2026 Championship
prizes | judging criteria | Key information | dress REHEARSAL | day of details | tickets
Tickets
Day of details
Section 1: Aerial Hoop / Sensual Pole / edgework group performance
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- 11:00AM: Penthouse available to Section #1 Competitors
- 11:30AM - 12:30PM: Open testing to All Competitors (Sections #1 & #2)
- 12:30PM - 12:50PM - Sensual Pole Competitors pole testing ONLY
- 12:55PM - 1:15PM: Aerial Hoop Competitors hoop testing ONLY
-1:20PM - 1:30PM: Edgework Group Performance pole testing ONLY
-1:30PM - 2:15PM: Music sound check we will play music in show order whether.
- 145PM - All Competitors MUST CHECK IN to confirm starting position and music confirm your performance information ⬇️
-2:15PM - 2:30PM: Final testing for all Section #1 competitors.
- 2:30PM: Doors open to public
- 3pm - 4:30pm: Competition - Section 1: Aerial Hoop (Beg/Int), Sensual Pole (Beg/Int), and Edgework Performance group
Section 2: Open Pole (Beg/Int/Adv)
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- 11:30AM - 12:30PM: Open testing to All Competitors (Sections #1 & #2)
- 4:00PM: Penthouse available to Section #2 Competitors
- 4:50PM - 5:20PM: Open pole testing for Section #2 competitors
- 5PM All Competitors MUST CHECK IN to confirm starting position and music confirm your performance information ⬇️
- 5:30pm: Doors open to public
- 6:00pm - 8:30pm: Competition - Section 2: Open Pole
Key information
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Sign up Begins July 1, 2026
Sign up Closes August 3, 2026
Change category/level by September 9, 2026
Submit props, music, hoop approval, and competitor profile September 16, 2026
Specific performance time assigned no later than September 23, 2026
Competition Day October 3, 2026
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Opens: July 1, 2026 @ 8:00 AM
Closes: August 3, 2026 @ 11:59 PM
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🚫 NO REFUNDS. NO CREDITS.
If you decide not to compete after signing up, you will not receive a refund or credit for future use. Please be sure before registering.
Non-Members: $67
Members: $37
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Saturday, October 3, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Each performer will be assigned a specific performance time block no later than September 23, 2026
Pole Pressure: 1322 14th St NW (Above Popeyes) Washington, DC 202-998-4858
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Open to anyone 18 years or older at the time of the competition
You do NOT need to be a Pole Pressure member to participate
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Yes! Competitors can change their level and/or category until September 9, 2026 @ 11:59 PM.
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Minimum: 2 minutes and 30 seconds
Maximum: 5 minutes
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Music is due no later than September 16, 2026 11:59pm
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Review ➡️ Pole Set Up
Two 45 mm 11ft stainless poles.
Review ➡️ Hoop Set Up:
The studio will provide a single point Lyra (performers can request a specific Lyra size and must provide that information no later than September 8, 2025).
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All equipment will be cleaned with at least 70% Isopropyl Alcohol before and after each performer.
Grip can not be applied directly to equipment.
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No full nudity
Minimum coverage: G-string and pasties are allowed
Clothing removal is permitted within these limits
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Yes—including human props
All props must be approved by the studio no later than September 16, 2026.
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By participating, you consent to photo and video recording for studio and event promotion.
No compensation will be provided for the use of your image.
If you DO NOT consent to this, DO NOT sign up for this event.
Alternative performance opportunities will be available that do not require public media use.
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Yes, you can! As a registered competitor, you’re eligible to rent the studio:
💰 Rate: $50/hour
👯♀️ Bringing Friends? $17 per additional person, per hour
📧 To Book: Email info@polepressure.com
Judging criteria
Sensual pole dancing category
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Technique: 45 Points
Artistic: 42 Points
Stage Presence: 23 Points
Concept Execution: 23 Points
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- Dance Ability (15 points): Strong technical foundation with clean lines, body awareness, and musicality.
- Strength (10 points): Controlled movements, confident lifts, and secure grips/hooks on the apparatus.
- Flexibility (10 points): Full range of motion in movements; clean, extended lines.
- Body Lines (7 points): Intentional and well-executed shapes—whether clean, curved, or angular.
- Balance (3 points): Ability to maintain control and stability in both static and dynamic movements.
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- Musicality (10 points): Choreography reflects and accentuates the music—using rhythm, accents, and lyrics.
- Movement Execution (20 points): Confident, seamless transitions and purposeful movement throughout.
- Gymnastic Ability (12 points): Takes risks through dynamic transitions, acrobatic elements, or innovative concepts.
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- Entertainment Value (26 points): Engaging performance with energy, expression, and charisma.
- Eye Contact (8 points): Establishes a deliberate visual connection with the audience or judges.
- Costume (6 points): Visually complements the routine; cohesive, intentional, and performance-appropriate.
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Understandable (10 points): The concept is clear and easy to follow—whether emotional, narrative-driven, or thematic.
Movement Quality (8 points): Choreography and transitions enhance and communicate the concept effectively.
Song Selection (5 points): Music choice supports and aligns with the overall concept or theme.
open pole & aerial hoop categories
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Technique: 45 Points
Artistic: 42 Points
Stage Presence: 13 Points
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- Dance Ability (15 points): Strong technical foundation with clean lines, body awareness, and musicality.
- Strength (10 points): Controlled movements, confident lifts, and secure grips/hooks on the apparatus.
- Flexibility (10 points): Full range of motion in movements; clean, extended lines.
- Body Lines (7 points): Intentional and well-executed shapes—whether clean, curved, or angular.
- Balance (3 points): Ability to maintain control and stability in both static and dynamic movements.
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- Musicality (10 points): Choreography reflects and accentuates the music—using rhythm, accents, and lyrics.
- Movement Execution (20 points): Confident, seamless transitions and purposeful movement throughout.
- Gymnastic Ability (12 points): Takes risks through dynamic transitions, acrobatic elements, or innovative concepts.
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- Entertainment Value (6 points): Engaging performance with energy, expression, and charisma.
- Eye Contact (4 points): Establishes a deliberate visual connection with the audience or judges.
- Costume (3 points): Visually complements the routine; cohesive, intentional, and performance-appropriate.
prizes
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You will receive…
72 In-Studio Class Credits (Valid for 1 year)
Unlimited Access to Live Stream Classes & On-Demand Library (1 year)
Early Access to monthly in-studio class sign-ups
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You will receive…
- 36 In-Studio Class Credits (Valid for 6 months)
- Unlimited Access to Live Stream Classes & On-Demand Library (6 months)
- Early Access to monthly in-studio class sign-ups
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In the event of a tie for 1st place:
Each winner will receive a medal
The class credits portion of the prize will be split equally between the winners
Open pole dancing categories
Show off your strength, style, and creativity—your way. This division welcomes all styles: tricks, flow, storytelling, power moves, and more.
Sensual pole dancing categories
Sensual, sultry, and storytelling-forward. This category highlights expressive movement, choreography, and stage presence above all.
Aerial hoop categories
Rise, spin, and soar in our aerial hoop division—designed for those who love to take their movement to new heights.
