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 or a $10 fee PER change will be charged.
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. Please notify the backstage manager of any holds needed.
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 backstage area. 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, paint, liquids, gels, powders, and any substance that leaves residue on the stage are strictly prohibited. Rosin is permitted.
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 entries are not permitted. All routines must be registered under a studio name.
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.
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.
Studios will be held responsible for any damages to the venue or change rooms.
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.
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.
Teachers are NOT allowed to prompt dancers from the wings or audience.
The ONLY exceptions to this rule are for 1) Routines registered in the Preschool Division and 2) Routines registered in the Inspiring Artists Program.
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.
Participants grant Shockwave Dance Competition the irrevocable right and permission to photograph, film, and record performances, likenesses, and voices for use in promotional, marketing, social media, broadcast, and commercial materials in any format worldwide, in perpetuity, without compensation.
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)
• Vulgar language or swears in music (1 point deduction, or disqualification of the routine)
• 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 behavior, 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 music must be uploaded to Dance Bug by the set deadline. Music files should be in .mp3 format, high quality, 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.
Entries must be completed and filled out in DanceBUG by January 1, 2027 to qualify for Early Bird pricing.
Registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Shockwave Dance Inc. reserves the right to limit or refuse registrations.
Early bird pricing is in effect until
November 1, 2026.
50% of all total fees must be paid on or before November 1st to qualify for the Early Bird rates. If fees are not paid by the deadline, regular pricing will be applied.
All remaining Early Bird fees are due January 1st, 2027.
Regular Rate pricing is effective for studios that register on or after November 2, 2026.
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 behavior includes supporting fellow performers, applauding appropriately, and celebrating the achievements of all participants.
Disrespectful, disruptive, or exclusionary behavior 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.
By registering for and/or participating in Shockwave Dance Competition (“the Event”), all participants, parents/guardians, studio owners, and affiliated representatives (collectively, the “Participants”) acknowledge and agree that participation is voluntary and undertaken at their own sole risk. To the fullest extent permitted by the laws of the Province of Alberta and the applicable laws of Canada, Shockwave Dance Competition, its directors, officers, employees, contractors, adjudicators, volunteers, sponsors, venue providers, and affiliates (collectively, “Shockwave”) shall not be held liable for any injury, loss, damage, liability, cost, or expense of any kind whatsoever, including but not limited to personal injury, death, property damage, or economic loss, whether arising from negligence or otherwise, sustained by any Participant before, during, or after the Event. Participants expressly waive, release, and forever discharge Shockwave from any and all claims, demands, actions, or causes of action arising out of or related to participation in the Event, and voluntarily assume all inherent risks associated with dance and event participation.
Payment Terms: All deposits, registration fees, entry fees, and associated charges are strictly non-refundable and non-transferable under any circumstances, including but not limited to withdrawal, scheduling conflicts, illness, injury, or acts of God, except where required by applicable Alberta consumer protection legislation. Full payment must be received by the published deadlines to secure participation. Failure to meet payment deadlines may result in cancellation of entries at the sole discretion of Shockwave without refund. Shockwave reserves the right to amend schedules, categories, adjudicators, venues, or event details as necessary without liability.
Media Release: By participating in the Event, Participants grant Shockwave Dance Competition the irrevocable right and permission to photograph, film, and record performances, likenesses, and voices for use in promotional, marketing, social media, broadcast, and commercial materials in any format worldwide, in perpetuity, without compensation. Participants waive any right to inspect or approve final media content and release Shockwave from any claims related to the use of such materials.
Photography & Video Policy: Strictly no photography or video recording is permitted in the performance or backstage areas unless expressly authorized by Shockwave. Unauthorized recording may result in removal from the venue and/or disqualification of entries without refund. This policy is in place to protect dancers, choreography, and intellectual property.
Injury & Medical Protocol: Participants acknowledge that Shockwave is not responsible for providing medical personnel on-site. In the event of injury or medical emergency, Participants authorize Shockwave staff to secure emergency medical assistance at the Participant’s expense. Participants confirm they are physically fit to perform and assume all risks associated with participation. Any injuries must be reported immediately to event staff.
Insurance: All studios and independent Participants are strongly encouraged to carry their own personal liability and accident insurance. Shockwave Dance Competition does not provide individual participant insurance coverage. Proof of insurance may be requested at the discretion of the Event organizers.
Conduct & Ethics: All Participants are expected to uphold a high standard of respectful, professional, and ethical conduct at all times, including good sportsmanship, inclusivity, and kindness toward all dancers, staff, and audience members. Any behavior deemed inappropriate, disruptive, abusive, discriminatory, or unsafe may result in immediate removal from the Event and/or disqualification of entries without refund. Studio directors and teachers are responsible for the conduct of their dancers and associated attendees.
Force Majeure: Shockwave shall not be held responsible for delays, cancellations, or modifications due to circumstances beyond its control, including but not limited to acts of God, public health restrictions, venue issues, labor disputes, or other unforeseen events.
This agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of Alberta and the applicable federal laws of Canada. Any disputes arising in connection with the Event shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Alberta.