AWARDS

Trophies will be awarded in each category.  The number of trophies will be determined by the number of teams entered in that group.  All teams are allowed a maximum of three routines.

REGISTRATION

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2026

CANCELLATION DEADLINE:  n/a

PAYMENT DEADLINE: ASAP

Registration is $85.00 per team routine

Individual Performances are $50.00 each performance.  

TEAM REGISTRATION 

All team performances will be on Saturday, Jan 24th  The competition usually begins around 8:00 a.m. Click on the link above the left to register your team. (PLEASE READ INFORMATION CAREFULLY.)

INDIVIDUAL REGISTRATION

ALL Individual Performances will take place on FRIDAY NIGHT, Jan 23rd ONLY. If your individual is unable to perform on Friday evening, they will not be able to compete individually. Click on the link above to register your individual performances. (PLEASE READ INFORMATION CAREFULLY.)

CATEGORIES

The following categories are available for entry:  KICK, POM, DANCE/JAZZ, MIX, PROP, HIP HOP and GAME DAY. Category division will be made by school size and then team size.  There will also be a SOLO, DUO and ENSEMBLE Competition.  Please note the separate registration form for these performances.

Kick 

*This is a style of routine which showcases a team’s ability to perform a variety of high kicks in a creative and entertaining format.

*Emphasis should be placed on kick control, uniformity of kicks, kick timing, and team stamina.

*Kick routines MUST contain a MINIMUM of 45 kicks performed by at least 50% of the team dancers and kicks must be at least waist high. 

Pom 

*This is a style of routine with a strong visible use of  pom pons throughout. 

*Precision, transitions and visuals should be a vital component of the routine.

*ONLY pom pons may be used in this category.

*No other props are allowed. 

*Poms must be used at LEAST 80% of the time.

Precision Jazz 

*This is a style of dance routine with sharp, clean motions and the display of effective  formation changes similar to a show production or broadway style.

*Concentration should be on precision as well as technical elements.

*PROPS may not be used in this category (ex. chairs, hats, scarves, etc.). 

*Uniform parts may not be removed and then used as a prop with which to dance) (i.e. gloves taken off and swung around in a lasso fashion and then thrown to the side.)

Lyrical Jazz

*Lyrical dance is a dance style that blends elements of ballet and jazz dance. Lyrical dance is generally a little more fluid than ballet and also somewhat faster -- although not as rapidly executed as jazz dance.

*Concentration should be on technical aspects.

*PROPS may not be used in this category (i.e. chairs,  hats, scarves, ribbons, etc.).

*Uniform parts may not be removed and then used as a prop with which to dance) (i.e. gloves taken off and swung around in a lasso fashion and then thrown to the side.) 

Mix 

*This style of routine must include 3 of  the following styles:  kick, pom and dance (either precision jazz, lyrical jazz or  hip hop).

*No props other than poms may be used and poms must be used during the pom portion.There must be a minimum of 12 team kicks (waist height and above) executed in the  routine. 

*A team kick is one in which all members execute the kick at the same time.

Prop 

*This style of routine must utilize at least  1 prop (no maximum.)

*Prop utilization would require that the dancers must use the prop to enhance the aesthetics and effectiveness of the dance, not simply dance with a prop in their hands. 

*In a prop routine No backdrop can be used.  (A backdrop is defined as a stationary item used strictly for background, and not manipulated by the team members during the performance.)    

Hip Hop 

*This style of routine must display the latest nontraditional dance styles (i.e street dance, funk, popping).

*Emphasis should be placed on rhythm, execution, synchronization and  body control.

*NO PROPS other than parts of the costume may be used in this category. 

*Routine choreography is at the discretion of the director but should be appropriate for a family audience (no vulgar or suggestive moves).

Game Day (NDA and UDA....not spirit showdown at DTU)

*This style of routine must combine a fight song, a side line and a performance routine. 

*Emphasis should be placed on rhythm, execution, synchronization and  body control.

*The total performance time cannot exceed 3 minutes total.  

*The music for this category MUST be played by the coach/manager for the team. 

ADDITIONAL CONTEST RULES AND REGULATIONS 

1. All routines must follow the National Federations of State High School Association rules and guidelines for elements performed throughout each routine.

2. Per request from the Missouri Dance Team Association, there will be a rules interpreter observing your routine and noting any illegal elements that are seen, of your routine. THERE WILL BE NO DEDUCTIONS OR PENALTY GIVEN FOR AN ILLEGAL MOVE.  The rules interpreter will simply inform you of illegal issues with your routine so that you may make changes before the Missouri State Competition. If an illegal move is missed at this competition or is missed and not noted, your team still runs the risk of receiving a penalty at state if the illegal move remains in your routine. 

3. All music guidelines set forth by MDTA will apply for this competition as well. Please plan accordingly. Reminders and notification will be given to coach is there are concerns about music, however, like other illegal issue, PENALTYs will not be given at this regional competition. 

4. All participants on the floor during performance must be regular members of your team.  All members should be registered with residency state as eligible to perform all routines and enrolled as a full time student.

5. Music must be sent to us via email by the scheduled date. We will have music loaded on a computer and played from our device. Please have back up on an MP3 device for team and solo performances. Please have a back–up of your music at the music table at the time of your performance.  

6. We prefer to have someone from your team at the music table for performance to help que music.

7. The performance area is a regulation size basketball court. The guaranteed lines on the court are the normal basketball court markings. Judging will be from one side only.  Categories will be alternating.

8. If you have props, you must make certain that all props are taped or padded and will not damage the floor.  No props may be slammed or thrown down causing damage to the floor’s finish. Teams will be charged for any damage by props.

9. Only soft soled shoes are allowed. Please review NFHS rules for appropriate footwear.

10. Only battery video recording is allowed.

11. Each team's head director will be emailed score sheets and emailed verbal critiques and comprehensive score sheet of all teams and final scores

12. Team members, directors and bus drivers will be admitted free.  There will be a $5.00 admission fee for Friday night individual performances and an $10.00 admission fee for Saturday.  Please inform your parents and spectators of this charge.