STAGE PRESENCE

• Are you commanding attention and effectively engaging the audience? Are you exuding the distinctive style of your category? Are you bringing the necessary energy to enhance your routine?

MUSIC CHOICE & MUSICALITY

• Does the music align with the category and possible theme, if applicable? Does the music capture and maintain attention? Is the music harmonious or jarring? Is the competitor in sync with the beats? Are the movements intricate and well-timed with the music?

EXECUTION OF MOVEMENT & TRICKS

• While performing pole tricks is not mandatory, if you choose to include them, they must be excited with precision. We will asses the fluidity of movement, noting any trips stumbles, or distractions cause by clothing. Recovery from errors is crucial; we seek overall quality and seamless performance. In the contemporary category, special attention will be given to lines and flexibility but not your micro bends.

SEX APPEAL & EYE CONTACT

• Emphasize the sensuality of your performance and maintain eye contact with the audience! In other words: Make it sexy and look at me while you're doing it!

USE OF STAGE

• Competitors are not required to utilize both poles but must effectively use the available stage space.

OUTFIT/COSTUME

• Does the look compliment the performance? Is it visually appealing? (e.g., Does it sparkle?) Was it a distraction for the performer? If removed, was it done easily?

• There will be NO deductions for costume-related issues - unless you let it distract you. With footwear, competitors starting without heels will be disqualified. Competitors that begin with heels and proceed to take them off will be disqualified. THIS IS A STRICT HEELS COMPETITION. you don't have to wear pleasers but there needs to be a heel. PERIOD

SCORING FOR FALLS

• If a competitor falls and is unable to continue, judges will score their performance based on the preceding elements.
• Competitors who fall onto their head or bottom from a height greater than their own will be escorted off stage for medical evaluation by our on-site medics, who will determine if they are fit to continue. In the meantime, the competition will proceed with the next performer. if cleared by the medics, the competitor may repeat their performance at the end of their respective category roster.

STORYLINE (CONTEMPORARY ONLY)

• What message is the piece attempting to convey? What emotions or themes is the competitor expressing through movement? Is the narrative intended to be political, personal or otherwise? how effectively does the performance communicate its message?