VIP Dance®
all rights reserved
copyright 2025
504.305.6060
*studio owners only
Email VIP | Main Office
*use link on right for job applications
*Updated for the 2026 Season!
Entry fees are available to approved studio accounts in the online registration system.
VIP Dance does not accept independent entries. All routines must be registered through an approved studio account.
We offer three competitive levels for solos, duo/trios and groups throughout our extensive age divisions.
Professional Media is captured and offered in each city.
CATEGORIES & AGE DIVISIONS
# DANCERS: 1
TIME LIMIT: 2:45 minutes
EXTENDED TIME: up to 4 additional minutes
SOLO AGE DIVISIONS / LEVELS:
6 & Under - Hotshot
8 & Under - Hotshot / Megastar
10 & Under - Hotshot / Megastar / Rockstar
12 & Under - Hotshot / Megastar / Rockstar
13+ - Hotshot
14 & Under - Megastar / Rockstar
16 & Under - Megastar / Rockstar
18 & Under - Megastar / Rockstar
19+ - Rockstar
# DANCERS: 2-3
TIME LIMIT: 2:45 minutes
EXTENDED TIME: up to 4 additional minutes
DUO/TRIO AGE DIVISIONS / LEVELS:
6 & Under - Hotshot
8 & Under - Hotshot / Megastar
10 & Under - Hotshot / Megastar / Rockstar
12 & Under - Hotshot / Megastar / Rockstar
13+ - Hotshot
14 & Under - Megastar / Rockstar
16 & Under - Megastar / Rockstar
18 & Under - Megastar / Rockstar
19+ - Rockstar
# DANCERS: 4-9
TIME LIMIT: 3 minutes
EXTENDED TIME: up to 10 additional minutes
SMALL GROUP AGE DIVISIONS / LEVELS:
6 & Under - Hotshot
8 & Under - Hotshot / Megastar
10 & Under - Hotshot / Megastar / Rockstar
12 & Under - Hotshot / Megastar / Rockstar
13+ - Hotshot
14 & Under - Megastar / Rockstar
16 & Under - Megastar / Rockstar
18 & Under - Megastar / Rockstar
19+ - Rockstar
# DANCERS: 10 or more
TIME LIMIT: 4 minutes
EXTENDED TIME: Up to 10 Additional minutes
LARGE GROUP AGE DIVISIONS / LEVELS:
6 & Under - Hotshot
8 & Under - Hotshot / Megastar
10 & Under - Hotshot / Megastar / Rockstar
12 & Under - Hotshot / Megastar / Rockstar
13+ - Hotshot
14 & Under - Megastar / Rockstar
18 & Under - Megastar / Rockstar
19+ - Rockstar
# DANCERS: minimum of 15
TIME LIMIT: 6 minutes
EXTENDED TIME: Up to 10 Additional minutes
COMPANY LINE AGE DIVISIONS / LEVELS:
12 & Under - Megastar / Rockstar
18 & Under - Megastar / Rockstar
*Any Large Groups with 15 or more dancers have the OPTION to compete as Company Lines. This optional category gives studios the opportunity to separate full company routines from group routines competing by age-specific teams.
**Productions... Any Company Line may choose "PRODUCTION" as the Performance Division.
PERFORMANCE DIVISIONS
classical ballet technique in ballet or pointe shoes
modern & ballet technique reaching beyond the standard jazz vocabulary
jazz & ballet technique with emphasis on strength, control, and interpretation
primarily tap technique in tap shoes only
any jazz technique utilizing uptempo music
hip-hop, funk, or commercial street styles
consists of combined elements from two or more styles, or uses elements of a style with music not typically associated with that style
Acro, Ballroom, Pom & Cheer, Clogging, Irish, Cultural, Novelty, Song & Dance, or other styles
modern & ballet technique reaching beyond the standard jazz vocabulary
may include a variety of dance genres, typically focused on entertainment value following a theme, may utilize a large prop and/or stage setting (although not required)
Interpretive dance featuring modern technique, movement and choreography
- No "trick limit" in any performance division.
- Dancers are able to compete in multiple routines in the same performance division and category. However, those dancers should be prepared for quick costume changes.
- All routines, music, choreography, and costumes must be suitable for family viewing and listening. Failure to comply with this rule may result in point deductions or entry disqualification at the discretion of the event director and judges.
- Incomplete Routines: A 3-point deduction will be made for dancers that leave the stage without completing the performance. In the rare case that a dancer is allowed to re-perform, the routine will be adjudicated only and not eligible for any high score awards.
- Over Time Limit Routines: 5-point deduction will be made on routines that exceed the time limit.
- Ages are determined as of January 1st in the year of the event.
- VIP DANCE reserves the right to move any routine WITHOUT NOTICE to the level deemed appropriate by the VIP DANCE staff and judges.
COMPETITIVE LEVELS
Beginner
Age Divisions: 6 & Under, 8 & Under, 10 & Under, 12 & Under, 13+
Categories: Solo, Duo/Trio, Small Group, Large Group
Choreography Guidelines: Beginner Level Skills and Elements ONLY
Adjudication: Dancers are scored and critiqued as beginners.
Rules: In any given event, beginner level dancers may compete in up to 5 ROUTINES - only 1 may be a solo. To be added to additional routines (beyond the limits of their assigned skill level), you must advance them to the next skill level in your dancer list.
Age 18 is the oldest a dancer may be in this level.
Intermediate
Age Divisions: 8 & Under, 10 & Under, 12 & Under, 14 & Under,
16 & Under, 18 & Under
Categories: Solo, Duo/Trio, Small Group, Large Group, Company Lines / Productions
Choreography Guidelines: Up to Intermediate Level Skills and Choreographic Elements
Adjudication: Dancers are scored and critiqued on their execution based on the level of the choreography presented.
Rules: In any given event, intermediate level dancers may compete in up to 10 ROUTINES. To be added to additional routines (beyond the limits of their assigned skill level), you must advance them to the next skill level in your dancer list.
Advanced
Age Divisions: 10 & Under, 12 & Under, 14 & Under, 16 & Under, 18 & Under, 19+
Categories: Solo, Duo/Trio, Small Group, Large Group, Company Lines / Productions
Choreography Guidelines: Up to Advanced Level Skills and Choreographic Elements
Adjudication: Dancers are scored and critiqued on their execution based on the level of choreography presented, weighted by difficulty.
The top scoring group routines earn a spot on the coveted VIP LIST Top 10. VIP Lists are presented in Megastar and Rockstar Levels in 12 & Under and 18 & Under.
At each event, Best Megastar Studio and Best Rockstar Studio will be awarded to the studios with the five highest scoring group routines in the corresponding level.
High Score Awards are presented in each category for all levels and age divisions.
Our Special Awards celebrate creativity, performance, and stage presence beyond the score and may include: Costume, Choreography, Entertainment, Future Star, Stand-Out, Art of Style, Fierce Factor, and Judges Choice. Every routine is eligible for any of these awards. More on these below!
Every routine receives an adjudicated placement based on score. Hotshot Level may earn Gold or Platinum. Megastar Level may earn Gold, Platinum, or Diamond. Rockstar Level may earn Platinum, Diamond, Ace, or Up in the VIP (our highest honor for a near-perfect score)
Awarded to a Rockstar-level soloist who delivers an unforgettable performance. This dancer demonstrates standout technique, stage presence, and artistry—embodying what it means to be a true VIP Idol.
Drumroll, please! 🥁 Our Special Awards recognize more than just technique—they celebrate creativity, presence, and the unique spark that makes each performance unforgettable. From Costume to Choreography and everything in between, here’s a deeper look at what it takes to earn these honors:
Goes to a performance that captivates the audience from start to finish. Whether through humor, drama, personality, or storytelling, this routine brought the fun and made a lasting impression.
Given to a young dancer or group that shows exceptional potential. This award highlights emerging talent, strong stage presence, and the kind of spark that points to big things ahead.
Presented to a dancer or group that commands attention on stage. Whether through technique, energy, presence, or performance quality, this routine had that “something extra” that made it truly unforgettable.
Celebrates a routine with standout musicality, nuance, and attention to detail. From movement quality to styling choices, this piece was polished, purposeful, and deeply artistic.
This one’s all about power, passion, and confidence. Awarded to a routine or dancer who brought undeniable energy and owned every count. Fierce, fearless, unforgettable.
Selected by each individual judge for a routine or dancer that personally resonated with them. It might be technical brilliance, emotional connection, or pure joy—this one’s from the heart.
Our one-of-a-kind awards, custom awards music, and signature red carpet make every ceremony feel like a celebration. VIP Dance was the first competition to roll out the red carpet—an idea that’s now become an industry standard. We’re flattered to lead the way… and we’re not done yet. We continue to dream up ideas others are sure to follow. But no one delivers the experience quite like VIP!
All of the event info you need is now at one digital access point. From the city event page you will upload music, view full schedules, watch the event live stream, print a program or use our digital interactive programs during the event. Your access to our interactive program now includes filters, search, live tracking of performed routines, and routine Compliments... bringing your competition experience to a whole new level!
Stats (scores, feedback, & judge critiques) and Media are uploaded to the tour page following each event. Studio owners will access all routine stats in the same location with the option to allow access to any teacher or dancer/parent (account) in the routine. Videos of winning routines are featured in our Highlights Gallery for all to enjoy. Easy access, easy sharing... VIP-style!
Music must be uploaded through logged in studio accounts 7 DAYS PRIOR to the event start date.
Through our system.... no need to label your music files before uploading. Just upload the music for each routine and our system will automatically attach the entry number and routine name to the file.
UPLOAD DEADLINE: 7 DAYS prior to event
ACCEPTED FILE TYPES: M4A, MP3
BACKUP:
Bring to Event on USB
NOT ACCEPTED: iPods, Phones, CDs
All dance shoes (specifically any style heel) must have soft, non-marking soles & rubber heels. No street heels or street shoes.
Any damage to the Marley flooring (scuff, mark, pierce, etc.) will result in disqualification. Furthermore, the performing studio will be responsible for any charges that may occur as a result of damage to Marley.
General props are permitted in any category.
The following items / substances and any similar substances are not permitted:
fire, water (on body, costume, or prop), powder, aerosol, gels, liquids, wet paint (on body, costume, or prop), fake blood, silly string, haze or fog machines, dry ice, smoke, strobe lights, bubbles, bubble machines, candy, chalk, crushed cork, flour, corn starch, loose glitter (on body, costume or prop), sand, dirt, sawdust, ashes, helium balloons, confetti.
Please contact our office prior to the event with any questions regarding the allowance of a particular item or substance.
All props must be Marley safe. Any damage to the Marley flooring will be billed to the responsible studio.
Props are not to exceed 10 feet in height.
.......................................................................
SET-UP TIME LIMITS
Solos, Duo/Trios, and Small Groups are expected to set-up props in 30 seconds and remove props in 30 seconds (1:00 minute cumulative).
Large Groups and Company Lines are expected to set-up props in 1:30 minutes and remove props in 1:30 minutes (3:00 minutes cumulative).
If prop set-up/removal exceeds these time limits, performances may be subject to point deductions.
Groups may purchase an additional 2:00 minutes total for set-up/removal of props for a flat fee of $30.00.
Solos and Duo/Trios are not permitted extended prop set-up/removal time.
504.305.6060
*studio owners only
Email VIP | Main Office
*use link on right for job applications