Judging & Awards

Judging:

Each routine will be numerically judged by the following 6 categories:

Appearance (out of 15)
Technique (out of 15)
Stage Presence & Facial Expressions (out of 15)
Timing & Precision (out of 15)
Execution of Choreography (out of 15)
Apparatus Tier Requirements (out of 25)

We will provide a LIVE panel of 3 competent judges who have each been a student, a performer, a teacher & a choreographer.
Judges decisions are FINAL.
If a tie in scoring occurs, the tie will be broken based on who has the highest technique score, then execution of choreography, then stage presentation, and finally costume. If a tie still exists, the judges will make the final decision.
Judges reserve the right to present BUMP-IT-UP Awards at their discretion. These awards are given when a competitor demonstrates skills and performance beyond the level they originally entered. As a result, their entry will be elevated to a higher level of competition.

Post Competition:

At SOAR, we believe in growth through thoughtful feedback.

Our judges record live audio critiques as they watch each routine.
These recordings will be sent to each performer
You’ll also receive access to the overall scoring sheet for your division — so you can:
- See your final score
- Understand how you placed
- View how your score compares to others in your division

Awards Overview:

Each entry is adjudicated and receives an award based on our scoring system.
Overall awards are presented to the top scoring entries in each apparatus-tier-age-category

Award Levels: Competition | Advanced | Elite

Diamond: 277–300 | 282–300 | 287–300

Elite Platinum: 260–276 |266–281 | 272–286

Platinum: 243–259 | 251–265 | 257–271

Elite Gold: 226–242 | 236–250 | 242–256

Gold: 200–225 | 200–235 | 200–241

What Is Adjudication?

This is how each routine is scored against a standard of excellence, not against other performers. It is the placement you receive based on your overall score out of 300— not something the judges assign directly.

That means:

Every routine is scored numerically by our panel of judges, using a 300-point scale.
Once all 3x judges scores are added together, that final number is placed into our adjudication scale.
Your total score determines which adjudicated award you receive — such as Diamond, Elite Platinum, etc.
Adjudication gives helpful feedback on how your routine performed within its level, regardless of overall placement.

Overall Awards Breakdown

(NEW) Top scoring placements, will be awarded by category, level, and age

Here’s exactly how they’re divided:

Step 1: By Apparatus

Every routine is grouped first by what apparatus is used:

Silks
Sling
Lyra
Specialty (Dance Trapeze, Corde Lisse, Straps, or other approved apparatuses)

Step 2: By Tier

Each apparatus is then broken into our 3 competition levels:

Competitive
Advanced
Elite

Step 3: By Age Group

Each level is separated further by age category:

Petit
Junior
Teen
Adult

Step 4: By Routine Type

Solos and groups are judged separately.

Solos
Duets, Trios & Small Groups

Example:

Let’s say you’re a Teen soloist on Silks in the Competitive tier.
You’ll be competing for-- 1st Place Overall: Silks • Competitive • Teen • Solo

How Many Placements Will There Be - Per Division:

If there are 1-2 routines in a division – 1st place only will be awarded.

If there are 3-4 routines in a division – 1st - 2nd place only will be awarded.

If there are 5-6 routines in a division – 1st – 3rd place will be awarded.

If there are 7-10 routines in a division – 1st – 5th place will be awarded.

If there are 11 or more routines in a division – 1st – 8th place will be awarded.

The SOAR Award:

The SOAR Award is our highest honor — given to one outstanding routine at each competition that fully embodies the heart and values of SOAR.

This award recognizes a routine that goes beyond skill. It represents: modesty, talent, intentionality and creativity. Not only is this the biggest award of the event, it also is paired with a free solo entry for the following season’s competition and gives the winner automatic eligibility to become a SOAR Ambassador — no application required.

Special Awards:

Entertainment Award – For the performance that captivates and engages the audience.
Costume Award – For creativity, quality, and design of the costume that catches the judges attention.
Choreography Award – For thoughtful, well-crafted, and creative movement choices
Studio Of The Day
Overall Highest Silks
Judges Choice Awards - Each of our judges will personally select a handful of routines to recognize for something that stood out to them — it could be anything from: Favorite Song Choice, Made Me Smile, Biggest Surprise… and more!

Title Winners

The Title Award recognizes one outstanding soloist in each age division who demonstrates more than just strong technique — they embody the full spirit of performance.

The Title Winner is selected based on:

Intentional stage presence
Exceptional showmanship
Musicality & connection to the routine
Total commitment and storytelling

Scoring For Adjudication:

Competitive Advanced Elite

Diamond 277-300 282-300 287-300

Elite Platinum 260-276 266-281 272-286

Platinum 243-259 251-265 257-271

Elite Gold 226-242 236-250 242-256

Gold 200-225 200-235 200-241

If you have any additional questions please do not hesitate to contact us at soaraerialcompetition@gmail.com