The Florida Dance Challenge welcomes competitors from all over Florida as we are an equal opportunity organization. To be eligible to compete, dancers must be between the ages of 7-18, as of January 1 of the competition year. Dancers must be enrolled in a dance program and attend the school they are registered under.
Elementary School Division: 2nd – 5th grade
Middle School Division: 6th – 8th grade
Junior Varsity Division: 9th – 12th grade
Varsity Division: 9th – 12th grade
ASSESSMENT Division (non-competitive groups or soloists)
All routines submitted to the Florida Dance Challenge will be adjudicated by a panel of judges, made up of dance professionals from across the country. Each program has the option of submitting pieces for assessment ONLY or for our competitive division. All pieces being submitted for assessment only will not be judged for placement awards. Instead, they will be adjudicated ONLY with the FDC assessment rubric. A rating of superior, excellent, good, or fair will be given based off the performance, and they will receive valuable feedback and critiques from the judges. Assessment level routines are NOT eligible for category awards, overalls high score awards, and/ or cash prizes.
COMPETITIVE Division is designed for trained dancers and established dance programs with significant dance training and competition experience. Dancers competing in this division typically train more than 5 hours per week in dance-related activities, train regularly and consistently in one or more dance disciplines, and have previous experience participating in dance competitions. They are generally part of an established school dance program, team, club or organization and have surpassed Novice-level technical training. They regularly participate in dance classes, rehearsals, performances, and/or competitions.
All Competitive Division routines will be adjudicated by a distinguished panel of dance professionals from across the country and evaluated using the FDC assessment rubric. Routines will be ranked from highest score to lowest score and will receive a rating of Superior, Excellent, Good, or Fair based on the dancers' performance. Competitive Division routines are eligible for category placement awards, overall high-score awards, and cash prizes.
*NEW* NOVICE Division is designed for new and developing dancers and programs with limited dance training and competition experience. Dancers in this division typically have approximately 1–3 years of total dance training, train no more than 5 hours per week in dance-related activities and have little or no previous dance competition experience. Novice dancers are generally not regularly competing in other dance competitions and may be part of a brand-new or developing dance program. They should demonstrate beginner-level technical and performance skills consistent with their training and experience.
For duet, trio, and group routines, the 60% of the dancers must meet the Novice Division eligibility requirements described above.
All Novice Division routines will be adjudicated by a distinguished panel of dance professionals from across the country and evaluated using the FDC assessment rubric. Routines will be ranked from highest score to lowest score and will receive a rating of Superior, Excellent, Good, or Fair based on the dancers' performance. Novice Division routines are eligible for category recognition, overall high-score awards, and select cash prizes.
WHICH DIVISION IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
In general, dancers should choose the Novice Division if they are new or developing dancers with limited training and competition experience. The Competitive Division is intended for dancers who have established dance training, train more than 5 hours per week, regularly participate in dance activities and competitions, and have technical and performance skills that have progressed beyond the Novice level.
Please Note:
All pieces will be adjudicated by three professionally qualified judges at the event. While dancers are on stage performing, each judge will simultaneously and individually record oral critiques, comments, and encouraging remarks into our state-of-the-art software. Each entry will receive a score out of 300 possible points. Every performance is expected to be age appropriate and family friendly.
Assessment /Competitive/Advanced Rubric
In the assessment, competitive and advanced divisions, each school will receive a plaque for their participation in the Florida Dance Challenge. In addition to the competitive division, all routines in each category will be awarded placement trophies.
Solos: The top 5 soloists in each grade level will be awarded placement prizes. First place will receive a trophy, while second through fifth places will receive medals. Each dancer is allowed to compete with a maximum of two solos; however, only one solo will be eligible to qualify for placement in the Top 5. In addition, the top five senior soloists will be recognized, with the first-place senior receiving a $500 scholarship to support the pursuit of a dance minor or major at a college or university.
Duets/Trios: The top 3 duets/trios (1 combined category) in each age division will be awarded placement awards. Performers in these routines will receive medals with their respective placement.
Ensembles: The top 3 ensembles in each age division will be awarded placement awards. Performers in these routines will receive medals with their respective placement.
Team Routines: All team routines in each category will be awarded placement trophies. The 1st place winning routine will also receive a banner and state champion sweaters for all performers in that piece. FDC reserves the right to limit awards based on number of entries in the category.
The "Best of FDC" awards will be presented to:
Special Awards: FDC judges will also award outstanding competitors with special awards in areas such as artistry, choreography, costuming, entertainment, technique and showmanship at their discretion.
A solo routine is performed by 1 dancer and can include any dance style. Each dancer may compete with only one solo in their division
A duet routine is performed by 2 dancers and can include any dance style.
A trio routine is performed by 3 dancers and can include any dance style.
An ensembles routine consists of 4-8 performers and can include any dance style.
An ensembles routine consists of 5-13 performers and can include any dance style.
An ensembles routine consists of 14 + performers and can include any dance style.
A jazz routine incorporates traditional stylized dance movements and combinations, formation and/or level changes, leaps and turns. Emphasis should be placed on proper technical execution, extension, control, and body placement. Back drops and props are not permitted in this category.
A jazz funk routine, a super-set of the jazz form of dancing is influenced by the Hip Hop dance style. Much like hip hop, jazz funk has often been fast-paced gestures and quick movement.
A pom routine uses poms to show visual effects and combines pom technique with dance technique. Poms must be used for 90% of routine. Pom routines are upbeat, lively and energetic. Backdrops and Props are not permitted in this category.
A high kick routine will be judged on the number and variety of kicks incorporated into the routine. Each team member must individually execute a minimum of 50 kicks at any level. Back drops and props are not permitted in this category.
A hip hop routine incorporate street style movement with emphasis on execution, creativity and body isolation while maintaining uniformity, control and rhythm. They must have CLEAN music lyrics and dance moves. Any inappropriate words or movement could result in score deductions.
A contemporary/modern routine incorporates movements based in ballet, lyrical or jazz but often use less traditional forms, moves or technique and have contemporary or modern like choreography, Backdrops and props are not permitted in this category
A contemporary/modern routine incorporates movements based in ballet, lyrical or jazz but often use less traditional forms, moves or technique and have contemporary or modern like choreography, Backdrops and props are not permitted in this category
Character/novelty/prop routine is choregraphed and executed with emphasis on character, theme, and/or props. If a prop is being used, it should be an important focus of the routine. Backdrops ARE permitted in this category and must be padded to protect the floor. The use of dangerous props that will damage the venue or harm people, such as: fire, sharp objects, explosives, etc. are not permitted. Props must be brought on and off the stage by teachers and/or parents in a timely manner.
A lyrical routine incorporates ballet, modern jazz technique with an emphasis on movements that are more fluid and graceful in nature. It is, by definition, emphasizing and expressing the lyrics of a piece of music or using choreography that demonstrates connection to the story of ideas in the music.
A ballet/pointe variation contains ballet technique and steps. Ballet/pointe shoes are encouraged but not required. Rosin on the shoe or floor is NOT permitted. Backdrops and props are not permitted in this category.
A combination of pom, kick, and hip-hop styles, and teams should demonstrate proficiency in each style. Teams should dedicate at least 25-30 seconds to each style, with movment complenting the music, emphasizing musicality and unison and evoking appropriate emaotional responses from the audience.