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.

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

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

Overall Awards

Novice, Intermediate, and Competitive routines receive overall awards at each session per age group. For Competitive and Intermediate soloists, placements up to 10th place are awarded when there are 20 or more competing dancers. All other categories receive up to 5th place.

Special Awards

At each regional, the ADCC Award goes to the studio with the highest-scoring competitive level group routine. At the end of the regional tour, all Studio of Excellence winners are put to an online vote for Studio of the Year, which includes a cash prize and banner.

Titles

Titles are awarded by age group — Junior Headliner, Teen Headliner, and Senior Headliner — going to the highest-scoring routine in each age category from the Competitive level.

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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