The MDT Iowa competition is a dance-based event, which provides an opportunity for dancers wishing to represent their High School Dance Team as a soloist and/or a duet/trio. 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 DANCE TEAM WORLD in LAS VEGAS, NEVADA (March 19-21, 2027).   

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.  Grades 9-10 will compete for MDT Iowa TEEN.  Grades 11-12 will compete for MDT Iowa. 

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

The Duet/Trio division may be divided by age dependent on registration #s. 

11th - 12th Grade Division (Miss/Mister Dance Team Iowa):

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.

*MISS DANCE TEAM AND MISTER DANCE TEAM IOWA will have their registration for the DANCE TEAM WORLD competition covered by the MDT IOWA organization. 

Middle School, Miss/Mr Dance Team TEEN (9th-10th Grade), and Duet/Trio divisions:

Dancers will compete a solo or duet/trio 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 2027 in Las Vegas, NV. 

MDT Iowa

LOCATION:  

Iowa City West High School: 2901 Melrose Ave, Iowa City, IA 52246

MDT IOWA

General Timeline:

FRIDAY, November 6, 2026 

6:30-8:00 PM Optional master class with University of Iowa Dance Team Coach, Jenny Eustice ($50/dancer)

SATURDAY, November 7, 2026

10:00 AM Registration for contestants 

11:00 AM Interview (11th/12th grade contestants only) (closed to the public)

11:00 AM DOORS OPEN - Tickets on sale ($10/cash only) 

11:30 AM Technique Division (11th/12th grade contestants only)

12:30 PM Duet/Trio Division

1:00 PM Solo divisions 7th-12th grade

3:45 PM Final Awards

Entering Iowa City West High School: 

Please park in the North Lot at the front of the school (by the auditorium).  Contestants and spectators should enter through the Main Entrance (under the BIG W). 

Admission: 

$10. Cash at door.  No presale. 

Competition facilities: 

The technique and solo division will take place in the main gym.  Bleacher seating available.

Videotaping/Photography: 

Videotaping is allowed during the competition.  We ask that everyone respects the integrity of all performers and their creative property in use of any photos/videos.  We will have various photographers and videographers on hand for marketing purposes, but they may not get footage of every single participant.