Rules + Regulations

  • The performances will be on Instagram Live! thectclassic

  • Contemporary dance is classified as a combination of styles such as the strong technique and leg work of Classical Ballet, the core work of Modern Dance, and the rhythmic style of Jazz. It can also incorporate elements from folk, lyrical, and ethnic dance forms. It is non-restricting and can be anything from Neo-Classical to Modern, Lyrical to Musical Theater.

  • Contemporary Dance is an important part of a professional company’s repertoire.

  • Professional dancers are not permitted to compete. A Professional dancer is defined as anyone who is employed as a full-time dancer with a professional dance company on a yearly contract that engages the dancer at least 26 weeks per year. This also includes dancers who are not currently employed under such a contract but have been in the past.

  • The Classic reserves the right to use any photo or video recording of the participants’ performances during the competition for promotional purposes.

  • All competitors must retain the rights to all choreography chosen to perform in the contemporary division. The Classic is not responsible for content or permission of such.

  • Entries will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, and registration will be closed when the quota is reached or one month before the competition, whichever comes first.

Classical

  • All solo participants in the Youth, Junior, and Senior Divisions can perform one or two variations from the Classical Repertoire List. If two variations are performed the highest score will be used to determine awards. Youth Division variations may be adapted to fit the participants' technical abilities. Note: Youth Division participants are not required to perform en pointe.

  • Participants performing a pas de deux from the Classical Repertoire List may perform the adagio and the optional coda.

  • A male division will be created if there is a sufficient number of male competitors.

  • All pas de deux scores must exceed 92 to be considered for a medal.

  • All classical variations must be limited to 2 minutes and 30 seconds (2:30). We cannot accept variations longer than the allotted time.

Contemporary

  • Dancers may perform en pointe, in soft shoes, character shoes, or barefoot.

  • All selected pieces must be age-appropriate.

  • All costuming must be age-appropriate.

  • All entries must not exceed the time limit set for each category.

  • To determine the category in pas de deux, duo/trio, small ensemble, or large ensemble, add the ages of the contestants and divide by the number of dancers in each piece to get the average age.

  • Dancers MAY perform in both solo and group pieces but they may not perform more than TWO contemporary solos.

Age Divisions

Age as of January 1, 2025

YOUTH DIVISION

Ages 9-11 years (female and male)

JUNIOR DIVISION

Ages 12-14 years (female and male)

SENIOR DIVISION

Ages 15-20 years (female and male)

PAS DE DEUX

Ages 15-20 years (female)

Ages 15-20+ years (male, non-professional as described above)

Categories + Time Limitations

Classical and Contemporary Solo(s)

2:30 minutes

Pas de Deux or Duo/Trio (2 -3 dancers)

3:00 minutes (and optional coda for Pas de Deux)

Small Ensemble (4 to 8 dancers)

4:00 minutes

Large Ensemble (9 or more dancers)

4:30 minutes

Judging + Scoring

  • Judging will be based on technique, artistry, and creativity. Groups will also be judged on presentation, choreography, and overall impression. Each dancer and or group will receive adjudication from the Judges. Scholarships for summer programs will be awarded to top-scoring dancers. A Special Award may be presented for best-choreographed work.

  • Competing helps dancers gain useful feedback from judges, it gives dancers opportunities to perform in front of a live audience and it promotes sportsmanship and camaraderie.

Video + Photography

All Variations, Pas de Deux, and Contemporary entrants will be filmed and photographed during the competition. The Classic reserves the right to use any photo or video recording of the participants’ performances during the competition for promotional purposes. A professional digital video will be sent via email and is included in your Registration Fee for each participant.  All competitors will be able to purchase individual photographs at the competition.

Deadlines

The Classic must receive participants’ online registration and music no later than 30 days prior to the date of the competition, Friday, February 28th, 2025. Registrations received after the cut-off date are subject to a late fee. All fees must be paid with registration.

Refunds

Terms of the No Refund Policy:

  1. All registrations are considered final upon completion of the purchase. Once you receive confirmation of your registration, you acknowledge and accept that you are not eligible for a refund.

  2. In rare circumstances and in the case of injury, The Classic should be notified immediately. A partial credit MAY BE applicable with a deduction of production and processing fees. All requests for a credit MUST be accompanied by a doctor's note.

  3. By completing a registration, you agree to and accept this no-refund policy in its entirety.

  4. If credits are not used within one year of issuing they will be null and void. 

  5. After the February 28th, 2025 deadline, NO credits will be issued.