Rules & Regulations

Group Size and Time Limits

Division *Time Size
Solo 2.45 1
Duet/Trio 2.45 2-3
Small Group 3:00 4-9
Large Group 4:00 10-19
Line 4:00 20+
Production 6:00 20+
*Extended times are permitted

Age Divisions
Petite: 8 and Under
Junior: 9-11 years
Teen: 12-14 years
Senior: 15-19 years
Adult*: 20+ (Adult Category-see note below)

Age Cut Off: January 1st

Average Age: Round down or drop decimal

Adult Category:
Any performer 20 years or older dancing in any solo, duet/trio or group is NOT eligible for the High Point and is considered to be in the Adult division. Adult division will include Teacher, Pro, Parent, etc.

Bump Rule:
Duet/Trios or Groups including dancers of different age divisions will compete no more than one age division younger than the oldest dancer, regardless of average age. For example: if a group includes a dancer age 16 (senior) and the average age is 11 (junior), the group will compete one level above junior – age 12 (teen).

Prop Rule:
For safety measures, all props (free standing or hand held) are restricted to a maximum height of 10 feet. In addition, a dancer may not stand above 6 feet. The use of safety railings may be used; however, the total prop height with railings may not exceed 10 feet.

50% Rule:
Not more than 50% of any duet/trio or group may be the same and compete against themselves in the same age group of the same category.

Littering:
No form of liquid, gel, aerosol, glitter, etc. may be used that would effect the dancing surface.

Photography:
No camera of ANY KIND is allowed during a performance.

Learn more about our National Points Champion (The Pinnacle Cup)

Judges:
FDC judges are a combination of championship caliber competition studio directors, teachers affiliated with major dance studios like Broadway Dance Center, 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. Minimum FDC judges’ feedback for every entry includes comments in four main areas: Technique, Choreography, Age/skill level appropriateness and Performance Skills.