Dakota Aerial Championship 2026

About this event

The Dakota Aerial Championship returns November 12–15, 2026, bringing together aerial athletes, coaches, and studios for four days of competition, connection, and performance. DAC provides a professional, athlete-focused environment that celebrates artistry, technical excellence, and progression across all levels and apparatuses. Whether you are stepping onto the competition stage for the first time or returning to push your limits, DAC is designed to support and showcase your journey. Mark your calendar and be ready to secure your spot when registration opens June 1, 2026.

2026 Competition Dates:

Live: November 12-15, 2026 | Virtual: October 1-24, 2026

Registration Timeframe:

• Early Bird Registration: June 1 - August 16, 2026

• Standard Registration: August 17 - October 11, 2026

Approximate In-Person Performance Capacity: 240 Performances

In-Person Schedule Overview:

• Thursday, November 12 - Open Gyms and Registration

• Friday, November 13 - Open Gyms, Aerial Competition and Workshops (Tentative) • Competition may start as early as 12 PM CST, exact times TBD

• Up to 60 in-person performances

• Saturday, November 14 - Aerial Competition • 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM

• Up to 120 in-person performances

• Sunday, November 15 - Aerial Competition, Awards, Workshops (Tentative) • 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM - Competition

• 4:00 PM - Awards

• Up to 60 in-person performances

The tentative in-person schedule will be released by October 15, 2026

Virtual Schedule Overview:

• Virtual Video Submissions Open: October 1, 2026

• Virtual Submission Deadline: October 24, 2026

Music Submission Deadline: October 16, 2026

In-Person Competition Venue:

South Dakota Aerial & Arts

1200 E 3rd Street, Suite 113

Sioux Falls, SD 57103

South Dakota Aerial & Arts is located in the Global Square building. This building is an old elementary school with a full mezzanine and 26-foot ceilings. To get to the studio, enter through Door F on the south side of the building - additional parking is on the north side and on the street.

Registration Fees:

• Early Bird Registration: June 1 - August 16, 2026 • Solo (In-Person) - $120.00

• Solo (Virtual) - $105.00

• Duo - $175.00

• Group (Per Person, Minimum of 3 Performers) - $80.00

• Standard Registration: August 17 - October 11, 2026 • Solo (In-Person & Virtual) - $145.00

• Duo - $200.00

• Group (Per Person, Minimum of 3 Performers) - $90.00

Please register for each unique performance separately. No refunds will be issued after sign-up. You may not transfer your registration to another category.

Individual Registration:

You can register online at https://www.sdaerialarts.com/dakota-aerial-championship . You must pay a registration fee for each apparatus you wish to compete in. Registration must be completed before submitting any virtual entries. Studios can register as a team by filling out the spreadsheet on the Official Dakota Aerial Championship main page.

Register as a Team:

Studios may register by filling out the studio registration form. Once validated, an invoice will be sent for the full fee. Teams that are registering 10 or more performances through the studio registration form are eligible for a 5% discount. Registration must be done all at the same time to receive the discount. Participants who register as a team and compete virtually will have any awards sent to their studio.

Live Competitor List:

The live competitor registration list will be shared via the Dakota Aerial Championship Official Site once registration opens.

About the Dakota Aerial Championship:

The Dakota Aerial Championship was established in 2023 alongside the opening of South Dakota Aerial & Arts, an aerial fitness and performance studio based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

After participating in various aerial competitions across the region and country, our founders saw the need for a local event that prioritized community, camaraderie, and meaningful opportunities for growth. The Dakota Aerial Championship was created to offer an inclusive, welcoming competition experience where aerialists of all ages, levels, and backgrounds can showcase their skills, connect with others, and receive expert coaching and constructive feedback.

From its inception, the Dakota Aerial Championship has been committed to accessibility and inclusivity. We believe aerial arts are for everyone, and every ability should be recognized and celebrated. To extend this mission beyond our local community, we introduced virtual competition options that allow aerialists from anywhere to participate, share their artistry, and benefit from professional evaluations that support their continued growth.

Whether performing in person or virtually, every competitor is an important part of our growing aerial family. We are proud to provide a platform that uplifts, inspires, and connects aerialists across the region and beyond.