Dance Divisions:

No more than three acrobatic tricks are allowed in any subject other than Gymnastics, Acro Dance, Character Dance, Open, and Specialty. A “trick” is considered anything “going over the head.” One “pass” is counted as one trick. All acts must be dominant to the category.

Jazz - routine displaying Jazz technique with no more than 50% Hip-Hop or Street Dance moves.

Ballet - routine consisting of Ballet technique.

Pointe – routine that includes Classical Ballet steps and Pointe technique. Pointe shoes only.

Lyrical - routine combining the techniques of Jazz, Ballet, and Modern, utilizing the lyrics or mood of the song.

Contemporary – routine consisting of modern and ballet technique, reaching beyond standard jazz vocabulary.

Modern - interpretive dance style using Modern dance technique and choreography.

Tap - routine displaying Tap technique and primarily tap work. No prerecorded tap sounds allowed on tape.

Clogging - routine utilizing either traditional or contemporary style Clogging technique.

Musical Theatre - Broadway/Theater dance styles using songs from “Broadway” or movie musicals.

Character Dance - routine portraying an easily recognizable character. May incorporate any form of dance.

Hip-Hop - routine containing street dance moves performed to popular music.

Folk/Ethnic - routine consisting of ethnic styles of dance such as Hawaiian, African, Spanish, etc.

Open - routine consisting of any dance style or combination of styles, containing no more than 50% acrobatic tricks.

Specialty – a “wild card” category with routines consisting of any dance style or combination of styles.

Novelty - routine consisting of any style of dance. This category requires that a prop be part of the routine.

Acro Dance - routine consisting of 50% acrobatic moves and 50% dance. Must contain choreographed steps.

Gymnastics – routine consisting of gymnastics movement and passes.

Contortion - routine consisting of contortionist movement and choreography.

Pom-Pom - routine consisting of such elements as marching, sharp arm movements, kicks, leaps, jumps, and splits. Any type of music is allowed and at least 80% of the routine must incorporate pom-poms.

Cheer-Dance - routine consisting of cheerleading or dance team technique.

Photogenic – Contestants may submit a recent 5x7 or 8x10 photograph in black & white or color to be judged for the Photogenic Award in the 12 & Under age division, and in the 13 & Over age division. Please write name, age, and studio name on the back of the photo. Each entry is allowed a maximum of three photos with an entry fee of $25 per photo. All photos should be submitted at the Registration Table at the beginning of the competition. Photos will be returned in the teachers’ bags at the end of the competition to be picked up by teachers only. VIP DANCE is not responsible for lost photographs, forgotten photographs, or damages to any photograph submitted. You may enter the Photogenic Award contest on the day of the competition or you may pre-register by mailing in the entry form.