Exceptional Athlete divisions will officially become part of The Cheerleading Worlds and The Dance Worlds beginning in April 2027, giving eligible U.S. teams the opportunity to compete for world championship titles.
The U.S. All Star Federation (USASF) has announced that CheerABILITIES and DanceABILITIES teams will compete for official Worlds titles for the first time in 2027, marking a significant change in how Exceptional Athletes participate in All Star cheerleading and dance's international championships.
The change, announced October 14, brings the divisions into The Cheerleading Worlds and The Dance Worlds beginning in April 2027.
Previously, these teams participated in the Exceptional Athlete International Championship (EAIC), which was held alongside Worlds but operated as a separate championship. Under the new structure, eligible U.S. teams will have the opportunity to earn bids and compete for Worlds titles.
From a Separate Championship to Worlds
Exceptional Athlete teams have participated in championship events connected to Worlds for years, but their competition remained separate from the official world championship divisions.
The 2027 change removes that distinction for eligible U.S. CheerABILITIES and DanceABILITIES teams, recognizing their competitive performances within the Worlds championship structure.
The move represents a change in competitive opportunities for athletes who previously participated in the EAIC, while maintaining divisions designed for Exceptional Athletes.
“Exceptional Athletes have long been part of All Star, and now they will have the same Worlds experience as other All Star athletes,” said Vanessa Vail, chairwoman of the USASF Exceptional Athlete Committee.
“We are proud to take this next step toward a global championship where every athlete has the opportunity to be seen and celebrated for what they bring to our sport.”
How CheerABILITIES Teams Can Qualify for Worlds 2027
USASF has outlined a virtual bid qualification process for U.S. elite division CheerABILITIES teams interested in competing at The Cheerleading Worlds in April 2027.
Teams may submit an unedited performance video recorded at a USASF-sanctioned competition hosted by a USASF Member Event Producer.
Up to five CheerABILITIES teams will be selected to receive At-Large bids, with a maximum of one team per club.
The published qualification requirements include:
Athletes must have a birth year of 2018 or earlier, with no maximum age requirement.
Teams must meet the applicable coaching credential requirements.
Submitted videos must show the entire routine, with all athletes remaining in the camera frame.
The number of competing athletes at Worlds cannot exceed the number shown in the qualifying performance.
A $100 entry fee applies to each routine submitted.
Video submissions are due February 8, 2027, at noon Eastern, with selected teams and scores scheduled to be announced February 12, 2027.
Teams receiving bids must accept them through the USASF member portal within 48 hours.
Full CheerABILITIES qualification instructions are available on The Cheerleading Worlds website.
DanceABILITIES Divisions Also Included
The expansion also applies to eligible U.S. DanceABILITIES teams, which will have the opportunity to compete for official titles at The Dance Worlds in 2027.
As with CheerABILITIES, the change moves DanceABILITIES beyond participation in the separate Exceptional Athlete International Championship and into the Worlds championship structure.
Dance teams and coaches should consult The Dance Worlds Exceptional Athlete information page for updated bid qualification requirements and championship details.
A New Chapter for Exceptional Athletes at Worlds
For Exceptional Athlete programs, the announcement changes more than the name of the championship in which they participate.
Teams that previously competed in an event held alongside Worlds will now have an opportunity to earn recognition as official Worlds champions.
The decision also reflects the continued development of competitive opportunities for Exceptional Athletes within All Star cheerleading and dance.
The Cheerleading Worlds 2027 is scheduled for April 23–26. Additional information about Exceptional Athlete divisions, eligibility and qualification is available through USASF and the official Worlds websites.
