JUDGING CRITERIA

Welcome to the official judging breakdown for Royals: An Amateur Pole Competition. Each performance is assessed by our panel of expert judges based on the following scoring system.

POLE DIVISION

Total Score: 35 points

Pole Work (15 points)

  • Technique / Execution (5 pts): Clean lines, strength, control, and safe execution.

  • Difficulty of Tricks (5 pts): Moves should be in line with the dancer's division and demonstrate progression.

  • Originality (5 pts): Creative combos, transitions, and innovative use of the pole.

Dancing (10 points)

  • Smooth floorwork and transitions

  • Musicality and connection to the music

  • Full use of stage and space

Costume / Presentation (5 points)

  • Costume selection and fit

  • Alignment with theme or music

  • Use of props and costume removal (if applicable)

  • Overall visual presentation

Performance (5 points)

  • Overall stage presence

  • Confidence and connection with the audience

  • Delivery of a complete "show" from start to finish

For any judging-related questions, please contact us at contact@royalsaapc.com

THE SHOW DIVISION

Total Score: 35 points

Dance Style Specific Tricks (ie. Burlesque, Floor, Twerk etc) (10 points)

  • Technique / Execution (5 pts): Precision, strength, control of floor-based tricks

  • Difficulty (5 pts): Appropriateness and complexity of tricks for the division

Dancing (5 points)

  • Transitions, flow, musicality, and stage use

Costume / Presentation (5 points)

  • Thoughtful costume and theme alignment

  • Effective use of props and costume changes (if applicable)

  • Overall presentation quality

Performance (15 points)

  • Commanding stage presence

  • Strong character/performance delivery

  • Emotional connection or story

  • Engaging, complete performance from start to finish

For any judging-related questions, please contact us at contact@royalsaapc.com

GROUPS DIVISION

Total Score: 50 points

Pole Work (15 points)

  • Technique / Execution (5 pts): Clean lines, strength, control, and safe execution.

  • Difficulty of Tricks (5 pts): Moves should be in line with the dancer's division and demonstrate progression.

  • Originality (5 pts): Creative combos, transitions, and innovative use of the pole.

Dancing (10 points)

  • Transitions, flow, musicality, and stage use

  • Smooth transitions between partners and sections

Costume / Presentation (5 points)

  • Costume cohesion (matching or complementary) and theme alignment

  • Use of props (if applicable)

  • Effective use of props and costume changes (if applicable)

  • Overall presentation quality (theme, styling and presentation)

Performance (5 points)

  • Stage presence and engagement

  • Connection with audience

  • Overall “x-factor” and show delivery

Synchronicity & Timing (10 pts)

  • Movements performed in unison

  • Timing and musical alignment between partners

  • Clean, coordinated execution

Partner Work & Connection (5pts)

  • Interaction between performers

  • Flow between shared movement

  • Equal contribution (no one carrying the routine)

For any judging-related questions, please contact us at contact@royalsaapc.com