EMPWR EXPERIENCE

EMPWR

DATES & LOCATIONS

EMPWR

DATES & LOCATIONS

London
Centennial Hall

April 16 - 18

Venue: Holiday Inn & Suites

Address: 327 Ontario St, St. Catharines, ON L2R 5L3
Stage Dimensions: 32 × 52

Accommodations

Holiday Inn & Suites — 327 Ontario St, St Catharines, ON L2R 5L3
Staybridge Suites — 327 Ontario St, St Catharines, ON L2R 5L3
Best Western — 2 N Service Rd, St Catharines, ON L2N 4G9

St Catharines #1

Holiday Inn & Suites

May 7 - 9

Venue: Holiday Inn & Suites

Address: 327 Ontario St, St. Catharines, ON L2R 5L3
Stage Dimensions: 32 × 52

Accommodations

Holiday Inn & Suites — 327 Ontario St, St Catharines, ON L2R 5L3
Staybridge Suites — 327 Ontario St, St Catharines, ON L2R 5L3
Best Western — 2 N Service Rd, St Catharines, ON L2N 4G9

St Catharines #2

Holiday Inn & Suites

April 10 - 12

Venue: Centennial Hall

Address: 550 Wellington St, London, ON N6A 3P9
Stage Dimensions: 33 × 62

Accommodations

Residence Inn London Downtown — 383 Colborne Street, London, ON N6B 3P5
Park Hotel London — 242 Pall Mall Street, London, ON N6A 5P6

Watch Live Stream

London
Centennial Hall

St Catharines #1

Holiday Inn & Suites

St Catharines #2

Holiday Inn & Suites

April 10 - 12

Venue: Centennial Hall

Address: 550 Wellington St, London, ON N6A 3P9
Stage Dimensions: 33 × 62

Accommodations

Residence Inn London Downtown — 383 Colborne Street, London, ON N6B 3P5
Park Hotel London — 242 Pall Mall Street, London, ON N6A 5P6

April 16 - 18

Venue: Holiday Inn & Suites

Address: 327 Ontario St, St. Catharines, ON L2R 5L3
Stage Dimensions: 32 × 52

Accommodations

Holiday Inn & Suites — 327 Ontario St, St Catharines, ON L2R 5L3
Staybridge Suites — 327 Ontario St, St Catharines, ON L2R 5L3
Best Western — 2 N Service Rd, St Catharines, ON L2N 4G9

May 7 - 9

Venue: Holiday Inn & Suites

Address: 327 Ontario St, St. Catharines, ON L2R 5L3
Stage Dimensions: 32 × 52

Accommodations

Holiday Inn & Suites — 327 Ontario St, St Catharines, ON L2R 5L3
Staybridge Suites — 327 Ontario St, St Catharines, ON L2R 5L3
Best Western — 2 N Service Rd, St Catharines, ON L2N 4G9

April 16 - 18

May 7 - 9

ST CATHARINES #1

Venue: Holiday Inn & Suites
Address: 327 Ontario St, St. Catharines, ON L2R 5L3
Stage Dimensions: 32 × 52

Accommodations

Holiday Inn & Suites — 327 Ontario St, St Catharines, ON L2R 5L3
Staybridge Suites — 327 Ontario St, St Catharines, ON L2R 5L3
Best Western — 2 N Service Rd, St Catharines, ON L2N 4G9

Venue: Holiday Inn & Suites

Address: 327 Ontario St, St. Catharines, ON L2R 5L3
Stage Dimensions: 32 × 52

Accommodations

Holiday Inn & Suites — 327 Ontario St, St Catharines, ON L2R 5L3
Staybridge Suites — 327 Ontario St, St Catharines, ON L2R 5L3
Best Western — 2 N Service Rd, St Catharines, ON L2N 4G9

Venue: Holiday Inn & Suites
Address: 327 Ontario St, St. Catharines, ON L2R 5L3
Stage Dimensions: 32 × 52

Accommodations

Holiday Inn & Suites — 327 Ontario St, St Catharines, ON L2R 5L3
Staybridge Suites — 327 Ontario St, St Catharines, ON L2R 5L3
Best Western — 2 N Service Rd, St Catharines, ON L2N 4G9

April 16 - 18

April 10 - 12

ST CATHARINES #1

Venue: Holiday Inn & Suites
Address: 327 Ontario St, St. Catharines, ON L2R 5L3
Stage Dimensions: 32 × 52

Accommodations

Holiday Inn & Suites — 327 Ontario St, St Catharines, ON L2R 5L3
Staybridge Suites — 327 Ontario St, St Catharines, ON L2R 5L3
Best Western — 2 N Service Rd, St Catharines, ON L2N 4G9

Venue: Centennial Hall

Address: 550 Wellington St, London, ON N6A 3P9
Stage Dimensions: 33 × 62

Accommodations

Residence Inn London Downtown — 383 Colborne Street, London, ON N6B 3P5
Park Hotel London — 242 Pall Mall Street, London, ON N6A 5P6

Venue: Centennial Hall
Address: 550 Wellington St, London, ON N6A 3P9
Stage Dimensions: 33 × 62

Accommodations

Residence Inn London Downtown — 383 Colborne Street, London, ON N6B 3P5
Park Hotel London — 242 Pall Mall Street, London, ON N6A 5P6

EMPWR

COMPETITION

RULES

& AWARDS

EMPWR

COMPETITION

RULES

& AWARDS

EMPWR
EMPWR

AGE

DIVISIONS

AGE

DIVISIONS

MICRO

5 & UNDER

MINI

6 - 8

JUNIOR

9 - 11

INTERMEDIATE

12 - 14

SENIOR

15 - 17

ADULT

18 +

CLASSIFICATIONS

NOVICE

PART-TIME

COMPETITIVE

ADULT CLASSIFICATION

PROFESSIONAL/TEACHER CLASSIFICATION

Our Commitment to Fairness

WE DEEPLY VALUE FAIRNESS, GROWTH AND COMMUNITY. OUR CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO ENSURE

THAT DANCERS ARE BEING CELEBRATED FOR THEIR PROGRESS AND CHALLENGED APPROPRIATELY.

We are trusting that studios are entering dancers into the correct levels based on their training hours per week at the

studio. Training is defined as a technical class. All entry submissions should reflect a commitment to integrity and good

sportsmanship. Misclassifying dancers undermines the spirit of healthy competition. EMPWR reserves the right to review

placements if a Dancer or group is brought to attention for possible misclassification. Routines in the improper

classification will be bumped up. Let's make this a season we are all proud of!

CATEGORIES

Solo

1 Dancer

Duet/Trio

2 or 3 Dancers

Small Group

4-9 Dancers

Large Group

10-14 Dancers

Line

15-19 Dancers

Super Line

20+ Dancers

Production

Large Scale

TIME LIMITS

Solo

3 min max

Large Groups

3.5 min max

Productions

10 min max

Duet/Trio

3 min max

Lines

5 min max

Adult Groups

3.5 min max

Small Groups

3.5 min max

Super Lines

5 min max

Song & Dance

3 min max

DANCE DISCIPLINES

EMPWR Acrobatic Skills Rule

At EMPWR, acrobatic skills ("tricks") are defined as any movement in which a

dancer completes a full 360° rotation with both feet passing above the head.

A connected tumbling pass is counted as ONE skill.

The following movements are permitted and not counted as acrobatic skills:

Illusions

Partnering lifts

Floorwork including front and back rolls where the dancer's feet simply

pass over the head without a full 360° aerial rotation

Acrobatic Skill Limits

All disciplines are permitted a maximum of three (3) acrobatic skills per

routine.

The only exceptions are:

Open and Acrobatic disciplines, both of which have no skill limitations.

ALL Ballet disciplines, all of which have ZERO skill allowance.

Discipline Descriptions

Jazz

Tap

Lyrical

Contemporary

Hip Hop

Classical Ballet

Pointe

Contemporary Ballet

Modern

Acro

Musical Theatre

Song & Dance

Open

Production

SCORING

SYSTEM

SCORING

SYSTEM

SCORING

SYSTEM

BRONZE

84.00 and under

SILVER

84.00 - 86.99

GOLD

87.00 - 89.99

TITANIUM

90.00 - 92.99

PLATINUM

93.00 - 95.99

PANDORA

96.00 +

AWARDS

Overall Awards

OVERALL AWARDS:

SOLOS - TOP 10

DUETS/TRIOS - TOP 3

SMALL GROUPS - TOP 3

LARGE GROUPS - TOP 3

LINES/SUPER LINES - TOP 3

PRODUCTIONS - TOP 3 *

*AGE DIVISIONS & CLASSIFICATIONS ARE COMBINED FOR TOP 3 PRODUCTIONS

Awarded in each classification for the following age divisions:

MICRO: 5 & UNDER

MINI: 6 - 8

JUNIOR: 9 - 11

INTERMEDIATE: 12 - 14

SENIOR: 15 - 17

Session Awards

SPECIAL AWARDS

'YOU ARE THE KEY' AWARD

CHOREO OF THE SESSION

Adjudicators Choice Awards

MOST POTENTIAL

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE IN EACH

CLASSIFICATION

THE JES SACHSE TAP AWARD

'UNLOCK YOUR PWR' AWARD

AMBASSADORSHIP RECIPIENTS

TOP CHOREO OF THE WEEKEND

Final Awards

HIGHEST MARK IN NOVICE/PART-

TIME/COMPETITIVE

'DANCER OF THE YEAR' IN EACH AGE DIVISION

TOP STUDIO IN NOVICE/PART-

TIME/COMPETITIVE

Detailed Award Descriptions

'YOU ARE THE KEY' AWARD

This special award will be presented to one Dancer at each adjudication who exemplifies a tangible passion, gratitude and love for dance on and off the stage.

PWRHOUSE CHOREOGRAPHY OF THE SESSION

Awarded by the judges at each session to an entry that stood out in creativity, originality and powerful choreographic vision.

MOST POTENTIAL

Will be awarded in each of the Age Divisions in each Classification. There will be one for each of the age divisions for ALL LEVELS OF ABILITY. To qualify for this award

this Dancer must have at least one solo.

Will be awarded in each of the Age Divisions in each Classification. There will be one for each of the age divisions for ALL LEVELS OF ABILITY. To qualify for this award this Dancer must have at least one solo.

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE IN EACH CLASSIFICATION

This award is selected by the panel of judges and presented to one entry in each category — Novice, Part-Time, and Competitive. It is given to an entry that stood out and

left a lasting impression on the judges. Solos, Duets, Trios, Groups, Lines & Productions are eligible.

This award is selected by the panel of judges and presented to one entry in each category — Novice, Part-Time, and Competitive. It is given to an entry that stood out and left a lasting impression on the judges. Solos, Duets, Trios, Groups, Lines & Productions are eligible.

THE JES SACHSE TAP AWARD

This award is dedicated to my childhood friend — a fierce tapper, a true artist, and someone whose spirit could never be defined by limitations. We grew up dancing

together, and even as life presented them with physical challenges, they never let it stop them. They had a passion for the art of tap, and lit up every stage they stepped on

with their talent, and a personality ten times their size. They were a mighty force — clever, joyful, and unforgettable. This award will be given to an individual, group, or

studio that shows a deep love for tap — not just in technique, but in heart. It's for those who dance with the same passion, grit, and grace that Jes brought to every step.

This award is dedicated to my childhood friend — a fierce tapper, a true artist, and someone whose spirit could never be defined by limitations. We grew up dancing together, and even as life presented them with physical challenges, they never let it stop them. They had a passion for the art of tap, and lit up every stage they stepped on with their talent, and a personality ten times their size. They were a mighty force — clever, joyful, and unforgettable. This award will be given to an individual, group, or

studio that shows a deep love for tap — not just in technique, but in heart. It's for those who dance with the same passion, grit, and grace that Jes brought to every step.

"UNLOCK YOUR PWR" AWARD

This special Dancer is awarded based on their performances throughout the weekend. They exemplify a commitment and passion for dance that is evident every time they

step on to the stage. This Dancer must have at least one solo. This dancer will also receive A FULL SCHOLARSHIP TO EMPWR at a Regional of their choice for the following

season.

This special Dancer is awarded based on their performances throughout the weekend. They exemplify a commitment and passion for dance that is evident every time they step on to the stage. This Dancer must have at least one solo. This dancer will also receive A FULL SCHOLARSHIP TO EMPWR at a Regional of their choice for the following season.

AMBASSADORSHIP RECIPIENTS

Stay tuned for this exciting & unique opportunity!

TOP CHOREOGRAPHY OF THE WEEKEND

Chosen by the Adjudicators and presented to ONE standout piece from the ENTIRE weekend.

HIGHEST MARK IN EACH CLASSIFICATION

Applicable to Solos only.

DANCER OF THE YEAR

Please see separate Title Division tab for full details!

TOP STUDIO

At EMPWR Dance Experience, we're proud to recognize studios for their collective strength, artistry, and teamwork. Our Top Studio award criteria reflects a balanced and

fair evaluation. To qualify, studios must register a minimum of 10 Groups or Lines (in any classification) at a regional event. Of those entries, at least 5 must be in the same

classification (Novice, Part-Time, or Full-Time) to be eligible to win Top Studio; the top 5 group/line marks in each classification will be used to calculate the studio's

average score. Only Group and Line routines with that qualifying classification will count toward the Top Studio calculation. While we continue to celebrate solos, duets and

trios in other categories, this approach ensures a fair and meaningful recognition of a studio's collective excellence. Three awards will be presented at each regional: Top

Novice Studio, Top Part-Time Studio, and Top Competitive Studio. We're so excited to celebrate the artistry, community, and power your dancers bring to the EMPWR

stage!

At EMPWR Dance Experience, we're proud to recognize studios for their collective strength, artistry, and teamwork. Our Top Studio award criteria reflects a balanced and fair evaluation. To qualify, studios must register a minimum of 10 Groups or Lines (in any classification) at a regional event. Of those entries, at least 5 must be in the same classification (Novice, Part-Time, or Full-Time) to be eligible to win Top Studio; the top 5 group/line marks in each classification will be used to calculate the studio's average score. Only Group and Line routines with that qualifying classification will count toward the Top Studio calculation. While we continue to celebrate solos, duets and trios in other categories, this approach ensures a fair and meaningful recognition of a studio's collective excellence. Three awards will be presented at each regional: Top Novice Studio, Top Part-Time Studio, and Top Competitive Studio. We're so excited to celebrate the artistry, community, and power your dancers bring to the EMPWR stage!

TITLE

DIVISION

Age Divisions

MICRO: 5 & UNDER

MINI: 6 - 8

JUNIOR: 9 - 11

INTERMEDIATE: 12 - 14

SENIOR: 15 - 17

ALL LEVELS ARE COMBINED FOR THE REGIONAL TITLE DIVISION BASED ON AGE BREAKDOWN ABOVE

ONE TITLE WINNER WILL BE AWARDED IN EACH OF THE ABOVE BREAKDOWNS AT ALL EVENTS

THERE IS A SEPARATE SCORING FOR TITLE DIVISION SOLOISTS. A TOTAL OF 100 MARKS PER JUDGE WILL BE GIVEN AND

THE TOTALS WILL AVERAGE TO GIVE THE FINAL SCORE

THERE IS A SEPARATE SCORING FOR TITLE DIVISION SOLOISTS. A TOTAL OF 100 MARKS PER JUDGE WILL BE GIVEN AND THE TOTALS WILL AVERAGE TO GIVE THE FINAL SCORE

TITLE WINNER WILL RECEIVE A CUSTOM AWARD, A TIARA AND FULL SCHOLARSHIP OR CASH PRIZE

Criteria

TECHNIQUE

20 POINTS

STAGE PRESENCE

20 PTS

20 POINTS

EXECUTION OF CHOREOGRAPHY

20 POINTS

COSTUME

20 POINTS

OVERALL ENTERTAINMENT VALUE

20 POINTS

THERE IS A FEE TO UPGRADE A SOLO TO TITLE.

A SOLOIST MAY UPGRADE ANY NUMBER OF ENTRIES FOR TITLE. THE FEE IS PER SOLO (NOT PER SOLOIST)

THERE IS A FEE TO UPGRADE A SOLO TO TITLE. A SOLOIST MAY UPGRADE ANY NUMBER OF ENTRIES FOR TITLE. THE FEE IS PER SOLO (NOT PER SOLOIST)

*** The Title Division is an opportunity for Dancers to be recognized and adjudicated through a different scope of who

they are as a performer. Title is adjudicated using a clear balanced scoring system across five specific criteria:

Technique, Stage Presence, Execution of Choreography, Costume and Overall Entertainment Value. This ensures every

Dancer is recognized for what makes them unique.

*** The Title Division is an opportunity for Dancers to be recognized and adjudicated through a different scope of who they are as a performer. Title is adjudicated using a clear balanced scoring system across five specific criteria:

Technique, Stage Presence, Execution of Choreography, Costume and Overall Entertainment Value. This ensures every Dancer is recognized for what makes them unique.

The Title Division is an opportunity to stand out, be celebrated and potentially walk away with a custom trophy, crown,

and a full scholarship!

The Title Division is an opportunity to stand out, be celebrated and potentially walk away with a custom trophy, crown,and a full scholarship!

EMPWR

DANCE

OFF

EMPWR

DANCE

OFF

THE DANCE OFF IS DIVIDED INTO TWO DIVISIONS: 12 & UNDER AND 13 & UP

EACH STUDIO IS PERMITTED TO ENTER ONE GROUP TO COMPETE IN EACH OF THE DIVISIONS CHOSEN BY THE

STUDIO DIRECTOR. THERE IS NO ADDITIONAL FEE TO PARTICIPATE

EACH STUDIO IS PERMITTED TO ENTER ONE GROUP TO COMPETE IN EACH OF THE DIVISIONS CHOSEN BY THESTUDIO DIRECTOR. THERE IS NO ADDITIONAL FEE TO PARTICIPATE

EACH STUDIO IS PERMITTED TO ENTER ONE GROUP TO COMPETE IN EACH OF THE DIVISIONS CHOSEN BY THE STUDIO DIRECTOR. THERE IS NO ADDITIONAL FEE TO PARTICIPATE

COMPETITIVE GROUPS (EXCLUDING PRODUCTIONS) FROM THE MINI, JUNIOR, INTERMEDIATE AND SENIOR

AGE DIVISION ARE ELIGIBLE.

COMPETITIVE GROUPS (EXCLUDING PRODUCTIONS) FROM THE MINI, JUNIOR, INTERMEDIATE AND SENIORAGE DIVISION ARE ELIGIBLE.

STUDIO MUST ENTER AT LEAST 10 ROUTINES TO QUALIFY FOR THE DANCE OFF (3 MUST BE GROUPS)

THE 12 & UNDER AND 13 & UP DANCE OFF CHAMPIONS & SECOND AND FIRST RUNNER-UPS WILL RECEIVE AN

AWARD

THE 12 & UNDER AND 13 & UP DANCE OFF CHAMPIONS & SECOND AND FIRST RUNNER-UPS WILL RECEIVE AN AWARD

*** The EMPWR DANCE OFF is a special moment for studios to celebrate their dancers and showcase a piece that best

represents their team!

*** The EMPWR DANCE OFF is a special moment for studios to celebrate their dancers and showcase a piece that best represents their team!

Studios can submit a limit of TWO group routines, lines or super lines (one routine PER age division 12 & under and 13 &

up), selected by the studio/Team Director. Routines must be in the Competitive level. Productions are not eligible to

participate.

Studios can submit a limit of TWO group routines, lines or super lines (one routine PER age division 12 & under and 13 & up), selected by the studio/Team Director. Routines must be in the Competitive level. Productions are not eligible to participate.

Our DANCE OFF awards ceremony (directly following the Dance Off) will recognize ALL participating competitors. ALL

participating teams will receive an award. The 2nd Runner Up, 1st Runner Up & the Champions will receive a trophy and

each Dancer will receive a special token award. Champions will additionally receive a banner, and the opportunity to

donate to a charity of their choice. Pay your PWR forward!

Our DANCE OFF awards ceremony (directly following the Dance Off) will recognize ALL participating competitors. All participating teams will receive an award. The 2nd Runner Up, 1st Runner Up & the Champions will receive a trophy and each Dancer will receive a special token award. Champions will additionally receive a banner, and the opportunity to donate to a charity of their choice. Pay your PWR forward!

Our DANCE OFF awards ceremony (directly following the Dance Off) will recognize ALL participating competitors. ALL participating teams will receive an award. The 2nd Runner Up, 1st Runner Up & the Champions will receive a trophy and each Dancer will receive a special token award.

Champions will additionally receive a banner, and the opportunity to donate to a charity of their choice. Pay your PWR forward!

Studios must have a minimum of 10 entries to enter the Dance-Off (3 must be groups/lines/super lines).

EMPWR

LondonCentennial Hall

April 16 - 18

St Catharines #1

Holiday Inn & Suites

May 7 - 9

St Catharines #2

Holiday Inn & Suites

April 10 - 12

LondonCentennial Hall

St Catharines #1

Holiday Inn & Suites

St Catharines #2

Holiday Inn & Suites

April 10 - 12

April 16 - 18

May 7 - 9

April 16 - 18

May 7 - 9

April 16 - 18

April 10 - 12

London
Centennial Hall

London
Centennial Hall