AWARDS

JUDGES CHOICE AWARDS

Judges Choice Awards are special recognitions chosen by the judges to highlight routines that stand out for unique or memorable reasons. They aren’t based on overall score or placement, but instead celebrate things like creativity, performance, choreography, and overall impact. These awards are given to solos, duets, trios, and groups.

STAND OUT TECHNIQUE

Stand Out Technique is awarded to a dancer or routine that demonstrates exceptional technical skill, including strong execution, control, and precision, making their technique clearly stand out on stage.

OUTSTANDING SHOWMANSHIP

Outstanding Showmanship is awarded to a dancer or routine that captivates the audience with exceptional stage presence, confidence, and performance quality.

NEXT LEVEL CHOREOGRAPHY

Next Level Choreography is awarded to a routine that stands out for its creativity, originality, and innovative movement, creating a unique and memorable performance.

SHOWSTOPPER RISING STAR

Showstopper Rising Star is awarded to a dancer who is beginning to make a strong impression on stage through their confidence, energy, and performance quality. It highlights a performer who is on the rise and showing clear potential to grow into a standout talent.

WOW FACTOR JUDGES CHOICE

Wow Factor Judges Choice is awarded to a routine that has it all! Technique, performance, choreography, and overall impact. It recognizes a performance that leaves a lasting impression on the judges, standing out as truly exceptional in every aspect and delivering that unforgettable “wow” moment on stage.

ADJUDICATION

At DNU we understand the importance of having an educated and qualified panel of judges to help ensure that coaches and dancers have an enjoyable, fair and competitive experience. Each routine will have designated points earned for choreography, execution, showmanship, and the overall and visual effect. Registrants will be provided with three recordings of voice commentary, and electronic score sheets from three highly experienced judges.

Judges' decisions are final.

DANCE NATION RANKING SYSTEM

PLATINUM

95-100

(285-300 total)

1st place

HIGH GOLD

91-94.9

(273-284.9 total)

2nd place

SOLO/DUO/TRIO ADJUDICATION

GOLD

87-90.9

(261-272.9 total)

3rd place

SILVER

under 86.9

(260.9 and under)

4th place

Routines will be grouped in sets of up to four competitors, based on age division, skill level, and genre
Groups may contain fewer than four routines depending on the total number of entries in a category
Each routine will receive a placement determined by the Dance Nation Ranking system
1st place solo, duos, & trios will win a tiara or hat
Solo/Duo/Trios with only one routine must earn a 1st place to receive a tiara or hat
All soloists, duets, and trios receive a trophy and a ribbon with Dance Nation Ranking
Banners will be awarded to the Top 5 soloists in each skill level (Novice, Beginner, Intermediate, High Intermediate, and Advanced)
Banners will be awarded to the Top 5 Duet/Trios in each group (not divided by skill level)
High Point winners will also be awarded a large crown and a High Point jacket

TEAM DANCE ADJUDICATION

Each studio will receive a large, personalized trophy
Directors will receive gems for each routine competed to place on team trophies, based on each routine’s ranking in the Dance Nation Ranking System
Team dances will be grouped into sets of four or fewer, based on age, skill level, and genre
Each routine will receive a placement according to the Dance Nation Rankings system
1st place routines will win a 1st place ribbon
Routines competing against themselves must earn a 1st place to win a 1st place blue ribbon
Banners will be awarded to the Top 5 routines in each skill level (Novice, Beginner, Intermediate, High Intermediate, and Advanced)
The team with the highest scoring routine of the competition will receive High Point jackets (All team members of that specific routine)
GRAND CHAMPION STUDIO: awarded to the studio with the highest overall average score across all routines