A preliminary draft schedule will be released to studio directors prior to the event for review of accuracy (names, ages, divisions, and routine placements). Studios must submit any corrections by the stated deadline.
Once the final schedule is published, no further changes will be permitted.
All dancers and studios are responsible for being ready to perform up to 30 minutes ahead of their scheduled time, as the competition may run ahead or behind. The official schedule and any real-time updates provided by competition staff will serve as the final authority throughout the event.
All dancers must check in backstage at least 5 routines prior to their scheduled performance time. This allows our competition staff to organize routines efficiently and keep the event running on schedule.
Routines that do not check in on time may be moved later in the category or may be disqualified.
For the safety of all, ONLY registered performers, teachers, and authorized personnel are permitted in the backstarea. No exceptions will be made.
All props must be safe, manageable, and approved under competition guidelines. Props should be easy to move on and off stage and must not cause delays, damage the floor, or create unsafe conditions for performers or staff.
Live animals, hazardous materials, loose glitter, confetti cannons, liquids, gels, powders, and any substance that leaves residue on the stage are strictly prohibited.
Studios are responsible for setting, securing, and removing their own props quickly within the allotted time. Any prop that exceeds the time limit, creates a safety concern, or requires excessive cleanup may result in penalties or disqualification at the discretion of our Competition Director.
All routines must stay within their time limits, including entrances and exits. A $25 fee will be charged for any routine that exceeds these time limits.
Soloists cannot compete against themselves.
In order to have 2 solos in the same style of dance, a soloist must enter the second solo in the next highest level and/or age division.
Independent solo, duet, and trio entries are allowed. These routines may qualify for Overall Awards but they cannot qualify for Top Studio awards.
Independent group routines are not permitted.
These dancers cannot participate under another studio or team name at the same competition.
If a technical issue impacts a routine during their performance, such as a music malfunction or stage interference, the routine will be offered one re-dance at the discretion of our Competition Director.
Re-dances will not be granted for choreography errors, forgotten steps, prop errors, or costume malfunctions. All re-dance decisions are final, and routines must be performed again in the earliest available time slot to keep the schedule running smoothly.
This policy ensures fairness while maintaining the integrity and flow of the event.
All scores are final.
During regular award sessions, all dancers in a solo, duet, or trio may come up to receive their awards. We ask that only one dancer in a group routine come up for their awards. Please distribute all group awards after the awards session is complete, NOT on stage.
During THE AFTERSHOCK awards, all dancers in any routine that is announced as an Overall Winner may come up to receive their awards.
Any cash award that is earned will be given to the studio owner at the end of the competition. Each award will be labeled clearly in separate envelopes for easy distribution.
We provide every teacher with a paper copy program and pen. Please check-in at our merchandise table to receive these items.
Only teachers are allowed in the Teacher Room. No dancers or parents are allowed unless the dancer is a child to a teacher.
Our teacher room will be stocked with all the essentials, but if you need anything else while attending our competition, please do not hesitate to let our Competition Director know.
Please make sure to keep our venue space tidy and safe for everyone. All dancers, teachers, families, and attendees are expected to respect the venue and its staff at all times. This includes keeping all areas clean, using designated garbage and recycling bins, treating equipment and seating with care, and following any posted facility guidelines.
Please let our competition staff know if a matter needs to be dealt with.
Admission is FREE for spectators.
Please clap and cheer for all dancers!
At no point may a spectator, teacher, or dancer approach our judging panel. Failure to comply will result in disqualification from the competition.
Do not enter or exit during a routine.
Only water is allowed while in the audience. Please keep our audience space tidy.
To ensure the safety, privacy, and optimal performance environment for all dancers, photography and video recording are strictly prohibited inside the auditorium during all performances. This includes the use of cell phones, tablets, cameras, and any recording devices.
Anyone found recording will be asked to delete the content and could be removed from the venue. Our professional media team will be capturing the event so families can enjoy the show without distractions. Thank you for respecting this policy and supporting a focused, interruption-free experience for every dancer.
All music must be uploaded to Dance Bug by the set deadline. Music files should be in .mp3 format, high quality l, and properly labeled with the studio name and routine title to ensure accurate playback.
Studios are responsible for reviewing their tracks in advance and bringing a backup copy (USB or device) to the event. If a music file is missing, corrupted, or not submitted on time, the routine may be delayed or unable to perform.
Any last-minute music changes must be approved by the Competition Director.
All scores are final and will not be altered or disputed unless a clerical error has been identified by competition staff.
Score sheets and judges’ comments will be released to studio directors only after the completion of the competition. Score sheets will not be provided to individual dancers or parents and will only be accessible through Video Judge. Studios are responsible for reviewing and distributing feedback to their dancers.
Deductions will be enforced for violations of competition guidelines, including but not limited to:
• Inappropriate choreography or music (1 point deduction)
• Time limit overages (1 point deduction, $25 fine to the studio)
• Video recording or photographing from the audience (3 point deduction or disqualification of the associated studio)
• Unapproved or undisclosed props (1 point deduction)
• Damage to the stage or equipment (1 point deduction, potential fee to the studio)
• Unsafe movements (1 point deduction)
• Failure to follow category rules (1 point deduction)
Deductions may also be applied for coaching/prompting from the audience or backstage, disruptive or unsportsmanlike behaviour, or any action that compromises fairness or safety.
All deductions are applied at the judges’ discretion and are final once scoring is complete. Routine scores cannot be adjusted after awards unless a verified clerical error is identified by our competition staff.
All registration and event fees are non-refundable once a routine is submitted. Refunds will not be issued for no-shows, disqualifications, or out-of-category performances.
In the rare event that the competition is cancelled or postponed by the organizers, a partial or full credit toward a future event may be offered.
Studios and participants are responsible for reviewing all policies before registering. By submitting a registration, participants agree to abide by the competition’s refund policy.
All participants must submit a signed waiver prior to performing or entering the competition venue. This waiver acknowledges the inherent risks of dance and releases the competition, its staff, and the venue from liability for injury, loss, or damage.
Final competition schedules will be emailed to each studio only once all waivers have been signed and submitted by its participants.
No dancer will be allowed on stage or backstage without a completed waiver on file. By participating, studios and dancers agree to adhere to all competition rules and safety guidelines outlined in the waiver.
Shockwave Dance prioritizes the safety and well-being of all dancers, staff, and attendees. Please help us keep every dancer safe by following all venue and competition rules.
Our backstage crew will have a first-aid kit, ice packs, and bandages.
Studios and dancers are responsible for reporting injuries or unsafe conditions immediately to competition staff. Any behaviour that endangers oneself or others may result in disqualification or removal from the venue.
All dancers, teachers, families, and attendees are expected to demonstrate respect, kindness, and proper sportsmanship at all times. Positive behaviour includes supporting fellow performers, applauding appropriately, and celebrating the achievements of all participants.
Disrespectful, disruptive, or exclusionary behaviour including bullying, harassment, sabotage, or negative comments will not be tolerated. Shockwave Dance is committed to inclusion; all participants regardless of ability, age, or experience, deserve a welcoming and supportive environment. Violations of this rule may result in warnings, removal from the venue, or disqualification at the discretion of competition staff.