Divisions
Updated 1/21/23
Please read complete descriptions below - chart below is for reference only.
DIVISION I
(5 - 7+ years of age)
0 -2 years of dance training
5 years -- 0 yrs DT*
6 years -- 1 yr DT*
7+ years -- 2 yrs+ DT*
all ages - maximum 3 hours training and/or classes per week
(all dance disciplines)
*DT = dance training
DIVISION II
(Minimum 8 years of age)
3 - 5 years of dance training
8 years -- 3 yrs DT*
9 years -- 4 yrs DT*
10+ years -- 5 yrs+ DT*
all ages - over 3 hours , maximum 6 hours training and/or classes per week (all dance disciplines)
*DT = dance training
DIVISION III
(Minimum 11 years of age)
6+ years of dance training
11 years -- 6 yrs DT*
12+ years -- 7 yrs+ DT*
13 years -- 8 yrs DT*
all ages - over 6 hours , maximum 9 hours training and/or classes per week (all dance disciplines)
*DT = dance training
DIVISION IV
(Minimum 14 years of age)
9+ years of dance training
14 years --9 yrs DT*
15 years -- 10 yrs DT*
16 years -- 11 yrs DT*
17+ years -- 12 yrs+ DT*
all ages - over 9 hours training and/or classes per week
(all dance disciplines)
*DT = dance training
Division Changes
Divisions will be based on years of training, with 5 years of age and under still being excluded. In most cases, please consider the number of years of training FIRST and the number of hours of training SECOND.
Example:
If a dancer has 3-5 years of training but takes less than 3 hours of training per week we would suggest they be entered in Division II.
If a dancer has 6+ years of training but takes a maximum of 6 hours training per week then we would suggest they be entered in Division II.
If in your teacher or the studio's opinion they would be viewed by all as a Division III or IV competitive dancer please enter them into the appropriate division.
Our objective is to never take an award away from a true Division I, II or III or Division IV dancer.
DIVISION I
0 - 2 years of dance training OR taking a maximum of 3 hours training and/or classes per week across all dance disciplines.
DIVISION II
(minimum age 8 years old) 3 - 5 years of dance training OR taking more than 3 hours of training per week to a maximum of 6 hours of training and/or classes per week across all dance disciplines and studios.
DIVISION III
(minimum age 11 years old) 6+ years of dance training
OR taking more than 6 hours of training per week and to maximum of 9 hours training and/or classes per week across all dance disciplines and studios.
N.B. Please do not enter senior students who have reduced the number of hours of training they receive in this division. If a dancer has previously achieved and danced in a higher division they are not permitted to change to a lower division even if the number of hours taken is less than 9 hours per week.
DIVISION IV NEW!
(minimum age 14 years old) 9+ years of dance training OR taking more than 9 hours of training and/or classes per week across all dance disciplines and studios.
First Time Soloists (updated 12/19/22)
If this is a dancers first solo in the disciplines of TAP or SONG & DANCE/MUSICAL THEATRE please use the years of training and not the hours per week to determine the Division. A soloist's training in other disciplines is not to be considered for a first time soloist in these two disciplines ONLY.
For all other first time soloists it would be according to the discipline definitions on our website. For most other disciplines jazz or ballet training (whichever is greatest) is the main factor when determining the appropriate Division.
See Dance Categories section
Dancers are permitted to change to a maximum of ONE Division lower.e.g., Division III to Division II or Division II to Divison IDivision IV to Division II is NOT permitted.
Determining Division
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Calculate the years of dance training in the discipline entered. In duos and trios use the most experienced dancer’s number of years of training to determine the division.
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In groups, calculate the average number of years training. Any training received prior to and including five years of age is excluded. For further information, please see the dance categories (5 years and under, 6 - 19 years, 20 years and over).
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Please include any training that is received within a structured dance class (including combination classes) and include any training received at discipline focused studios (e.g., acro, ballet or hip hop) when calculating the division.