The Miss Dance Team Iowa competition is a dance-based event, which provides an opportunity for dancers wishing to represent their High School Dance Team as a soloist. A select group of dancers will be named to Team Iowa at this event, and will then have an opportunity to represent our state at the national Miss Dance Drill Team USA Nationals in California.  

Eligibility

Contestants must be in grades 7-12 and an active member of their school's Competitive Dance Team. Dancers must get permission from their Coach for participation in this event. This event is open to all Dance Team athletes, both male and female. 

Divisions

Contestants in High School (grades 9-12) will compete against dancers in their own grade.

Contestants in Middle School (grades 7 &8) will all compete in one division.

12th Grade Division (formerly the Miss Division)

All dancers will compete in three categories: solo routine (70% of final score), technical/improv spotlight (20% of final score), interview (10% of final score). 

• Solo routine is 1:30-2:00 in length. Scoring is based on Technique (30%), Routine Content and Execution (40%), and Performance (30%).

• Technical/Improv Spotlight is no more than 0:45 in length and scored based on the dancers technique, movement and style. 

• Contestants will be provided an interview question to prepare an answer prior to entering the interview room (closed to public) and are given up to 0:45 to answer the question in front of a welcoming panel of judges. Scoring is based on answer content and delivery. 

Dancers will receive their scores, along with their placement in comparison to others in their category following the competition.

At awards we will announce the top 5* Interview scores, the top 8* Spotlight scores, and the top 10* Solo Routine scores. We will then announce the Miss Dance Team IOWA top 3* winners and the Mister Dance Team IOWA top 3* winners,  which is a combination of scores from all three categories. *Numbers may be adjusted higher or lower based on registration numbers.

Middle School, 9th Grade, 10th Grade, 11th Grade Divisions

Dancers will compete a solo routine that is 1:30-2:00 in length. Scoring is based on Technique (30%), Routine Content and Execution (40%), and Performance (30%). Dancers will receive their scores, along with their placement in comparison to others in their category following the competition. We will announce/award approximately the top 1/4 of each division. 

Music

All music for routines must be edited to 1:30-2:00 in length. Assure that lyrics are suitable for a middle and high school dance competition. Dancers will submit music electronically one-two weeks prior to the event

Props

The use of small props is allowed. Please choose props based on the ability for quick set-up and take down and minimal cleanup.

Costume

The contestants costume is left up to the discretion of the dancer and coach. The uniform must be appropriate for middle and high school age performers but do not need to meet specific guidelines. Shoes are optional, you may have bare feet.

Choreography

Choreography can be done by a choreographer or the dancer may choose to create on their own. Movements must be appropriate for middle and high school age performers.

Team Iowa

Each contestant is eligible for selection to the elite group of Team Iowa. Based on scores, placements and feedback from our judges, this team is announced to complete our awards ceremony. These dancers are invited to compete at the MDDT USA nationals in Spring of 2025 in Southern California.