Check Out Premiere Dance Competition! 

Routine Categories

  1. Acro/Gymnastics:
    Controlled moves (e.g., handstands, limbers, walkovers), gymnastic passes, flexibility, and contortionist moves. Dance and Acro/Gymnastics combined.
    1. Adult Category/Pro-Am (20+):
      Includes studio directors, instructors, choreographers, and working performers. Any dance style is allowed. Not eligible for High Score, Overall High Score, or Choreography Awards.
    2. All Male Group/Male Soloist:
      For all male dancers. Any dance style is accepted, with acrobatic tricks allowed.
    3. Ballet:
      Classical or contemporary ballet with ballet slippers only (no pointe shoes). No gymnastic/acrobatic tricks.
    4. Ballroom:
      Core ballroom techniques, including traditional or Latin styles.
    5. Baton:
      Routine using batons, with acrobatic tricks allowed.
    6. Character:
      Portrayal of a character from movies, TV, Broadway, etc. Lip syncing is allowed. Any dance style can be included.
    7. Cheer-Dance:
      Cheerleading or dance team technique, with hand props allowed.
    8. Clogging:
      Clogging technique performed in clogging shoes, with up to three acrobatic tricks allowed.
    9. Contemporary:
      Lyrical or jazz movements fused with modern elements. Acrobatic tricks allowed.
    10. Ethnic/Folkloric:
      Ethnic styles of dance (e.g., Hawaiian, Spanish, Irish). Acrobatic tricks allowed.
    11. Grand Line/Production (40+ Performers):
      At least 40 competitors with any dance style and oversized props. Time limit of 7 minutes. Eligible for Top Score Awards.
    12. Hip Hop:
      Street, funk, or MTV video style jazz. Must contain 80% hip hop style. Inappropriate material can result in disqualification.
    13. Jazz:
      Classic jazz technique, incorporating kicks, splits, isolations, etc., with up to 20% hip-hop style. Up to three acrobatic tricks allowed.
    14. Jazz Funk:
      Elements of hip hop and street jazz.
    15. Kick!
      Kick routine with at least 75% kicks and a variety of choreography.
    16. Line/Production (20-39 Performers):
      20+ competitors with any style. Time limit of 5 minutes. Oversized props included. Eligible for Top Score Awards.
    17. Liturgical:
      Religious-themed dance incorporating any dance styles. Acrobatic tricks allowed.
    18. Lyrical:
      Interpret the lyrics, mood, and content of the music. Elements of balance, flexibility, and control included. Up to three acrobatic tricks allowed.
    19. Military:
      Percussive dance emphasizing control, clean movements, and complex arm/leg lines.
    20. Modern:
      Stretch, flex, contraction, and extension movements, focusing on balance and control. Acrobatic tricks allowed.
    21. Musical Theatre:
      Dance and character portrayal from Broadway or movie musicals. Acrobatic tricks allowed.
    22. Open:
      For routines that don't fit into existing categories or are a combination of categories. Acrobatic tricks allowed.
    23. Parent Category:
      For parents of dancers. Not eligible for High Score, Overall High Score, or Choreography Awards.
    24. Pointe:
      Classical or contemporary pointe technique, with pointe shoes only. No acrobatic tricks.
    25. Pom/Drill Team:
      Cheerleading or dance team with sharp, clean movements. Acrobatic tricks allowed.
    26. Song & Dance:
      Live singing and dance. No lip-syncing. Must be 50% dance, 50% singing. Props and acrobatic tricks are allowed.
    27. Student Choreography:
      Choreographed by students with minimal instructor assistance. Acrobatic tricks allowed.
    28. Tap:
      Tap technique performed with tap shoes. No tap sounds in music. Up to three acrobatic tricks allowed.
    29. Vocal:
      Vocal presentation with backup vocals allowed. Not eligible for High Score Awards unless there are 6+ entries.
    30. Improvisation Regional Dance Off:
      Dancer performs a 45-second improvisation based on a genre chosen by judges. Limited entries. Not eligible for High Score/Overall High Score.
    31. Inspirational Star!:
      For dancers with exceptional mental or physical disabilities or special needs. Eligible for Overall Top Scores and Cash Prizes.
    32. Photogenic Category:
      Entries judged based on visual appeal, expressiveness, composition, etc. Requires a photo submission. Entry fee applies.
    33. Top Costume Award:
      Costume contest judged during the performance. Registration required. Entry fee applies.
    34. Title:
      Solo competition judged on stage presence, appeal, uniqueness, technique, etc. Nongender-specific category. Additional fee applies.

Performance Guidelines:

  • Time Limits:Solo: 2:45 minutes
    Duo/Trio: 3:00 minutes
    Small Group: 3:00 minutes
    Large Group: 3:30 minutes
    Line/Production: 5:00 minutes
    Grand Line/Production: 7:00 minutes
  • Grace Period:
    10-second grace period; penalties for exceeding the limit.
  • Group/Line/Production Adjustments:
    Extra time available for $5.00 per dancer per additional minute.

General Rules:

  • Dancers cannot compete against themselves in the same category.
  • The same competitor cannot perform a solo in the same age group.
  • Vocal routines must have 6+ entries for eligibility for High Score awards.
  • Soloists can compete in up to three solos, with only the highest-scoring solo counting for High Score/Overall High Score awards.
  • All routines must be performed prior to the awards ceremony to be eligible for High Score Awards.
  • Independent entries allowed (if not previously registered as part of a studio).

Classifications & Age Divisions (2024-2025):

  • Ensure entries are placed in the correct categories, age divisions, and classifications.
  • Includes Rising Challenger, Challenger, and Recreational classifications.

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Whether you have questions about our upcoming competitions, need assistance with registration, or want to learn more about the East Coast Elite Dance Challenge, our team is here to help. Fill out the contact form below, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Let's dance!

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