Headliners Dance Competition

Competition Levels

Levels are based on technical ability and execution of movements, not just class time.

Novice Level 12 & Under Only

For dancers with limited technical training focused on basic foundational movements, taking no more than 3 technique classes per week. Example skills: single pirouette, chaîné turns, piqué turns, and simple leaps. Limited to one solo per event.

Intermediate Level

Dancers taking no more than 5 technique classes per week who can execute basic skills and begin some advanced movements. Example skills: double pirouettes, grand jetés, maxi ford turns, double stag leaps, arabesque pitch, and attitude positioning. Dancers may choose to perform up in the Competitive level to be considered for Scholarship Vouchers and Titles.

Competitive Level

Dancers are expected to be technically aware of everything they perform, with original/creative choreography and polished, well-rehearsed performances. Example skills: triple pirouettes, leg hold turns, switch leaps, fouetté turns, turns à la seconde, calypsos, illusions. Eligible for Regional and National Titles, and overalls including medals, banners, and cash vouchers.

Adult Level

For routines with an average age of 20 or older. Routines will be adjudicated but are not eligible for Overall Awards.

Note: We do not have any dancers in the Adult category at this event.

Age Divisions

Based on age as of January 1, 2026. For group routines, the average age of all dancers is used.

Division	Age Range
Mini	6 & Under
Child	7–9
Junior	10–12
Teen	13–15
Senior	16–19
Adult	20+

Dance Categories

Scoring System

Three judges each have 200 points (100 for Technique, 100 for Presentation) for a maximum of 600 points total.

Tier	Score Range
Elite Gold	570–600
High Gold	546–569.4
Gold	522–545.4
High Silver	498–521.4
Silver	480–497.4

Routine Totals by Category

Total number of routines competing in each category at this event. This data updates live.

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Overall Awards

Novice, Intermediate, and Competitive routines receive overall awards at each session per age group (Mini, Child, Junior, Teen, and Senior).

Competitive Overalls: Soloists awarded up to 10th place (20+ dancers). All other categories up to 5th place. Must earn Elite Gold or High Gold.

Intermediate Overalls: Soloists awarded up to 10th place (20+ dancers). All other categories up to 5th place (10+ routines) or 3rd place (fewer than 10). Must earn Elite Gold, High Gold, or Gold.

Novice Overalls: Soloists awarded up to 5th place (20+ dancers). All other categories up to 3rd place. All Novice routines are eligible regardless of score.

Special Awards

High Score awards go to the highest-scoring group routine in each level (Novice, Intermediate, Competitive). Winners receive a Platinum Ticket to compete at the Platinum Circle at Nationals.

The ADCC Studio of Excellence is a staff-choice award honoring sportsmanship, kindness, dedication to education, and overall excellence. All regional winners are put to an online vote for Studio of the Year, which includes a cash prize and banner.

Titles

No additional fee required. Soloists must compete in the Competitive level and achieve an Elite Gold or High Gold score. Title winners are judges’ choice. Intermediate level dancers are not considered for Title.

Title	Ages
Petite Headliner	7–9
Junior Headliner	10–12
Teen Headliner	13–15
Senior Headliner	16–19

Nationals

Nationals awards nearly $500,000 in college scholarships, includes convention classes, a Platinum Circle Dance Off, and an awards gala.

Headliners Dance Competition

Award Structure

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