To ensure fair and consistent competition, all ages are determined as of January 1 of the competition year.

• Age Calculation:
  • Solo: The dancer's age on January 1 determines their age division.
  • Duet/Trios & Groups: Ages are averaged using each dancer's age on January 1. If the average includes a decimal, it is rounded down.
• Oldest Dancer Rule: Duet/Trio and Group routines cannot compete more than one age division younger than the oldest dancer in the routine, regardless of the average age.
• Overall Age Divisions:
  • Mini: 8 & Under
  • Junior: 9–11
  • Teen: 12–14
  • Senior: 15–19

Studios should use their best judgment when placing dancers based on experience, training hours, and skill level. Judges reserve the right to move routines to a higher level if they appear significantly under-placed.

Levels:

• Performance - Designed for recreational dancers with limited training and competition experience.
  • Dancers train fewer than 3 hours per week.
  • Entry is optional; dancers may choose to compete in the Advanced or Competitive level instead.
  • Duet/trios must move to a higher level if any dancer trains 3 or more hours per week.
  • Solo routines are not permitted in the Performance level.

• Adanced - For dancers with moderate training and competitive experience.
• • Dancers train 3–5 hours per week.
  • Intended for dancers not yet ready for the Competitive level.
  • Soloists must remain in the Advanced level for all solos.
  • May not compete in a Performance-level duet/trio.
  • May compete in a Competitive-level duet, trio, or group.
  • Duet/trios or groups with any dancer training more than 5 hours per week must compete in the Competitive level.

• Competitive - The highest and most challenging level.
  • Dancers train more than 5 hours per week.
  • Includes Performance or Advanced dancers who choose to compete at the highest level.
  • Required for routines competing for Cash Awards, Top Overall Honors, the Crystal Award, and All-Star Qualification.
  • Soloists must remain in the Competitive level for all solos, duet/trios, and group routines at the same competition.

Only the dance styles that our studio competes in are listed below, but you can visit the Showstopper National Talent Competition website to view all available categories and divisions. Any routine that is placed in the incorrect category will be changed to the correct category.

• Acro – Blending dance technique with acrobatic movement, this style highlights tumbling skills, transitions, strength and flexibility.
  • Majority of the routine must be acrobatic moves, otherwise it will be scored lower.
  • May also include flexibility or contortionist moves, but must contain dance choreography.
• Character – A style reflecting pop culture or theatrical themes through dynamic and expressive movement, often incorporating stylized footwork and gestures.
  
  • May include dance or acrobatic techniques.
  • Any number of gymnastic/acrobatic tricks allowed.
• Contemporary – Blending many traditional styles of dance, contemporary emphasises fluid movement, innovative techniques and emotional expression.
  • Any number of gymnastic/acrobatic tricks allowed.
• 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.
  • Any number of gymnastic/acrobatic tricks allowed.
  • Music containing inappropriate lyrics will result in a lower score or disqualification.
• 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.
  • Maximum of 3 gymnastic/acrobatic tricks allowed.
  • A trick is any movement that passes through or stops at a full inverted (upside-down) position with both feet off the floor, with the torso passing or stopping directly over the head/shoulders.
  • Exceptions: forward rolls, backward rolls, shoulder rolls, and acrobatic tricks performed in lifts.
  • A gymnastic pass counts each trick in the pass.
  • Deduction: 0.5 points per judge for each trick over the limit.
• Lyrical – A style that combines ballet and jazz techniques, emphasizing expressive and fluid movements to convey emotion and storytelling through music.
  • Maximum of 3 gymnastic/acrobatic tricks allowed.
  • A trick is any movement that passes through or stops at a full inverted (upside-down) position with both feet off the floor, with the torso passing or stopping directly over the head/shoulders.
  • Exceptions: forward rolls, backward rolls, shoulder rolls, and acrobatic tricks performed in lifts.
  • A gymnastic pass counts each trick in the pass.
  • Deduction: 0.5 points per judge for each trick over the limit.
• 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.
  • Any number of gymnastic/acrobatic tricks 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.
  • Any number of gymnastic/acrobatic tricks allowed.
• 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.
  • Maximum of 3 gymnastic/acrobatic tricks allowed.
  • A trick is any movement that passes through or stops at a full inverted (upside-down) position with both feet off the floor, with the torso passing or stopping directly over the head/shoulders.
  • Exceptions: forward rolls, backward rolls, shoulder rolls, and acrobatic tricks performed in lifts.
  • A gymnastic pass counts each trick in the pass.
  • Deduction: 0.5 points per judge for each trick over the limit.

• Solo: 3:00

• Duet/Trio: 3:00

• Small Group: 3:00

• Large Group: 4:00

• Super Group: 4:00

• Production: 8:00

Every routine is recognized on stage and receives a trophy. Each dancer in a group routine also receives a category medal matching the group's award. Category Awards are based on predetermined score ranges and are presented within each age division and category. Multiple routines may receive the same award.

Category Awards:

• Crystal Award (Competitive Level only)
• Double Platinum
• Platinum
• Gold
• Silver

Overall Awards: Top Overall awards are presented to the Top 10 routines in each Overall age division.

• Mini: 8 & Under
• Junior: 9–11
• Teen: 12–14
• Senior: 15–19
• Adult: 20 & Over

Top Solo Awards: The Top Overall Soloist in each age division receives a full Showstopper Convention Scholarship and a 25% Accelerate Acro Dance Convention Scholarship. The Top Overall Senior Soloist also receives a feature in Showstopper Magazine.