FDC Code of Ethics:

Inappropriate Elements Choreography, costuming, and/or the use of dance themes such as rape, suicide, murder, sex, domestic violence, anorexia, and dark undertones chosen and/or presented to competition audiences with a lack of “artistic discretion” is considered inappropriate. The FDC appreciates the art form, creativity and desire to heighten world awareness of these themes through dance but deem it inappropriate to present them to audiences that include children of every age. We recognize that this is extremely subjective and sensitive. Each competition will use its utmost professional judgment and will individually address these performances as they surface at each particular event in the manner they deem appropriate. We urge all studio owners, teachers, and especially parents to keep performances thematically and choreographically appropriate.

Judges FDC judges are a combination of championship caliber competition studio directors, teachers affiliated with major dance studios, professional dance centers, and currently performing dance professionals. First and foremost, these judges are all well trained in multiple genres of dance and are sensitive to the various skill levels represented by the dancers’ differing ages. This mixture of age, breadth of dance experience, and extensive background in performing arts contributes to the diverse range of feedback judges can offer all our competitors. Every effort is made to provide feedback in five main areas: Technique, Choreography, Age/Skill Level, Appropriateness & Performance Skills.

Photography & Videography: Due to the prevalence of people of questionable nature and in order to abide by copyright law we urge all studio owners, teachers, and especially parents, to help keep our performers photographically safe. Each competition organization will address audience photography and videography of onstage performances individually in an appropriate manner.

Safety:
The safety of competition dancers is paramount. A Backstage Manager, Marley Floor, and First Aid Kit is a required standard at FDC events.

Choreography that allows any dancer to be physically placed more than 6 feet off the ground of any scenic piece or prop could be considered hazardous. Liquids, gels, aerosols, glitter etc. can adversely affect the dancing surface and can lead to unsafe floor conditions. All safety issues will be addressed by each competition organization on a case-by-case basis. It is up to the discretion of individual competitions to handle each situation appropriately.

(For a particular competition’s rules, please refer to its web site above.)