Is Step Up right for your studio?
Step Up is unique from other competitions in Utah, because we are open only to small and rural studios. Step Up Studios fit into one of the three following classifications:
1. Recreational Classes: Studios without competitive programs love to bring their recreational classes to our competition.
2. Small Competitive Teams: Studios with competitive teams training 1-3 hours per week and doing the majority of choreography in house will find plenty of fair competition here.
3. Growing Elite Competitive Programs: Studios whose dancers are training 4+ hours per week and have access to quality ballet training and some outside choreography. This may include club teams from pre-professional studios.*
*Studios who fall into this classification should take special care when doing registration. If the choreography being presented is not heavily technique-focused, it is not an invitation to register down only to the technique performed in the routine. Instead, if the choreography is focused on stylized movement and artistry, please consider the technical ability of the dancers when selecting the level, and register them where the dancer/team is capable of completing those technical skills. This is usually a level above where the guidelines are written.
2026 PRICING
levels
The Beginning category is for dancers and teams who are developing basic or beginning dance skills such as Chaines, Piques, Single Pirouettes, Straight Leg Leaps and other basic steps, performed at a novice or beginning level (not polished).
Beginning
Beginning +
The Beginning + category is for dancers and teams who are doing beginning skills performed with polished technique, timing, artistry, and showmanship.
Pre-Intermediate
The Pre-Intermediate category is the bridge between beginning and intermediate dancers. Dancers have solid beginning technique and are experimenting with intermediate skills such as a la seconde turns, switch leaps, side leaps.
The intermediate category is for dancers performing polished intermediate technique. Dancers may be experimenting with some advanced skills.
Intermediate
The Advanced category is open to all levels of technique. Dancers can perform any number and style of pirouettes, rotations of turn combinations, including spot-changing turns, and any type of leap performed with average technical skill.
Dancers who have all advanced skills, polished technique, and a high level of artistry should register in the pro category where applicable.
NOTE: the advanced category is still within the SMALL/RURAL studio guideline. We only accept club teams from elite programs. Thank you for planning accordingly. Email us if you need any clarification.
Advanced
This level is for dancers who are regularly competing on the convention circuit and/or are training 15+/- hours per week.
*The Pro category will only be available at our Solo specific events, but we reserve the right to promote dancers or teams to this category during competition when applicable.
Pro*
styles
Dancers and teams may register in the following categories. Step Up reserves the right to combine similar styles when necessary to create a competitive atmosphere.
Jazz
Traditional jazz technique such as turns, leaps, and kicks. Not thematic.
Contemporary
Expressive dance movement combining elements of modern, jazz, and lyrical with abstract variations or performance.
Pom / Cheer
Routines may include elements or jazz or hip hop, tumbling, stunting, or any combination.
Ballroom
Partner-based choreography utilizing traditional ballroom styles (latin or standard).
Character
Subcategory within jazz where the music, costume, and choreography embody a character.
Hip Hop
Street dance styles primarily performed to hip-hop music or that have evolved as part of hip-hop culture.
Tap
Uses the sounds of tap shoes striking the floor as a form of percussion.
Acro
Choreography focused on highlighting the acrobatic and tumbling skills of the performers as the key feature.
Lyrical
Fusion of ballet and jazz techniques using motion to interpret music and express emotion.
Show
Thematic routine which may utilize multiple age groups, levels, styles, costumes, props, musical selections, etc.
Ballet / Pointe
Classical or contemporary ballet with traditional ballet technique.
Other
Not listed here? Register as "open" and email us some details.
Age Categories
Dancers and teams are matched with other registrations within 1 year of their same average age. For example, a dancer age 10 could compete in a 9-10 year old category or in a 10-11 year old category. Age is determined by the date of the competition.
Overall awards are split into 3 age groups, depending on the registration at each event.
