Competition Information
ABOUT
Dancers step into the spotlight, performing routines to music of their choice. Each routine is performed in front of a panel of judges, offering the chance to shine and receive valuable feedback from industry professionals.
Competition Divisions & Time Limits
| DIVISION | TIME LIMIT |
|---|---|
| Solo | 2:45 |
| Duo/Trio (2-3) | 3:00 |
| Group (4-9) | 3:00 |
| Line (10-15) | 3:00 |
| Extended Line (16-24) | 3:00 |
| Production (25+) | 5:00 |
There will be a 15-second "grace period" allowed for each routine. After a routine is 15 seconds over the time limit, 1 point will be deducted for each second past the "grace period." Time and classification limitations will be strictly enforced.
Age Divisions
| DIVISION | AGES |
|---|---|
| Open | 19-35 |
| Senior | 16-18 |
| Teen | 13-15 |
| Junior | 11-12 |
| Mini | 10 and Under |
All Ovation ages (Workshop & Competition) are determined as of January 1, 2026. For example: Ages for November 2025 events will be as of January 1, 2026, and ages for April 2026 events will be as of January 1, 2026.
- To reach the average age of an entry, add all the ages together and divide by the number of dancers in the entry. When averaging ages always DROP THE DECIMAL POINT. For example, if a routine average is 12.7, you would drop the decimal, therefore the routine would compete in the 11-12 year old age category.
- The average age of each entry must not drop more than one age division below the age of the oldest dancer in the entry, regardless of the actual average age. Example: an entry contains dancers ranging in age from 9-17, the entry may not compete younger than the 13-15 age category (one division younger than the oldest dancer - 17).
- Any routine with a dancer 21 years of age or older must compete in the Open age division (20+) regardless of the average age of the routine.
- Group routines with 4+ dancers are allowed to "age up" only to the next age division.
- Names and ages of all dancers must appear on the entry form or it will not be accepted.
- All competing dancers must be prepared to present a birth certificate should a question arise.
PERFORMANCE DIVISIONS
| GENRE | DEFINITION |
|---|---|
| JAZZ | Primarily jazz technique, utilizing up-tempo music. |
| BALLET | Primarily ballet or pointe technique, including classical steps and movements. |
| HIP HOP | Primarily hip hop technique. |
| TAP | Primarily tap technique. Routines demonstrating clogging technique and style may not compete in the tap category. |
| CONTEMPORARY | A fusion of many jazz styles with a strong emphasis on modern technique. |
| LYRICAL | A combination of jazz and ballet techniques to slow music incorporating emotional and storytelling elements. |
| MUSICAL THEATRE | Any routine interpreting a song from a Broadway or Movie Musical. |
| BALLROOM | Routine that consists of core elements of ballroom repertoire showcasing Traditional or Latin techniques. |
| SPECIALTY | Consists of all other categories: ethnic, acro/gymnastics, novelty, clogging, etc. |
| SHOWCASE | Entries that wish to perform for critiques only. These routines will not be scored and will not be eligible for Adjudicated or High Score Awards. |
| IMPROVISATION | Involves creating and executing movement spontaneously, without any premeditated movement. Dancers entered in this category will not know the song being played ahead of time. The DJ will ask the dancer what "style" they would like and then select a corresponding song at random. Length will be no more than 2 minutes and 30 seconds. |
PLEASE NOTE: Judges reserve the right to change the performance division of a number if they feel it is incorrectly placed.
JUDGES CRITERIA
- Technique: 50%
- Performance: 20%
- Choreography & Musicality: 20%
- Overall Appearance: 50%
ADJUDICATED AWARDS
OVATION, Palladium, High Gold, Gold, and High Silver awards will be presented based on the following combined scores:
- OVATION: 291-300
- Palladium: 282-290
- High Gold: 273-281
- Gold: 264-272
- High Silver: 255-263
PLACEMENT AWARDS
In addition to the adjudicated awards, a competitive 1st, 2nd or 3rd Place award will also be given to the highest scoring Solo, Couple, Group, Line, and Production, in each of the Mini, Junior, Teen, Senior, and Open age categories.
BEST OF OVATION (Mini, Junior, Teen, Senior, and Open)
AÂ select few Mini, Junior, Teen, Senior and Open routines will be chosen, by consensus of the judges, to receive the BEST OF OVATION Award. BEST OF OVATION Awards are presented to the routines that the judges feel are, overall, the most technical AND entertaining.
STUDIO SPOTLIGHT
The judges will select the top routine from each studio by consensus. This may or may not be the highest-scoring routine—it’s based on what the judges found most memorable.
AWARD WINNING EXCELLENCE
At Ovation, we’re raising the stakes with up to $25,000 in prize money awarded at every event! Earn major cash prizes for high-scoring performances! THE COMPETITION celebrates dedication, passion, and artistry by awarding cash prizes to the highest-scoring performances. Routines that demonstrate strong technique, creativity, and performance quality—based on our official scoring criteria—will be recognized with a cash prize for their hard work.
DANCEONE MEDIA SEASON PASS
Ovation offers professional competition photo and video services at each of our events. The DanceOne Media Season Pass is a one-time fee per dancer, per season. The Media Pass includes unlimited competition photos and videos at all DanceOne competitions, conventions, and special events.
