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Aspire Guidelines

Age Levels - UPDATED

Dancers will compete against others in their same age group. Our registration system will automatically place your routine in the correct age level based on the information you enter. Aspire reserves the right to combine and/or adjust age levels based on registration numbers.

Soloists Age Level: The age level for all soloists is determined by their age as of March 1st of the competition year.

Duet & Trio Age Levels: The age level of all duets and trios is determined by the average age of the dancers as of March 1st of the competition year.

Team Age Levels: The age level of a team is determined by the average age of all dancers registered for each specific routine as of March 1st of the competition year. Each routine is calculated individually based on the registered dancers. Team Age Levels may be combined or adjusted to create a fairer, more balance competition.

Pro Division: Competitors in the pro division perform as exhibition only. They will receive adjudication and participation awards, but are not eligible for competitive awards.

Mini A Division: Ages 3-6
Mini B Division: Ages 7-8
Junior A Division: Ages 9-10
Junior B Division: Ages 11-12
NEW Teen Division: Ages 13-14
NEW Elite Division: Ages 15-19
Pro Division: Ages 20+

Skill Levels

Amateur

Amateur

  • New dancers with basic skills
  • Not previous high point winner in Amateur level
  • Technical elements judges would like to see:
    Different marching, chasse and skipping styles, Chaines/Piques, Battements, Single pirouette, Attitude Turn, Leaps (front, side, stag), Jump, Splits, Leg grab, C Jumps, Stage awareness
  • Not suited for this category: Switch leaps, Back leaps, Fouette turns/A la Seconde fouette turns, Firebird jumps, Leg grab turns

Amateur Intermediate

Amateur Intermediate

  • Dancers with lower intermediate skills
  • Not previous high point winner in Amateur-Intermediate level
  • Technical elements judges would like to see:
    1-2 pirouette rotations (coupe, pencil, attitude,etc), Chaines and piques in a box, Splits, Battements of all styles, Leg grab and turning leg grab (1 rotation), Leaps (front, side, back), Tilt jump & Renverse, A la seconde turns (up to 2 rotation - up to 1 pirouette to exit)
  • Not suited for this category: Switch leaps and tilts, Fouette turns
Intermediate Level Dance

Intermediate

Intermediate

  • More advanced dancers with higher intermediate skills
  • Not previous high point winner in Intermediate level
  • Technical elements judges would like to see:
    All lower level elements plus up to 3 prirouette rotations (coupe, pencil and attitude), Leg grab and turning leg grab (up to 2 rotations), Leaps (all including switch and tilt), A la seconde AND Fouette turns (up to 3-5 rotations - up to 2 pirouettes to exit)
  • Not suited for this category: Changing spot Fouette/A la seconde turns
Advanced Level Dance

Advanced

Advanced

  • Dancers should display a high technical skill level and ability
  • Technical elements judges would like to see:
    3+ rotations in pirouettes, 4+ rotations in complex fouette or a la seconde sequences, ambidexterity in leaps, jumps, battements, full splits flexibility, etc.

Skill Level Deductions

If a routine is registered in a skill level that is below the dancer's technical ability, it will NOT receive a deduction, but will be automatically moved into it's own category at the discretion of the judges. The routine will be disqualified from winning the overall award.

Skill Level Increase

If a routine has received a Diamond award and is registered to compete in an additional Aspire competition, it is eligible to move to a higher skill level at the next competition during the same season.

Skill Level Decrease

If a routine has received a Sapphire or Emerald award and is registered to compete in an additional Aspire competition, it is eligible to move to a lower skill level at the next competition during the same season.

Genre Categories

A maximum of 3-5 acro/tumbling elements may be performed outside of Acro, Cheer, Musical Theater or Production categories.
Judges may reflect the overuse of acro elements in their choreography score. Acro and tumbling elements include combined team elements as well as spotlight dancer(s).
  • Acro
    Routine that combines precision acrobatic elements with classical dance technique, seamlessly blending acrobatics and dance.
  • Ballet
    Routine that consists of classical ballet movements, technique and steps. Emphasis should be on graceful, fluid movements. Acro elements should not be used.
  • Ballroom
    Routine that consists of solo or partner dances utilizing any one ballroom style. Emphasis should be put on traditional steps as well as cohesive transitions and partner-work.
  • Cheer
    Routine using cheerleading style technique. Each routine blends a combination of leaps, jumps, and vocal cheering with strong sharp movements. Stunting permitted with appropriate safety measures.
  • Clog
    Routine performed using clogging techniques. Emphasis should be on the sound and rhythm created.
  • Contemporary
    Routine incorporating lyrical or jazz movement and technique, infused with abstract elements. Less traditional forms and execution of stylized technique may be exhibited.
  • Hip Hop
    Routine that utilizes hip hop, break dance and street style moves, including popping and locking. The emphasis should be on creativity, rhythm, variety of stylistic movements, and body isolations.
  • Jazz
    Routine that contains traditional and stylized jazz movements including leaps, turns, kicks, and jumps.The emphasis should be on correctly executed technique with proper body placement and control.

  • Lyrical

    Routine should display interpretation of the lyrics, emotion and content of the music; while encompassing ballet, jazz and contemporary skills. The emphasis should be on graceful execution with fluid transitions.
  • Novelty/Musical Theater
    Routine utilizing a Broadway or movie musical song incorporating dance, characters and/or costumes. Emphasis should be on the story-line while utilizing a variety of dance techniques.
  • Pointe
    Routine must include classical or contemporary Pointe technique and steps. No Pointe routines will be accepted in the amateur skill level. Pointe shoes only.
  • Tap
    Routine containing tap technique and primarily tap work. Emphasis should be on the tap sounds and rhythms created. Tap shoes only.
  • Production
    Routine must include a minimum of 15 dancers and be 4-15 minutes long. May contain any combination of dance styles with a story line or theme. May include multiple ages, levels, dance forms, props or stage sets.

Please consider your genre carefully and register for the genre that best fits your routine.

Routines registered in less popular genres (such as Novelty/Musical Theater) may result in a single competitor within a skill and/or age category. Single category solo competitors are not eligible for 1st place awards. Aspire Dance Pro reserves the right to combine genres within the same skill level and age category based on final registration levels.

Time Limits & Music Uploads

Routine Time Limits

Solos/Duets/Trios
1:00 - 2:45 minutes

Groups
1:00 - 3:30 minutes

Productions
4:00 - 15:00 minutes

Additional time cannot be purchased. Penalties/deductions may be applied at the judges discretion if routine exceeds time limits.

Routine Music

Website Upload

All music needs to be uploaded to your Aspire account. Once you have paid and your registration is complete, go back into your account and upload your music. Uploaded are accepted as MP3 or M4A files.

We recommend the free website Convertio.co if you need to convert your music files to MP3 or M4A format.

  •   Click on red music note next to routine to select file
  •   Or drag and drop music file onto red note
  •   Note will turn green when music is uploaded
  •   Click on yellow play arrow to listen to your music and verify it uploaded correctly

UPLOAD DEADLINE: Tuesday before the competition. If music is not uploaded prior to this time, you will either have no music at the competition or music must be submitted at the competition along with a $10 music handling fee.



Back Up Music

For your own security, please bring a backup copy of your music on a device (phone, iPod, MP3 player, flash-drive, etc).





Judging

A panel of three educated and qualified judges will adjudicate each routine, designating points earned for choreography and artistry, technical performance, stage presence, execution of routine, and showmanship. Registrants will be provided with an online video download with judge's commentary and three written score sheets for each routine.

Specialty Awards

Includes awards for Choreography, Technical, Judges Choice and Showmanship.


Score Sheet

Judges’ score sheets may be picked up at the Registration Table after the awards. Team adjudication packets will given only to the studio director or team teacher/coach. By entering Aspires Competition you accept all decisions by judges are final.


Costumes

Please make sure costumes are family friendly and age appropriate.


Bonus and/or Penalties

The Aspire Bonus (up to 2 points) may be awarded at the judges' discretion for exceptional and unique routines.

Two (2) penalty points will be applied to routines having inappropriate (not family friendly) music, movement or costuming. All Penalty points are reviewed and approved by the Aspire owner before presentation.

No prompting is allowed by dance instructors. Any routine that receives promptings from an instructor will impact the judges scores.

Aspire Dance Pro reserves the right to disqualify any team that has more dancers on the floor than they have registered for a routine.


Prop Guidelines

On Stage
  • Props transported backstage 5 routines prior to performance and removed promptly after.
  • No throwing of small objects (glitter, coins, flowers, etc). Deductions will apply if flow of competition is affected.
Storage
  • Pre-performance: Stored in a non-performance area until transported backstage.
  • Post-performance: Stored in vehicle or dressing room for remainder of event.

Size
  • Stage: Must fit within the left/right stage or performance area without impeding dancer entry/exit.
  • Gymnasium: Must NOT be visible from audience area until they are ready to go on stage.

Competition Awards

Solo, Duet, & Trio Awards
  •   Personalized trophy awarded to all competitors along with a ranking of Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire or Emerald.
  •   First place category winners receive a larger trophy.
  •   First place winners with 2 or more competitors will be awarded a tiara or ball cap.
  •   One Solo, Duet or Trio routine will be selected as The Aspire Dancer and receives $50.00 Aspire Cash.
  •   Highest scoring Duet or Trio will be awarded a High Point trophy.
  •   Highest scoring Solo in each age and skill division (with a minimum of 3 competitors) will receive a six-foot trophy.
  •   Top scoring soloist of the competition receives the Ultimate High Point Award, a free photo package, and free entry to Aspire National's Competition in May.
Team Awards
  •   All studios will receive a personalized team trophy.
  •   Each team member will receive choice of participation trophy or necklace.
  •   Gem rankings will be presented to all routines as a Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire or Emerald.
  •   First place routine in each category receives a team medal.
  •   High Point scores in the Amateur, Amateur Intermediate, Intermediate and Advanced levels in each age division will receive a large trophy.
  •   Overall High Point scores in all age divisions will receive a six-foot trophy.
  •   Specialty awards will be given by the judges for Choreography, Technique, Showmanship and Judge's Choice.
  •   Top scoring team routine of the competition will receive the Ultimate High Point Award and free entry to Aspire Nationals Competition in May.
Solo, Duet, & Trio Awards
  •   Personalized trophy awarded to all competitors along with a ranking of Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire or Emerald.
  •   First place category winners receive a larger trophy.
  •   First place winners with 2 or more competitors will be awarded a tiara or ball cap.
  •   One Solo, Duet or Trio routine will be selected as The Aspire Dancer and receives $50.00 Aspire Cash.
  •   Highest scoring Duet or Trio will be awarded a High Point trophy.
  •   Overall High Point solo winners in each age and skill division (with a minimum of 3 competitors) will receive a six-foot trophy and an exclusive Aspire Dance Pro Nationals gift.
  •   Top scoring soloist of the competition receives the National's Ultimate High Point Award, a $250 cash award, a photo package, and an exclusive Aspire National's prize.
Team Awards
  •   Every participant receives an EXCLUSIVE Aspire Season Finale' T-shirt.
  •   All studios will receive a team trophy.
  •   Gem rankings will be presented to all routines as a Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire or Emerald.
  •   First place routine in each category receives a team medal.
  •   High Point scores in the Amateur, Amateur Intermediate, Intermediate and Advanced levels in each age division will receive a large trophy.
  •   Overall High Point scores in all age divisions will receive exclusive Aspire gifts for each team member and a six-foot trophy.
  •   Specialty awards will be given by the judges for Choreography, Technique, Showmanship and Judge's Choice; each receiving $100.00 Aspire Cash and Award Banner.
  •   One team routine will be awarded the Ultimate Competition High Point and will receive exclusive Aspire gifts for each team member, a $250.00 Aspire Cash, exclusive team prizes and a six-foot trophy.
Ranking and Adjudication Info
  •   All competing entries will receive a placement within their category (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.) and gem ranking.
  •   Awards are announced in categories, and in order of placement and gem ranking.
  •   Gem rankings are determined by skill level and total adjudicated points.

Diamond Gem Ranking
Exceptional Performance
Ruby Gem Ranking
Above Average to Average Performance
Sapphire Ranking
Average to Below Average Performance
Emerald Ranking
Below Average Performance
Amateur & Amateur-Intermediate Rankings
  • DIAMOND 283.5 - 300
  • RUBY 276.5 - 283
  • SAPPHIRE 266.5 - 276
  • EMERALD 266 and below
Intermediate Rankings
  • DIAMOND 286.5 - 300
  • RUBY 280.5 - 286
  • SAPPHIRE 270.5 - 280
  • EMERALD 270 and below
Advanced Rankings
  • DIAMOND 289.5 - 300
  • RUBY 283.5 - 289
  • SAPPHIRE 273.5 - 283
  • EMERALD 273 and below