment of the weekend — the ENTERTAINMENT SHOWDOWN!

From all routines performed, three (3) routines from ages 12 & under and three (3) routines from ages 13 & over will be hand-selected and invited back to re-compete LIVE on the DTC stage.

Before they battle, each selected routine receives a special one-on-one live consultation with our judges — exclusive feedback designed to elevate their performance and push them to their fullest potential.

Then it’s GO TIME.

Lights up. Crowd roaring. Energy maxed out.

These elite routines will throw down for the crown and fight for the title of ENTERTAINMENT SHOWDOWN CHAMPION!

Only one routine in each age group will take home the glory.

Do you have what it takes to own the moment?

Your Stage. Your Moment. The Showdown awaits.

*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.

🎟️ Studio & Dancer Responsibilities

Check-In & Readiness

• The first five (5) entries of each session must be backstage, checked in, and ready to perform at least 15 minutes prior to the session start.

• Dancers must check in backstage no later than five (5) routines before their scheduled performance.

• DTC frequently runs ahead of schedule. Dancers should be fully prepared to perform up to 1.5 hours prior to their scheduled performance time.

Why This Matters

• A prepared lineup keeps the event fast, smooth, and high-energy.

• Staying ahead of schedule creates a better experience for dancers, studios, and audiences.

• Readiness ensures every performance gets the attention it deserves.

Pro Tips for Studios

• Arrive early and stay performance-ready as routines approach.

• Assign a studio contact to manage backstage communication.

• Plan to be ready early — not just on time.

Final Word

Preparation fuels performance. Stay ready, bring the energy, and be ready to hit the stage and make it unforgettable

Programs listing the performances for the competition will be available at the door for $10.00