AWARDS

JUDGES CHOICE AWARDS

Judges Choice Awards are special recognitions given at the discretion of the judging panel to highlight routines that stand out for unique or memorable reasons. These awards are not necessarily based on overall score or placement, but instead celebrate elements such as creativity, performance quality, storytelling, choreography, stage presence, or a moment that simply resonated with the judges. Because they are subjective and personalized, Judges Choice Awards allow the judges to acknowledge routines that made an impact beyond the score sheet.

STAND OUT TECHNIQUE

Stand Out Technique is awarded to a dancer or routine that demonstrates exceptional technical skill, including strong execution, control, precision, and proper placement. It recognizes performers who go above and beyond in their technique and make it noticeably 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. It recognizes choreography that is thoughtfully crafted, visually engaging, and pushes beyond the expected to create 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.

Platinum 95-100 285-300 total

High Gold 91-94.9 273-284.9 total

Gold 87-90.9 261-272.9 total

Silver Under 86.9 260.9 and under

Judges' decisions are final.

SOLO/DUO/TRIO ADJUDICATION

Routines will be grouped in sets of up to four competitors, based on age division, skill level, and genre.
Each routine will receive a placement determined by the Dance Nation Ranking system.
Groups may contain fewer than four routines depending on the total number of entries in a category.

TEAM DANCES ADJUDICATION

Team routines will be grouped into sets of four or fewer, based on age division, skill level, and genre.
Each routine will receive a placement according to the Dance Nation Rankings system.