Solo - 1 Performer

Duo - 2 Performers

Trio - 3 Performers

Team/Group - 4 or more Performers

Dancers ages are automatically calculated through the registration software.

Dancers will compete according to age as of January 1st for the competition season.

Petite 4-6

Mini 7-9

Junior 10-11

Teen 12-14

Senior 15+

Group Routines will be calculated based on the average age - dropping the decimal.

Example: A group averaging 6.72 will compete as average 6 (Petite)

Age Bump Rule: The oldest dancer in a routine can only compete one age division lower than their actual age. 

Our levels are designed to ensure fair, fun, and appropriate competition for all dancers.
Please review the descriptions below to determine the most suitable level for each dancer.

Note: Weekly hours listed include technique and class training, but do not include rehearsal time.

NOVICE

Hours Trained Weekly: 1–3
Eligibility: First-year competitors only.

Dancers at the Novice level are recreational dancers who are just beginning their competition journey.

They are building foundational skills and may be working on or performing skills such as:

Turns: Single pirouettes, chaînés, piqués, soutenu
Not Allowed: Any turn more than single rotation

Leaps: Front and side leaps
Not Allowed: Any turning leaps

Jumps: Split jumps, tilts, toe touches, c-jumps, stags
Not Allowed: turning jumps

BEGINNING

Hours Trained Weekly: 1–5

Dancers at the Beginning level are refining their foundations and adding new skills. They should be able to perform most Novice-level skills and are working on or performing skills such as:

Turns: Up to 2 rotations
Not Allowed: Fouettés, à la seconde turns, or any turns that change spot

Leaps: Front, side, single or double stag leaps
Not Allowed: Switch leaps, turning discs, or similar advanced leaps

Jumps: non-turning jumps
Not Allowed: turning jumps

INTERMEDIATE

Hours Trained Weekly: 5–9

Intermediate dancers have a few years of training, polishing their technique, and are developing artistry and performance quality. They should confidently perform Beginning-level skills and are working on or performing skills such as:

Turns: Up to 3 pirouette rotations, fouetté and à la seconde sequences (up to 5 rotations total)
Not Allowed: fouette’s and à la seconde that change spot

Leaps: Back leaps, front switch leaps, turning discs
Not Allowed: Side switch tilts, side switch leaps, switch arabesques, turning switch leaps

Jumps: Renversés, butterflies, ninja jump, turning c-jump

Not Allowed: 540s or similar advanced jumps

ELITE

Hours Trained Weekly: 10+

The Elite level is for trained, polished dancers with strong technique and performance skills. They can execute a wide range of styles and continuously add new skills to their repertoire.

All skills are welcome—show us what you’ve got!

Additional Guidelines

Acro & Tumbling:
Tumbling and acro may be included as a complementary element in any routine.
Routines with 30% or more acro/tumbling should be entered in the Open category.

Routine Placement Adjustments:
SDC reserves the right to move routines to a more appropriate level, age division, or category if two or more judges agree the routine is incorrectly placed.

Routines moved to a new level will not be penalized in scoring, but they will not be eligible for overall awards in the new placement.

Jazz – An upbeat routine that combines jazz technique, dynamic movement, musicality and expressive performance.  

Lyrical – Blends ballet and jazz technique with emotional storytelling, using fluid transitions and expressive gestures.

Contemporary – A grounded, innovative style that blends ballet, jazz and modern elements with abstract or emotional storytelling.

Hip Hop – Rhythm-driven movement using grooves, isolations, and street-inspired energy, emphasizing musicality and style.

Musical Theater/Character – Combines strong dance technique with acting, facial expressions, and storytelling, often performed to Broadway or theatrical music and or Dancers embody a distinct role, personality, or theme, emphasizing performance and stage presence.

Ballet – A technical, classical style emphasizing grace, balance, and precision. 

Open- A style that doesn’t quite fit in any of the above styles, might be a mix of styles, a style with more ethnic or folk dance, or dances that are 30% or more acrobatic.

Solo / Duo / Trio: 2:45 minutes (may extend up to 1 additional minute)
Group: 3:00 minutes (may extend up to 1 additional minute)

Extended Time

$25 per routine per 30 seconds of additional time (no proration for extensions less than 30 seconds)

Any music uploaded after the final balance due date that incurs extra time fees must have those fees paid in full at the time of music upload

Props

All props must be set up and removed within the routine’s allotted time.

All Music must be submitted through the registration system 30 days prior to the event or fees will be incurred.

Please be prepared with a form a backup music in the event of a technical failure

We are a family friendly event. Any music that contains profanity or racial slurs will not be accepted and if played the routine will incur a score deduction of 2 points.

If you are questioning your music you may email it in for SDC to check it.

Prop set up time must not exceed the routine time limits, or fee will be incurred 

Props must be non-floor marking, and must not damage any portion of the venue space. In the event of damage to any part of the venue due to the prop then fees will be incurred. 

Any routine that requires clean up ie: feathers from costume or prop that is left on stage, must note in registration and must not exceed time limits, or fee will be incurred.

To maintain a professional, respectful, and inspiring environment for all dancers and guests, we kindly ask that all attendees observe the following:

• Enter and exit the performance area only between routines. Do not block aisles or stand near the stage. All spectators must remain seated during performances.

• Silence all cell phones and electronic devices. No signs, noise makers, or other distractions. These can interfere with performances and judging.

• Do not approach judges or attempt to discuss scores. All inquiries must go through the appropriate SDC staff.

• Flash photography is strictly prohibited.

• Recording or taking photos of routines from other studios or performers is not allowed.
  Violation of this policy may result in removal from the venue and disqualification from attending future SDC events.
  

• Respectful behavior is expected at all times.
  Any spectator who is disruptive or disrespectful to performers, audience members, or judges will be asked to leave.
  

• No food or drink is allowed in the performance area. Please enjoy refreshments in designated areas.

• Children must be supervised at all times.

SDC has the right to limit solos to (1-2) per dancer depending on the venue and competition space.

SDC has the right to add/remove competition days/times if deemed necessary.

SDC has the right to move the competition location if necessary due to circumstances beyond its control.

If for any reason there is a balance due on any account at the completion of competition, that account will NOT be able to register for another SDC in the future until balance is paid in full.

SDC has the right to penalize and or move routines that are incorrectly placed based on their level, age & category.