Performance Genres

Our judges are knowledgeable professionals and may move routines to the appropriate genres and levels (ALL JUDGES DECISIONS ARE FINAL)

**IMPORTANT** 

At the discretion of the judges, directors, or managers, disregarding or challenging the rules will result in disqualification, point deductions, or adjudication only. Routines may also not be eligible for Titles, Top 5/10, and OHS. See our Rules/Guidelines page for more information. (Click Here)

Props are permitted in all routines. Props have 1 minute for setup and breakdown (you must enter props in the prop description box during registration). Routines, including setup & breakdown, are timed; extra minutes not paid in advance will be charged.

  • Competitors with more than one routine in the same genre can compete against themselves 
  • Competitors with more than one routine in the same genre, not wanting to compete against themselves, can enter into the open genre
  • Routines with two or more genres enter the open genre (unless fitting musical theatre, song/dance, or production guidelines)
  • The Rising Star Level is not permitted in the pointe genre
  • Production routines compete against each other and are entered into one level, age & genre (see additional details below) 
  • Unlimited acrobatic moves are permitted in the following performance genres ONLY: Acro, Musical Theatre/Acting, Hip Hop, Improv, Open and Productions 
  • 3 vocal genres are offered (see details below) 
  • Musical Theatre should include two or more of the following: dancing, acting, singing, lip singing, and instrumental components 
  • Singers performing a musical theater, i.e., show-tunes song but omitting the above must register in Vocal: Show-tunes
  • If singing and dancing but not portraying a character, enter into the Song/Dance genre
  • A vocal routine is not considered a solo if there are backup dancers (you must register accurately with all performers listed)
  • Instrumentalists who wish to have dancers or vocalists as part of their routine may register in musical theatre, open, or production genres
  • When choosing to enter the photogenic and modeling genres, you are releasing the rights for That’s Entertainment to use these photos in any publications
  • You are not required to be a competitor in other genres to participate in the photogenic & modeling genres as long as you are affiliated with an attending school
  • Solos, D/Ts and groups can enter into the formal and casual modeling genres

Unsure which Genre to enter? Call 877-572-9415 for Guidance 

View our Judging/Scoring/Awards criteria page for more information (CLICK HERE)

Microphone or Additional Equipment Needs 

We can provide up to  8 handheld or wireless microphones and XLR cables.

(Requests for microphones, equipment, or any other special needs must be made on your registration account at the time of entry in the Prop Description Box)

PERFORMANCE GENRES

ACRO: A style of dance that combines classical dance technique with precision acrobatic elements. It is defined by its athletic character and unique choreography, which seamlessly blends dance and acrobatics. (50% Acrobatic moves & 50% Dance moves REQUIRED)

ACTING: Monologues from a play, TV, or movie scene.

BALLET: Performed in soft ballet slippers; characterized by light, graceful, fluid movements, using gestures, and precise and highly formalized set steps. 

BALLROOM/LATIN: Foxtrot, Cha Cha, Waltz, Tango, Swing, Jive, Samba, Mambo, Salsa, Bachata,  Merengue, etc.

CLOGGING: A type of folk dance in which the dancer’s footwear is used percussively by striking the heel, the toe, or both against the floor or each other to create audible rhythms, usually to the downbeat with the heel keeping the rhythm. 

ETHNIC: Routines using movements specific to a culture or nationality. (Ex, African, Belly Dancing, Bollywood, Folkloric, Irish Step, Hawaiian, etc.)

HIP-HOP: refers to street dance styles primarily performed in hip-hop music or that have evolved as part of hip-hop culture; it includes a range of styles such as breaking, locking, and popping.

IMPROV: Select a genre, age & routine size (no level in this category). Music is DJ’s Choice and will play 3 seconds of a song for your competitor to hear. Then, it will be their time to shine.

INSTRUMENTAL: A musical presentation primarily produced live in any genre using musical instruments without dancers or vocalists. Background music is permitted if it does not contain the instrument(s) that the competitors are using.

JAZZ: A routine consisting of jazz technique, utilizing isolation, flexibility, jumps, etc.

LYRICAL: Routines expressing a storyline utilizing balance extensions & expressions.

MODELING:

–FORMAL: Formal attire that represents the competitor’s style & charm

–CASUAL: Attire can include “off the rack” or custom-made clothing and should complement the style & personality of the competitor

MODERN/CONTEMPORARY: A routine using balance, control, contractions, fall/recovery, abstract or contemporary movements, and must utilize groundwork and level changes.

MUSICAL THEATRE: A theatrical performance portraying a character should include two or more: Dancing, Acting, Singing, Lip Singing & Instrumental.

OPEN: To accommodate routines that do not fit in any other genre and may include two or more genres.

PHOTOGENIC: Headshots that may be used when attending auditions or casting opportunities.

PERFORMANCE CHEER: Pom, Cheer, or Majorette routines may enter this genre. 

POINTE: 75% of the routine must be performed on Pointe using classical or contemporary techniques.

PRODUCTIONS: 

  • Routines portraying a theme, Story, Musical, Play, Movie, etc.
  • May include two or more genres (ex: Tap & Jazz, or Dancing, Singing & Acting) 
  • Must have 15 or more performers & contain a minimum of 25% dancing and transitions
  • Production routines compete against each other and enter into (1) level, age & genre

SONG & DANCE: Competitors playing an instrument and dancing or singing & dancing, not portraying a Musical, are accepted in this category/genre.

TAP: A routine that uses the sounds of tap shoes striking the floor as a form of percussion, emphasizing clarity.

VOCAL: Background vocals or performing in acapella permitted.

  • Show-tunes
  • Country/Pop/Rock 
  • R&B/Jazz 

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