Before the Hamilton Southeastern dance team heads into their first competition this weekend at Lake Central High School for the NDA Regionals, it becomes important for viewers to understand the scoring system behind each performance. Competitive dance scoring is detailed, layered, and built to measure both artistry and precision. Every point reflects specific choices made on the floor and every deduction reflects a movement that may have been missed.

“There are various judging panels, with three judges assigned to evaluate routines throughout the competition,” Addison Kistler said. “They are given a score sheet out of 100 points with multiple categories they judge: choreography, group execution, movement quality, and performance effect.”

HSE competes in AAA Pom, AAA Jazz, AAA Hip Hop, Solos, and Duets. While Pom, Jazz, and Hip Hop are ensemble divisions, soloists compete separately and are placed into categories based on style and school size. This structure ensures each performer or group is scored against similar competitors.

Scoring is broken down into technique, choreography, performance, difficulty, and overall impression. Each judge awards up to 100 points, and the average of all three judges becomes the team’s final score. However, penalties can also influence results. Timing errors, safety violations, costume malfunctions, and missed or required elements may all result in deductions and even a small deduction can shift final placements.

The score sheet is split evenly: 50 points for the artistic side and 50 points for technical achievement.
Artistic scoring includes:

• Composition

• Program effect

• Musicality

• Staging

• Communication

Technical scoring includes:

• Composition achievement

• Technique

• Execution of musicality

• Ensemble accuracy

• Performance achievement

Once a team receives its final score, judges place routines into “boxes,” which indicate achievement levels. Box 1 represents a group still learning and gaining experience, while Box 5 represents performers applying skills at a high level with consistency and control. These boxes help teams understand what they are doing well and what areas need improvement.

Every detail matters—especially when placements often come down to tenths or even hundredths of a point. Along with division placements, IHSDTA awards honors such as Academic All-State, Sportsmanship, and Most Improved Team.

“Last year when we competed at Center Grove, we did not compete very well in pom and scored a 71.53, which is the lowest we had ever received,” Lila Oliver said. “It really pushed us to become a better team and work on ourselves because it’s a scary feeling to receive such a low score.”

Ultimately, understanding the hidden language of dance scores reveals just how much work, resilience, and dedication fuel each performance.