Breaking News: Solo Stars Theatre Arts Proposes a 3-Lift Minimum—Is the World Ready?!

Chewy hoping for a Doggy Dance Division

With the month of May wrapping up (already? Who’s been fast-forwarding the calendar again?!), I wanted to give readers a chance to weigh in on something new—something bold—that might just be twinkling on the horizon of the U.S. Dancesport scene: No it's not Solo Star Theatre Arts! It is Adult Solo Stars.

Now, let’s be clear: the concept of solo dancing isn’t some revolutionary moonwalk—it’s been around internationally for quite some time. But here in the States? It's still warming up backstage. As an event organizer, this is actually the first year I’ve received multiple calls asking, “Do you offer Adult Solo Star entries?” And like any good citizen of the competitive dance galaxy, I reached out to the sanctioning organization before making any rogue moves.

Their response? A resounding N-O. (Honestly, I think I heard the echo across three time zones.) So, case closed—for now.

Curious, I dove into the YouTube rabbit hole (as one does), consulted with fellow organizers, and received a glorious spectrum of feedback ranging from, “Why not?” to “Are you kidding me?” to...well, let's just say I got more than one “finger” on the matter—only one of which was a thumbs-up.

But here’s my take: It’s only a matter of time before Adult Solo Stars shines bright in the U.S. And if I were sitting in the chair of the National Dance Council of America, I’d be prepping a rulebook yesterday. Because when this train leaves the station, it’s going to need tracks.

Of course, before you dust off your rhinestone leotard and hit the floor solo, there are a few things to consider. Like anything in dance—or life—there are pros and cons.

Pros of Adult Solo Stars:

1. No partner? No problem!This gives dancers without a partner the opportunity to step onto the competitive floor. Inclusivity for the win!

2. Hello, personal growth.Solo dancing builds balance, musicality, performance chops, and—bonus—there’s no one to blame if you step on your own foot.

3. Spotlight's all yours.No sharing the stage, no clashing costumes. It’s just you, your talent, and the judges’ undivided attention. Terrifying? Yes. Rewarding? Also yes.

4. More entries = more fun(ding).Let’s be real: events are expensive. This could be a new revenue stream for organizers and a new spark for competitions.

And the Cons:

1. Time, time, time.Squeezing another division into an already jam-packed schedule? Let’s just say the time fairy is not returning our calls.

2. Audience appeal.While deeply artistic and personal, solo routines don’t always scream “entertainment value.” But hey—Grandma’s front row with a camcorder and that counts for something.

3. Judging criteria gets tricky.Without a partner, certain elements (like lead-follow dynamics) aren’t applicable. Judges would need new guidelines—preferably written in non-Latin.

Now, if someone figures out how to launch Adult Solo Theatre Arts with a three-lift minimum, I promise you, that will make the front page. (I’ll bring popcorn.)

Watch this video and don't forget to vote!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ms_zmxs4YQc

So, what do YOU think?

Should Adult Solo Stars be an offered division at DanceSport events?

• Yes ✅
• No ❌

Tell us why (or why not):

We’ll feature the best responses in our next issue—and maybe even some of the sassiest ones, too.

Until then, keep dancing, keep dreaming, and remember: just because you’re solo, doesn’t mean you’re alone on the floor.

Would you like to share a comment or two? Email us at wdsnteam@gmail.com