taupō 2026

Welcome to Move It Dance Competition!

April 24–25, 2026
Great Lakes Centre
Taupō, New Zealand

Friday April 24: 2:00pm – 9:00pm
Saturday April 25: 8:00am – 8:00pm

Entries open March 26, 7.00pm

solos

duos

trios

teams

solos

teams

solos duos trios teams solos teams

TAUPŌ 2026

2026 adjudicator

“Eve is a choreographer, teacher and examiner for the Asia Pacific Dance Association (APDA), contributing to the Jazz Addict, Encore Theatre Dance and Lucidity Contemporary syllabi. She works extensively with dancers across New Zealand and Australia, training students for competitions and performance while regularly hosting workshops and choreographing new work.”

move it comp info

Move It is a friendly and supportive competition designed to give dancers an exciting performance opportunity while celebrating the hard work dancers put into their craft. Our goal is to create a positive, fun and encouraging environmentwhere dancers can perform with confidence and enjoy being on stage.

We cannot wait to bring dancers together for a fantastic weekend of dancing in beautiful Taupō.

Due to venue time limits, numbers for this event will be capped, so we recommend entering as soon as entries open.

HOW TO ENTER

Entries for Move It Dance Competition will be submitted through our Move It App. A direct entry link can be accessed with the “enter now” button above on the day of entries (March 26). Once entries open, dancers can submit their entries through the app with payment taken at time of entry.

Please take care when entering - classes cannot be switched or cancelled.

Age is determined by the dancer’s age at the start of the competition (April 24, 2026).

2026 MOVE IT CLASSES

RESTRICTED SOLOS

Restricted classes are for dancers who have not placed 1st in that genre previously.

  • Jazz

  • Lyrical

  • Musical Theatre

  • Contemporary

  • Ballet

OPEN SOLOS

Open classes are available to all dancers.

  • Mini Dancer Award (6 & under – open genre, medal for all)

  • Jazz

  • Lyrical

  • Contemporary

  • Musical Theatre

  • Hip Hop

  • Classical

  • Barefoot

  • Open

  • Student Choreography

  • Adjudicator’s Choice (45-60 seconds)

  • Novice Junior (open genre, in first 2 years of competing)

  • Novice Inter (open genre, in first 2 years of competing)

  • Novice Senior (open genre, in first 2 years of competing)

IMPROV CLASSES

Improvs will be performed on stage together in a line, with dancers stepping forward individually during the music. Dancers wear a costume and perform to once individually and then together as a group.

  • Jazz Improv

  • Lyrical Improv

  • Contemporary Improv

CHAMPIONSHIP CLASSES

Dancers may perform any routine they have competed during the event or a new one. Championship classes only have 1st, 2nd and 3rd placings.

Classic Champs

For classical styles including:
Ballet
Barefoot
Lyrical
Contemporary

Modern Champs

For modern styles including:
Jazz
Musical Theatre
Hip Hop
Tap
Contemporary

Restricted Champs

For dancers who have never won a champs class before.

The adjudicator will award 1st, 2nd and 3rd in each age group. The style is open meaning dancers can select any routine to do.

DUOS

All styles welcome. Age groups may be separated depending on entries.

TEAMS / TROUPE EVENT

Friday at 6:00pm

All styles welcome.

move it awards

  • first place

  • second place

  • third

  • performance award

  • spirit award

  • star quality award

Your Questions, Answered

  • Improvs $15

    Solos $25

    Duos/Trios $30

    Champs $35

    Teams $35

    ADMIN FEE (1 per fam) - $25

  • Results will be presented approximately every five classes throughout the competition to avoid long waiting times for dancers and families.

    Our goal is to keep the event running smoothly so dancers can perform, receive their results and continue enjoying the weekend without long delays.

    All dancers in each class will be invited onto the stage to receive their certificate.

    Placings will generally be:

    1st
    2nd
    3rd
    Performance Award for ALL

    Some class special awards.

    Written adjudicator feedback will be available via the Move It App shortly after each class, allowing dancers and teachers to access their feedback quickly and easily.

  • All non-dancers who attend must purchase a Move It Competition Pass.

    Cost: $5

    This pass allows access to the venue for the entire event. Wristbands will be issued at the door and can be paid for with cash or eftpos.

    Dancers competing do not need to purchase a pass. Our Move It passes are an important layer of security for our events and help to fund our dancers awards.

  • The event will run:

    Friday April 24 – 2:00pm to 9:00pm
    Saturday April 25 – 8:00am to 8:00pm

    A draft timetable will be released once entries have closed.

    Please ensure dancers are available both days before entering.

  • Our Taupō competition will be held at the Great Lake Centre, a modern, purpose-built performance venue located right in the heart of Taupō’s town centre.

    📍 Address:
    5 Story Place, Taupō 3330

    Situated in the Taupō CBD, the venue is just a short walk from the stunning Lake Taupō lakefront, local cafés, restaurants, and boutique shops - making it the perfect spot for a full weekend of dance and fun.

  • 🏛️ Venue Care & Responsibility

    All competitors, teachers, and spectators are expected to treat the venue with care and respect at all times.

    • No damage is to be caused to any part of the venue, including backstage areas, dressing rooms, seating, or bathrooms

    • The stage floor must be protected at all times

      • No rosin, powders, oils, or substances are permitted

      • No sharp or damaging props that may scratch, mark, or dent the floor

      • Heeled or hard-soled shoes must not damage the floor — protective measures (e.g. heel covers) may be required

    • Any damage caused may result in the responsible party being charged for repairs

    🩰 Props & Performance Safety

    • All props must be safe, clean, and suitable for use on a professional theatre stage

    • No liquids, fire, confetti, glitter, or messy substances are permitted

    • Props must be able to be carried on and off stage quickly by the dancer (unless prior approval is given)

    • The competition organisers reserve the right to refuse any prop deemed unsafe or unsuitable

    🚨 Health & Safety

    The safety of all dancers, staff, and audience members is our priority.

    • Dancers must be supervised by a parent/guardian or teacher at all times when not performing

    • Backstage areas are restricted to authorised persons only

    • No running in corridors, backstage, or foyer areas

    • Any injuries must be reported immediately to event staff

    • All participants take part at their own risk

    👨‍👩‍👧 Supervision & Conduct

    • Teachers and studio representatives are responsible for the behaviour of their dancers and families

    • Respectful behaviour is expected towards adjudicators, staff, and other competitors at all times

    • Bullying, inappropriate behaviour, or unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated

    🕒 Schedule & Availability

    • The competition schedule is carefully created based on all entries and cannot be adjusted to suit individual availability

    • Requests to change performance times will not be accommodated

    • Competitors must ensure they are available for the full duration of their section

    📝 Entries & Sections

    • All entries are final once submitted

    • Classes, sections, and age groups cannot be changed, swapped, or added after entries close

    • Competitors are responsible for ensuring all entry details are correct at the time of submission (including age, genre, and level)

    🎟️ General Event Terms

    • The competition organisers reserve the right to make reasonable changes to the schedule if required

    • Entries are non-transferable unless approved by organisers

    💸 Refund Policy (Entries)

    • Entry fees are non-refundable except in the case of injury or illness

    • Refunds will only be issued upon receipt of a valid medical certificate

    • To request a refund, please email the competition organisers with supporting documentation

    • Approved refunds will be processed minus any applicable administration fees

    Event Cancellation Policy

    In the unlikely event that the competition is cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances:

    • All entrants will receive a full refund of entry fees, minus a small administration fee to cover processing and operational costs

    • Refunds will be processed within a reasonable timeframe following cancellation

    Our Commitment

    Our goal is to create a safe, supportive and professional environment where every dancer can shine - thank you for helping us make that happen ✨