
Artist Awards
RULES & REGULATIONS
At Artist Awards, we are dedicated to creating a fair and welcoming environment at all our events. Our rules are thoughtfully designed to support and uphold these values.
Registration
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Studios that submit an RSVP will receive priority registration for events.
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Studio reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. A non-refundable deposit is required to secure your placement in your selected event. For more details, please visit the Director Registration page.
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All deposits will be applied toward your 2027 Registration. Deposits are non-refundable.
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Independent Solo, Duo, and Trio entries will be offered limited spots at each event.
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Independent entries must be submitted with full payment at the time of registration to secure a spot. This applies even if your studio is participating in the team event.
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If the event reaches capacity, any unpaid registrations will be automatically removed by the system.
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Some events may be limited to one solo routine per dancer.
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Entries are processed in the order they are received, and are subject to the availability of performance time at each event.
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If an event reaches full capacity, a waitlist may be offered.
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All entries, including music uploads and full payment, must be submitted through the online system no later than 30 days prior to the event. Failure to meet this deadline may result in forfeiting your spot and deposit.
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Studios have the option to submit payment via cashier’s check to avoid card processing fees. Contact by email to request the mailing address.
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By registering for an Artist Awards / Venue Productions event, participants grant permission for the use of their image in photos and videos for promotional purposes, including social media, TV, websites, and other marketing platforms. Participants also release all event organizers from liability for any injuries or damages related to the competition. Event facilities may require a separate participant liability waiver; you will be notified if this applies. Artist Awards / Venue Productions may contact studios directly or via email using the addresses provided during registration or RSVP submission.
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Please note that event details are subject to change based on venue availability and registrations. This may include adding or removing dates, as well as adjusting event locations and times based on registration numbers and venue availability. Artist Awards staff will make every effort to accommodate requests for each event.
Fees & Payments
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Solo, Duo, and Trio entry fees are listed on the Competition Info. page.
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Studio owners for exclusive promotions, pricing, and deadline information, please contact us at artistawardsinfo@gmail.com.
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A 3% processing fee applies to all card payments. Studios may avoid this fee by submitting payment by check.
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Entry Deadline: 45 Days Prior to Event; payment will be required by that date.
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Payments made less than 45 days before the event are subject to late fees: Solo/Duo/Trio - $10 per routine, Team - $2 per dancer.
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Unpaid registrations may be removed from the event if it reaches full capacity.
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Changes are not allowed once the final schedule has been sent out.
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Corrections to the spelling of song titles and participant names will be allowed up to 7 days prior to the event.
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Refunds/Transfers:
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Refunds will not be offered for cancellations. All fees paid will go to the registered event. Studio directors may reach out with any questions.
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No-Show Policy: Solo, Duo, and Trio dancers must check in with backstage staff 20 minutes before their scheduled performance time.
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Performers must take the stage within 15 seconds after the announcer's second and final call.
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No-shows forfeit all awards, and any registration fees (no refunds).
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Credits to future events may be given depending on circumstances.
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Funds can be transferred to another event if a credit exists on an account.
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Age Divisions
Age divisions are determined as follows: for teams, duos, and trios, the division is based on the average age of the dancers as of the competition date. For soloists, age is calculated individually as of the competition date.
DIVISION AGE
MINI 7 YEARS & UNDER
JUNIOR 8-10 YEARS OLD
PRE TEEN 11-12 YEARS OLD
TEEN 13-15 YEARS OLD
SENIOR 16-18 YEARS OLD
Genres
See the Competition Information page for descriptions on each Genre.
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Artist Awards reserves the right to divide or combine categories based on the number of registered participants.
Performance Levels
See the Competition Information page for descriptions on each performance level.
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It is recommended that your studio director or instructor review each routine and advise which level is best suited based on the dancers’ skills and experience.
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Team spotlight dancers are permitted, as long as they feature only 1–3 dancers (i.e., less than the majority of the team, particularly for small teams).
Routines
CATEGORY DANCERS
SOLO 1
DUO 2
TRIO 3
SMALL TEAM 4-8
LARGE TEAM 9-15
EXT. TEAM 16+
PRODUCTION 15-19
EXT. PRODUCTION 20+
Studio Owners, please note that discounted pricing is available for Ext. Team, Production, and Ext. Production routines. If you have any questions about pricing tiers, please email us at artistawardsinfo@gmail.com.
Adjudication Scoring
RANKING TOTAL SCORE
PLATINUM 288-300
HIGH GOLD 274-287
GOLD 260-273
HIGH SILVER 247-259
SILVER 246-230
Three judges will each score up to 100 points, for a possible total of 300 points. Routines will receive a placement of 1st–4th place. If a routine is the only entry in its category, it will receive a ranking instead. Rankings are determined by the routine’s total score and announced by medal level: Platinum, Gold, Silver, etc.
Adjudication Criteria
CATEGORY POINTS
CHOREOGRAPHY 25
PERFORMANCE DELIVERY 25
ROUTINE EXECUTION 25
TECHNIQUE 25
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Each routine is scored by a panel of 3 judges on the following; Choreography, performance delivery, routine execution, and technical ability.
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Two judges will provide constructive feedback through audio and video commentary. A third judge will focus specifically on guidelines and penalties. Artist Awards has professional, qualified, and experienced judges to ensure fair and valuable evaluations.
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In the event of a tie, the technique score will be used as the tiebreaker.
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Team spotlight dancers are permitted, as long as they feature only 1–3 dancers (i.e., less than the majority of the team, particularly for small teams).
Routine Time Limits
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Solo, Duo, Trio 3:00, Small Team (4-8 dancers) 3:00, Large Team (9+ Dancers) 4:00, Production (15-19 dancers) 8:00, Extended Production (20+ Dancers) 10:00.
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If you have a production routine that is over 10 minutes, email us @ artistawardsinfo@gmail.com. We are happy to assist with accommodating a longer performance time.
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For time limits there will be a 15 second grace period allowed for each routine.
Penalties & Point Deductions
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Any routine or dancer that is found to be breaking the rules will automatically be adjusted by our system or penalized.
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Incorrect skill level
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Depending on the execution of the skills out of registered level; points may be deducted, the participant(s) may be asked to perform again under the correct skill level. That and/or they may be moved to the correct skill level by Judges, and in their own category.
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Points will be deducted for not all applicable participants registered on a Team routines roster. All participants performing in a routine must be registered and listed, to verify the correct Age Division. Point deductions are based on how many participants were not registered for said routine.
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Points will be deducted for choreography, costume, or music that is not age appropriate or crowd friendly.
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Points will be deducted for loose glitter of any kind. This includes; glittered costumes/hair pieces, hair glitter, make up glitter, and especially spray glitter is not allowed. As there is a no glitter policy at most facilities.
Music
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Routine music must be uploaded 30 days before the event. To do so, log in to your account dashboard and click the 'Upload Music' button.
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Music must be submitted as: .mp3, .m4a, or .aif. Please do not upload music that has been sent to you via text, as it can then corrupt the music file.
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Be ready to provide back-up music, via iPhone, Computer, or Flash drive.
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Verify that all music uploads are correct at least 45 days prior to the event.
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If incorrect music is played during the performance, please notify Backstage staff immediately. If the music is not ready, the routine may be rescheduled to perform at a later available time.
Props
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As this is a stage-only event, all props must be covered with felt, carpet, or rubber to protect the stage surface.
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If your props or costumes leave any material or debris on the stage, please ensure it is cleaned up immediately after the routine.
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All props must be placed and cleared from the performance area within the allotted time. Exceeding the requested prop time may result in point deductions.
Stage
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Stages at convention or conference centers are generally 40’ wide by 28’ deep by 3ft high, with wing space. Other event locations, the stage and wing space vary. Please see the individual event page for stage details.
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Quality Marley dance floor will be provided at each event.
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Please note that loose glitter of any kind is not allowed. This includes; glittered costumes/hair pieces, hair glitter, make up glitter, and especially spray glitter is not allowed. As there is a no glitter policy at most facilities.
Competition Schedule
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A preliminary performance schedule will be emailed to registered participants and Studio Directors 3–4 weeks prior to the competition date. Any necessary schedule adjustment requests must be submitted via email.
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Please note that event details are subject to change based on venue availability and registrations. This may include adding or removing dates, as well as adjusting event locations and times based on registration numbers and venue availability. Artist Awards staff will make every effort to accommodate requests for each event.
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Dancers must compete in their scheduled order, unless permission is given by Artist Awards staff for costume change, prop, etc.
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Free optional Master Class for all registered dancers.
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This is offered at most events, contingent upon event space availability and adequate participant registration.
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Additional Policies & Details
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Artist Awards a Venue Production company reserves the right to update/change regulations and rules for the new competition season or year, without notice.
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Venue Guidelines: Some venues may maintain additional etiquette or facility-specific policies. These guidelines are in place to ensure the safety of all guests and provide a positive event experience. Please follow all posted and staff instructions.
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Patron Conduct: Artist Awards, a Venue Production event, is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. All individuals not performing are considered patrons and are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful, and responsible manner at all times.
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Please follow proper theater etiquette during performances by remaining seated, refraining from talking or moving about, and silencing electronic devices.
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Sportsmanlike behavior is expected from all participants, instructors, and patrons at all times.
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All attendees must follow general safety practices, venue or campus policies, and fire and safety regulations. Please note that individual venues may enforce additional rules, including bag or stroller checks and restrictions on outside food and beverages.
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Participant Conduct: Dressing rooms must be kept clean and orderly, with all trash disposed of in designated receptacles during and following use.
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Please follow assigned dressing room designations and respect others’ space and personal belongings.
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Aggressive, threatening, or disruptive behavior, including derogatory comments, shouting, excessive arguing, harassment, or verbal or physical altercations, is not permitted. Destruction of property or any illegal activity is strictly prohibited.
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Personal property may not be touched or moved without the owner’s permission. The only exception is when event or facility staff must relocate items for safety or operational reasons. In such cases, items will be moved nearby and the owner will be notified.
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For questions please submit a request below.
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