Professional dancers, dancers who have placed top three in the US Open in Rising Star division, or winners of the Rising Star tour (and other event-based criteria) may choose or be asked to compete in Classic (song-specific choreography without lifts) or Showcase (song-specific choreography with lifts).
In November 2017, NASDE Board re-affirmed their decision keep the Classic and Showcase divisions gender-restricted. NASED's rules say: "Competitors will be one Male Leader and one Female Follower."
Want to change the NASDE Board's mind? Check out our Advocate section.
There are other events that are not on the NASDE circuit that can (and do) let competitors choose their role in Classic and Showcase. For these events, please check the event rules and confirm with the chief judge.