Written Feedback at SDS is designed to provide dancers with thoughtful, detailed insights that support their growth beyond the stage. Two faculty members carefully evaluate each performance, offering written feedback that aligns with our Support Feedback Structure. This ensures dancers receive constructive, encouraging, and actionable notes they can apply in rehearsals to refine their artistry. Our written feedback serves as a lasting resource, giving dancers tangible guidance to support their continued evolution.

$25 SHOWCASE CREDIT

SELECTED BY OUR FACULTY PANEL FOR VARYING REASONS TO CELEBRATE SOMETHING THAT STOOD OUT TO THEM.

$50 SHOWCASE CREDIT

herePRESENTED TO A ROUTINE THAT EXUDES TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE

$50 SHOWCASE CREDIT

PRESENTED TO A ROUTINE THAT EXCELS IN ENTERTAINMENT

$50 SHOWCASE CREDIT

PRESENTED TO A ROUTINE WITH OUTSTANDING CHOREOGRAPHY

FREE SOLO

ENTRY TO BE USED AT ACT1.

PRESENTED TO A STAND OUT SOLOIST

$100 SHOWCASE CREDIT

EACH STUDIO REGISTERING A MINIMUM OF 5 DUETS, TRIOS, OR GROUPS DANCERS WILL BE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE A SOUL(VI)TALITY AWARD

ONLY STUDIOS BRINGING 10+ GROUP NUMBERS ARE ELIGIBLE

RECOGNIZED FOR EXCEPTIONAL ALL AROUND CHOREOGRAPHY, ENTERTAINMENT, TECHNIQUE, AND PERFORMANCE .

ELIGIBILITY

In order to participate in the showcase, a dancer must be registered for convention classes as a full attendee. One-day dancers are not eligible to showcase.

Showcase Registration & Guidelines

Due to time constraints, regional showcases may be limited. In cities with high numbers of entries, some showcases may begin Friday morning, as early as 7:00 AM. Refunds are not offered, so please be aware of this when planning to participate.

SOLO ENTRIES

SOUL DE SOUL only allows one solo per dancer at regional events.

• If a city is not sold out, we will inform studios to allow two solos per dancer.

ENTRY REGISTRATION

All showcase entries must be registered online through DanceBug.

• No entries will be accepted via email or phone.

• All entries must be completed by the registration cut-off date (refer to the Tour Dates page for details).

LIVE STREAMING

Due to the nature of our SHOWCASE where we give live feedback, we do not offer live streaming of our showcase to protect the safety and privacy of the dancers and artistry of the choreographer and studio.

PROP SETUP

Prop setup must not exceed 1 minute in length, or it will be ineligible for consideration for a re-performance award.

PERFORMANCE ORDER

• Holding dances out of performance order for reasons within your control will result in disqualification for eligibility for a showcase award.

• Circumstances such as injuries or illnesses will not result in disqualification for eligibility for a showcase award.

At SDS, we celebrate storytelling and creativity! The human experience allows is vast and colorful. We believe ART IS MEDICINAL and an important component of how artists HEAL themselves and our world through creative acts. We understand that art can explore sensitive topics and complex emotions, and we appreciate the courage it takes for choreographers and dancers to express these themes. However, we also recognize that maturity and appropriateness are highly subjective, influenced by each person's life experiences and perspectives.

To ensure the comfort and safety of all attendees—dancers, faculty, and audience members—we ask that choreographers and studio owners carefully consider the age-appropriateness of the subject matter being presented. While we do not wish to limit the creative expression of studios or choreographers, we also want to protect the well-being of everyone involved. In cases where a piece addresses sensitive subject matter, we ask that the following procedures be followed:

1. Audience Care Card:

   • Studio Owners, Choreographers, or a designated Studio Representative must fill out an Audience Care Card. This card alerts us to any content that may require an audience care announcement, which will be shared with our audience prior to the dancer(s) taking the stage.

2. Preparation of Dancers:

   • Studio Owners, Choreographers, or a Studio Representative must prepare their dancers and inform them that an Audience Care Announcement will be made before their performance. The announcement will inform the audience and faculty panel that sensitive themes are being addressed, and anyone who may feel triggered or uncomfortable (including our faculty & staff) is welcome to excuse themselves during the performance.

3. Failure to Submit Card:

   • If a Sensitive Subject Matter card is not submitted before the performance and a dance is deemed to address sensitive themes, we will gradually lower the music and invite the dancers off the stage.

   • At that point, the studio representative may submit an Audience Care Card backstage. If there is availability in the showcase order, the performance will be re-invited to the stage, and an Audience Care Announcement will be made prior to their re-entry.

These policies are in place to ensure that we can celebrate and support meaningful, creative expression while protecting the safety and well-being of all our #SOULCIETY members. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation in creating a mindful and respectful environment!

ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY:

At SOUL DE SOUL, we maintain a zero tolerance policy regarding any form of racism, discrimination, or othering based on race, gender, sexual orientation, or any form of exclusion. This includes music, costumes, themes, props, or any performative element that promotes these harmful behaviors. Any piece that does not align with these values will be immediately asked to leave the stage without the opportunity to reperform, and will not be considered for any showcase awards.

• Music should refrain from derogatory language and profanity of any kind.

• Music must be age-appropriate and align with the story content as well as the age of the dancers performing.

• Performances that do not adhere to our guidelines will be ineligible for re-performance and/or showcase awards

We encourage choreographers to create meaningful, age-appropriate stories and performances. While we trust our clients' intuition and experience in curating performances that are appropriate for their dancers, we also understand that the definition of "mature" content varies. A piece deemed appropriate for one group may not be for another.

At SOUL DE SOUL, we honor the creative process as a powerful and healing part of moving through challenging life experiences. If your performance includes or addresses any of the following sensitive themes, you must adhere to our Audience Care Policies.

Sensitive Themes Include:

• Abuse (physical, sexual, or verbal)

• Mental Illness

• Guns and Violence

• Mature Content (both physical movement and/or music theme)

• Substance Abuse

• Use of Makeup that suggests any of the above

• Use of Costumes that suggests any of the above

Performances that do not adhere to our guidelines will be ineligible for re-performance and/or showcase awards

These themes, while powerful, require an added level of consideration to ensure that the content does not negatively impact our dancers, audience, or faculty. If your performance addresses any of these topics, it is essential to submit a Sensitive Subject Matter card before the event, as outlined in our Audience Care Policies.

By following these guidelines, we ensure that all work can be celebrated while keeping SOUL DE SOUL a safe and mindful space for all participants.

CENTERING DANCER EMPOWERMENT

At SOUL DE SOUL, we encourage studio owners, teachers, and choreographers to outfit their performers in costumes and attire that make them feel their very best! We understand that every dancer has their own level of comfort, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to how to costume a dancer. SDS believes in empowering dancers to feel confident and comfortable in their own skin, both in the classroom and on stage.

We trust that studio leadership will ensure their dancers feel safe and supported in their costumes, paying special attention to age-appropriate attire and child development. Our goal is to help dancers shine with self-confidence and authenticity, while being mindful of combating the hyper-sexualization of kids in dance.

To maintain the safety and integrity of our event, SOUL DE SOUL enforces a ZERO TOLERANCE policy for nudity or costumes with partial nudity. We ask that all costumes be respectful, appropriate, and reflective of the dancer’s comfort level and stage readiness.

This policy is in place to ensure all dancers feel celebrated for who they are, without the risk of objectification or inappropriate attention. We thank you for your care in making these choices and your commitment to fostering a positive, empowering environment for our young artists.

We encourage every choreographer to create and craft stories that are meaningful and age-appropriate for their dancers. We trust the intuition and wisdom of our studio teams in choosing works that best suit their dancers’ needs and readiness. While we understand that what may be considered “mature” for one group may not apply to another, we honor the creative process and its importance in expressing and healing through art.

At SOUL DE SOUL, we recognize the power of storytelling and its ability to bring us through difficult or transformative life experiences. With that in mind, we understand that creative work can touch upon sensitive subjects, and we seek to support both the work and the audience in a responsible, mindful way. However, any work that includes or addresses sensitive themes, whether in its entirety or in part, must follow our Audience Care Policies to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all.

Sensitive Themes Requiring an Audience Care Card

• ABUSE (physical, sexual, or verbal)

• MENTAL ILLNESS

• GUNS AND VIOLENCE

• MATURE CONTENT (including physical movement or music themes)

• SUBSTANCE ABUSE

• USE OF MAKEUP OR COSTUMES that suggest any of the above themes

Should your piece include or address any of these themes, we kindly ask that you complete and submit the Audience Care Card and follow all related procedures. This allows us to inform the audience, faculty, and staff and ensure that their emotional safety is prioritized.

By adhering to these guidelines, we can celebrate the powerful creative work of our choreographers and dancers, while fostering an environment of respect, support, and awareness for all involved.

REQUIRED SHOWCASE MEDIA FEE

SOUL DE SOUL is committed to providing dancers with meaningful, high-value experiences. This fee supports our professional media team and ensures that all participants have access to beautifully captured moments from their showcase.

All dancers participating in the SHOWCASE are required to pay a $65 media fee per dancer. This fee ensures that every performer receives:

• Raw photos of their performance

• High-quality video footage

Thank you for honoring this part of the experience!

OPTIONAL EVENT MEDIA

New this season, we are excited to offer the opportunity to purchase edited class photography, raw class videos, and behind-the-scenes (BTS) footage from the weekend.

We know that these moments capture the magic and energy of the weekend, and having these keepsakes allows us to remember the special experiences we shared together.

ACCESSING OPTIONAL EVENT MEDIA

To purchase this special offering of edited class photography, raw class videos, and behind-the-scenes footage, you will need an event code to gain access.

The event code will be shared directly with the primary contact listed on your DanceBug account. This ensures that all purchases are correctly linked to your registration.

Mindful Media Policy Adoption

This season, our updated media policy is a thoughtful step toward opening the conversation around how we "gather" in community. As media and digital capturing play an ever-increasing role in our everyday lives and become a significant part of our weekend together, we are committed to finding thoughtful solutions that honor both celebration and privacy. Our goal is to create an environment where everyone feels seen and celebrated, while keeping safety and privacy as foundational values.

SOUL DE SOUL seeks to have a mindful and considerate adoption of our new media policies, with the understanding that capturing moments is a beautiful way to preserve memories. However, we also invite you to reflect on the intention behind each moment. We ask ourselves: "Does this need to be filmed, or can we lean into a more presence-centric moment?" This approach encourages us to be fully present while being considerate of those around us. By focusing on the value of presence, we aim to create a balance that honors both celebration and privacy for all members of our #SOULCIETY.

We appreciate your cooperation as we navigate this balance and continue to foster a supportive, mindful space for everyone involved.

We ask our #SOULCIETY to review and align with these guidelines as we work together to balance these two important truths. Here’s what you need to know:

APPROPRIATE CAPTURE

• Filming is allowed ONLY during the last 10 minutes of a class — Please ensure that you are framing only your child or dancer to respect the consent of everyone in the room. Additionally, please keep in mind that faculty’s creative work is to be protected, so this policy helps limit the recording of their creative scope during class.

• Filming and photography are allowed in between classes when there is consent from the dancers you are filming with. We encourage you to share the joy of these moments with friends while respecting each other’s space and privacy. Remember, SDS advocates for self-advocacy! Dancers are encouraged to say "no thank you" if they prefer to opt out.

• Filming may occur during the SOULCASE and the SOULCASE wrap on stage for capturing those memorable moments.

• Filming and photography are allowed in the lobby for team/group photos.

• Filming and photography are permitted during the Faculty Q&A, Faculty Autograph Signing, Magical Mini Room Ceremony, and Creation Class showing.

PROHIBITED CAPTURE

• Recording during the SHOWCASE is strictly prohibited unless you are the studio director, teacher, choreographer, or parent/guardian of the dancer. This ensures that we maintain a focused and respectful environment for all participants.

• Filming and photography are strictly prohibited in the DRESSING ROOM at any time, for any reason, by anyone (dancers, teachers, studio owners, parents/guardians) Absolutely NO EXCEPTIONS.

Please note, SOUL DE SOUL reserves the right to revoke recording privileges at any time if the policy is abused, to maintain a safe and supportive space for everyone involved. Thank you for your understanding as we balance celebration with respect for the entire #SOULCIETY!