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Aspire General Guidelines

Age Levels

There are 5 different age levels at Aspire Dance Pro Competition. Dancers will only compete against others who are in their same age level. When you register, our system will automatically determine the age level based upon the birth date information you enter and place your routine in the correct age level.

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.

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 Division: Up to 8
Junior Division: Ages 9-12
Teen Division: Ages 13-15
Elite Division: Ages 16-18
Pro Division: Ages 19+

Skill Levels

Amateur

Amateur

  • New dancers with basic skills
  • Not previous awarded category or overall high point in Amateur level
  • Technical elements judges would like to see:
    Different marching styles, chaines, battements, single pirouette, leap, jump, splits, leg grab, stage awareness

Amateur Intermediate

Amateur Intermediate

  • Dancers with beginning skills
  • Not previous awarded category or overall high point in Amateur-Intermediate level
  • Technical elements judges would like to see:
    1-2 pirouette rotations, heightened awareness of placement and alignment, variety of leaps and jumps, splits, leg grab, 1-3 fouette or a la seconde turns
Intermediate Level Dance

Intermediate

Intermediate

  • More advanced dancers with intermediate skills
  • Not previous awarded category or overall high point in Intermediate level
  • Technical elements judges would like to see:
    2-3 rotations in pirouettes, 2-4 rotation fouette or a la seconde turns with precision placement
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 request registration into 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 request registration into a lower skill level at the next competition during the same season.

Genre Categories

  • 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 classical steps.
  • Ballroom
    Routine that consists of partner dances utilizing any one ballroom style.
  • Cheer
    Routine using cheerleading style technique; each routine must blend a combination of leaps, jumps, vocal cheering and a display of precision throughout with strong sharp movements.
  • Clog
    Routine performed in clogging shoes using clogging technique.
  • Contemporary
    Routine incorporating lyrical or jazz movement fused with abstract elements.
  • Hip Hop
    Routine that utilizes hip hop, break dance and street style moves, including popping and locking.
  • Improv
    On the spot choreography to a 30 second piece of music. Judged on creativity, quality of movement, musicality and interpretation.
    Read Info & Rules
  • Jazz
    Routine that contains traditional jazz movements and technique.

  • Lyrical

    Routine choreography should display interpretation of the lyrics, emotion and content of the music; while encompassing the use of ballet, jazz and contemporary technical skills.
  • Novelty/Musical Theater
    Routine utilizing a Broadway or Movie Musical Song incorporating dance, characters and/or costumes.
  • Pointe
    Routine must include classical or contemporary Pointe technique and steps. Pointe shoes only. No Pointe routines will be accepted in the amateur skill level.
  • Tap
    Routine containing tap technique and primarily tap work. Tap shoes only.
  • Production
    Routine must include at least 15 dancers and be 4-15 minutes long. May contain any style or combination of styles of dance with a story line or theme. The routine may include multiple ages, levels, dance forms, props, stage sets, or special effects.

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.

Music & Time Limits

Routine Music

Website Upload

We HIGHLY recommend all music be uploaded to your Aspire account. Once you have paid and your registration is complete, go back into your account and upload your music. Music must be uploaded as an MP3 or M4A file.

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 you do not upload prior to this time, you will be unable to upload your music and must bring your music on a CD or flash-drive.



Music Options

If music is not uploaded, you must bring music on a flash-drive.

  •   Labeled with the routine name, performer's name (if solo, duet, or trio) and studio name
  •   Each song or music track on a separate flash-drive
  •   Turn into registration table at least 1/2 hour prior to performance time
  •   Returned in judging packet after awards

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).



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.



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. Performers/Studio Directors will be provided with an online digital download with judge's commentary and two written score sheets for each routine.

Specialty Awards

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


Critiques

Judges’ score sheets, critiques and your music may be picked up at the Registration Table. 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.


Ties

All ties will be broken by technical score. If there is a tie by technical score, the tie will be broken by judges' decision.


Bonus and/or Penalties

The Aspire SUPERSTAR Bonus points (up to 2) 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 may 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

Timing
  • May be transported backstage no earlier than 5 routines prior to your schedule performance.
  • Must be assembled/disassembled within 2 minutes on stage.
Storage
  • Pre-performance: Stored in dressing room or vehicle until transported backstage.
  • Post-performance: Stored in vehicle for remainder of event.
Size
  • Stage: Must fit within the left/right stage or performance area without impeding dancer entry/exit.
  • Auditorium: Must NOT be visible from audience area until they are ready to go on stage.
Routines exceeding timing or violating storage and/or size rules may be subject to penalty deductions during adjudication.

Competition Awards

Solo, Duet, & Trio Awards
  •   ONLINE Digital performance copy with judges' critiques.
  •   Trophy awarded to all competitors along with a ranking of Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire or Emerald.
  •   First place competition grouping winners receive a larger trophy.
  •   First place grouping winners with 2 or more competitors will be awarded a tiara.
  •   One Solo, Duet or Trio routine will be selected as the Aspiring Dancer and receive $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 will receive a free photo package, Aspire gear package, and free entry to Aspire Nationals Competition in May.
Team Awards
  •   ONLINE Digital performance copy with judges' critiques.
  •   All studios will receive a team trophy.
  •   Each team member will receive choice of participation trophy or necklace.
  •   Awards will be presented to all competing entries as a Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire or Emerald.
  •   First place in each category grouping receive a team award medal.
  •   Overall High Point scores in the Amateur, Amateur Intermediate, Intermediate and Advanced divisions will receive a large trophy.
  •   Overall High Point scores in the Mini, Junior, Teen, and Elite age divisions will receive a six-foot trophy.
  •   Specialty awards will be given by the judges for Choreography, Technique, Showmanship and Judge's Choice; each receiving $50.00 Aspire Cash and an Award Banner.
  •   Top scoring team routine of the competition will receive free entry to Aspire Nationals Competition in May.
Solo, Duet, & Trio Awards
  •   ONLINE Digital performance copy with judges' critiques.
  •   Awards will be presented to all competing entries with a trophy and as a Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire or Emerald.
  •   First place recipients will receive a larger trophy and a tiara.
  •   Age divisions with 2 or more competitors will be awarded a tiara.
  •   One solo, duet or trio routine will be selected as the Aspiring Dancer and receive a $50.00 Aspire Cash Coupon.
  •   One Overall High Point duet or trio will receive exclusive, overall High Point Awards and High Point trophies.
  •   Overall High Point solo winners in each age and skill division will receive a six-foot trophy and an exclusive Aspire Dance Pro gift.
  •   Specialty awards will be given by the judges for Most Aspiring Dancer.
Team Awards
  •   ONLINE Digital performance copy with judges' critiques.
  •   Free Master Class for all participants.
  •   Every participant receives an EXCLUSIVE Aspire Season Finale' T-shirt.
  •   All studios will receive a team trophy.
  •   Awards will be presented to all competing entries as a Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire or Emerald.
  •   First place in every category receives a team medal.
  •   Overall High Point scores in the Amateur, Amateur Intermediate, Intermediate and Advanced divisions will receive an exclusive Aspire Dance Pro gift for each team member.
  •   Overall High Point scores in the Mini, Junior, Teen, and Elite age divisions will an exclusive Aspire Dance Pro gift for each team member, a six-foot trophy, and an exclusive teacher gift.
  •   One Team routine will be awarded the Ultimate Competition High Point and will receive customized gifts for each team member, a $200.00 Aspire Cash Coupon and a six-foot trophy.
  •   Specialty awards will be given by the judges for Choreography, Technique, Showmanship and Judge's Choice; each receiving a $100.00 Aspire Cash Coupon and an Award Banner.
Ranking and Adjudication Info
  •   All competing entries will achieve a placement with in their grouping (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.) and gem ranking.
  •   Awards are announced in groups, chronologically by category, and in order of place and gem ranking.
  •   Place rankings are determined by the final scores in each category.
  •   Gem ranking is determined by skill level and total adjudicated points.

Diamond Gem Ranking
Above Average Performance
Ruby Gem Ranking
Average Performance
Sapphire 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