Soul
More than a score. A moment.
We've created a competition experience that combines high-quality production, meaningful adjudication, supportive energy, and unforgettable moments — where every dancer walks offstage feeling encouraged and proud.
This is about more than scoring routines.
At Soul, we believe dance should inspire, empower, and celebrate every performer who walks on stage. We're building confidence, community, artistry, and memories that last long after awards are over.
Whether your dancers are stepping on stage for the first time or performing their final senior solo, Soul creates an environment where every dancer matters.
Our judges will always be professionals with real studio experience who have taught dancers and created choreography for studio students.
We are committed to providing thoughtful, meaningful critiques that support growth, encourage excellence, and offer genuine value to teachers, dancers, and studios.
Our competitions foster a culture that welcomes studios of every level and every size.
We believe good sportsmanship matters. Dancers, teachers, and families should show respect and appreciation for all participating studios and performers.
A Competition Experience Unlike Any Other
We understand the heart behind every routine, every costume change, every late rehearsal, and every studio family. That's why we work hard to create an experience where dancers feel valued, teachers feel respected, and studios feel celebrated.
Professional & Positive
A high-quality production environment where every element — from scheduling to stage management — is handled with care and precision.
Encouraging Adjudication
Critiques focused on growth and motivation from judges with real studio experience and a genuine love for the art of dance.
Organized Scheduling
Smooth event flow with studio schedules emailed 10–12 days in advance. No surprises — just a seamless experience for your whole team.
High-Energy Production
Memorable moments that leave dancers inspired long after the weekend ends.
Meaningful Recognition
Thoughtful awards for dancers, choreographers, and studios that celebrate artistry, growth, and the soul behind every performance.
Staff Who Truly Care
A supportive team that treats teachers with respect and studios with appreciation — because we know what it takes to get here.
What Makes Soul Unforgettable
Thoughtfully designed experiences you won't find at any other competition.
Soul's Choreographer of the Year
Selected by judges through discussion — not score — this award recognizes extraordinary choreographic vision. Awarded in two categories: 12 & Under and 13 & Over.
Top Choreographers receive 50% off DLTC — Winner receives 100% off DLTC + a feature in DanceLife MagazineStudio Soul Award
Presented to the studio that best reflects the spirit of Soul — demonstrating kindness, respect, encouragement, and genuine appreciation for all dancers, teachers, and studios throughout the entire event.
Exceptional Dancer Category
A dedicated category for dancers with disabilities, neurodivergence, or other support needs who want to share in the art of dance. Separate awards are presented based on the number of entries.
Soul Masterpiece Award
Presented to the highest-scoring Large Group, Super Group, Line, or Production of the event.
$1,500 cash award to the winning school — winning dancers receive 25% off the Soul Dancer ConferenceFeed the Soul Seminar
A lunchtime educational session designed for dance teachers and studio owners — practical education, meaningful conversation, and a welcoming space to connect. Snacks and refreshments provided, space permitting.
Free Photos & Video — Every Routine
Soul provides complimentary photos and video of every performance at regional competitions and national championships. No extra purchase needed — every dancer gets a keepsake of their moment on stage.
When a routine truly moves the room.
The Golden Buzzer isn't based on score. It's reserved for the pieces that stop everything — the routines that give you chills, bring tears, or leave the audience breathless.
When our judges feel that moment, they hit the buzzer. It's one of the most electrifying experiences of the weekend — and it can happen at any time.
Every Dancer Belongs Somewhere
Our levels are designed to encourage newer dancers and ensure every performer competes where they can grow and shine. Because only the teacher and studio owner truly know each dancer's training, we expect all level placements to be made honestly and with integrity.
Just Beginning
For dancers who take 3 hours or less per week, including all classes, rehearsals, and private lessons. Ideal for beginning dancers and those with little or no competition experience.
Recreational dancers may perform only one solo.
Growing Strong
For dancers who take more than 3 hours and less than 5 hours per week, including all classes, rehearsals, and private lessons. Dancers performing multiple solos must enter at Intermediate or Advanced.
Elite Training
For dancers who take 5 or more hours per week. If a dancer is clearly advanced but trains less than 5 hours per week, they should still be entered at the Advanced level. Duet/Trios are placed at the level of the highest-level dancer.
If it appears a dancer has been entered below their appropriate level, judges may move that entry to a higher level. All decisions are final.
Every Age Has a Stage
All ages are determined as of January 1, 2027.
Choose Your Format
Time limits are created for scheduling purposes. Routines exceeding limits must be approved in advance.
Every Style Has a Home at Soul
We celebrate the full spectrum of dance. If your genre isn't listed, reach out — we welcome all styles.
Bollywood, Ballroom, Highland, Celtic, Irish Jig, and more are welcome. Contact us at amanda@golddancelife.com
How Performances Are Recognized
Every routine receives a score and placement within its division. Our scoring tiers celebrate achievement at every level.
The Crown is Earned on Stage
Title awards are presented in each age division, honoring the complete performer — technique, artistry, and presence.
Three Parts. One Champion.
Your competitive solo score counts toward your overall title consideration.
A special onstage improv moment in a black leotard — raw artistry, no choreography to hide behind.
A chance to let your personality shine and show the soul behind the dancer.
The Soul Shot
Capture the spirit of dance in a single moment. Rather than focusing on appearance, this experience highlights what truly makes dance powerful — expression, connection, and the feeling behind the dancer.
- Submit a 5×7 dance photo (black & white or color) at the registration desk on competition day
- Judges select one standout image that truly captures the soul of dance
- All participants receive their photo back in a Soul-branded frame as a keepsake
- The winning dancer is featured in DanceLife Magazine and receives 25% off the Soul Dancer Conference
- Entry fee: $50 per photo — entered on the day of competition only
- Dancers do not need to be registered competitors but must be affiliated with a registered studio
Please write the dancer's name, age, and studio on the back of the photo.
Everything You Need to Know
Clear policies help us create the best possible experience for every studio, dancer, and family.
All music must be uploaded in advance through our online entry system. Please ensure each routine is recorded at the proper speed. In the unlikely event of an issue with submitted music, each studio should bring a device with all music organized and easily accessible.
All entries must be submitted through our online entry system and are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis based on available performance time. A studio schedule will be emailed approximately 10–12 days prior to the competition, provided the account is paid in full. Unpaid entries will not be scheduled and performers with unpaid entry fees will not be permitted to participate.
All entries must be paid by certified funds or credit card. Please review all entries carefully before submitting — once the schedule has been created, any changes may result in a change fee being applied to your account. All fees are nonrefundable for any reason. In certain situations, credits may be issued for future events at the discretion of Soul Dance Competition.
All communication regarding credits or account concerns must be handled by the studio director. Our office will not communicate directly with parents or guardians regarding these matters.
All routines must compete on the day and time assigned. Entries that do not perform at their assigned time will still be adjudicated but will not be eligible for top score awards. Any exceptions must be arranged in advance. All decisions are final.
- Absolutely no liquids of any kind — including water, gels, aerosols, glitter, confetti, or any substance that may affect the stage surface.
- All props must be placed on stage within the routine's allotted time. Contact us in advance if your props require extra time.
- A tumbling pass (e.g., round-off back handspring) counts as one trick. Illusions, leaps, lifts, and splits are not counted as tricks.
- Any routine with more than 3 tricks should be entered in the Open, Acrobatic, or Musical Theater category.
Personal videotaping and photography during competition are prohibited for the protection of all performers and studios. Soul Dance Competition provides free photos and video of every routine at regional competitions and national championships.
We believe cheering for others, celebrating growth, and showing respect from the audience are essential to the experience we want to create. Dancers, teachers, and families should show respect and appreciation for all participating studios, teachers, and dancers. Good sportsmanship isn't just a rule — it's part of what makes Soul different.
Ready to Experience Something Different?
Join our Soul family and experience a competition like no other. We'd love to have your studio on our stage.