Phoenix

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Versastyle

RULES & REGULATIONS

Please read all the Rules and Regulations carefully. 

It is the responsibility of the studio to follow all of VSDC Rules and Regulations. In order to run a fair competition, we ask that every participant abide by the same rules.

Please ensure that the students, parents and teachers demonstrate respect and good sportsmanship. Kindly communicate to everyone attending to enjoy the competition to respect the rules and follow proper theatre etiquette.

ELIGIBILITY

ENTRY TYPES

Follow these guidelines to ensure smooth scheduling, clean performances, and a stress-free competition experience.

 

Entry Type Number of Dancers Maximum Time
Solo 1 3 minutes
Duo/Trio 2 or 3 3 minutes
Small Group 4 to 9 3:30 minutes
Large Group 10 to 16 4 minutes
Line 17+ 5 minutes
Production 20+ 10 minutes

 

All routines must stay within their time limits, including walk-on and exit. These limits help us keep the event running on time for everyone.

 

Extended time may be requested for a fee, but this must be done prior to submitting entries – please email the VSDC Director to make your request.

Music
  • Upload all music through your Studio Portal at least 3 weeks before your event
  • Ensure tracks are levelled and edited cleanly from start to finish
  • Incorrect uploads may impact video and judge adjudication
  • Explicit content, including inappropriate language or themes, may result in deductions or disqualification
  • Bring a backup device with auxiliary output on-site
Age Division
Division Average Age (After Rounding Down)
Petite 5 and under
Mini 6 to 8
Junior 9 to 11
Intermediate 12 to 14
Senior 15 to 18
Adult 19+

 

We group entries based on average dancer age to ensure fair and balanced competition.

 

How to Calculate:

A dancer’s competition age is determined by their age as of January 1, 2026

 

For routines, we calculate the average competition age of all dancers and round down to the nearest whole number.

    • Example: An average of 14.6 rounds down to 14, placing the routine in the Intermediate division.

 

Important Notes:

    • Entries may not drop more than one age division below the oldest dancer’s age. (This rule does not apply to productions.)
    • Entries may move up an age division with approval from the VSDC Director.
Classifications

Based on training, experience, and competitive history.

Studios are responsible for honestly placing dancers to ensure fair and balanced competition.

 

NOVICE

Dance Qualification:

    • Age 14 or under
    • First-time competitors (no prior competition experience)

Routine Rule

    • All dancers must meet Novice criteria

PRE-COMPETITIVE

Dance Qualification:

    • Trains less than 6 hours/week
    • 2nd or 3rd year competitors

Routine Rule

    • May include a mix of Novice and Pre-Comp
    • Cannot include Competitive or Elite dancers

 

COMPETITIVE

Dance Qualification:

    • Trains 6 or more hours/week
    • 3+ years of competition experience

Routine Rule

    • May include Novice/Pre-Comp dancers and up to 25% Elite dancers

 

ELITE (Optional)

Dance Qualification:

    • Trains 10+ hours/week
    • Recommended for dancers who have placed in overalls as Competitive

Routine Rule

    • May include Competitive dancers

 

ADVANCED

Dance Qualification:

    • Age 19+ experienced competitive dancers
    • Not currently performing professionally

Routine Rule

    • May include up to 25% Pre-Comp, Competitive, or Elite dancers

 

PROFESSIONAL

Dance Qualification:

    • Age 19+
    • Has been paid to perform professionally

Routine Rule

    • Only eligible for Professional awards and overalls
    • Cannot mix with other classifications
Special Entry Tags

Celebrate milestones and creative contributions without changing a dancer’s placement.

 

Special tags help separate routines without affecting their age division or classification. Tagged entries are grouped with other routines that share the same tag, classification, age division, and genre. These routines remain eligible for regular overalls.

 

FIRST-TIME SOLOIST

This tag recognizes dancers performing their first-ever solo at competition.

    • Required for Novice solos
    • Optional for Pre-Competitive or Competitive; Cannot be applied to Elite
    • Dancers are still placed by age and classification

STUDENT CHOREOGRAPHY

This tag highlights routines choreographed entirely by a student.

    • May apply to solos, duos/trios, or groups
    • Tag is applied during registration
    • Routines are still adjudicated based on their regular division and classification
Dance styles

ACRO: A combination of gymnastics, acrobatic tricks and dance choreography. The routine should have a strong balance of both dance and tricks.

 

BALLET: Classical ballet with a high form of technique. Ballet shoes are required. Acrobatic tricks are not permitted. Pointe shoes are prohibited.

 

CHARACTER BALLET: This routine must incorporate ballet technique and movement portraying a character or specific theme through choreography, costume and story telling. Pointe shoes are prohibited.

 

CONTEMPORARY BALLET: Classical ballet and modern dance combined to create a contemporary routine. Ballet shoes are not required. Pointe shoes prohibited.

 

CONTEMPORARY BALLET POINTE: Classical ballet and modern dance combined to create a contemporary pointe routine. Pointe shoes are required.

 

CONTEMPORARY: Incorporation of technique and free movement vocabulary that conveys creativity and emotion.

 

HIP HOP: Culmination of street style movement, technique, tricks, vocabulary and creativity.

 

JAZZ: This performance must contain traditional jazz movement and technique.

 

LYRICAL: Fusion of ballet and jazz technique that tells a story through emotion, dance and movement.

 

MODERN: Interpretive movements that make use of modern technique and approach

 

MUSICAL THEATRE: Routine that also incorporates lip-syncing, acting and story telling through dance movement.

 

OPEN: Combination of any dance styles. For routines that do not fit any particular category.

 

POINTE: Ballet pointe technique that is danced while wearing pointe shoes.

 

SONG & DANCE: Live singing while performing dance choreography. Studio must provide their own microphone/headsets for vocalists.

 

STREET STYLES: Hip Hop routines that contain heavy emphasis on vocabulary and technique of street style such as breakin’, locking, popping, house, waacking etc.

 

TAP: Routine that uses tap technique. Tap shoes are required. Pre-recorded tap sounds are not permitted.

 

Important Notes:

If your routine does not clearly fit into one of the listed styles, or you’d like to request a style not currently offered, please email us at info@versastyle.ca

 

Disclaimer:

Routines that rely heavily on tricks or stunts without artistic purpose may receive lower scores at the discretion of the judges. Tricks should be used intentionally to enhance the performance — not replace technique, storytelling, or musicality.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Health & Safety

At VSDC we take health and safety very seriously. We will always follow whatever government protocols that may be in place and will need equal cooperation from all of our studios. Due to events of the past (Covid-19) the uncertainty of what those protocols may be is unclear at this time and will be addressed closer to the start of your registered event.

Photography and Videos Release

Dancers, choreographers, teachers, directors, students, and attendees automatically grant permission to Versastyle Dance Competition and its directors to use, without any compensation, their image, videos and likeness for publicity and promotional purposes, including but not limited to advertisements, television, videotaping and broadcasting, social media, web, or print.

Re-Dancing

Dancers that experience technical difficulties (i.e. music issues) can re-dance.

 

First-time Soloist, Novice, Pre-Competitive or Mini routines that do not complete their routine will be permitted to re-dance. They will still receive an award according to their score.

 

Junior, Intermediate, Senior and Advanced dancers who do not complete their routine and/or choose to re-dance will be eligible for placement in the category. However, re-scoring is at the discretion of the judges and/or the competition director. Inclusion in overall awards will also be determined at their discretion.

Props / Set Pieces / Restricted Items

Studios must notify VSDC during registration if a routine includes large props or set pieces. Failure to do so may result in the prop being denied entry into the venue. Studios are responsible for managing their own props on-site.

 

Please note:

    • Some venues have limited storage or stage space for props
    • Props may only be allowed during designated load-in times
    • Large set pieces may incur additional labour fees

Prohibited Items and Restrictions:

    • No dangerous props (e.g. fire, weapons or knives)
    • No props over 9 feet in height
    • No glitter, paint, or any material that may stain or damage the stage
    • No baby powder, flour, or similar substances (rosin is allowed)
    • VSDC reserves the right to restrict specific props at any time

If a prop or set piece causes damage to the venue, any repair or cleaning costs will be the responsibility of the studio involved.

 

Share the Space

Please bring props and set pieces only on the day they are being used, and remove them promptly after your routine to ensure space is available for other studios.

Backstage

Studio directors and teachers will be provided with backstage access passes, which must be worn at all times when in backstage areas. For everyone’s safety, please report any suspicious activity to VSDC staff immediately. Kindly return the passes at the end of the event.

 

VSDC asks that studios assist in maintaining a clear backstage area. Studio directors and teachers are permitted backstage. Students may wait backstage up to three numbers before their performance, space permitting and at the discretion of the stage manager.

 

Parents are not permitted in the back stage area during the competition.

 

Kindly only speak to the emcee if music is playing and do not make noise while he is announcing

 

Ensure VSDC team have a clear view of the stage at all times.

Respect

Respect, readiness, and clear communication keep our events running smoothly. Please review the following expectations to ensure a positive experience for all dancers, teachers, and guests.

 

Rules & Regulations

Studios are responsible for ensuring all participants follow VSDC’s rules. We aim to provide a fair and supportive environment for all, and expect students, teachers, and parents to uphold respectful conduct throughout the event.

    • Demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times
    • Follow theatre etiquette (enter/exit times, food & drink, or obstructing views)
    • Ensure costumes and choreography are age-appropriate
    • Respect competition staff, stage managers, and other studio teams
    • Absolutely no photography or filming inside the performance space (except during awards)
    • Dancers must check in backstage at least four numbers before their scheduled performance.

 

At Versastyle, we have a zero-tolerance policy for any form of abusive language or conduct toward our team or partners. We are committed to creating a safe, respectful environment for everyone involved.

Communication

We rely on clear, direct communication with studio directors to keep everything running smoothly.

    • Please designate one primary studio contact for all event communications.
    • Inquiries from dancers or parents should be addressed internally before reaching out to VSDC.
    • For urgent matters on site, please speak to the Stage Manager or Director
    • For all other inquiries, email us at info@versastyle.ca and add us to your whitelist to avoid missing important updates.
Fine Print

Policies to ensure fairness, safety, and a smooth event experience.

 

Please review the following policies. These terms are in place to ensure fairness, transparency, and smooth operations across all VSDC events.

 

Registration & Eligibility

    • Each competitor may only compete for one studio.
    • Independent entries are not permitted unless approved by the director.
    • Studios must submit a minimum of four group entries in order to enter solo or duo/trio routines.
    • Studios with an outstanding balance may not be permitted to perform until payment is received in full. It is the studio’s responsibility to ensure all fees are paid by the stated deadlines.
    • Competitors may not compete against themselves in the same category (including group, line, or production).
      Example: If a dancer is in two competitive jazz groups in the same age division, classification, and genre, one of the routines must be moved to a higher classification, different age division, or alternate genre.
    • Duos/Trios cannot be reclassified as Solos.
    • Advanced category entries are only eligible for the Advanced Grand Award.
    • REMIX, IMPULSE, REPLAY, and OVERTIME routines are not eligible for overalls or grand awards.
    • Versastyle reserves the right to reclassify routines if a category is being misused to avoid fees or policies (e.g., entering a Line as a Production to exceed time limits).
    • Productions must include a clear theme, multiple styles or large-scale staging, and be distinct in concept and scope. Routines that do not meet these criteria may be reclassified and subject to time limit fees or other applicable rules.

Routine Rules & Changes

    • Categories may be divided into brackets at the discretion of the Director. Entries will remain eligible for overall awards within their bracket.
    • Dancer substitutions due to injury are allowed with prior approval. At least 50% of the original dancers must remain, and the average age must not change.
    • Any changes to routines (e.g., performance order, dancer changes) must be submitted 30 days prior to the event and approved by VSDC.
      • Routines changed after their category has competed may become ineligible for placement or overalls.
      • If an entry no longer fits its original division due to missing dancers, studios must notify VSDC prior to the category
    • A routine that performs out of its scheduled session may become ineligible for placement or overalls.
    • Use of artificial sounds (e.g., tap sounds, cymbals) in music or in person will result in adjudication only. These routines will not be eligible for awards or overalls.

Media & Recording

    • Spectator videotaping or photography is prohibited inside the performance area (except during awards). Unauthorized recordings may be confiscated or deleted. Noncompliance may result in disqualification.
    • Performances are recorded for judge critiques and promotional use. VSDC may use event footage or photos for marketing.
    • In the event of a technical failure to record, photograph, or adjudicate a routine, no refund will be issued. Any reimbursement is at the director’s discretion.

Awards & Scoring

    • In the event of a tie, the Technique & Foundation score will serve as the tiebreaker.
    • In a true tie where that score is also identical, routines will share the placement.
    • All scores are final.
    • If VSDC issues an incorrect award, a corrected award will be provided, but incorrect awards will not be retracted.
    • If awards (medals, trophies, ribbons) are unavailable, replacements will be mailed after the event.
    • All monetary prizes, VSDC credits, and defending title invitations must be claimed by the studio.
    • VSDC reserves the right to adjust the amount of monetary awards at its discretion.

Legal, Safety & Conduct

    • Proof of age is not required unless a discrepancy is reported. If requested, documentation must be provided by the end of the competition. Failure to do so may result in disqualification of that entry.
    • VSDC is not responsible for injuries, damages, or lost/stolen property.
    • Any individual (studio, dancer, or parent) who damages the venue may be disqualified and held liable for repair costs. Studios are responsible for maintaining a clean area and disposing of garbage properly.

Final Disclaimers

    • VSDC reserves the right to limit, reject, correct, cancel, or refuse registrations, and to modify the date, format, or location of any event at its sole discretion. This includes but is not limited to, cases where there are insufficient registrations.
    • VSDC reserves the right to modify these policies at any time without notice.