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AzDEO 2026 STUDENT CHOREOGRAPHY CONTEST

AzDEO is pleased to announce its its 9th Student Choreography Contest. Students of Middle and High School age and College students are encouraged to submit their choreography for adjudication.

The 2026 theme is:

  1. Dance & AI: Artificial Intelligence is transforming many aspects of our lives — including the way we create, perform, and experience dance. In what ways can AI enhance or challenge the artistic expression, cultural significance, and human connection found in dance?

Submissions are asked to address the prompt completely (maximum length is 4 minutes). 

The contest will open for submission on March 1, 2026, and remain open for submissions through April 1, 2026. 

Image of high school dancers on a stage.

Bailee Olsen, Centennial High School, Winner of the 2025 Student Choreography Contest

Submission criteria: 

Submissions must be based on the given theme. This year the theme is Dance & AI: Artificial Intelligence is transforming many aspects of our lives — including the way we create, perform, and experience dance. In what ways can AI enhance or challenge the artistic expression, cultural significance, and human connection found in dance?

  1. Speaking can be added to the Choreography.  
  1. Maximum length is 4 minutes.
  2. Entries may be submitted for two categories – Filmed Dance or Dance for Film/Dance on Camera: 

    1. Filmed Dance– pieces filmed with either a straight shot or one/two angles. The media of film is used solely as a means of capturing the work in its entirety. 
    2. Dance for Film/Dance on Camera– pieces filmed with angles, special effects, and/or site-specificity. The media of film is used to enhance the theme/intent of the choreography.
  4. Only the choreography will be judged, but performance can affect the quality of the choreography. 
    1. The Choreographer does not have to be a performer.   
    2.  
    3. Choreography Criteria for Filmed Dance: 
      1. Composition, Originality/Creativity, Visual Effect, Interpretation of accompaniment.
  1. The use of editing is an additional criteria for the Dance for Film/Dance on Camera category.
  1. An artistic statement must be included that highlights the idea and/or reasoning behind your choreography.

Questions should be addressed to AzDEOPresidentElect@gmail.com

Requirements for Submission:

  • Must be submitted digitally to the google form.
  1. Include a link to a viewable recording.
  2. All information on the form is complete.
  • Only 4 submissions per school/studio per each submission category.
  •  
  • Submissions are due April 1, 2026.
Submissions will be accepted digitally using this form:
SUBMIT MATERIALS HERE