Apply to Judge the Dakota Aerial Championship 2026

The Judging Application is Open for the Dakota Aerial Championship 2026

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We are currently seeking qualified judges for the 2026 Dakota Aerial Championship.
For 2026, judging will transition to a fully in-person judging panel, creating a more consistent, professional, and collaborative scoring experience for competitors.

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This is an exclusive opportunity for experienced aerial professionals who are passionate about supporting the growth of the aerial arts community.

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The 2026 Dakota Aerial Championship will take place November 12–15, 2026, with judges expected to be available for the full event schedule. Travel days may include November 11 and November 16, depending on scheduling.

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Selected judges will receive:

• Judge compensation

• Lodging accommodations

• Travel reimbursement up to a pre-approved maximum amount, as outlined in the official judging agreement

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We are seeking judges who are:

• Professional aerial performers, studio owners, or experienced coaches

• Minimum of 5 years of aerial experience

• Prior judging experience preferred, but not required

• Have diverse aerial knowledge across multiple apparatuses and the ability to fairly evaluate routines in a variety of disciplines

• Comfortable judging across aerial silks, aerial hoop / lyra, hammock / sling, trapeze, straps, loop, and specialty apparatuses

• Able to evaluate technique, execution, artistry, and difficulty across multiple levels and age divisions

 

All judges must be able to:

• Provide number scores in real time using the Dakota Aerial Championship scoring system

• Provide written feedback for competitors following the event

• Participate in judge meetings and scoring discussions as needed

• Commit to the full event schedule if selected

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To maintain fairness and objectivity, the following eligibility rules apply:

• Judges may not reside in South Dakota

• Judges may not judge their own studio

• Judges may not judge studios located within 80 miles of their home studio

• Judges must have a minimum of 5 years of aerial experience

• Judges must not have conflicts of interest with competitors or studios attending the event

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Because lodging, travel, and compensation are provided, this position requires a firm commitment.

If a selected judge withdraws after accepting the position, for any reason other than emergency, the following will apply:

• The judge will not be eligible for future judging opportunities with the Dakota Aerial Championship

• Any lodging, travel, or event expenses already paid on the judge’s behalf must be reimbursed

 

We take judge selection seriously to ensure a high-quality experience for all competitors and to maintain the integrity of the event.

 

To apply, please submit:

• Resume / experience summary

• Performance, coaching, and judging background

• Studio affiliation (if applicable)

• City and state of residence

• Apparatus specialties (if any)

• Full availability for the event weekend

 

We are proud to continue growing the Dakota Aerial Championship into a respected regional competition and are looking for judges who want to help uphold a high standard for the sport.

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Apply by July 31, 2026