Competition Overview

A Dance Performance is the Expression of Music through Movement. Each category performance highlights one area of dance often through fast-paced, high-energy combinations of elements performed in tight formations and incorporating quick transitions in order to create visual effects and/or interpret a musical arrangement. These performances are no more than 2 minutes and 15 seconds in length and no less than 1 minute 50 seconds. Total Package performances are no more than 3 minutes and 30 seconds and no less than 2 minutes and 45 seconds.

The MAPDA scoring package was designed to give adequate and balanced emphasis to all categories. A judge's duty is to evaluate a team's performance, as it stands alone while also considering the team's placement as it relates to the performances of all of the other competing teams in the competition. Please see each category score sheet.

The eight types of performances are: Pom, Jazz, High Kick, Lyrical, Hip-Hop, Prop, Band Dance, and Total Package

Scoring Elements

MAPDA collaborates with coaches, judges and dance consultants to develop a scoring system that provides teams with useful feedback. We strive to inspire teams to be creative, aligned with their technical capability, and most of all have a safe and fun environment to perform. Our judges complete a yearly training session to stay on top of industry techniques.

Championships Qualifications

Teams must qualify at a MAPDA-Judged event.

Teams are to perform in the group size of the dance category for which they qualified.

Teams can qualify in a dance category for both group sizes. This can only be done if they have entered and qualified in both size groups.

In order to qualify a team for Championships, a "team" is considered when there are 4 or more members performing in a category. Teams must have 4 or more members to perform in a category at Championships.

Teams must also attend 2 MAPDA-Judged events. If there are less regular season competitions, the number of events will change for qualification. If a team hosts a competition, it will count as one of the two MAPDA events.

Once qualified, teams can enter up to 2 non-qualified routines at a different price.