performance Categories

Acro

Combination of gymnastics and dance choreography. An unlimited number of acrobatic tricks allowed.

Aerials

Combination of gymnastics and dance choreography using an aerial rig. An unlimited number of acrobatic tricks allowed. *Only offered at certain venues, please inquire with RUNWAY about this category*

Ballet

Classical or contemporary ballet technique and movements. Ballet shoes required. No acrobatics allowed.

Ballroom

Styles of ballroom dance that use step-patterns, move rhythmically, expressing the characteristics of music. No acrobatic tricks allowed.

Character Ballet

A performance using ballet technique to portray a character or theme. Soft ballet slippers required. No acrobatics allowed.

Contemporary

Combination of lyrical and jazz technique with modern movements. A limit of up to three acrobatic tricks are permitted.

Hip-hop

Focuses on street style movements. Acrobatic tricks and break dancing are permitted.

Jazz

Traditional jazz technique and performance. A limit of up to three acrobatic tricks are permitted.

Latin

Dancers incorporate fast-paced, explosive energy, and special attention to detail in their movements. Including movements from salsa, mambo, merengue, rumba, bachata, bomba and plena.

Lyrical

Dancers incorporate lyrics and emotion to tell a story using ballet and jazz technique. A limit of up to three acrobatic tricks are permitted.

Modern

Interpretive movements using contemporary/modern technique. A limit of up to three acrobatic tricks are permitted.

Musical Theatre

Any style of dance interpreting a song using lip-syncing, dancing, acting and/or props. A limit of up to three acrobatic tricks are permitted.

open

Any style of dance or combination of dance styles. Pointe shoes are prohibited. A limit of up to six acrobatic tricks are permitted.

pointe

Classical or contemporary ballet technique on pointe. Pointe shoes required.

song & Dance

Live singing performance with dance movements and choreography interpreting the song choice. One acrobatic trick permitted. Please note: If you are bringing your own mics, we kindly ask you advise RUNWAY ahead of the competition. Only solos will be mic’d.

tap

Technical tap footwork combined with dancer’s musicality. Pre-recorded tap sounds will NOT be permitted. Tap shoes required. A limit of up to three acrobatic tricks are permitted.

Production

Production entries have no age division. Can consist of any dance style. The entry must convey a theme or story throughout the performance. A maximum of 5 minutes is allocated to set up. Productions are allowed an unlimited number of acrobatic tricks. Please contact RUNWAY ahead of the competition date if props are involved.

Improvisation

Dancers will hear a small section of the song they will be performing to and then come out on stage one at a time and have one minute to showcase their improvisation skills and overall dance ability. Music will be chosen by RUNWAY Dance Connection. (Note: This category is ineligible for Overall Awards and RUNWAY Achievement Awards)