15th
November
2026
EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION DUE 1ST JUNE
Explore the League Syllabus -
How NZDL Works
League → Division → Bracket → Age → Perform
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1. Choose a League
Leagues define how you are judged. The league defines your focus.
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Technique League - precision, control, execution
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Artistry League - performance, creativity, storytelling
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Freestyle League - improvisation, musicality, execution
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Not by style. By focus.
At NZDL, we do things differently - on purpose.
Dance today is diverse, evolving, and often blends styles.
Our structure reflects that - diverse, yet connected.
You’ll be competing alongside dancers from all styles, with a system designed to keep judging fair and meaningful.
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2. Choose a Division
Divisions define the style context of your performance.
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Street
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Theatre
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Cultural & Fusion
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3. Choose a Bracket
Brackets reflect how you perform.
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Individual (solo)
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Collaborative (duo/trio)
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Crew (3+)
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1v1 (Freestyle league)
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Open Crew battle (2+) (Freestyle league)
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4. Choose Age Group
Age groups are used for scheduling only.
All performers compete across ages within their category.
Technique and Artistry leagues:
Mini (under 6)
Junior (6-9)
Teen (10-13)
Senior (14-18)
Mixed (6-25+)
Freestyle leagues:
Mixed ages
WHICH LEAGUE WILL YOU CHOOSE?
THREE LEAGUES. THREE LENSES. ONE STAGE.
TECHNIQUE LEAGUE
ARTISTRY LEAGUE
freestyle LEAGUE
Focus:
The Technique League recognises excellence in technical execution, control, and consistency within a dancer’s chosen style.
Description:
This league is designed for performances that demonstrate a high level of technical training and precision.
Dancers are assessed on their ability to execute movement with accuracy, control, strength, alignment, and clarity, while maintaining consistency throughout the performance.
While performance and artistry are present, the primary focus is the quality and execution of technique.
Judges will consider:
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Control, balance, and stability
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Precision and accuracy of movement
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Strength, extension, and alignment
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Clarity and cleanliness of execution
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Consistency across the full performance
Suitable for:
Dancers and choreographers who wish to showcase technical skill and discipline within their style.
All dance styles are welcome across the Technique and Artistry Leagues. Entries should be placed based on the primary focus of the performance, rather than the style itself.
Focus:
The Artistry League recognises excellence in performance, creativity, and communication of intent.
Description:
This league is designed for performances that prioritise artistic expression, storytelling, and creative vision.
Dancers are assessed on their ability to connect with the audience, communicate a clear idea or emotion, and present choreography with intention and originality.
Technique is still essential and supports the performance, but the primary focus is the impact and artistic quality of the work.
Judges will consider:
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Clarity of concept or intention
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Emotional connection and performance presence
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Musicality and phrasing
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Creativity and originality in choreography
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Overall impact and audience engagement
Suitable for:
Dancers and choreographers who want to highlight expression, storytelling, and creative direction.
All dance styles are welcome across the Technique and Artistry Leagues. Entries should be placed based on the primary focus of the performance, rather than the style itself.
Sponsor awards for this category include most compelling concept and industry ready student-led choreography.
Focus:
The Freestyle League recognises excellence in improvisation, musicality, and live performance ability.
Description:
This league is designed for dancers who excel in improvised movement.
Performances are not pre-choreographed, and dancers respond in real-time to music, opponents, and the environment.
This league celebrates the foundations of freestyle culture. Vocabulary and technique is still essential and supports the performance, but the primary focus is the execution, originality and musicality.
Judges will consider:
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Musicality and responsiveness to the music
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Creativity and originality in movement
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Execution, presence, and battle energy
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Ability to engage the audience and opponent
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Authenticity and personal style
Suitable for:
Dancers with strong freestyle foundations, adaptability, and performance instinct.
All dance styles are welcome in the Freestyle league - Street, Theatre and Cultural. The primary focus is the ability to execute improvisation with emphasis on musicality, projection and engagement.
FIND OUT MORE - DOWNLOAD THE INFO PACK
NZDAA
ACRO & FOUNDATION
CERTIFICATION
The NZDAA Acro certification is an official, endorsed Acro syllabus.
Dancers can register to complete a NZDAA Acro certification through their competition entry.
An official Acro syllabus adjudicator will be on-site to complete live assessment.
Official certification results, feedback and awards will be sent after the competition.
Interested in the Acro syllabus for your studio?
Contact our event coordinator for more information.
FIND OUT MORE - DOWNLOAD THE INFO PACK