Rules & Repertoire

Failure to comply with the rules and regulations listed below may result in disqualification and/or score deductions.

Upon completed registration for BCA, all competitors and spectators are required to acknowledge and adhere to the entirety of these regulations.

Proof in the form of a birth certificate is mandatory if requested. Any events that take place in October or November are considered the following competition year. This is due to Finals qualification.

A professional dancer is characterized as an individual employed full-time as a dancer (including Apprentices) with a professional dance company. This encompasses dancers who may not be presently under such a contract but have had such employment in the past.

All independent dancers acknowledge they will not be competing against those dancers that are registered with an official dance studio. BCA retains the right to modify and change this rule at any time.

The order of the registered performances during the competition will vary city to city. The event will be organized based on age, level and overall registration. Participants are required to adhere to this order without exceptions. Any changes or modifications to the order must receive prior approval from the BCA event director.

Competitors are responsible for providing their own costumes and makeup suitable for the registered performance entry. Elaborate costumes will not contribute additional value or points to the competitors' scores.

NEW SOLO COMPETITION CATEGORIES To ensure clarity and consistency in adjudication, all solo competitors must register their performance in one of the following approved categories. Categories are divided into Classical and Contemporary disciplines, each with defined options.

A dancer may register one solo per category. New for the 2026 season: Dancers may now register one solo in each of the six available categories, allowing for a maximum of six solos per dancer, if registered in all of the categories listed below.

1. Classical Repertoire

• Competitors must select a Classical Ballet Solo from the official BCA Repertoire List.

• This curated list is age-appropriate and approved by the BCA Advisory Board.

2. Classical Open

• Competitors may perform a Classical Ballet Solo of their choice (outside the official list).

• Selections should be technically appropriate for the competitor’s age and division.

• Note: Points may be deducted if the Jury determines the selection is unsuitable.

3. Classical BCA Repertoire

• A distinct category honoring works specifically designated in the BCA official Classical Repertoire.

• Developed to reflect the educational standards and technical progression expected by BCA.

At BCA, the safety and long-term well-being of dancers is our highest priority. While we celebrate the artistry and technical growth of every dancer, we ask that studios carefully consider a dancer’s physical readiness, maturity, and training background when deciding whether to perform en pointe.

• Ages 10 and under: Pointe work is strictly prohibited.

• Ages 11–12 (Junior Division): Dancers in this age group may perform en pointe if their studio and instructor believe the dancer is technically prepared and physically ready. However, BCA strongly discourages pointe work for dancers age 12 and under, as we recognize the developmental differences in young dancers.

1. Contemporary

• Open style solo in any contemporary technique or style.

• Music and movement should reflect maturity and artistry appropriate to the dancer’s division.

2. Authentic Cultural Dance

• A traditional solo that represents a specific culture or country.

• Must preserve the authenticity of the dance style and costume in a respectful and accurate manner.

3. Contemporary BCA Repertoire

• Solo must be selected from the official BCA Contemporary Repertoire List.

• Designed to challenge and inspire dancers while maintaining educational integrity.

Each solo category is adjudicated independently. It is the responsibility of the competitor and their coach to ensure that the selection aligns with the spirit and requirements of the chosen category. Repertoire lists have been reviewed and approved by the BCA Advisory Board to uphold the standards of excellence and artistic growth promoted by Ballet Championships of America.

At the discretion of the BCA Jury, Non-compliance with appropriate selection or choreography, as determined by the jury, may result in a scoring penalty or disqualification from the competition.

Contingent on the decision of the BCA Jury.

Any and all changes to a studio’s registration are completed online through BCA’s software. The requests of changes are performed after official submission of all entries.

The dress code for non binary/they/them dancers is open and free choice. Please be sure to select attire that will allow you to move freely and demonstrate correct body placement and alignment.

BCA utilizes an advanced and efficient registration system. This includes mandatory music upload for all registered performances. Participants must furnish their own music in the form of an MP3 file and are obligated to upload it during the registration process. The provided music must be recorded at the competitor’s preferred speed and properly cued at the beginning. Any alterations to the music are not permitted during the competition. Studio owners and competitors should have a backup of music on a thumb drive.

This is mandatory and must be completed at least 2 weeks prior to the competition. All music is uploaded through the registration system and software.

BCA will not assume responsibility for disputes over royalties concerning music or choreography. Competitors are obligated to compensate BCA for any damages arising from royalty issues, if applicable.

Disqualification may occur if the music is deemed to be of such nature.

Participants are allowed to incorporate props into their performances. The use of hazardous props that may cause harm to the venue or individuals, such as fire, sharp objects, knives, explosives, etc. is strictly prohibited. Instructors and/or parents must efficiently bring props on and off the stage within a maximum time limit of 60 seconds. The stage must be properly cleared and free of debris. Props should be removed from the wings immediately after the performance. Props are not allowed in the lobby or placed in any location that would cause a potential safety hazard within the facility.

BCA has the right to refuse entry or the ability to ask inappropriately behaved audience members to leave the competition at any time.

Upon registering and attending Ballet Championships of America, registered competitors and attendees agree to authorize BCA and its representatives to publish their photographs and videos on all local and national television networks. Along with promotional videos, marketing, internet, and any other visual media as deemed appropriate by BCA to promote its competitions. In addition, all representatives, staff, and relatives of BCA are released and held harmless from any claims, damages or injuries incurred while participating or attending any activity related to any and all BCA events. All photographs/videos taken by BCA and any independent representative commissioned by BCA will become the property of Ballet Championships of America, with BCA reserving the right to sell these photographs/videos at competition events and online for purchase or download. Unauthorized individuals are prohibited from taking photos or making video recordings during the live stream unless expressly authorized by BCA.

BCA assumes no liability for pre-existing injuries, chronic health conditions, or stolen properties. Competitors are required to obtain their own insurance coverage for accidents, illnesses, and personal property.

Modification of competition rules is solely within the authority of Ballet Championships of America and the judging panel. The decisions of the judges are conclusive and are not subject to appeal.

In the event of any disputes, resolutions should be guided by these regulations, and BCA retains the ultimate authority for the final interpretation of this set of rules.

Email info@balletchampionshipsofamerica.com with any questions regarding the official rules and regulations.