Rules & information
The essentials every studio and family should know before stepping up to the line.
Time Limits
Solo / Duo / Trio: 3 minutes max. Troupe: 3.5 minutes max. A 5-second grace buffer applies before point deductions.
Music
Music can be uploaded — or changed — via the app on the day of the event, right up until just before a dancer performs. There's no need to upload in advance. Timing still begins the moment sound starts. A backup of all music must be available at all times on a USB, phone, or laptop, or be quickly available by email. All music and choreography must comply with copyright and royalty laws — VDC is not liable for copyright infringements.
Updated for 2026Scoring
Scored out of 100 across five categories weighted equally: Technical, Performance, Musicality, Artistry and Professionalism. A score of 70+ earns Gold and qualifies for Grand Finals.
Check-in
Dancers must check in 60 minutes before their scheduled performance time.
Payment & Refunds
A non-refundable deposit ($100 or full amount, whichever is less) is due within 60 minutes of entry submission. Full balance is due 2 months before the event. Payments may incur credit card or service fees; Afterpay is available and fees are shown at checkout. Refunds only apply if VDC cancels part of an event, or with a medical certificate (minus processing and registration fees) — requested by email and processed after the event. Transfers between events are not permitted.
Troupe Guidelines
Troupes are placed by average age as of 1 January 2025 — add all dancer ages, divide by the number of dancers, and drop the decimal (e.g. 12.7 becomes 12, placing the troupe in Junior). Names and ages of every dancer must be included on the entry app. Where possible, troupes are split into Small (4–10 dancers) and Large (11+ dancers) within each genre. New for 2026: Novice groups are now available for troupes new to competition — at least 50% of the troupe's members must qualify.
Scoring & Award Levels
Scored out of 100 across five equally weighted categories: Technical Execution, Performance Quality, Musicality & Dynamics, Artistry, and Professionalism & Etiquette (20 each). A Gold Award (70+) qualifies a dancer for Grand Finals. Each dancer may also bring one additional routine to Grand Finals, even if it didn't qualify.
| Award | Score range |
|---|---|
| Star | 49 & under |
| Bronze | 50–59 |
| Silver | 60–69 |
| Gold (qualifies for Grand Finals) | 70–79 |
| High Gold | 80–89 |
| Platinum Gold | 90–94 |
| Double Platinum Gold | 95+ |
A Gold Award (70+) qualifies a dancer for Grand Finals. Each dancer may also bring one additional routine to Grand Finals, even if it didn't qualify.
Tour Nominations
At every regional stop, judges and VDC directors nominate up to 5 standout performances across Most Memorable Solo, Most Memorable Troupe, Most Outstanding Choreography, and Director's Choice. The highest scorer in each category earns an exclusive invitation to perform in the Finals Gala at Grand Finals, alongside top performers from across NZ and Australia.
Genres & divisions
15 genres to enter across every age group, from technical solos to the industry-style Accelerated Dancer audition.
The Accelerated Dancer
An industry-style audition with a guest choreographer. Callback = Grand Prix at Grand Finals.
Explore the process →Jazz
Also known as Modern. Choreographed with jazz technique and movement — typically kicks, isolations and splits.
Traditional Contemporary
Combines lyrical and modern movement with classical foundations, prioritising balance and control.
Commercial Contemporary
Lyrical and modern styles with cutting-edge, thematic choreography — more commercial in feel.
Lyrical
Choreographed to reflect a song's lyrics or theme through fluid, expressive movement.
Hip Hop / Commercial
Street-influenced style as seen in music videos, with strong stylistic execution.
Broadway Jazz
Theatrical routines to Broadway or cinematic tracks; lip-syncing allowed but not required.
Song & Dance
50% vocal, 50% dance (tap or modern). No microphones provided or permitted.
Tap — Any Style
Tap technique, rhythm and musicality in any style or tempo. Tap sounds aren't allowed in the backing track.
Tap — Specialty
An additional tap routine in a different style or theme to a dancer's main tap performance.
Classical
Ballet-based, including classical technique and steps. Barefoot allowed — no variations permitted.
Self Choreography
A solo choreographed entirely by the dancer, with no teacher input or assistance.
Open
For routines outside existing categories, or an additional performance in a style already entered. May include acro.
First Gear
For dancers who've never placed 1st at any dance competition. Enter honestly — misuse can mean disqualification.
Fast Track
A track is given ahead of time to build a complete performance from scratch — choreography, styling and concept.
Duo / Trio
Combined open division regardless of style. One performance per pair/group; placed by average age.
The Victory Lap
Reserved for dancers who placed 1st at a regional event — an exclusive showcase performance at Grand Finals with cash prizes up for grabs.
Age divisions
As of 1 January 2025 — a birthday falling exactly on Jan 1 moves the dancer up a category. Duos, trios and troupes are placed by average age. In low-entry divisions, VDC may merge age groups as a last resort.
On the floor
Applies across all events. By submitting an entry, dancers, parents/guardians, teachers and studio reps accept these terms in full, and acknowledge that VDC and its representatives aren't liable for injury, loss, or damage sustained during the event.
Zero Tolerance
Bullying, negative behaviour, or inappropriate comments toward staff, judges or other competitors is not tolerated and may result in instant disqualification, removal, or a future ban. Poaching dancers or staff from other studios is not condoned.
No Coaching From the Wings
No prompting, coaching, or calling out to performers is allowed during a routine.
Stay on Stage
Entrants must remain on stage for their full routine. A dancer who leaves due to error may re-perform, but receives feedback only — not a placing — for Junior, Intermediate & Senior age groups.
Age-Appropriate
Costumes and choreography must suit the dancer's age group; points may be deducted for inappropriate content.
Props & Equipment
Props must meet venue safety standards. Fire, water, smoke, dry ice, sparklers, swords, weapons, live animals and liquid-based effects are all prohibited. Electrical equipment must be tested and tagged.
Dressing Rooms
Keep dressing rooms and backstage areas clean and tidy — rubbish disposed of before departure, or venue damage/mess charges may apply.
First Aid & Safety
A First Aid Officer and kit are on-site at every event. Only registered performers are permitted on or side stage; everyone is expected to follow directions from authorised staff.
Event Schedule & Check-in
Live scheduling runs through the VDC app — check it regularly. Solo, duo and trio performers must check in with Front of House at least 60 minutes before their section.
Judging & Adjudication
The adjudicator's decision is final, made against VDC's tour-wide scoring rubric. Result concerns must go by email, after the event — please don't approach judges during competition.
Photography & Videography
Film or photograph only the performers you're directly associated with. By entering, participants grant VDC permission to use event photos/video for promotional purposes unless opted out in writing.
Tour Schedule Changes
VDC reserves the right to adjust dates, times or locations if needed. Entry fees remain non-refundable in this case; updates are shared via the app and email.
Knowledge of Rules
Not knowing or misunderstanding the rules isn't a valid reason for a breach. VDC may amend rules at any time for fairness, safety, and event integrity.
Social Media
Entering VDC means consenting to event photos/video being used for promotion. Tag @velocitydancecomp and #StayInTheRace to be featured.