FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I choose the right League?
Choose your league based on the focus of your performance, not the style.

Technique League → if your focus is precision, control, and execution
Artistry League → if your focus is storytelling, creativity, and performance
Freestyle League → if you are entering battle or improvisation formats
How do I choose the right Division?
Choose the division that best reflects the primary style or intent of your choreography.

Street → hip hop and street-based styles
Theatre → ballet, jazz, contemporary, lyrical
Cultural & Fusion → cultural styles or mixed/hybrid works

If your piece blends styles, enter based on what is most dominant.
What if I’m unsure where my item fits?
You can contact the NZDL team for guidance prior to submitting your entry. We are happy to help ensure your item is placed correctly. Email us at info@nzdanceleague.co.nz
Why are there brackets (Individual, Collaborative, Crew)? Do they compete separately?
All solos, duos/trios, and crews compete together within their division for sponsor and major awards.

Brackets are used for recognition only and do not divide the main competition. Judges award the top overall performances, regardless of group size.

However, as choreography can vary depending on group size, our special awards recognise these differences and highlight standout performances within each format.
Do age groups compete separately?
No. Age groups are used for scheduling purposes only. All performers compete across ages within their category.
How is age determined?
Age is based on the performer’s age as of 15 November 2026.
Can I enter multiple items?
Yes. Dancers may enter multiple performances across different leagues, divisions, or brackets.
Can I enter the same item in multiple leagues?
No. Each performance may only be entered into one league, based on its primary focus.
Is Freestyle League choreographed?
No. Freestyle League is based on improvisation and battle formats. Dancers respond to music in real time.
What styles are allowed?
All dance styles are welcome at NZDL. Our structure is designed to support: traditional styles, street styles, cultural dance, fusion and hybrid work.
How are winners decided?
Judges assess performances based on the focus of the league, while considering the style context of the division.
Top 3 performances are awarded in each league.
What are League Champions?
League Champions are the highest-scoring performances across each league. They represent the top performance in:
Technique league, Artistry league and Freestyle league.
Will all dancers receive something?
Yes. All participants will receive ribbons, colour-coded by league.
Do I need to follow strict style rules?
No. NZDL encourages creativity and evolution of dance. As long as your entry fits the intent of the league and division, it is welcome.

Still unsure? Get in touch - we’re here to help: info@nzdanceleague.co.nz

ASK A QUESTION HERE

info@nzdanceleague.co.nz

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What if I’m unsure where my item fits? You can contact the NZDL team for guidance prior to submitting your entry. We are happy to help ensure your item is placed correctly. Email us at info@nzdanceleague.co.nz

Do age groups compete separately? No. Age groups are used for scheduling purposes only. All performers compete across ages within their category.

How is age determined? Age is based on the performer’s age as of 15 November 2026.

Can I enter multiple items? Yes. Dancers may enter multiple performances across different leagues, divisions, or brackets.

Can I enter the same item in multiple leagues? No. Each performance may only be entered into one league, based on its primary focus.

Is Freestyle League choreographed? No. Freestyle League is based on improvisation and battle formats. Dancers respond to music in real time.

What styles are allowed? All dance styles are welcome at NZDL. Our structure is designed to support: traditional styles, street styles, cultural dance, fusion and hybrid work.

How are winners decided? Judges assess performances based on the focus of the league, while considering the style context of the division. Top 3 performances are awarded in each league.

What are League Champions? League Champions are the highest-scoring performances across each league. They represent the top performance in: Technique league, Artistry league and Freestyle league.

Will all dancers receive something? Yes. All participants will receive ribbons, colour-coded by league.

Do I need to follow strict style rules? No. NZDL encourages creativity and evolution of dance. As long as your entry fits the intent of the league and division, it is welcome. Still unsure? Get in touch - we’re here to help: info@nzdanceleague.co.nz

What if I’m unsure where my item fits?
You can contact the NZDL team for guidance prior to submitting your entry. We are happy to help ensure your item is placed correctly. Email us at info@nzdanceleague.co.nz

Do age groups compete separately?
No. Age groups are used for scheduling purposes only. All performers compete across ages within their category.

How is age determined?
Age is based on the performer’s age as of 15 November 2026.

Can I enter multiple items?
Yes. Dancers may enter multiple performances across different leagues, divisions, or brackets.

Can I enter the same item in multiple leagues?
No. Each performance may only be entered into one league, based on its primary focus.

Is Freestyle League choreographed?
No. Freestyle League is based on improvisation and battle formats. Dancers respond to music in real time.

What styles are allowed?
All dance styles are welcome at NZDL. Our structure is designed to support: traditional styles, street styles, cultural dance, fusion and hybrid work.

How are winners decided?
Judges assess performances based on the focus of the league, while considering the style context of the division.
Top 3 performances are awarded in each league.

What are League Champions?
League Champions are the highest-scoring performances across each league. They represent the top performance in:
Technique league, Artistry league and Freestyle league.

Will all dancers receive something?
Yes. All participants will receive ribbons, colour-coded by league.

Do I need to follow strict style rules?
No. NZDL encourages creativity and evolution of dance. As long as your entry fits the intent of the league and division, it is welcome.

Still unsure? Get in touch - we’re here to help: info@nzdanceleague.co.nz