The Throughline exists to elevate young dancers as artists by honoring dance as a medium for storytelling through movement. Through education-driven adjudication and professional mentorship, we support dancers in bringing story to the stage with intention, integrity, and artistry.
❋ What makes us different?Education at the Core
Adjudication is designed to support growth, not comparison.
Storytelling Through Movement
Judges evaluate not only how dancers move, but what they communicate.
Integrity & Transparency
Clear rubrics. Ethical boundaries. Studio trust.
Calm, Professional Experience
Intentional scheduling, respectful environments, and thoughtful care.
❋ About usThe Throughline was founded on a simple belief:
that dance is a language, and movement is how stories are told.
We saw a need for a competition experience that honors dancers as artists—where technique supports expression, feedback encourages growth, and studios feel respected. The Throughline exists to meet that need with integrity, professionalism, and care.
❋ Why should studios choose The Throughline?Studios choose The Throughline because we prioritize what matters most: strong training, artistic intention, and respectful adjudication. By intentionally limiting size and focusing regionally, we ensure every dancer is seen, every studio is valued, and feedback supports long-term development — not just a score.
❋ Our Vision:We envision a dance community where competition reinforces training, movement communicates meaning, and dancers are supported from foundation to performance through thoughtful education and ethical practice.
Because not every dancer needs a louder stage — some need a clearer one.
The Throughline was created for studios seeking an experience rooted in education, integrity, and artistry. Our focus is not on chasing a national title, but on supporting dancers as artists through meaningful feedback, thoughtful adjudication, and a calm, professional environment. At The Throughline, growth is the goal — and story belongs on stage.
OUR VALUES
Artistry as Purpose – Movement exists to communicate meaning
Education First – Competition should deepen understanding
Integrity – Transparent adjudication and ethical standards
Professionalism – Calm, respectful, well-run experiences
Continuity – Training, artistry, and performance are connected
COMPETITION OVERVIEW
The Throughline is a regional, education-forward dance competition blending meaningful adjudication with a professional, artist-centered experience.
Participation is intentionally limited to ensure quality, care, and thoughtful feedback.
DIVISIONS & STYLES
Solos
Duos / Trios
Small Groups
Large Groups
Lines / Productions
Styles Include:
Ballet • Contemporary • Lyrical • Jazz • Tap • Modern • Musical Theatre
(Acro & Hip Hop accepted with artistic integrity standards)
AGE DIVISIONS
Age divisions are based on dancer age as of January 1 of the competition year.
SCORING & ADJUDICATION
Adjudication at The Throughline honors both skill and story.
Scoring Breakdown:
Technique – 40%
Artistry & Storytelling – 30%
Performance & Presence – 20%
Choreography & Composition – 10%
Scores are shared privately with studio directors.
Feedback is delivered with clarity, care, and respect.
OUR ADJUDICATORS
Judges at The Throughline are selected for their ability to:
Evaluate technical foundation accurately
Recognize narrative intention and artistry
Provide clear, constructive, and respectful feedback
Honor dancers as developing artists
Each judge brings professional experience in performance, choreography, and education.
(Judge bios listed here)
THE THROUGHLINE — PILOT EVENT WEEKEND SCHEDULE
Story on Stage
Single stage | Regional pilot | Education integrated
FRIDAY — INDIVIDUAL ARTISTRY
Focus: intention, musicality, and personal voice
12:00–1:00 PM
Venue opens, check-in, sound check, judges briefing
1:00–3:30 PM — Competition Block I
Solos and Duos/Trios
(Ballet, Contemporary, Lyrical, Modern)
3:30–3:45 PM
Break
3:45–5:15 PM — Competition Block II
Jazz and Musical Theatre Solos/Duos
5:30–6:15 PM — Optional Master Class
Finding the Story Within the Movement
6:30–7:00 PM — Awards
Adjudication awards and select special awards
SATURDAY — ENSEMBLE STORYTELLING
Focus: cohesion, structure, and narrative clarity
7:00–8:00 AM
Venue opens, morning prep
8:00–11:00 AM — Competition Block III
Small Groups
11:15–12:45 PM — Competition Block IV
Large Groups
12:45–1:45 PM — Education Block
Option A: Master Class — From Technique to Expression
Option B: Studio Director Coffee Roundtable
2:00–4:30 PM — Competition Block V
Lines and Productions
4:45–5:30 PM — Optional Master Class
Performance Presence and Audience Connection
5:45–6:30 PM — Awards
Adjudication awards and ensemble special awards
SUNDAY — GROWTH AND CONTINUITY
Focus: reflection, refinement, and artistry over time
8:00–9:00 AM
Venue opens
9:00–11:00 AM — Competition Block VI
Remaining Solos and Duos
(Younger divisions and overflow)
11:00–12:00 PM — Master Class
Telling a Complete Story on Stage
12:15–1:00 PM — Optional Judge Talk / Q&A
What Judges Look for Beyond Technique
1:15–2:45 PM — Competition Block VII
Narrative-driven and showcase works
3:00–3:45 PM — Closing Awards
Adjudication awards, Story on Stage awards, Founding Studio recognition
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is The Throughline?
The Throughline is an education-forward regional dance competition centered on storytelling through movement. We honor dancers as artists and focus on thoughtful adjudication, meaningful feedback, and a calm, professional experience.
Who is The Throughline for?
The Throughline is designed for studios and dancers who value strong training, artistic intention, and respectful adjudication. Our events support dancers at all stages of development and prioritize growth over comparison.
Is this a competition or a convention?
The Throughline is a competition with integrated educational opportunities. Master classes and judge talks are offered to deepen understanding of artistry and storytelling but are not required for participation.
COMPETITION FORMAT
What styles are accepted?
We accept Ballet, Contemporary, Lyrical, Modern, Jazz, Tap, and Musical Theatre. Acro and Hip Hop are accepted when choreography demonstrates artistic intention and technical integrity.
What divisions are offered?
Solos, Duos/Trios, Small Groups, Large Groups, Lines, and Productions. Age divisions are based on dancer age as of January 1 of the competition year.
How large is the competition?
Participation is intentionally limited to maintain quality, calm scheduling, and meaningful adjudication. Our regional focus allows every dancer and studio to feel seen and supported.
SCORING & ADJUDICATION
How are routines judged?
Routines are evaluated using a clear, published rubric that balances technique, artistry, storytelling, performance, and choreography. Judges assess not only how dancers move, but what they communicate through movement.
Will scores be compared publicly?
No. Scores are shared privately with studio directors. Our goal is development, not public comparison.
What kind of feedback do dancers receive?
Judges provide constructive, respectful feedback designed to support long-term growth. Feedback addresses technique, artistic clarity, and storytelling intention.
EDUCATION
Are master classes required?
No. Master classes are optional and included as an educational enhancement to the competition experience.
What topics do master classes focus on?
Master classes emphasize storytelling through movement, musicality, expressive clarity, and using technique in service of artistry.
Are there opportunities for studio directors?
Yes. Select events include optional studio director roundtables and judge discussions focused on training, artistry, and competition culture.
INTEGRITY & FAIRNESS
Do CAPA students compete at The Throughline?
No. CAPA students do not compete at The Throughline.
What role do CAPA students have?
CAPA students may serve as apprentices or assistants only. They do not judge, score, or influence results in any way. This policy ensures transparency and studio trust.
How are judges selected?
Judges are independent professionals with experience in performance, choreography, and education. They are selected for their ability to evaluate both technical foundation and artistic communication.
NATIONALS & FUTURE GROWTH
Do you have a nationals event?
Not at this time. The Throughline is intentionally regional as we focus on building a strong, education-centered foundation.
Will there be nationals in the future?
Possibly. When and if nationals are introduced, they will be built with the same care, integrity, and educational focus that define every Throughline event.
Why attend a competition without nationals?
Because growth lasts longer than a title. The Throughline prioritizes meaningful feedback, calm scheduling, and artistic development—benefits that serve dancers well beyond any single event.
LOGISTICS
How do we register?
Registration is completed through our online platform. Dates, deadlines, and pricing are listed on the Register page.
Can we attend for just one day?
Yes. Studios may schedule entries based on availability, and our intentional scheduling allows for efficient participation.
Where are events held?
Events are held at professional venues within the region. Specific locations are listed with each event.
FINAL QUESTIONS
What makes The Throughline different?
The Throughline was built by educators who believe dance is a medium for storytelling and that dancers are artists. Our competition supports that belief through intentional adjudication, education-driven programming, and a respectful, professional environment.
Who do we contact with questions?
You can email us directly. We value clear communication and are happy to help.