1. Small Local Competitions: These competitions may be held at a single studio or community centre and typically last for one day. They may feature a variety of dance styles and age groups and can last anywhere from a few hours to a full day.
2. Regional Competitions: These competitions are usually organized by a regional dance association or organization and may attract dancers from multiple cities or states. They typically take place over a weekend and can last anywhere from one to three days. Regional competitions may feature multiple rounds, including preliminary, semi-final, and final rounds.
3. National Competitions: National dance competitions, such as those organized by the Dance Educators of America (DEA), United Dance Association (UDA), or Hall of Fame Dance Challenge (HOF), attract dancers from all over the country. They usually take place over several days and can feature multiple rounds, including preliminary, semi-final, and final rounds. National competitions often have strict eligibility requirements and may require dancers to qualify through regional competitions.
4. International Competitions: International dance competitions, such as the World Dance Championships or the Dance World Cup, bring together dancers from all over the world. These events are typically held over a week or more and feature multiple rounds and a wide variety of dance styles and age groups. International competitions often have rigorous selection criteria and may require dancers to qualify through national competitions or invitations.
It's important to note that the length of a dance competition can also depend on the number of competitors, the number of dance styles represented, and the specific rules and format of the event.