MINNESOTA HIGH SCHOOL DANCE TEAM INFORMATION

Dance teams registered with the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) are governed through the Official Bylaws for Dance Team which includes rules regarding: daily and seasonal player participation limitations, contest rules, last dates to join a team, practice sessions before first contest, season dates, tryout restrictions and eligibility rules.

MSHSL sponsors three classes of competition – A, AA and AAA – in two divisions – High Kick and Jazz. Classes are determined by enrollment numbers, splitting the total number of teams into their divisions.
There are four section tournaments for each class, passing the top three teams on to the State Tournament. Those 12 teams compete for one of six spots for the final round of competition. The top three teams are announced and presented medals for their efforts.
Teams participating in the section tournaments must register in December each year for the division(s) they will compete in. Registration information is used to balance the number of teams advancing to the State Tournament. Teams who register for sections must compete a minimum of three times through meets or matches to qualify for League sponsored tournaments.
Official squad size:
- Maximum for High Kick = 34
- Maximum for Jazz = 26
- Minimum number of competitors required (Varsity only) = 5
Official time minimum & maximum for each division:
- High Kick routines – 2:15 to 2:45 in length
- Jazz routines – 2:00 to 2:30 in length
  - There are penalties for going over or under in length.
Required Routine Elements:
- High Kick routines must contain 35-60 kicks at waist or higher
- Jazz routines must contain one turn, one leap and one jump
Additional rules & requirements including moves, uniforms, etc., review the 2025 - 2026 MSHSL Rules Book.
Scoring errors must be brought to the Meet Director within one hour from the time the result packets are released to the coaches.
MSHSL rules prohibit registered teams from competing nationally.
- Some schools field two separate teams – one competes nationally, one competes locally
  - Teams cannot share team members