COMPETITION RULES & GUIDELINES

General Rules

ROUTINE TIME LIMIT

All competition routines may not exceed 2 minutes and 15 seconds (2:15).

Timing will begin with the first choreographed movement or first sound of music, whichever occurs first, and will end with the last choreographed movement or sound.

Dance Team Edit is designed to provide teams with a competitive, positive and inspiring environment while allowing coaches and dancers the creative freedom to showcase what makes their team unique.

All teams, coaches and dancers are expected to demonstrate good sportsmanship and respect toward fellow competitors, judges, staff and event personnel throughout the event.

Dance Team Edit reserves the right to combine, split or adjust divisions based on registration numbers in order to create the fairest and most competitive experience possible.

MUSIC

Dance Team Edit believes music is an important part of a team's creativity and identity.

Teams may perform to any music of their choice, including original recordings, provided the team's use of the music complies with applicable law.

Dance Team Edit does not require teams to use music from a preferred music provider.

Coaches are responsible for ensuring music and lyrics are appropriate for the age of the dancers and a school dance team environment. Dance Team Edit reserves the right to address music containing excessively inappropriate or offensive content.

SKILLS, TRICKS & LIFTS

Dance Team Edit encourages creativity and does not place restrictions on the types of tricks, tumbling, lifts or partnering skills a team may incorporate into its routine, provided all skills are performed safely and within the abilities of the dancers performing them.

The team's coach is responsible for determining whether each skill is appropriate and can be safely executed by their dancers.

For the safety of all performers:

  • Dancers may not land directly on the head or neck from an airborne skill.

  • Uncontrolled drops directly to the head, neck, back, shoulder, knees or other vulnerable areas are not permitted.

  • Lifts, releases and partnering skills must be performed with control and appropriate support.

  • Skills involving multiple dancers must not create an unreasonable risk to the executing or supporting dancers.

  • Poms or other handheld props may not interfere with a dancer's ability to safely support their body weight during a skill.

Dance Team Edit does not limit teams based on the difficulty of a skill. Coaches are trusted to know the abilities of their dancers and should only include skills that their team can perform safely and confidently.

Dance Team Edit reserves the right to stop a routine or assess a safety deduction if a skill is performed in a manner that creates an immediate safety concern.

PERFORMANCE AREA

Teams must remain within the designated competition performance area throughout their routine. Teams will be competing on a standard gym floor.

Dancers should enter and exit the performance area safely and promptly.

PROPS

Handheld props that are appropriate to the routine are permitted.

Props must be safely transported, placed and removed by the team. Props may not damage the competition floor or create an unsafe performance environment.

Dance Team Edit reserves the right to prohibit any prop considered unsafe.

COSTUMES

Costumes should be appropriate for the dancers' age and the style of the routine.

Costumes, footwear and accessories should allow dancers to safely execute all choreography and skills.

Wardrobe malfunctions or costume pieces that create a safety hazard may result in the routine being stopped at the discretion of Dance Team Edit staff.

SPORTSMANSHIP

Dance Team Edit is committed to creating an environment where teams can compete at a high level while supporting and respecting one another.

Unsportsmanlike conduct from dancers, coaches, parents or spectators may result in a warning, deduction or disqualification at the discretion of Dance Team Edit.

INJURY OR ROUTINE INTERRUPTION

If a routine is interrupted due to a severe injury, technical issue, or other circumstance outside of the team's control, Dance Team Edit staff will determine whether the team may perform the routine again.

The safety of the dancers will always take priority.

RULES & LEGALITY

Coaches are responsible for understanding and following all Dance Team Edit rules prior to competition.

Questions regarding the safety of a skill may be submitted to Dance Team Edit prior to the event for review.

Final decisions regarding rule interpretations, deductions and safety concerns will be made by Dance Team Edit event staff.