Dance Competition in Pittsburgh, PA

Addiction Dance Company is proud to bring its professionally produced regional competition to Pittsburgh, PA. Dancers of all levels and backgrounds are invited to showcase their talent, connect with the dance community, and experience an event designed to celebrate artistry, discipline, and performance excellence. Studios and independent dancers are welcome to register to be part of a dynamic and high-energy competition experience.

Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Registration: Open now for studios and independent entries

Divisions & Age Groups

Age Groups

Super Mini: 5 & Under
Mini: 6–8
Junior: 9–10
Tween: 11–12
Teen: 13–15
Senior: 16–19
Adult: 20 & Older
Teacher: Faculty Members

Performance Divisions

Solo (1 dancer)
Duet/Trio (2–3 dancers)
Small Group (4–9 dancers)
Large Group (10–19 dancers)
Line (20–39 dancers)
Addiction Line (40+ dancers, no theme)
Production (15+ dancers, themed performance with props)

View Full Rules

Levels of Competition

Experience and participation volume determine the competition level for each dancer. This helps maintain balanced scoring and meaningful feedback across all levels.

Novice: 1–2 years of competition experience, 5 or fewer routines
Intermediate: 3–5 years of competition experience
Advanced: 6+ years of competition experience
Adaptive: For individuals with special needs

Group routines may only compete one level below the highest-level dancer in the routine. Judges may make level adjustments if necessary for fairness.

Time Limits and Performance Guidelines

To maintain a well-paced and professional event, each routine must follow the designated time limit for its division. Additional time may be requested in advance if needed.

Standard Time Limits:

Solo: 2:45 minutes
Duet/Trio: 3:00 minutes
Small Group: 3:00 minutes
Large Group: 4:00 minutes
Line & Addiction Line: 5:00 minutes
Production: 6:00 minutes + 5:00 minutes for prop setup/removal

All routines are expected to perform in the assigned order unless a change is pre-approved. Onstage rehearsals and custom lighting are not permitted.

Dance Categories

Our competition accepts a wide range of dance styles. All entries must be appropriately categorized for judging.

Available Categories Include:

Ballet & Pointe (Pointe not permitted in Novice level)
Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Contemporary, Modern
Musical Theatre, Hip Hop, Pom-Pon
Folk/Ethnic, Clogging, Acro/Gymnastics
Open (any combination of styles)

Each routine is evaluated on technical skill, performance quality, choreography, and overall presentation.

Props and Stage Safety

Props are allowed and encouraged for routines such as Productions, but all safety guidelines must be followed to protect the venue, dancers, and staff.

No liquids, glitter, gels, or materials that alter the marley flooring
Prop setup and teardown must occur within the designated time (max 5 minutes for Productions)
No fire, live animals, swords, or unsafe items permitted

Studios are held accountable for any damage or cleanup resulting from prop use.

The Final Countdown Audition Experience

The Final Countdown is a high-energy, live audition held on stage for participating dancers. After learning a short jazz or contemporary combination from an Addiction choreographer, dancers perform in a progressive elimination format judged live.

Two age brackets: 12 & Under, 13 & Older
Top 3 receive merchandise; the winner receives a cash prize
Audition numbers are available for purchase at registration

Awards & Nationals Eligibility

Dancers and routines that achieve qualifying scores in Pittsburgh will become eligible to take part in the ADC National Competition. High-scoring entries may also be selected to compete in the ADC National Showcase, where studios have the chance to earn Grand Champion titles in their respective divisions and levels.

National Showcase Divisions Include:

Solos, Duet/Trios, Small Groups, Large Groups/Lines/Productions across Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced levels
Special titles: Choreographer of the Year and Studio of the Year

View Awards

Studios and Dancers from Across the Region

Addiction Dance Company proudly welcomes studios from across Western Pennsylvania and neighboring regions. Whether you're in the heart of the city or the surrounding suburbs, this event provides a world-class competition experience in a supportive and inspiring environment.

Commonly represented areas include:

Pittsburgh
Cranberry Township, PA
Monroeville, PA
Greensburg, PA
Washington, PA
Weirton, WV
Morgantown, WV
Youngstown, OH
And surrounding communities

Studios interested in being featured on our site or social media can reach out directly.

Register for Pittsburgh Today

All registrations must be submitted online. Full payment is required to confirm participation. A $10 late fee applies per routine if submitted after the regular registration period. Please note: all entries are final and non-refundable.

Admission is free for all spectators. Register today and experience a professionally produced, inspiring competition with Addiction Dance Company.