Tap: A routines consisting primarily of tap technique. Tap sounds are not allowed on tape and / or within the applicable music. Tap shoes are required.
Jazz: A routines consisting primarily of jazz technique. Jazz shoes are required.
Hip Hop: A routine consisting primarily of Hip Hop technique. There are no restrictions on shoes.
Ballet: Routines must contain ballet technique primarily using classical ballet movement and steps. The use of ballet shoes is required. Acro / gymnastic tricks are prohibited.
Pointe Ballet: Routines consisting of pointe ballet technique using classical movements and hard toe pointe shoes. Acro / Gymnastic tricks are prohibited.
Lyrical: Routines should tell a story and exhibit balance, extension, and control. Apparel is limited to lyrical shoes and / or bare feet.
Modern: Routines should be an interpretation of the music using balance, extension, and control in a contemporary style. There are no shoe restrictions.
Contemporary: Routines should interpret music using balance, extension, and control in a contemporary style. There are no shoe restrictions.
Clogging: Routines consisting of primarily clogging technique and style. Proper clogging shoes should be used.
Acro / Gymnastics: Routine must incorporate controlled gymnastics with rhythm of music, using passes, continual flow from move to move, including five (5) or more Acro / gymnastic moves. There are no restrictions on shoes. Routines with five (5) or more Acro / gymnastic moves can not be performed in any other category. Routines with four (4) or fewer Acro / Gymnastic tricks can be performed in any category.
Character: Routines that demonstrate recognizable characters with or without music.
Ethnic: Must reflect a particular ethnic style of dance. There are no restrictions on shoes. This category will have its own overall awards for its various age divisions.
Musical Theater: A routine that reflects a dramatized or musical / theatrical theme. There are no restrictions on shoes.
Open: Routines that do not fit in any of the other categories. A performer may also enter as a separate entry to avoid competing more than once in one category.
Student Dance must be choreographed by the student(s) with no help or coaching
Choreography: from the teacher. This category will be eligible for special awards if there are at least five (5) entries.
Photogenic: Black & White or color photograph submitted in a separate entry; preferably not full length. This category is divided into two (2) age groups. The first being twelve (12) years of age & under and the second being thirteen (13) years and older. This category may be entered at the door. Photos are not to be submitted with entries.