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.