Sections & Awards .

We have a wide variety of genres on offer in solos, duos/trios/quartets & troupes...

Please check out the sections on offer for each event when registering online via the Comps-Online registration platform.
Please note: Not all genres are offered at our January & July events. Troupes are only offered for April or September/October competitions.
Below is a summary of each of the genres, please read the rules & information package which has more specific information for each section.

Acrobatics

Modern dances with plenty of Acrobatic tricks. Props may be used. Slow, fast, or medley. Performers should only display tricks of their skill level and should be easily executed with confidence and safety.
Solos, Duos/Trios/Quartets, Troupes.

Classical

Any recognised method accepted. Short ballet frocks (tutus) preferred. Longer romantic tutus or costumes permitted, if it suits the music, or is preferred by entrant. Routines must be choreographed by the studio/teacher and not routines taken from a syllabus or ballet.
​Solos, Duos/Trios/Quartets, Troupes.

Contemporary

Contemporary routines can be of any tempo but must be based on true Contemporary technique, not a slow modern routine. Talking may be included as backing/music.
Solos, Duos/Trios/Quartets, Troupes.

Dance Ability

This section is for performers with special needs and is an opportunity for them to gain performance experience. The genre/style of troupes in this category can be chosen from any style that we offer for troupes at our competitions. Troupes only.

Demi Character

Dance based on any recognised Classical Ballet technique. Strong story telling and character interpretation required.
​Solos, Duos/Trios/Quartets.

Hip Hop

This needs to be true “Hip Hop” style, not a Funky Jazz routine. Please edit out any inappropriate language. Can include popping, locking, breaking, tutting etc.
Solos, Duos/Trios/Quartets, Troupes. ​

Improvisation

This section is entirely about musical interpretation. After listening once to the music, the candidate will then be required to perform an improvised routine showing their own interpretation of the music piece in a style of their choice ie. jazz, tap, ballet, etc.
Music will be chosen prior to the competitions. Maximum 90 seconds.
​Solos only.

Baby Improv. 6 Years & Under sections are also on offer. They perform in groups of 3 or 4 and can wear a costume if they wish.

Mature & Motivated

Troupe section offered for mature age performers (18yrs+) who are attending adult classes for skills, confidence, fun and fitness.

Modelling

Catwalk routine performed on stage area with choice of Catwalk shape or full stage. May include different styles of walks, turns and poses to suit music and clothing style. Competitor and teacher choose clothing style. Must demonstrate a good style of walk, posture, poise and confidence. Props may be used for poses if required.
Solos and Troupes.

Modern

All modern dance forms accepted. Jazz, Commercial Jazz, Broadway Jazz, Cabaret or Funky Jazz. Medium to Fast tempo routines. (Not Hip Hop).
Solos, Duos/Trios/Quartets, Troupes.

Monologue

Candidates perform a suitable monologue up to 3 minutes in length (approx.). Costumes may be used to portray character. Props may also be used.
Solos only.

Musical Theatre

A piece from an actual stage/film Musical. The piece presented should be authentically portrayed as per the musical/character chosen. It may be a purely vocal piece or have movement/dancing if the original character would do so in the musical. No backing vocals on backing track will be allowed. Hand held microphones provided. Clothing, costume, props, to suit character being portrayed.
Solos, Duos/Trios/Quartets, Troupes.
(sections may combine with Song & Dance and/or Vocal sections depending on number of entries received)

National

All National dances must use authentic steps and authentic costumes. Dances such as Scottish and Irish are not acceptable.
​Solos, Duos/Trios/Quartets, Troupes.

Neo Classical

Routines must use appropriate
Neo Classical technique and must not be confused with Slow Modern, Lyrical, Contemporary or Negro Spiritual concepts as these have their own different sections. It is a form of dance based upon true classical ballet lines and technique, with a less formal approach to body, arm and foot positions - along the lines originated by George Balanchine. Music from any era may be used, instrumental or vocal. Ballet shoes, pointe shoes or bare feet may be used. Minimal use of props and sets can be used, if they relate to the music and choreography.
Solos, Duos/Trios/Quartets, Troupes.

Own Choreography

Student’s own choreography. (Any style). The routine should not be in part or full, the work of their teacher, or from T.V. or video.
​Solos, Duos/Trios/Quartets.

Poetry

Candidates to recite one or more pieces of poetry up to 2½ minutes in total length. Demonstrate clear diction, good breathing, projection & expression. May use gestures to highlight words. Clothing/costume to suit.
​Solos only.

Slow Modern/Lyrical

Slow modern routines. Not Neo Classical or Contemporary as sections are provided. Includes Jazz, Broadway Jazz, Cabaret, Negro Spiritual, Lyrical. Emphasis on SLOW.
​Solos, Duos/Trios/Quartets, Troupes.

Song & Dance

Adjudicator will award 50% of marks to singing section and 50% of marks to dance section. Musical Theatre songs can still be used in this section if piecing together a song with a dance break (not normally done by the character in the musical). Hand held microphones provided. Vocals on backing track will be allowed ONLY during the dance section. Comedy work accepted.
​Solos, Duos/Trios/Quartets, Troupes.
(sections may combine with Musical Theatre and/or Vocal sections depending on number of entries received)

Tap

Must perform to one piece of music. No medleys as there are sections for these. 
Solos, Duos/Trios/Quartets, Troupes.

Tap Medley

Must perform a routine with at least two contrasting tempos, (slow & fast).
Solos only.

Vocal

Performer(s) may incorporate limited movements. This is all about the vocal presentation, not dance technique. Any style is acceptable i.e. Pop, Classical, Ballads etc. NO rap. Must sing. NO Musical Theatre as separate section provided. Hand held microphones provided. No backing vocals on track. Casual clothing/costume to suit.
Solos, Duos/Trios/Quartets, Troupes.
(sections may combine with Musical Theatre and/or Song & Dance sections depending on number of entries received)

ON STAGE
​Junior & Senior Championships

This is a prestigious section with prize money on offer.
Trophies, prize money and awards may vary depending on number of entries received and/or sponsorship per comp.

If not enough entries are received to warrant separate Junior & Senior Championship sections, then all entrants will be combined for one Open Championship section.
The Adjudicator will be notified and will take the different ages into consideration when awarding marks.

The Junior & Senior Championships are offered to all OPEN dancers. They are required to perform two solos of their choice from the following styles:
  • Acrobatic
  • Classical Ballet
  • Contemporary
  • Hip Hop
  • ​Modern
  • Slow Modern/Lyrical
  • Song & Dance
  • Tap (not Tap Medley)
Competitor must enter and dance in at least two other OPEN solo sections within the current competitions and cannot repeat a dance from these sections within the Championship.
Time limits for each routine will be 3 minutes for all ages; Song & Dance solos will still be 4 minutes. The competitor must be classified as OPEN for each chosen style for the Championship. There will be no points awarded to the place getters of the Championship as this does not go towards personal tallies for the ‘Best Performer Award’. All entrants for Championships must be available for when sections or finals are programmed.

Please note: For Senior Championships, one or both routines can be choreographed by the competitor (Own Choreography) if their teacher agrees.

ON STAGE
​Dance Challenge

This is a prestigious section with prize money on offer.
A one-minute choreographed routine for Open dancers in their chosen genre.
Choose from: Acrobatic, Modern, Slow Modern/Lyrical or Tap.
Competitors must also be entered and perform in the Open Solo section at these competitions for their chosen genre.
Competitor cannot repeat a dance from any other section.
Age groups may vary depending on entries received.
If not enough entries are received to warrant separate sections, then one all ages section will be offered.
The adjudicator will be notified and will take the different ages into consideration when awarding marks.
Time limit is strictly 1 minute. Curtains may be used if necessary for props.
There will be no points awarded to the place getters of the Dance Challenge as this does not go towards personal tallies for the ‘Best Performer Award’.
Trophies, prize money and awards may vary depending on number of entries received and/or sponsorship per comp.

ON STAGE
​Best Performer Award

The Aggregate Trophy will be awarded to the “Best Performer” in the ON STAGE Performing Arts Competitions, and they shall receive a trophy, sash and prize money. 
 
Only Open Solo dancers are included in this award and points are allocated as follows:
​First: 5 points, Second: 3 points, Third: 1 point
​  
In the event of a tie in the Aggregate Trophy for the Best Performer Award, the award will be determined by the number of “firsts” won, or at the discretion of the Competition Co-ordinators. Points will NOT be awarded to the place getters of the following solo sections: Championships, Dance Challenge, Improvisation, Musical Theatre, Vocal and all 6 Years & Under sections.

ON STAGE
Highest Aggregate Troupe Award

The Aggregate Trophy will be awarded to the studio receiving the most points from troupe placings during the competitions. They shall receive a trophy and prize money. Prize money and awards may vary depending on number of entries received and/or sponsorship per comp.
 
Points will be allocated as follows and all troupe sections are eligible:
First: 5 points, Second: 3 points, Third: 1 point  

​In the event of a tie for the 'Highest Aggregate Troupe Award', the award will be determined by the number of “firsts” won, or if needed, the number of seconds and thirds etc. Otherwise, the prizes may be shared and divided at the discretion of the Competition Co-ordinators.

We look forward to seeing you all at our 2025 competitions!