Dancers are entered into the roster based on a three-level system Showcase, Competitive, and Elite. The initial level placement of each dancer in each studio's roster should be based on the dancers within the studio. A dancer can move to a higher level mid-season, but must remain at the higher level for the remainder of the season. No dancer can level down at any time once they have leveled up.

Showcase (Level 1)

• Limited to 6 total routines.
• Cannot compete in all three level divisions (Ex: Can compete in Showcase and Competitive, OR Showcase and Elite but CANNOT compete in Showcase, Competitive AND Elite. With the exception of Grand Lines).
• A Showcase dancer cannot do more than 3 total routines in a higher level. 

Competitive (Level 2)

• Limited to 12 total routines.
• Cannot compete in all three level divisions (Ex: Can compete in Showcase and Competitive, OR Showcase and Elite but CANNOT compete in Showcase, Competitive AND Elite. With the exception of Grand Lines).
• Limited to 2 Showcase routines.

Elite (Level 3)

• Elite performers cannot compete in any Showcase routines including Showcase Grand Lines.
• Elite performers are limited to 2 Competitive routines.

• Age is determined as of December 31st of the current year (12/31/2025).
• Ages are determined by the average age of all members of the group and do not use decimals or rounding up.
• Proof of age: A birth certificate may be required upon request. Ms. Toni should have received a copy of each dancer’s birth certificate at the beginning of the season. If you are unsure whether yours was submitted, please check with her as soon as possible.
• Age bump rule: The oldest dancer in a routine can only compete one age division lower than their actual age for any small group, large group or line. Grand Lines are an average age and do not fall into this category.
• Dancers receive an adjudicated award based on genre, age and level. Note: Single age divisions are used for Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Contemporary and Open categories. 
  • Adjudication Age Divisions: 4 & Under, 5–6, 7–8, 9–11, 12–14, 15–16, 17–19
• High score awards are given based on age and level as detailed below: 
  • Overall Age Divisions: Petite (8 & under), Junior (9–11), Teen (12–14), Senior (15–19)
• Grand Line Age Divisions: 11 & Under, 12 & Over

• Each routine is awarded an adjudicated pin that is predetermined based on a scoring system. Each judge has 100 points to allocate. The highest scoring routine of each specific age and performance category will be awarded first place in that category.
• Overalls: Routines are scored and ranked within their level, genre and age division.
• A Soloist may not compete against themselves in any category.
• A Soloist may not place more than once for overalls/high score in the Solo division.
• No Duet/Trio may compete against themselves in the same performance category with the same performers. There must be a 50% difference in performers to place in overalls in the same age division.

Each regional event will host a Title Competition within the Solo Competition and all registered entries will be judged for Title during their solo performance. 

• The Title Competition is open to Competitive and Elite soloists. Must be pre-registered either while registering online or onsite at the event prior to the performance.
• Title is judged on equal parts technique and overall presentation.
• Dancers can place separately in both overall and title.
• There is no limit to the number of solos a dancer may enter for Title. However, a dancer can only place once in the Top 3.
• Title age divisions: 5 & Under 6–8 9–11 12–14 15–19

Dancers interested in participating in the Headshot Competition will have their headshot photo judged on the quality of the submitted photo.

• Headshot photos must be of one person only.
• Dancers must be registered in a routine at the specific event they are registering into the Headshot Competition for. However, the Headshot Competition is not related to any specific routine.
• Must be pre-registered either while registering online or onsite at the event.
• If registering online, please upload your headshot photo directly in your registration. If registering onsite, please bring a 5×7 or larger photograph on the first day of competition.
• There is no limitation to the total number of entries a dancer registers into the Headshot Competition. However, each entry will be charged separately.
• A dancer can only place once in the Top 3 Headshot Competition.
• Scoring & Judging: A separate overall Top 3 will be presented based on 11 & Under and 12 & Over divisions (all levels combined). Judges will offer written critiques that can be picked up in person at the end of the event.

• Must be pre-registered either while registering online or onsite at the event prior to the performance.
• All registered entries will be judged for Costume during their solo or group performance.
• Solo Costume: A separate overall Top 3 will be presented based on 11 & Under and 12 & Over divisions.
• Group Costume: A separate overall Top 3 will be presented based on all combined age divisions.

Only the dance styles that our studio competes in are listed below, but you can visit the Believe National Talent Competition website to view all available categories and divisions.

• Judges have the right to move any routine to a different category/genre if they feel it is not properly placed.
• All performance categories are permitted to have up to 25% acro/gymnastics skills and tricks within a routine.

• Acro/Gymnastics – Blending dance technique with acrobatic movement, this style highlights tumbling skills, transitions, strength and flexibility.
• Character – A style reflecting pop culture or theatrical themes through dynamic and expressive movement, often incorporating stylized footwork and gestures.
• Contemporary – Blending many traditional styles of dance, contemporary emphasises fluid movement, innovative techniques and emotional expression.
• Hip Hop – A dance style that originated in street culture, this style includes a wide range of movements, from dynamic popping and locking to smooth, rhythm-based grooves.
• Jazz – A style incorporating sharp, rhythmic movements with smooth, fluid transitions, emphasizing both technical precision and emotional expression. Skills often include isolations, leaps, turns, kicks, etc.
• Lyrical – A style that combines ballet and jazz techniques, emphasizing expressive and fluid movements to convey emotion and storytelling through music.
• Musical Theater – A performance style that blends acting and dancing to tell a story through expressive choreography, often portraying specific characters and emotions from stage shows, theatre productions, or Film Musicals. Lip sync is allowed.
• Open – A versatile style that allows for a mix of styles and techniques. Routines in this style have the freedom to incorporate elements from various genres, showcasing creativity and individual expression.
• Tap – This style is performed in tap shoes, using the feet to produce rhythmic sounds with the floor. Tap focuses on timing, rhythm and coordination.

Anyone found to be in violation of the Code of Conduct may be removed from the premises and/or prohibited from returning in the future to any SDA event. The Star Dance Alliance and the hosting venue are not responsible for personal injury or property loss.

• Dressing rooms should be kept neat and orderly.
• Trash should be put into trash receptacles.
• Dressing room designations must be adhered to.
• Respect others’ property and space.
• No aggressive or threatening behavior (including any derogatory comments, shouting, excessive arguing, verbally or physically assaulting or harassing others).
• No destruction of property or engaging in illegal activity.
• No one is permitted to touch or move anyone else’s property without their permission.

The Star Dance Alliance is committed to creating a safe and enjoyable experience for all. Anyone not performing is considered an Audience Member. Anyone found to be in violation of the Code of Conduct may be removed from the premises and/or prohibited from returning in the future to any SDA event. The Star Dance Alliance and the hosting venue are not responsible for personal injury or property loss.

• It is expected that all Audience Members conduct themselves in a professional, responsible and respectful manner at all times, and are expected to abide by all venue or campus rules, established fire & safety rules and common safety practices.
• All guests must comply with the rules set forth by each individual venue. Please be aware that bag searches may be conducted by select venues and that food & beverage may be restricted.
• PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO RECORDING IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. Failure to abide by this rule can result in disqualification of the studio. The SDA staff reserves the right to request that videos or photos be deleted from any device if it is found that they have been recorded in the competition auditorium.
• There is to be NO ALCOHOL, TOBACCO or DRUG USE at any event that is hosted at a school property. TOBACCO or DRUG USE is not permitted in any of our venues. Any impaired guest will be removed.
• Sportsmanlike behavior is expected from all contestants, teachers and families at all times. Failure to display proper decorum could result in immediate disqualification. This includes attempting to recruit students from other studios to attend yours at one of our events.
• All attendees should maintain proper theater etiquette, including refraining from talking, moving around, or using electronic devices during performances.
• If any items (such as laser pointers, lights, etc.) become a distraction to performers, judges, or staff, the individual may be asked to remove them from the venue.
• Be respectfu and please stay seated during performances.