Convention vs. Competition – What’s the Difference?

A dance convention focuses on education, skill-building, and industry exposure. Dancers participate in intensive masterclasses taught by industry professionals, providing opportunities for growth, inspiration, and networking.

A dance competition, on the other hand, centers on performance and evaluation. Dancers present prepared routines that are adjudicated by judges using established scoring criteria, with awards and rankings presented based on results.

Star Talent Events

Our Regional events are structured as competitions, focused on performance, adjudication, and Overall awards.

However, our November 2026 event will be a combined Competition AND Convention experience — offering both adjudicated performance opportunities and educational masterclasses with industry professionals.

This unique format allows dancers to:

• Compete and receive formal adjudication
• Train with industry experts
• Grow technically and artistically
• Connect with other passionate dancers

• Character Ballet
• Classical Ballet
• Contemporary Ballet
• Pointe - All ballet genres that are on pointe
• Jazz
• Tap
• Hip Hop - Can include all hip hop styles or can be entered in Open
• Breakdance
• Acro
• Song & Dance - where the dancer(s) actually sing
• Theatre - where the dancers MUST lip-sync all lyrics of the song
• Lyrical
• Contempoarary
• Open - All entries that do not have a specified category or if a dancer has a 2nd solo in the same genre. Often "Young Choreographers" will enter under open.

• Solos 3 mins
• Duos/Trios 3 mins
• Small Groups 4 mins
• Large Groups 6 mins
• Lines 21+ dancers 6 mins
• Production 15 mins

*Please be considerate of the other competitors by complying with the time frames allotted as they are fair and in place to keep the performances on schedule. If your routine is longer or you require prop set up time, please adjust your dance time accordingly when registering. Thank you

• Solo 1 Dancer
• Duo  2 Dancers
• Trio   3 Dancers
• Small Group 4-9 Dancers
• Large Group 10-20 Dancers
• Line 21+ Dancers
• Production 21+ Dancers

• Mini's 5 & under, 6-7 years
• Junior's 8-9 years, 10-11 years
• Intermediate's 12-13 years, 14-15 years
• Senior's 16-17 years, 18-19 years 
• Adult Competitive 20+ years
• Adult/Parent Average age over 30+

The computer will calculate the ages by adding all ages (as of December 31st, 2025) and dividing by the number of dancers, then dropping the decimal. For example if the average age came to 14.9 your routine would be entered under 14 years.

*All dancers must dance a minimum of 70% of the choreographed routine. 

Independant Solo

We do not accept Independant solos without studio representation.

Independant Solo Entries by a Studio

• Studios may no longer enter only their top soloists in multiple events.
• To participate in a second event, a studio must enter multiple dances rather than just their highest-scoring soloists.

Reasoning:

• This ensures fairness to all studios, particularly those that bring all of their dancers and soloists, who often compete for high-score awards.
• Our goal is to support our loyal studios and maintain a level playing field for everyone.
• We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping make our competitions fair and enjoyable for all participants.

Exceptions to the Multiple Event Policy

We understand that unique situations can arise, so the following exceptions apply:

Small Studios:

• If a studio truly only has enough dancers to run solos, they may be allowed to enter those solos without additional dances.

Loyal Returning Studio Dancers:

• If a dancer has been regularly attending Star Talent events for years under a recognized studio but their studio cannot attend or has recently closed. We may make the exception to enter their solos in one event.

Conditions for Exceptions:

• These dancers are eligible for only one overall win at one event.

This policy maintains fairness while recognizing dedication and special circumstances.

This is all carefully considered and decided, by the director prior to the event taking place.

There will be 2 highly qualified judges for all Star Talent Competitions, each bringing extensive knowledge and experience across all styles of dance. Please remember that scoring reflects the professional opinions of these judges, and we kindly ask that all participants respect their evaluations.

Each judge will score performances on a 100-point scale. The final score will be determined by averaging the judges’ scores.

To ensure fair and balanced adjudication, categories have been divided into seven divisions, ranging from Silver to Star. Dancers will be placed according to where their final averaged score falls within these divisions.

All judges’ decisions are final.

To ensure your spot at any Star Talent event, please submit your entries and payment early to avoid disappointment. 

Early Bird Fees; ALL Fees Due by October 31st

Regular Fees: ALL Fees Due by Jan 15th

Late Fees: Fees Paid for no Later than 3 weeks prior to your event with deposit paid on registration.

Unfortunately late entries or unpaid entries will not guarantee your spot in an event and will result in late fees should space be availble.

Solo Entry Rules

Dancers may enter an unlimited number of solo routines. However, the following rules apply:

Top 5 Solo Awards

• Soloists may only be recognized once in the Top 5 Overall for their age division and level.
• If a dancer earns multiple placements (for example, both 1st and 2nd place), they will be awarded only their highest placement.
• The next highest-scoring soloist will then move up in placement accordingly.

This ensures that:

• Each Top 5 position reflects the highest-scoring eligible soloists.
• No dancer receives multiple placements within the same Top 5 category.

No recording devices or flash photography of any kind will be permitted in the theater. We thank you for your cooperation and adherence to this rule. Studio’s own the rights to their own choreography. Photos and Videos are included in your entry fee price.

Star Talent will open the venue and dressing rooms one (1) hour prior to the scheduled competition start time each day.

The building will close one (1) hour after the final awards session.

To allow our team adequate time for setup and preparation, we kindly ask that studios and families do not arrive earlier than one hour before the competition begins.

We truly appreciate your cooperation and understanding, as early arrival may result in being asked to wait outside while final preparations are completed.

Thank you for helping us ensure a smooth and organized event experience for everyone.

All competition music must be uploaded as soon as possible.

For assistance, an “Upload Music” tutorial video is available on our homepage to guide you through the process step-by-step.

All music must be uploaded no later than one (1) week prior to the event.

Submitting music on time helps ensure a smooth and stress-free competition experience for everyone.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Coaching dancers in the wings during their performance is strictly prohibited.

All dancers, including Mini performers, are expected to be fully prepared and properly rehearsed prior to the competition date.

We encourage teachers to support their dancers during rehearsals and preparation leading up to the event, ensuring they are confident and performance-ready when they take the stage.

Thank you for respecting this policy and helping us maintain a professional competition environment.

Entry Fee, Credit & Refund Policy

Non-Refundable Fees

All entry fees are non-refundable.

However, fees may be transferred to another Star Talent event location (preferably within the same season), space permitting.

Event Postponement

In the event that it becomes illegal or impossible to operate due to circumstances beyond our control — including but not limited to flood, earthquake, disease outbreak, or political unrest — the event will be postponed and rescheduled to a future date when it is legally permitted to proceed.

In such cases:

• Credits will be issued in the dance studio’s name only.
• Credits are not transferable to individual dancers.

Injury & Medical Credits

In the case of injury, credits may be requested for medical reasons only.

• A doctor’s note is required.
• All medical credits must be pre-approved.
• No credits will be issued once the event has commenced.
• Credits will be issued in the dance studio’s name only, not to the individual dancer.

Studio Credit Policy

All credits:

• Belong to the dance studio, not the individual dancer.
• Will not be issued directly to dancers.
• Are non-transferable between studios.

If a dancer changes studios in a subsequent season, any credit associated with their previous studio will be forfeited.

Studios that attend a Star Talent event with their full team, including group entries, will receive 10% off their second Star Talent event.

Eligibility Requirements:

• One event must be a full studio entry, including group routines.
• All entries must be duplicated at the second event to qualify for the discount.
• The 10% discount applies to the second event only.
• This discount does not apply to studios entering only solos, duos, or trios.

This incentive is designed to support and reward studios that bring their full competitive team to multiple Star Talent events.

🎟 Viewing Fees (Per Person)

• $7 – 1 Day Pass
• $10 – 2 Day Pass
• $15 – 3 Day Event Pass

Yes — spectators may come and go throughout the same day with their day pass.

Dancers, Choreographers, and Studio Directors receive complimentary admission.

Prices are subject to change.

🛍 Merchandise & Programs

• Programs – $3
• T-Shirts – $20
• Crewnecks – $35 (limited quantities)
• Hoodies – $45
• Keychains – $5

Additional items may be available at select events.

🚗 Parking

Parking is typically free; however, availability and fees may vary depending on the event location.

🎭 Dancer Information

Dancers do not need to check in upon arrival.

All the excitement begins on stage!

• "STAR" TALENT  97+  
• DIAMOND 95 - 96.99%
• HIGH PLATINUM 93 - 94.99%
• PLATINUM 91 - 92.99%
• HIGH GOLD 88 - 90.99%
• GOLD 85 - 87.99%
• HIGH SILVER 81 - 84.99%
• SILVER 75 - 80.99%

It looks like this is a rule or guideline for a dance competition. Here’s a clear breakdown of what it means:

Medals & Pin Placements

• Every dancer receives 1 medal.
• Dancers also get pin placements for each dance they perform, based on the score level they achieve (e.g., Bronze, Silver, Gold, etc.).

Trophies for 1st Place

• If a category (like a specific age group or style) has 3 or more entries, then the 1st place dancer in that category also gets a trophy.

So basically:

• Everyone gets recognized with a medal and pins.
• Trophies are only given if there’s enough competition in the category (3+ dancers).

If you want, I can also rewrite this in simpler, competitor-friendly language that could go into a program or announcement. Do you want me to do that?

If dancers or their parents would like to enter the Photogenic Competition:

Submit a Headshot:

Email a headshot to: startalentcomp@gmail.com

Include the following in your email:

1. Studio Name
2. Dancer’s Name
3. Dancer’s Age as of the first day of the competition

Entry Fee:

• $15 per entry
• Payment can be made: Cash, debit, or credit on-site 
• E-transfer ahead of the event (send to the same email above)

Awards:

Photogenic awards are presented at the final award ceremony of each event.

Awards include:

• Junior (Under 12) 1st Place & Runner-Up
• Senior (13+) 1st Place & Runner-Up

Genre Awards. In no particular order

• TOP SCORE TAP
• TOP SCORE HIP HOP/BREAKDANCE
• TOP SCORE BALLET/POINTE
• TOP SCORE LYRICAL
• TOP SCORE CONTEMPORARY
• TOP SCORE JAZZ
• TOP SCORE THEATRE/SONG & DANCE
• TOP SCORE ACRO
• TOP SCORE OPEN
• TOP SCORE MODERN

STAR TALENT CHOICE AWARDS

Studio Banner Awards

• A Banner is awarded only if an entry meets the specific criteria and is selected by the judges.
• Not every studio will receive one, but in most cases, they are typically awarded.

Examples of 2026 Banner: Small

• Precious Moments
• Great Stage Presence
• In the Pocket
• Stand Out Performance
• Total Commitment
• Fierce Fun & Fabulous
• Passionate Performance
• Cirque De Soleil
• Transitions & Pictures
• Bringin' the House Down
• Showstopper
• Technical Execution
• Entertaining Adults (must have 3 + entries)

Examples of 2026 Banner: Large

• Star Talent's Choice for Studio Spirit
• Star Talent's Choice Entertaining Studio
• Star Talent Top Studio Average

Extreme Soloist Award

• Each year, we recognize the highest-scoring soloist of the season in two divisions: Junior and Senior.
• These dancers earn the title of Extreme Soloist for the season.

Awards include:

• Their names added to the Extreme Soloist Trophy Cup
• A Star Talent Extreme Soloist Jacket

Past Extreme Soloist Winners

• 2023 Extreme Soloist was Milana from Abbotsford Dance Center.
• 2024 Extreme Soloist 13&Under is Aliya from Legacy Dance Productions
• 2024 Extreme Soloist 14+ is Ava from Capella Dance Academy
• 2025 Extreme Soloist 13&Under is London from Project Dance
• 2025 Extreme Soloist 14+ is Jayda from Legacy Dance Productions

Extreme Soloist Award - How to Enter:

This award is automatically open to all soloists competing throughout the season. extending into the Finals event.

Small Studios Event

• This event is designed to give smaller studios a fair chance to shine. It is open to:
• Studios with fewer dancers
• Lower-scoring studios
• Lower-level teams or dancers
• New studios

Purpose:

• To provide smaller studios the opportunity to win and be recognized, especially in situations where they might not compete as strongly against larger studios.

Competitive B Level:

• We have also introduced the Competitive B level, which is open to smaller studios at a competitive level across all of our events.

Star Talent changes their cash awards EVERY season in order to keep things interesting and reward different people. Sometimes the focus is on the dancers, other years on the studios and other years on the choreographers or genres. 

Star Talent reserves the right to change the awards based on the total number of entries. Cash awards are issued to the studio only. 

A studio representative should be present for every overall award session to receive trophies and scholarships. Trophies and scholarships will not be mailed after the event unless at the studios expense. 

A studio score summary will be emailed on file following the competition. Cash awards will be remitted to the studio director following the competition by etransfer sent to the email used for login unless otherwise requested.

Novice Category:

• Designed for first-time competitive dancers, first-time soloists, or dancers at a recreational level.
• Dancers in this category should not have more than one solo.
• Awards in this category may vary each year, depending on participation and entries.

Competitive B (Comp B) Category:

• Designed for small studio dancers or dancers who train fewer hours or fewer years than the average competitive dancer.
• Maximum of 3 solos per dancer in this category.

Not Eligible Hints:

• Dancer has more than 3 solos
• Dancer is self-choreographing
• Dancer can dance on pointe
• Dancer typically wins overall awards

Awards in this category may vary year to year depending on participation.

Competitive A (Comp A) Category:

• Designed for larger studios with competitive-level dancers.
• Dancers in this category may have unlimited solos.

Elite Competitive (Elite Comp) Category:

• Designed for our most accomplished dancers, usually Senior-level or above-average younger dancers.

Elite Soloists must compete in this category to be eligible for:

• Having their name added to the Extreme Soloist Trophy Cup
• Winning the Extreme Soloist Title

Adult Dance (Adult Competitive 20+):

• Open to semi-professional dancers or dancers 20 years and older who wish to continue competing.
• Designed for dancers who are passionate about the sport and competition.

Parent Dance (Adult Recreational 25+):

• Open to recreational adult dancers 25 years and older.
• Focused on enjoyment, entertainment, and participation, rather than competitive ranking.

Student Choreography has 2 Options: 

Young Choreographer Award – 19 & Under

Where there are a minimum of three (3) eligible Young Choreographers (19 years and under) entered in the event, a 1st Place Young Choreographer Award will be presented.

All qualifying entries will still be eligible to compete in the Overall Awards for the performance portion of the competition.

Judge the Choreography

This category evaluates the choreography only and is not an adjudication of the dancer’s technical performance.

It is designed for dancers who would like feedback specifically on their choreographic work and guidance on how to strengthen and develop their choreography moving forward.

Entries in the “Judge the Choreography” category:

• Do not compete in Overall Awards.
• Will receive a 1st Place Award if there are a minimum of three (3) entries in this category.