Prodigy Dance Championships Rules & Regulations

Prodigy Dance Championships is committed to delivering an elevated, transparent, and professional competition experience. The following rules and regulations outline our competition format, performance categories, scoring criteria, event policies, and participation requirements for the 2027 Championships season.

All participating studios, dancers, and attendees are responsible for reviewing and adhering to these policies.

1. COMPETITION LEVEL, CATEGORIES & TIME LIMITS

One level. More competition.

By competing in a single level, divisions are deeper, competition is stronger, and every placement means more. We believe championships should be earned against the best.

Performance Categories & Time Limits

Solo
1 dancer | 2 minutes, 45 seconds

Duo/Trio
2–3 dancers | 2 minutes, 45 seconds

Small Group
4–9 dancers | 3 minutes, 15 seconds

Large Group
10–17 dancers | 3 minutes, 15 seconds

Line
18+ dancers | 4 minutes

Production
4+ dancers | 8 minutes

Production

Production routines are large-scale, fully realized performances that combine choreography, staging, storytelling, and theatrical elements.

Productions may include props, set pieces, and additional performance elements that enhance the overall concept and presentation.

A Production should represent a complete theatrical experience beyond traditional group choreography.

Prodigy Dance Championships reserves the right to review routine placement to ensure all entries are competing in the appropriate category.

Extended Time

Additional performance time may be purchased for any performance category in 30-second increments.

No grace period will be provided beyond the approved time limit. Routines exceeding their allotted time without purchasing extended time may be subject to penalty.

Time limits are strictly enforced.

2. AGE DIVISIONS

Ages are determined as of January 1 of the competition year.

Group routines are placed into an age division based on the average age of all performers. To calculate the average age, add the ages of all dancers in the routine and divide by the total number of performers.

Decimal values are dropped when determining final age placement.

For example, a routine with an average age of 15.8 will be calculated as age 15 and placed in the Teen division.

A routine may not compete more than one age division below the division of the oldest dancer in the routine, regardless of the calculated average age.

Age Division Breakdown

Petite: Ages 6 & Under

Mini: Ages 7–9

Junior: Ages 10–12

Teen: Ages 13–15

Senior: Ages 16–18

Open: Ages 19+

3. PERFORMANCE STYLE DIVISIONS

Routines will be classified according to their primary dance style and performance content.

Jazz

A dynamic dance style emphasizing technique, musicality, and performance, ranging from classical to contemporary and commercial jazz.

Tap

A dance style emphasizing rhythmic footwork, musicality, and percussive technique.

Ballet/Pointe

Classical ballet technique performed in ballet or pointe shoes.

Contemporary

A versatile style that blends ballet and modern dance techniques with expressive movement and artistry.

Lyrical

A fusion of ballet and jazz emphasizing expressive movement, interpretation of lyrics, musicality, and emotional storytelling.

Hip Hop

A high-energy street-style dance form characterized by musicality, groove, foundations, rhythm, and dynamic performance.

Acro

A fusion of dance technique and acrobatic skills that incorporates flexibility, balance, strength, and controlled tumbling elements.

Musical Theatre

A theatrical dance style that combines movement, character development, and acting.

Ballroom

A dance style featuring traditional Ballroom and Latin dance techniques, patterns, and presentation.

Open

A category for routines that incorporate multiple dance styles or do not clearly fit within a single performance category.

All Star Lyrical

A lyrical routine performed in the All Star style, combining technical dance elements with emotional expression and storytelling.

All Star Pom

A precision-based dance style utilizing pom poms, sharp motions, visual effects, synchronization, and strong team execution.

All Star Hip Hop

A hip hop routine performed in the All Star style, emphasizing musicality, hip hop technique, formations, synchronization, and crowd appeal.

All Star Jazz

A dynamic dance style in the All Star style emphasizing technique, musicality, and performance, ranging from classical to contemporary and commercial jazz.

Category Reclassification

Prodigy Dance Championships reserves the right to reclassify any routine into a different category if the choreography, style, or performance content is determined to be more representative of another category.

Routine reclassification will occur without penalty.

4. ADJUDICATION & SCORING

Championship Criteria

All routines will be evaluated by a panel of qualified judges using the Prodigy Championship Scoring Criteria.

Judges will score each performance on a scale of 1.00–100.00, with scores awarded in tenth-point increments.

To ensure a balanced and comprehensive adjudication process, all judges' scores will be averaged to determine the routine's final score. No scores will be dropped.

In the event of a tie, the routine with the higher Technique score will be awarded the higher placement.

Scoring Criteria

Technique: 40%

Performance Quality: 30%

Choreography: 20%

Overall Execution: 10%

Adjudicated Awards

Prodigy: 96.00–100.00

Diamond: 92.00–95.99

Platinum: 88.00–91.99

Gold: 84.00–87.99

Silver: 80.00–83.99

Bronze: 76.00–79.99

5. Rules & regulations

Props & Production Elements

Prodigy Dance Championships encourages creativity and welcomes the use of props, set pieces, and additional production elements.

There is no set limit on the use of approved props or creative elements, provided they are safe, appropriate, and do not interfere with other competitors, judges, or event operations.

All props, special effects, set pieces, lighting requests, or additional production elements must be communicated to and approved by the Prodigy team prior to the event.

Prop Requirements

Props may not exceed 10 feet in height, including dancers standing on the prop or structure.

All props and set pieces must safely fit through standard venue doorways and loading areas.

Studios are responsible for providing any personnel needed to move, set, and remove props.

Setup and removal must be completed within two minutes total unless otherwise approved by Prodigy Dance Championships.

Additional setup or removal time requires prior approval and may incur an extended-time fee.

For the safety of dancers, judges, staff, and spectators, the following restrictions apply:

• No open flames, pyrotechnics, or hazardous materials are permitted.

• Liquids, powders, glitter, confetti, or materials that may damage the stage or create a safety concern are prohibited without prior approval.

• All props and production elements must comply with venue safety requirements.

Any prop, effect, or production element deemed unsafe or inappropriate may be modified or removed at the discretion of Prodigy Dance Championships.

Registration Requirements

All routines must be registered through an approved studio account.

Prodigy Dance Championships does not accept independent entries, including independent solo entries.

Soloists are not required to participate in group routines; however, all solo entries must be submitted under a registered studio and approved by the studio.

Entry Limits

Prodigy Dance Championships does not limit the number of entries per studio.

Soloists cannot compete against themselves. All solos entered by the same dancer must be registered in different performance style divisions.

Deadlines & Routine Changes

Studios are responsible for meeting all published competition deadlines, including registration requirements, schedule requests, routine changes, music uploads, and any required event documents.

All routine changes must be submitted no later than two weeks prior to the start of the competition.

Changes submitted after the deadline may not be accommodated.

Specific deadlines and submission requirements will be provided following registration.

Music Submission

All competition music must be uploaded through the studio's online registration account no later than two weeks prior to the start of the event.

Studios are responsible for ensuring that each music file:

• Is uploaded in the correct format. MP3 is the preferred format.

• Is assigned to the correct routine.

• Uses the routine name as the music file name.

• Plays properly before the submission deadline.

Studios are strongly encouraged to review all uploaded music files prior to the event.

Schedule Expectations

Studios and dancers should arrive prepared and ready to perform at least 60 minutes prior to their scheduled performance time.

Prodigy Dance Championships reserves the right to run ahead of schedule.

Failure to perform in the assigned order may result in the routine being changed to adjudication only.

This policy allows Prodigy to maintain a fair and efficient competition experience for all participants.

Event Conduct & Sportsmanship

Prodigy Dance Championships is committed to providing a positive, professional, and respectful environment for dancers, studios, judges, staff, and spectators.

NO ALCOHOL IS PERMITTED IN BACKSTAGE OR DRESSING ROOM AREAS.

All participants are expected to demonstrate good sportsmanship and respect throughout the event.

Disruptive behavior, inappropriate comments, excessive noise, or conduct that interferes with performances will not be tolerated.

Prodigy Dance Championships reserves the right to remove any individual whose behavior does not meet event expectations without refund.

Performance Content Standards

Prodigy Dance Championships is a family-friendly event.

Music, choreography, costumes, and performance themes should reflect an appropriate standard for all audiences.

Routines containing excessive violence, inappropriate themes, explicit language, or suggestive content may result in point deductions or disqualification at the discretion of the judges and Event Director.

Photography & Video Policies

By participating in Prodigy Dance Championships, studios, dancers, and attendees grant permission for Prodigy to capture and use photography and video from the event for promotional, marketing, and publicity purposes.

Personal photography and video recording are not permitted in performance areas or dressing rooms.

Professional photo and video services will be available following the event.

Livestream

Prodigy Dance Championships is proud to offer a complimentary livestream of the competition throughout the event weekend.

The livestream allows family members and friends who are unable to attend in person to enjoy the competition from anywhere.

Livestream access will be available through the Prodigy website.

While every effort will be made to provide uninterrupted coverage, livestream service is dependent upon venue internet capabilities and third-party technology platforms.

In the event of technical difficulties, our team will work diligently to restore service as quickly as possible.

We appreciate your patience and understanding should interruptions occur.

Dressing Rooms

Dressing rooms are provided for costume changes only and may not be used as rehearsal or practice spaces.

Female, Male, and Gender-Neutral dressing rooms will be available and clearly identified with signage at each event.

We value our venue partners and strive to maintain positive relationships year after year.

Please help us leave each space in excellent condition by cleaning up all personal belongings, costumes, food, and trash before leaving the dressing room.

Refunds & Credits

All payments, including registration deposits, are non-refundable.

No refunds will be issued for cancellations, withdrawals, or changes in participation.

Eligible payments may be applied as a credit toward the following year's Prodigy Dance Championships events, subject to approval by Prodigy.

Credits are valid for the following championship season only and cannot be transferred to Prodigy: The Dance Team Convention or applied toward any other Prodigy program or event.

Event Changes, Cancellations & Force Majeure

Prodigy Dance Championships reserves the right to modify event dates, schedules, venues, locations, and event duration, including adding or adjusting competition days, when necessary.

Prodigy also reserves the right to postpone, reschedule, or cancel an event due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to severe weather, natural disasters, public health emergencies, government restrictions, venue unavailability, labor disruptions, or other unforeseen circumstances.

In such situations, Prodigy will make reasonable efforts to communicate changes promptly and provide alternative arrangements when feasible.

Registration payments may be transferred to a rescheduled event or offered as credit toward a future Prodigy Dance Championships event, subject to applicable law.

Nothing in this policy limits any refund or other consumer rights required by applicable law.

Costume Malfunctions & Media Policy

In the event of a costume malfunction during a performance that results in unintended exposure, Prodigy Dance Championships will take immediate steps to protect the privacy and dignity of the affected dancer(s).

Any official photos or videos capturing the incident will be deleted from Prodigy's possession and control.

Re-Dance Policy

In the event of an unexpected performance interruption, including but not limited to a dancer leaving the stage, incorrect music playback, a fall, injury, or technical difficulty, studios and teams may request a re-dance directly through the Prodigy Dance Director.

All re-dance requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Approval is at the discretion of Prodigy Dance Championships and is not guaranteed.

The Dance Director will determine whether a re-dance is permitted and any applicable scoring or scheduling adjustments.

6. the preliminary round & overall awards

Earn Your Spot. Compete for the Championship.

Preliminary Round (The Prelims)

The Preliminary Round consists of all scheduled competition performances throughout the weekend.

All entries receive adjudication and critiques from our judging panel.

Soloists and Duo/Trios compete in The Prelims for Overall High Score Awards only.

Small Groups, Large Groups, Lines, and Productions compete for Overall High Score Awards and Finals qualification.

Based on the Preliminary Round results, qualifying group routines advance to The Finals for the opportunity to compete for the title of Prodigy Champion.

Overall Awards

Following the Preliminary Round, Overall Awards will recognize the highest-scoring routines across each age division and performance category.

Overall placements are determined by scores earned during the Preliminary Round.

The number of placements awarded in each performance category will vary based on the total number of entries within that category.

Overall Solo Champions

The Overall Solo Champions in each age division are invited to perform their solos during The Finals.

These solos do not recompete or receive additional critiques.

This is a celebratory performance recognizing their accomplishments during the Preliminary Round.

7. the finals

Finals Qualification

Finals qualification is determined through Preliminary Round scores and Prodigy's championship judging process.

Each participating studio is guaranteed at least one routine in The Finals, provided it has an eligible group routine competing in the Preliminary Round.

Studios competing in both the 12 & Under and 13 & Over divisions are guaranteed advancement for their highest-scoring eligible group routine.

The Finals will take place on Sunday following the completion of all Preliminary Round performances and Overall Awards.

The Championship Round

Groups advancing to The Finals will return to the stage to perform again.

Only the following performance categories are eligible for Finals qualification:

• Small Group

• Large Group

• Line

• Production

Finalists begin with a clean slate.

Scores earned during the Preliminary Round do not carry over into The Finals.

Scores from the Finals performances alone will determine the Prodigy Champion titles.

Championship Divisions & Awards

12 & Under Championship Division

Includes Petite, Mini, and Junior routines.

1st Place Champion
2nd Place
3rd Place

13 & Over Championship Division

Includes Teen and Senior routines.

1st Place Champion
2nd Place
3rd Place

8. important dates & deadlines

Registration

September 1, 2026
Championship Registration Opens

Six Weeks Before Each Event
Registration Closes

Competition Deadlines

Two Weeks Before Event
Final Routine Changes Due

Two Weeks Before Event
Music Submission Deadline

Prior to Event
Final Competition Schedules Released

2027 Championship Tour Dates

Sandusky, OH
March 5–7, 2027

Worcester, MA
March 19–21, 2027

Freehold, NJ
May 21–23, 2027

9. additional information

Prodigy Dance Championships reserves the right to modify, update, or clarify any rules, policies, procedures, awards, schedules, divisions, or competition information at any time as deemed necessary.

Any updates or changes will be communicated through official Prodigy Dance Championships channels.

All studios and participants are responsible for reviewing current competition information and complying with published policies.

For questions regarding competition rules, routine classification, event procedures, or participation requirements, please contact our team.

Email: admin@prodigydancetour.com