The Dakota Aerial Championship
The Dakota Aerial Championship is a national aerial arts competition and festival hosted by South Dakota Aerial & Arts, welcoming performers of all ages and levels. Compete in silks, lyra, hammock, and specialty apparatuses through in-person and virtual divisions.
2026 Competition Dates:
Live: November 12-15, 2026 | Virtual: October 1-24, 2026
All Awards Announced: November 15, 2026
Registration is Open:
Standard Registration: Open thru October 11, 2026 Approximate In-Person Performance Capacity: 240 (Currently 65%+ Full)
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Ways to Compete
The Dakota Aerial Championship offers a unique competition experience that gives competitors the option to compete in-person or virtually.
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Virtual competitors must take a one-take video following our outlined script to submit a their performance.
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In-Person competitors will compete at South Dakota Aerial & Arts over the weekend of November 12-15, with Friday, November 13 and Saturday, November 14 being the core competition days.
In 2025, we welcomed 100 virtual competitors and 140 in-person competitors. We offer opportunities for individuals of all ages, and are proud to host many adult and cross-generational aerial competitors each year. When 2026 registration opens, we will share the list of registered competitors. Age and level divisions will be shared when registration is closed, as we strive to keep groupings as fair as possible. You can read more about competition grouping in the Official Dakota Aerial Championship packet.
Aerial Apparatus Categories
Aerial Silks
Aerial Hammock/Sling
Aerial Hoop (Lyra)
Specialty
Competitors can perform across any aerial apparatus that can hang from a pulley rig point. The standard Dakota Aerial Championship competition categories are aerial silks, aerial hammock, aerial hoop and specialty apparatuses. Additional categories may be segemented from the specialty category if at least three individuals are utilizing the same apparatus.
Aerial competitors may compete as a solo, duo or group.
Official Rules
Version 4.2 - Updated 8/20/2026
See the Dakota Aerial Championship aerial competition official rules, division information, judging criteria, and more.
Version 4.2 further expands on the code of conduct, added the updated schedule and links to spectator ticket sales, updated the plagaiarism proceedings, and added information about our 2026 live judges.
Download the competitor performance packet here:
2026 Registration is Open:
In 2025, in person-registration sold out. We have added more in-person performance slots in 2026 (240 spots available). Take advantage of early registration to save big, and lock in your performances. In person registration is 68% FULL as of 8/20/26
Registration Fees:
Standard Registration: August 17 - October 11, 2026
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Solo (In-Person & Virtual) - $145.00
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Duo - $200.00
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Group (Per Person, Minimum of 3 Performers) - $90.00
Ways to Register For DAC
Register Individually
Registration opens June 1, 2026. Aerial performers can register to compete virtually or in-person through October 11, 2026, by filling out the online registration form. Submit each apparatus registration separately.
Individuals of all ages and levels are welcome and encouraged to compete.
Register as a Team
Studios can register their team by filling out the team registration sheet and emailing it to info@sdaerialarts.com.
Once registration is received and validated, a member of the DAC Team will send over an invoice for registration. Teams who register 10 or more performances will receive a 5% discount.
In-Person Competition Venue
The in-person competition in the beautiful South Dakota Aerial & Arts studio. This studio was transformed from an elementary school gymnasium and auditorium into a stunning aerial stage.
The studio will have 140+ chairs seated on the ground level, and 80+ bleacher seats in the upstairs mezzanine area.
Rig points are 24 feet high and fitted with cables or 4:1 pulleys.
Navigate to South Dakota Aerial & Arts:
1200 E 3rd Street, Suite 113 Sioux Falls, SD 57103
Spectator Tickets
All spectators to the event are required to purchase a ticket to attend.
Kids Under 5: Free
Pre-Sale Online Tickets - Available until November 7, 2026:
Kids 6-9 Years Old: $15.00
Individuals 10+: $20.00
Tickets at the Door:
Kids 6-9 Years Old: $18.00
Individuals 10+: $25.00
Tickets are valid for the full length of the event. Accessible seating and entrances are available upon request. Request an accessible seat by emailing info@sdaerialarts.com.
Get The 2026 Official DAC Shirt
Order the Official Dakota Aerial Championship 2026 Shirt.
Tank tops and t-shirts in kid and adult sizes are available for competitors, parents, and spectators.
Pre-order the Official Shirt for $25.00
Limited shirts will be available in person for $30.00
Shirts can be shipped for free when ordered with the group registration form.
A Look at The
Dakota Aerial Championship
Frequently Asked Questions
1- Where is the Competition Located?
The in-person competition is located at South Dakota Aerial & Arts in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States. Their studio has a full mezzanine of bleacher seating, 140 accessible floor seats and has a beautiful black curtain for a backdrop.
Their address is:
1200 E 3rd Street, Suite 113, Door F
Sioux Falls, South Dakota, 57103
2- Can I Bring My Own Apparatus?
Absolutely! We offer standard equipment for use for aerial silks, aerial hammock and lyra.
Just make sure that your apparatus follows the guidelines outlined in the competitor packet. Group routines require studios to bring their own equipment, due to the unique nature of the routines.
3- When Can I Submit My Virtual Performance?
Virtual performances can be submitted using the virtual submission form. Reference the virtual submission window to make sure you submit within this time period. Please read all of the rules and requirements prior to submitting your routine. A script is provided that must be read on camera before your performance is recorded.
4- When Will I Compete?
Virtual competitors must take and submit a one-take performance video by October 24, 2026.
In-person competitors can compete between Friday, November 13 - Saturday, November 15. The final schedule will be announced once registration has closed.
Workshops will be hosted throughout the weekend. More information on the schedule will be shared as we get closer to the event.
Awards will be hosted and livestreamed starting at 4:00 PM CST on November 15, 2026
5- How Long Will it Take to Get my Judging Feedback?
Full judging feedback and comments will be provided to coaches and athletes within approximately two weeks from the end of the event. This feedback will be sent via email. All scores will be shared in the livestreamed awards on November 15, 2026 and shared within 24 hours of awards on our website.
6- How Can I Submit My Music For Approval?
Submit your music using this form. Music is due by October 16, 2026. Make sure your music follows the guidelines for your division and category as laid out in the competitor packet. Note: music will not be reviewed for content prior to the competition. Please follow the competition rules when submitting music to avoid deductions during the in-person competition. Virtual competitors do not need to submit their music.
7 - Is There a Poster I Can Print For My Studio About The Event?
Yes! Here is a downloadable PDF for the 2026 Competition.
Have Questions?
If this is your first aerial competition - we put a resource together for you to help you prepare for the DAC 2026 - check it out.
Have general questions? Contact South Dakota Aerial & Arts and the Dakota Aerial Championship team at info@sdaerialarts.com or at 605-215-1505.
We want to bring our Aerial Championship to your city - if you run a studio in the United States that is interested in hosting a competition, we'd love to chat. Email us at info@sdaerialart.com.
2025 Dakota Aerial Championship Competition Photos
View and purchase your official 2025 Dakota Aerial Championship competition photos here. Relive the moments, celebrate your hard work, and download high-quality images captured throughout the event.
Click the button below to browse the gallery and secure your favorites.
