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REGISTRATION FOR 2026 IS NOW OPEN!
COMPETITION
INFO
WHO IS 5678 SHOWTIME ?
Over 32 years of experience
A trusted name in the dance competition world since day one
Professionally run events
Organized, on-time, and executed with care
Dancer-focused
We create an encouraging space for every dancer fair and transparent judging. Judges committed to integrity and helpful feedback
Welcoming for all levels
From first-timers to advanced teams, everyone is celebrated
Unmatched energy and excitement
Our shows are fun, engaging, and unforgettable
Studios come back year after year
A testament to the experience we deliver
Join the legacy
Join a competition that inspires generations
COMPETITION LEVELS ?
Our levels are based on years of dance training (starting from age 5), not competition experience. For duos/trios and groups, level is determined by the most experienced dancer:
· Novice: 1 – 2 years
· Junior: 3 – 5 years
· Senior: 6 + years
Each dancer remains in their assigned level across all routines.
ROUTINE TIME LIMITS ?
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Solos: up to 3 minutes
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Duo/Trios: up to 3.5 minutes
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Groups: up to 5 minutes
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Productions: 5–10 minutes (minimum 20 dancers, must include a theme, props, and or set)
A 5-second grace period is allowed for each routine. Time and classification limits will be strictly enforced. Any routine that exceeds the grace period will be penalized through scoring.
COMPETITION LEVELS ?
MUSIC REQUIREMENTS ?
All music must be uploaded through Dance Comp Genie at least 7 days before the event. Tracks that exceed the time limits cannot be uploaded. Please ensure your music is edited to meet the allotted time for its category.
AGE DIVISIONS ?
6 & Under, 7–9, 10–12, 13–15, 16–19, 20–29, 30 & Up
Age is averaged for duos, trios, and groups. Our registration system automatically calculates age as of the competition’s start date. Divisions may be combined or split depending on entries.
All music must be uploaded through Dance Comp Genie at least 7 days before the event. Tracks that exceed the time limits cannot be uploaded. Please ensure your music is edited to meet the allotted time for its category.
PERFORMANCE CATEGORIES ?
Ballet – Demi-pointe / Pointe (Classical / Demi-Character)
Classical ballet technique. Demi-pointe is on the balls of the feet; pointe uses pointe shoes (age/ability permitting). Classical follows traditional repertoire style; Demi-Character blends ballet with mime/characterization from a story.
Lyrical
Ballet-based lines with jazz/contemporary influence, focused on fluidity and emotional storytelling closely tied to the music’s lyrics.
Contemporary
A fusion of ballet, modern, and improvisational elements emphasizing grounded movement, off-center shapes, and dynamic contrast.
Modern
Codified techniques (e.g., Graham, Horton, Limón) using contraction/release, fall/recovery, and floor-based work; typically less balletic than contemp.
Jazz
Technique-driven style with sharp isolations, kicks/turns/leaps, and rhythmic accenting; music can range from classic to pop.
Street Jazz
Jazz vocabulary with street/hip-hop flavor, tighter grooves, sharper isolations, commercial music video feel.
Tap
Percussive footwork in tap shoes creating clear rhythms and musicality.
Hip Hop
Styles originating from hip-hop culture, grooves, breaking, locking, popping, house, krump, etc., with emphasis on freestyle-inspired movement.
Theatre Dance (no singing)
Broadway/Musical-theatre style storytelling through dance and acting; lip-syncing or spoken mime ok, but no live vocals.
Song & Dance (singing)
A theatre-style routine that combines live singing and dance; vocal quality and dance technique are both judged.
Circus Arts / Acro
Tumbling, balances, contortion, aerial or circus-inspired skills integrated with choreography and transitions; dance should connect the elements.
Folkloric
Traditional dances representing a specific culture or region, using authentic steps, costumes, and music respectful of that heritage.
Variety of Styles
A medley intentionally blending two or more styles (e.g., jazz + tap + hip hop) with clear, musically motivated transitions.
Student Choreography
Choreography primarily created by the student performer(s) rather than a teacher; originality and composition are emphasized.
Improv
Movement created spontaneously in the moment, often to music revealed on the spot; judges assess musicality, creativity, and control.
INDEPENDANT DANCERS ?
We welcome independent entries. Please obtain permission from your home studio before registering. You may list your routine under your studio’s name (with permission) or use your own name as the studio name to indicate an independent entry.
STAGE DIMENSIONS ?
Our stage measures approximately 64 ft wide by 32 ft deep, raised 3' off the floor, with wings on both sides.
COMPETITION SCHEDULING ?
We do not schedule competitions to start before 8:00 AM, and we do not schedule routines after 10:00 PM. Please have dancers arrive 90 minutes before their scheduled performance time. The competition may run up to 15 minutes ahead as we will not break until we finish a category, so check in with the Backstage Manager upon arrival. We will take periodic breaks to help keep the event running as close to schedule as possible.
JUDGES CRITERIA / ONLINE CRITIQUES ?
Each performance is evaluated by a panel of three faculty members via online video adjudication.
Scoring breakdown:
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Choreography: 30%
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Technique: 30%
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Performance: 30%
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Overall Appearance: 10%​
You’ll receive video critiques after the event via your online account through Dance Comp Genie.
ADJUDICATED AWARDS ?
We’ll continue to award 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each category, as well as our overall cash awards.
In addition we’re introducing a brand-new 5-tiered scoring system, moving beyond traditional medal or gemstone rankings. This updated approach will reflect ability levels as determined by our judges based on the adjudicated scores that they receive. With clear and thoughtful descriptions for each tier, ensuring every routine receives meaningful and motivating recognition.
1. Exceptional (95 - 100) An outstanding performance with technical excellence, emotional depth, and professional-level execution.
2. Refined (90 - 94.9) Performance shows strong control, clarity, and expressive nuance; choreography is executed with confidence.
3. Proficient (85 - 89.9) Solid technique and consistent performance quality with room to refine complexity and detail.
4. Progressing (80 - 84.9) Demonstrates growing confidence and understanding of choreography and performance elements.
5. Foundational (75 - 79.9) The dancer is building basic skills in technique, choreography, and stage presence.
SPECIALTY AWARDS ?
We’re thrilled to debut new specialty awards that each judge will hand out providing even more ways to highlight and celebrate exceptional performances.
Top Costume Award: This award honours routines with outstanding costume design, recognized for creativity, visual impact and how the look enhances the overall performance.
Top Performance Award: This award honours the most memorable dances of the session, recognized for their energy, passion, creativity, and ability to captivate judges and audiences alike.
Top Choreography Award: This award honours choreography that stands out for its creativity, originality, and artistic impact, showcasing a vision that captivates both judges and audiences.
Top Technique Award: This award honours routines that demonstrate exceptional precision, control, and consistency, showcasing dancers’ strength and refinement on stage.
NEW CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ?
Studios that register at least 10 routines (any categories/age divisions) are eligible. Each eligible studio may nominate one standout group routine in either 12 & Under or 13 & Up (adult routines do not qualify). The studio owner selects the routine based on technique, performance, choreography, and overall human connection.
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All nominated routines advance to our Champions League face-off, which takes place after the competition concludes. Each selected routine will perform one final time. We will then have a coin toss between the top two routines, as chosen by our adjudication panel, to decide who will dance first to go head-to-head for the Champions League Final and the winner will receive a free trip for the studio owner to the SDF Dance Tours in Paris or Lisbon 2026 value of $2,750 CAD.
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