Kristal Torres is a veteran dance educator with over 20 years of experience in ballet, jazz, and contemporary. A former Walt Disney World performer, she now serves as founder and director of In Cadence Dance Co. and teaches at Rowlette Dance Academy and RDA Ballet Company.
Registrations
opening soon!
Join us Feb. 13-15, 2026
Aerial competition will take place separately on Feb. 1, 2026
Registrations
opening soon!
Join us Feb. 13-15, 2026
Aerial competition will take place separately on Feb. 1, 2026
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A message from
our director
Dance has been my passion since I was three years old, and it brings me endless joy to share that love with our incredible dancers, families, and everyone who treasures this art form. Every year, I’m moved by the extraordinary talent on stage and the dedication behind each performance.
As we celebrate 18 amazing years, I am deeply grateful for the dancers, families, and friends who have made this event such a meaningful tradition. To every dancer—keep following your dreams, and remember:
When you dance with your heart, your body will always follow.
Monica Perez-Nava
What began 18 years ago with just 25 dancers and 600 fans has grown into one of the most exciting and fastest-growing dance competitions in the Southwest. Today, the Sun City Dance Classic proudly welcomes thousands of spectators and hundreds of talented competitors each year.
We celebrate dancers of all ages and skill levels, showcasing talent across more than 20 categories and multiple divisions. Participants compete for the prestigious title of Grand Champion, along with the highly coveted championship banner.
Founded on a passion for dance and a commitment to excellence, the Sun City Dance Classic has become a beloved tradition in the El Paso community. Over nearly two decades, it has grown from a small local event into a regional celebration of artistry, athleticism, and spirit.
Each year, new innovations, categories, and experiences are added to make the event more exciting for dancers and audiences alike—ensuring the Classic continues to inspire and evolve with the community it serves.
Competition
details
Find everything you need to know about the Sun City Dance Classic right here! From rules and time limits to music submissions, judging, and awards, this section covers it all. You’ll also find details on tickets, age and dance divisions, categories, video and photography guidelines, and more—everything to help you prepare for an exciting competition experience.
Registration is opening soon! Stay tuned for a new registration portal as we continue to improve our competition. Please remember that all fees must be paid prior to the Directors’ Meeting. Payments will only be accepted from coaches, not parents or other individuals.
Music submissions are due by January 20, 2026. You will receive a link to upload your music after registration. All music will be reviewed by the music director before the competition. Full submission details will be available on the website. The upload link will close on January 20, 2026, at midnight. Please note that the exact file you submit will be played as is—we will not alter volumes within the music.
In addition to the online submission, please bring backup music on a flash drive. Label all flash drives with your event name, director’s name, school/studio, and division. Flash drives must be handed to the volunteer checking you in for your performance. If your school/studio has dancers in multiple events, one flash drive may be used, but the music on it must match the song title(s) listed on your registration form.
Before submitting: Please remove any explicit lyrics. Failure to do so will result in a 5-point deduction.
Submit your music here.
- Soloists, Duets, and Trios: maximum of 3 minutes
- Small Groups and Large Groups: maximum of 3 minutes
- Aerial performances: maximum of 3 minutes
- Production Groups: maximum of 5 minutes
- No minimum time requirement
Time limits will be strictly enforced unless extra time has been purchased. If a performance exceeds the specified time, there will be a point deduction and music will be cut off. Extra time may be purchased in 20-second intervals at $20 per interval, as outlined below:
- 0:01–0:20 seconds over = $20
- 0:21–0:40 seconds over = $40
- 0:41–1:00 minute over = $60
Performances that continue beyond the purchased time will still be cut off.
Performance times will be adhered to in order to maintain a smooth show for all participants. Each performance will be announced by the emcee. All participants must be lined up and ready to perform at least one routine before and no more than three routines before their scheduled performance.
If a participant’s name is announced and music begins but they are not ready, they will be eliminated from the competition. No refunds will be issued. It is essential that all participants are prepared when called by the stage runner to ensure an enjoyable and efficient experience for everyone.
Sun City Dance Classic will have 4–6 judges per category, with at least one specialist in that specific style. Each routine will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Creativity
- Difficulty
- Formations and transitions
- Synchronization and timing
- Spacing
- Body placement and control
- Strength of movements
- Proper dance technique
- Eye contact and showmanship
Additional details will be provided to directors and instructors prior to the competition at the Directors Meeting.
- Alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited. Anyone found to be using or under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs will be automatically disqualified. NO VAPING ALLOWED!
- No flash photography is allowed, including professional cameras and equipment.
- No videotaping allowed. This includes but is not limited to video cameras, digital cameras, cell phones, etc.
- Registration forms WILL NOT be accepted without payment in full.
- Any disrespect or physical altercation to any volunteer, organizer, stage manager, stage runner, emcee, or anyone else working at the Sun City Dance Classic will be AUTOMATICALLY DISQUALIFIED.
- ABSOLUTELY NO REFUNDS! This includes but is not limited to event cancellation, sickness, injury, death, inclement weather, catastrophic circumstances, and failure to register and pay in full for all participants.
- Sun City Dance Classic reserves the right to change any of the rules, regulations, registration requirements, performance times, competition schedule, etc. at any time without prior notification to registrants.
- Bracelets must be worn on the dancer’s wrist before entering the competition. ALL BRACELETS MUST BE KEPT ON AND BE VISIBLE THROUGHOUT THE COMPETITION. GRAND CHAMPION FINALISTS WILL BE ISSUED NEW BRACELETS FOR SUNDAY, MARCH 2, 2025. THERE WILL BE NO REPLACEMENT BRACELETS ISSUED IF YOUR DANCER CUTS OFF OR REMOVES THE BRACELET FROM THEIR WRIST.
- Parents of children performing under 9 will be designated to a dressing room to help the dancers change. Parents must PURCHASE, have a bracelet on, and be on the parent list to enter the changing room. There will only be a designated number of parents allowed per studio once registration has been completed. Parent bracelets are only valid for that designated day in which that age division competes. Parents must purchase an event ticket when their child is not performing.
- NO LIQUID OF ANY KIND MAY BE USED AS A PROP OR PART OF COSTUME. THIS INCLUDES WATER, PAINT, LOOSE GLITTER, OIL OR POWDER. VIOLATION OF THIS RULE WILL BE CAUSE FOR DISQUALIFICATION.
- All props must be dropped off at the coliseum on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, from 5 pm- 9 pm. Props will NOT be allowed to be brought in after Wednesday night. VIOLATION OF THIS RULE WILL BE CAUSE FOR DISQUALIFICATION.
- ABSOLUTELY NO OUTSIDE FOOD OR DRINKS!!! NO EXCEPTIONS! Dancers, coaches, and participant bags will be checked upon entry. ANY DANCERS OR PARTICIPANTS CAUGHT IN VIOLATION OF THIS RULE WILL BE CAUSE FOR DISQUALIFICATION.
A mandatory Directors Meeting will be held on Friday, January 22, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. (date subject to change).
- All fees and music must be submitted prior to the Directors’ Meeting.
- Team rosters must also be turned in.
- No exceptions.
If a director cannot attend, a representative must be sent in their place to avoid confusion. Schools or studios not in attendance will receive a 5-point deduction.
Out-of-town participants are not required to attend but must contact Monica Perez before the competition to make arrangements. All fees must still be paid before the Directors’ Meeting.
Important: If required items are not submitted at the Directors Meeting, an automatic 10-point deduction will be applied for each category that the school/studio is competing in.
For the first time, aerial will take center stage with its very own competition day on Sunday, February 1, 2026, following a special dress rehearsal on Saturday, January 31 (times to be confirmed). Registration opens soon, stay tuned for more details!
All dance participants will be required to show proof of age. You can upload a photocopy of identification card or birth certificate.
There are 7 divisions at Sun City Dance Classic. These include:
- Solos
- Duets
- Trios
- Small group: This division is for groups with 4-9 dancers.
- Large groups: This division is for groups with 10-19 dancers.
- Production groups: This division is for groups with 20 dancers or more.
- Middle Schools: This division is for middle school dance teams only.
- High Schools: This division is for high school dance teams only.
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Sun City Dance Classic features three main age divisions—Junior, Senior, and Adult—each broken down into the following sub-divisions:
- Tiny (ages 5–7): For competitors ages 5–7.
- Mini (ages 8–10): For competitors ages 8–10.
- Junior (ages 11–12): For competitors ages 11–12.
- Teen (ages 13–15): For competitors ages 13–15.
- Senior (ages 16–19): For competitors ages 16–19.
- Adult (ages 20+): For competitors ages 20 and older.
- Middle School Team: For middle school dance teams.
- High School Team: For high school dance teams.
When registering, please note that the average age of participants in a solo, duet/trio, or group will determine the division. Exceptions include:
- The oldest member of the team may not exceed the average age by more than three years.
- Any participant 20 years or older must compete in the Adult division.
- Divisions are determined based on each dancer’s age as of January 1, 2026.
- One dancer age 20 or older automatically places the entire group in the Adult division.
Listed below are the different forms of dance categories for Sun City Dance Classic. In addition, there is an explanation as to what judges will be looking for in each category. You may register for as many events as you would like. If a category or division has fewer than three entries, it will be combined with a similar category or division (as needed). Â Â
- JAZZ– Primarily jazz technique, utilizing up-tempo music.
- HIP-HOP– Primarily hip-hop technique.
- CONTEMPORARY– A fusion of many jazz styles with a strong emphasis on modern technique.
- LYRICAL- A combination of jazz and ballet techniques to slow music, incorporating emotional and storytelling elements.
- BALLROOM- A routine that consists of core elements of ballroom repertoire, showcasing Traditional or Latin techniques.
- SPECIALTY- Consists of all other categories that don’t fit the definition of an existing category: ethnic, novelty, clogging, etc.
- ACRO- Acrobatic dance is a fusion of dance and acrobatic tricks. These tricks originate from circuses all over the world. Balance, flexibility, and power blended seamlessly with dance movement. If you have more than 3 acrobatic tricks, it will be considered acro.
- IMPROVISATION- Involves creating and executing movement spontaneously, without any premeditated movement. Dancers entered in this category will not know the song being played ahead of time. The DJ will simply select a song at random. Length will be 2 minutes and 30 seconds.
- KICK- Routine should showcase clean, strong kicks, as well as team synchronization.
- POM– Routine using pom-poms with incorporation of precise and definite movements.
- SHOWCASE- Entries that wish to perform only for critiques. These routines will not be scored and will not be eligible for Adjudicated or high-score awards. This category includes a discounted price at registration.
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Each act that is performed will receive a score from a panel of 3-5 judges. Each division will have preliminaries to determine 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place for each dance style. After receiving extensive feedback from our directors, it has been decided that our judges will adjudicate ALL entries for preliminaries. The three adjudicated awards will be:
- Diamond
- Sapphire
- Ruby
After preliminaries, all first places of each age division will advance to Grand Champions. Only one performance per age division will be allowed to compete at the Grand Champions. Banners will be presented to the Grand Champions.
One-day tickets for Sun City Dance Classic will be available for purchase at the Ticketmaster window only. No advance ticket sales will be offered.
Ticketmaster will accept cash, credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay for all purchases.
Ticket prices:
1-Day Pass: $20 per day (includes access to the Grand Champion competition)
Dancer bracelets:
- Dancer bracelets: Free with registration. Dancer bracelets will be issued and put on at day of competition. Your whole team must be present to check in and receive bracelets.
Get to know your
Sun City judges
Meet the talented panel of judges who bring years of dance experience, industry knowledge, and passion to the Sun City Dance Classic. Our judges are dedicated to providing fair, constructive, and encouraging feedback to help every dancer shine on stage.
Leticia Campbell
Judge
A Mexican choreographer, teacher, dancer, and singer, she directs JL Dance Studio and leads Dance 2xs México and Reggaetón Supreme, specializing in Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, and Hip-Hop.
Jesús Núñez
Judge
Jesús Núñez, a renowned Mexican choreographer, teacher, judge, and dancer, has performed on prestigious stages worldwide, passionately showcasing Mexico’s cultural heritage and artistry through his work.
Joshua Peugh
Judge
Joshua is the Founder and Artistic Director of Dark Circles Contemporary Dance and Co-founder of Fair Assembly. He has created work for festivals in Asia, Europe, and North America, winning awards for his choreography in South Korea, Japan, Canada, and the USA.
A vibrant venue full of
cultural and entertainment history
The Sun City Dance Classic is proud to call the El Paso County Coliseum its home, a venue that stands as a vibrant symbol of El Paso’s rich cultural and entertainment history. Opened in 1942, the Coliseum has hosted over 150 events annually and welcomed legendary performers such as Elvis Presley, the Jackson 5, Selena, and Green Day, making it a cherished landmark for generations of El Pasoans. With a seating capacity of 6,500 and 19,000 square feet of column-free space, it offers an ideal setting for large-scale dance competitions, providing both participants and spectators with an electric atmosphere and excellent amenities.
The venue’s unique blend of history and modern upgrades—including state-of-the-art climate control, expanded concessions, and comfortable dressing rooms—ensures every event is both memorable and seamless. Its central location, just minutes from the airport and downtown, along with ample parking, makes it accessible for local and visiting competitors alike. Hosting our competition here each year is truly special, as it allows us to be part of the Coliseum’s ongoing legacy—celebrating not only the art of dance, but also the enduring spirit of community and tradition that this iconic venue embodies.
