Judges scoring at a Surge competition
Rules & Scoring

Clear rules.
Fair scores.

Everything your studio needs to prepare — fees, divisions, categories, and exactly how routines are scored. No surprises on competition day.

Entries & fees

Pick your routine.

Entries are first-come, first-served. Routine entries, full payment, and MP3 music uploads are due 30 days before each event.

Routine typeDancersFeeTime limit
SoloMax 2 per dancer$1503 min
Duet / Trio2–3$75 /dancer3 min
Group4–15$35 /dancer4 min
Line16–24$25 /dancer6 min
Extended Line / Production25+$20 /dancer8 min

Extra time is $5 per dancer. A 3% processing fee applies to card payments; ACH has no fee. All fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Age divisions

Seven divisions.

Age is determined as of January 1st. For groups, the average age (rounded up) determines placement.

Tiny3 & under
Mini4–6
Junior7–9
PreTeen10–12
Teen13–15
Senior16–18
Adult19+
Routine categories

Bring any style.

Inappropriate music, movement, or costumes may result in a lower score.

Ballet
Contemporary
Jazz & Lyrical
Hip Hop
Musical Theater
Tap
Pointe
Open
Acro
How scoring works

Three judges. 300 points.

Each of three judges scores every routine out of 100 points for a 300-point total. Here's how each judge's 100 points break down.

Score breakdown (per judge)

Execution40 pts
Technique30 pts
Performance20 pts
Choreography10 pts
Total per judge100

Adjudication medals

Titanium294–300
Platinum282–293
Gold270–281
Silver255–269
Bronze0–254

Competitive rankings

SURGE
282 & above
IGNITE
270–281
SPARK
269 & below
Awards

Moments worth chasing.

Overall finalists

Top 3 or 5 overall finalists per age division and routine type — one banner per routine.

High point winners

The High Point winner in each age division takes home a championship jacket.

Special honors

Judges' Choice, scholarships, and specialty awards recognize standout artistry beyond the score.

Keep it safe

Prohibited on stage.

Fire Swords Knives Liquids Smoke Glitter Helium balloons

Music & decisions

All music requires proper public performance licensing. No exceptions will be made.

No on-site complaints are accepted. Written feedback must arrive within 7 days post-event via email. All judges' decisions are final.

Dancer on stage
Ready when you are

Know the rules? Claim your stage.

Reserve your studio's spot on the 2027 tour and upload routines in MySurge.

Register now