Competition Rules
& Information
Please read all rules and guidelines carefully before registering. By submitting a registration, all participants — dancers, parents, teachers, and studio representatives — agree to the policies outlined on this page.
Categories
Scoring
Awards
Driven Dancer
Music Guidelines
General Conduct
Payment & Refunds
| Division | Age Range | Eligible Entry Types |
|---|---|---|
| Mini | 5–6 years | Solo, Duo/Trio, Group |
| Petite | 7–9 years | Solo, Duo/Trio, Group |
| Junior | 10–12 years | Solo, Duo/Trio, Group, Driven Dancer |
| Teen | 13–15 years | Solo, Duo/Trio, Group, Driven Dancer |
| Senior | 16–18 years | Solo, Duo/Trio, Group, Driven Dancer |
| Adult | 19 and older | Solo, Duo/Trio, Group |
Movement-based storytelling emphasizing breath, weight, and personal expression.
Street-style and urban movement including breaking, popping, locking, and freestyle.
Emotional storytelling fusing ballet and jazz technique with musical interpretation.
Classical technique with emphasis on form, line, turnout, and precision.
Dynamic, rhythmic movement incorporating isolations, turns, leaps, and performance energy.
Percussive footwork with emphasis on rhythm, timing, and musicality.
Musical theatre-inspired performance combining dance, character, and storytelling.
Any style not listed above, or a fusion of multiple styles. Clearly indicate style in your entry notes.
Skill level, control, strength, flexibility, alignment, and cleanliness of execution relative to age and division.
Stage presence, facial expression, connection to the music, and the ability to engage and hold an audience.
Creativity, use of space, musicality, transitions, and appropriateness of choreography for the age and style.
The intangible “wow factor” — the quality that elevates a routine beyond its individual components.
| Award Type | How It Works |
|---|---|
| Category Placements | Top 3–5 placements awarded within each style category and age division. Number of placements depends on total entries in that division. |
| Overall — Solo | Top 3–10 overall placements for solo routines within each age division, regardless of style. Number of placements depends on total entries in that division. |
| Overall — Duo/Trio | Top 3–10 overall placements for Duo/Trio entries within each age division. Number of placements depends on total entries in that division. |
| Overall — Group | Top 3–10 overall placements for Group entries within each age division. Number of placements depends on total entries in that division. |
| Driven Dancer | One winner per eligible age division (Junior, Teen, Senior). See Driven Dancer section for full details. |
Each Driven Dancer entry includes three routines performed across the competition day, showcasing the full range of a dancer’s artistry and versatility.
Open to Junior (10–12), Teen (13–15), and Senior (16–18) dancers only. One winner is selected per division.
Judges may award up to 2 bonus points based on the variety of styles across a dancer’s three routines. Performing in diverse styles is rewarded.
Attendance at the awards ceremony is mandatory to receive the Driven Dancer award. Winners not present at the ceremony forfeit their award.
All routines — Solo, Duo/Trio, and Group — must not exceed 3 minutes in length. Routines exceeding the time limit will receive a point deduction.
Music must be uploaded in .mp3 or .wav format during registration. No other file formats will be accepted. No CDs or physical media.
- Music must be uploaded at time of registration through the online form. Music cannot be changed after registration closes.
- All music must be edited to the correct length before uploading. Do not submit full-length tracks.
- Music must be appropriate for family viewing and the dancer’s age division. The competition director reserves the right to disallow inappropriate music.
- It is the studio or dancer’s responsibility to ensure their music file plays correctly. Bring a backup on a USB drive to the event as a precaution.
- Driven 2 Dance is not responsible for technical issues arising from corrupted or incorrectly formatted files.
General audience admission is $10 per person. Children aged 4 and under are admitted free. Tickets may be purchased at the door.
Photography and video recording of any kind — including on phones — is strictly prohibited during competition and awards. This protects dancer privacy and choreographer rights.
- Costumes: All costumes must be age-appropriate and suitable for family viewing. Overly revealing costumes for Mini and Petite divisions will not be permitted. The competition director reserves the right to request modifications.
- Props: Props are permitted but must be set up and removed by the performers. Dangerous props, open flames, or anything that could damage the stage or floor are strictly prohibited. Notify the competition director in advance if you plan to use a large prop.
- Performance Order: Routines must perform in their scheduled order. Holding a routine out of order without prior approval from the competition director will result in a point deduction.
- Warm-Up: Dancers should be ready and warmed up at least 30 minutes prior to their scheduled performance time. The competition schedule may run ahead by up to 30 minutes.
- Sportsmanship: Negative comments about other dancers, routines, or studios will not be tolerated and may result in disqualification or removal from the event.
- Judge Interaction: Participants and studio representatives may not approach or speak to judges at any time during the event. All scoring decisions are final.
- Unclaimed Awards: Awards not collected at the event will not be mailed. It is the responsibility of the studio or dancer to collect awards before leaving.
All registration fees are paid at the time of submission through our secure online checkout. Major credit and debit cards are accepted.
Registration deadline will be announced. Entries submitted after the deadline may not be accepted. Check this page for updates.
- No Refunds: All registration fees are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled by Driven 2 Dance.
- Owner Exceptions: Refund requests may be considered at the sole discretion of the competition director. To request a review, contact us directly at info@dancedrivenevents.com.
- Event Cancellation: In the event that Driven 2 Dance cancels the competition, all registered participants will receive a full refund.
- Entry Changes: Changes to registered entries (routine title, category, division, music) must be submitted before the registration deadline. No changes will be accepted after the deadline.
Reach out before registering — we’re happy to help clarify any rules or entry requirements.