VDC Rules & Information
Please read through the below information to find all the information you need regarding fees, divisions, rules, and terms of entry.
Regional Events & Grand Finals (interschool events please view interschool page)
Entering VDC
Schedule of Fee's (New Zealand)
All prices are charged in NZD and exclusive of GST (NZ GST is 15%)
Registration Fee of $30 per dancer (required for all dancers entering solos, duos, trios, or Accelerated Dancer)
- $30 per solo
- $35 per duo/trio
- $49 per ACCELERATED DANCER entry
- $45 per troupe routine
- $12.50 per dancer (if only performing in troupes)
Schedule of Fee's (Australia)
All prices are charged in NZD and exclusive of GST (NZ GST is 15%)
Registration Fee of $35 per dancer (Required for all dancers entering solos, duos, trios, or Accelerated Dancer)
- $42 per solo
- $49 per duo/trio
- $59 per ACCELERATED DANCER Entry
- $69 per troupe routine
- $17 per dancer (if only performing in troupes)
Schedule of Fee's (Grand Finals)
All prices are charged in NZD and exclusive of GST (NZ GST is 15%)
Registration Fee of $30 per dancer (required for all dancers entering solos, duos, trios, or Grand Prix)
- $65 per solo
- $69 per duo/trio
- $100 per GRAND PRIX entry (includes FREE Lorna Jane tights!)
- $79 per THE VICTORY LAP entry
- $71 per troupe routine
- $12.50 per dancer (if only performing in troupes)
Terms of Payment
Service and Credit Card fees: Applicable surcharges will be added to the total after entries are submitted.
Event transfers: Transfers between VDC events are not permitted.
Deposit requirement: A non-refundable deposit equivalent to a minimum of two divisions is required within 24 hours of submitting your entry.
Full payment deadline: All remaining balances must be paid no later than 2 months prior to the event.
Refund policy: VDC does not provide refunds (for deposits, partial, or full payments) due to change of mind or non-attendance.
Exceptions apply if VDC cancels part of the event that directly affects the entry, or if VDC is unable to accept the entry due to capacity or programming limitations.
Refunds may also be requested if a medical certificate is provided. In these cases, eligible entries will receive a refund minus processing fees and the dancer registration fee.
Entry refusals: VDC reserves the right to refuse any entry or performance at its discretion.
Eligibility: VDC is designed for amateur and pre-professional dancers, unless entering designated Professional Dancer divisions.
Genre's & Divisions
JAZZ (Also Known as Modern)
A routine choreographed using jazz technique and movement. This typically includes kicks, isolations, and splits.
TRADITIONAL CONTEMPORARY
A routine that combines lyrical and modern movement with classical foundations. Influenced by artists such as Alvin Ailey, this style prioritises balance and control. Please consult with your teacher to decide between this and Commercial Contemporary.
COMMERCIAL CONTEMPORARY
Also combining lyrical and modern styles, this routine embraces cutting-edge, innovative choreography. Ideal for more commercial or thematic works. Please consult with your teacher to decide between this and Traditional Contemporary.
LYRICAL
Choreographed to reflect the lyrics or theme of a musical piece through fluid, expressive movement. Dancers should show control, flexibility, and emotional connection.
HIP HOP / COMMERCIAL
A street-influenced dance style as seen in music videos. Incorporates hip hop foundations, commercial techniques, and encourages strong stylistic execution.
BROADWAY JAZZ / CABARET
Theatrical routines choreographed to Broadway or cinematic musical tracks. Singing or lip-syncing is allowed but not required. May also be based in cabaret technique.
TAP – ANY STYLE
A routine featuring tap technique, rhythm, and musicality. Tap sounds are not allowed in the backing track. Tap shoes are required; any tempo or style is welcome.
TAP – SPECIALTY STYLE
An additional tap routine performed in a different style or theme from a dancer’s main tap performance.
CLASSICAL – ANY STYLE
A ballet-based routine including classical technique and steps. Barefoot routines are allowed. Please note: no variations permitted.
SELF CHOREOGRAPHY
A solo choreographed entirely by the dancer with no teacher input or assistance.
OPEN
For routines that do not fit into any existing category or are additional performances in a style already entered. May include Acro solos. This cannot be a direct repeat of another performance.
FIRST GEAR
For dancers who have never placed 1st at any dance competition.
Exceptions:
1st place in a division with 2 or fewer dancers
1st place in a Novice-only division
Ineligible dancers may be disqualified.
FAST TRACK
Dancers are given a track ahead of time to create a complete performance—choreography, styling, and concept—from scratch. A chance to showcase creativity and versatility.
DUO / TRIO (Open Division)
All duo/trio routines compete in a combined division regardless of style. Only one performance per pair/group is allowed unless previously discussed with VDC. Division is based on average age.
THE ACCELERATED DANCER
Velocity’s signature division offering an audition-based experience. Head to THE ACCELERATED DANCER for full details.
Age Divisions
Age Groups – 2025 Season
All dancers must enter the following age divisions based on their age as of January 1st, 2025:
ULTRA MINI: 6 years & under
MINI: 7–8 years
PETITE: 9–10 years
JUNIOR: 11–12 years
INTERMEDIATE: 13–14 years
SENIOR: 15–20 years
TEACHER / PROFESSIONAL DANCER: 20 years & over
Please note: In the case of low entry numbers within a division, Velocity Dance Competition reserves the right to merge age groups for particular styles. This is always a last resort, and we continuously monitor age entries as we schedule and approach the event.
Troupes Guidelines
Troupe Information
- Troupe performances must be entered based on the average age of the dancers as of January 1st, 2025.
- To calculate average age: add all dancer ages together and divide by the number of dancers. Always drop the decimal point. (For example, an average of 12.7 becomes 12, placing the troupe in the Junior division: 10–12 years).
- Names and ages of all dancers must be included on the entry app—entries without this information will not be accepted.
- Where possible, troupe divisions will be split into SMALL (4–10 dancers) and LARGE (11+ dancers) groups within each genre. This is subject to VDC's discretions within the genre's and entry numbers. (4-10, and 11+).
Regional events & grand finals
Grand Finals Qualifications & Nominations
Scoring System & Qualifications
Scoring System & Qualification for Grand Finals
To qualify for Grand Finals, a dancer must receive a Gold Award or higher for their routine. Each dancer may also enter one additional routine at the National Finals, even if it didn’t qualify.
Award Levels
Star Award: 49 & under
Bronze Award: 50–59
Silver Award: 60–69
Gold Award: 70–79
High Gold Award: 80–89
Platinum Gold: 90–94
Double Platinum Gold: 95+
Scoring Criteria
All routines are evaluated on the following categories, with a maximum score of 100:
Choreography – /20
Creativity – /20
Execution – /20
Stage Presence – /20
Overall Performance – /20
Scoring is designed to reflect the expectations of today's dance industry.
Tour Nominations
At each regional tour location, our judges and VDC directors nominate up to 5 standout performances in the following categories: Most Memorable Solo, Most Memorable Troupe, Most Outstanding Choreography, and Director’s Choice.
From each category, the highest-scoring nominee will receive an exclusive invitation to perform at National Finals in the annual Finals Gala, joining other top performers from across NZ and Australia.
ALL Events
General Rules of Entry
Performers Responsibility & Waiver
- By entering Velocity Dance Competition (VDC), all participants (including dancers, parents/guardians, teachers, and studio representatives) agree to the following terms:
- VDC will take every measure to ensure a safe environment for all participants. However, all individuals participate at their own risk. VDC and its representatives are not liable for any injury, loss, or damage sustained during the course of the event, whether on or off-site.
- All performers must be physically and mentally prepared to compete. It is the responsibility of the performer (or their guardian if under 18) to ensure they are healthy and capable of participating.
- By entering, participants give consent for VDC to use any photographs or video footage taken during the event for promotional and marketing purposes.
- It is the responsibility of the performer, or the person submitting the entry, to ensure all entry information (including name, age, division, and music) is accurate at the time of submission. Any errors not corrected before the event may result in disqualification or inability to perform.
- Participants and supporters must act respectfully toward all staff, judges, other competitors, and audience members. Disrespectful or inappropriate behaviour may result in removal from the event or disqualification of routines.
- By entering a VDC event, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to all general rules, division-specific requirements, and VDC’s code of conduct.
Time Limits
Solo, Duo, and Trio performances must not exceed 3 minutes.
Troupe performances must not exceed 3.5 minutes.
A 5-second buffer is permitted beyond the time limit. Any performance exceeding this buffer will result in a point deduction.
Attendance at VDC
At Velocity Dance Competition, we strongly encourage every performer to have supporters present to cheer them on. We ask that all performers and supporters show respect and kindness to every participant throughout the event.
Backstage areas and dressing rooms must be kept clean and tidy at all times. All rubbish must be disposed of before leaving. Any excessive mess or damage may result in charges issued to performers on behalf of the venue.
Event Running Time
Velocity Dance Competition works in partnership with WE DEVELOPMENTS to provide a live event app for all events. The app is regularly updated from its release through to the end of the competition to reflect accurate running times.
We strongly advise all dancers and families to monitor the app closely to avoid missing any performances.
In cases where the event is running significantly ahead of schedule, we will hold the section briefly while attempting to contact dancers using the registered contact information.
Judges Desicions
All results and scores are determined solely by the adjudicator(s) assigned to the event. If a performer or supporter has concerns about the outcome, we welcome respectful communication following the event to discuss this further.
All VDC judges follow a tour wide scoring system developed by Velocity Dance Competition to ensure consistency and fairness across all regions.
Photography & Videography
Where available, VDC will invite a photographer and/or videographer to capture event moments. Performers are welcome to book or purchase these services directly—this is the responsibility of the performer or their guardian.
Supporters are permitted to film or photograph routines, but only with permission and only of performers they are directly associated with. Capturing media of other performers without consent is strictly prohibited.
If anyone is found filming performers not associated with them or their dancer, they may be asked to leave the event. This is to ensure the safety of all performers and protect the intellectual property of choreographers and creatives.
Use of Props
Props are permitted at VDC events; however, please be aware that ceiling heights vary by venue. If you are concerned about the size of a prop, contact the VDC team in advance.
Dangerous props such as fire, swords, guns, sparklers, etc., are not allowed. The use of live animals is also prohibited. Water or liquid-based effects are not permitted.
Depending on the venue, VDC may not be able to store props during the 2025 Regional Season. Performers and teams should plan accordingly.
Tour Schedule
Velocity Dance Competition reserves the right to adjust competition days or change the event location due to unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, entry fees are non-refundable.
Knowledge of Rules
Lack of awareness or understanding of the rules will not be accepted as a valid excuse for any rule infringement.
VDC Social Media
By submitting a paid entry, permission is granted to Velocity Dance Competition to use photos and videos from the event for marketing and promotional purposes. If you do not consent to this, please contact us directly to discuss your preferences.