Competition.

Sioux Falls, SD

  • Sioux Falls.

    March 7-9, 2025

    301 S Main Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104

    Located in a beautifully renovated historic building in downtown Sioux Falls, the Washington Pavilion is one of only a few facilities in the world to bring together performing arts, visual arts, interactive science and educational opportunities. MERAKI - Sioux Falls takes place on the Sommervold Hall and Belbas Theaters.

    Sommervold Hall is the centerpiece of the Husby Center with seating for 1,800 people and a setting unlike any other space in the region. It offers programming from Broadway tours to Yo Yo Ma, and is a unique space to host guest performances, wedding receptions, dinners and other special occasions.

    The intimate 300-seat Belbas Theater (adjacent to Sommervold Hall) is the perfect spot for a concert, lecture, wedding or business presentation, and is equipped with state-of-the-art AV equipment.

Rates.

  • Early Bird Discount ends 10/31/24

  • Late Fees will be applied to registrations that occur 45 days prior or less from the start of the competition (1/21/25)

  • Login to your studio’s DanceBug account to see rates

Age Divisions.

  • Mini: 8 yrs and under

  • Junior: 9-11 yrs

  • Teen: 12-14 yrs

  • Seniors: 15+ yrs

Scoring.

  • Technique/Execution: 40%

  • Presentation: 20%

  • Choreography/Musicality: 20%

  • Costume: 10%

  • Overall: 10%

Categories.

  • TAP: tap work & choreography. No pre-recorded sounds allowed.

  • JAZZ: jazz technique & choreography.

  • BALLET: ballet technique & choreography, performed in ballet or pointe shoes.

  • LYRICAL: lyrical technique & choreography.

  • HIP HOP: hip hop, funk, break dancing or street dancing techniques.

  • MODERN, CONTEMPORARY: modern or contemporary technique & choreography.

  • MUSICAL THEATER: combination of songs, spoken dialogue, acting & dance.

  • OPEN: any performance that does not fit the other categories.

Rules.

Entries

All dancers must be registered with a studio to enter the competition portion of the event. Independent entries are permissible for the Convention portion of the event. MERAKI does not accept independent entries for the competition portion of the event. Under no circumstances will refunds be given for submitted entries. In the event that a dancer is unable to attend due to illness or injury, MERAKI may award a credit towards a future MERAKI event at the discretion of the MERAKI directors. Entries may be paid by studio check or credit card. Returned checks will be charged a $30 fee plus recovery charges.

Photography & Videography

NO VIDEO CAMERAS OR PHOTOGRAPHY ARE ALLOWED. There will be a .5 deduction per judge per incident. MERAKI will be taking photos & videos during the competition. All contestants consent to the use of photos and videos to be used by MERAKI for the purpose of marketing, advertising and social media.

Competition Observers

Each competition observer ages 2+ will be required to purchase a ticket through the venue’s box office. Please contact the venue for current pricing.

Props

No dangerous props are allowed (weapons, fire, explosives, etc). No helium balloons are allowed. Props set up on the stage must be complete within 90 seconds or deductions may be applied. Props must not damage the floor. No substances that could affect the floor permitted including but not limited to glitter, gels, aerosols, liquids, powders.

Judging

All dances will be critiqued and scored by judges who are qualified professionals in all fields of dance. All routines will receive verbal critiques & scores from our judges and an adjudication award category. Studio owners will be provided with routine scoring and video critiques following the competition

All Judges Decisions Are Final

Disclaimer

MERAKI reserves the right to add additional competition days/times if deemed necessary. Entries will be accepted on a first come, first served basis and will be limited depending on the time available of each competition location. MERAKI also reserves the right to move the competition location, if it becomes necessary due to unforeseen circumstances.

Refund and Payment Policy

Refunds will only be provided if the event is canceled. Payments must be paid in full 30 days before the start of the competition.

Next

Convention.