Rules

At Dance Machine, we encourage studio spirit and fellowship among studios. If you come with an attitude of we are “here to win” or “here to beat others,” then this is not the competition for your studio/school. We promote an environment of positive energy and growth of the students.

Dance Machine philosophy: Competition is not about “beating out others” but improving yourselves, appreciating what you have learned and acknowledging others' accomplishments. Everything else is icing on the cake!

Studio directors may contact our office for entry fees and online registration information. 

Every dancer and studio receives FREE PHOTO AND VIDEO of all routines they perform at Regional Competitions, National Championships, and the National Titles Competition!!!

Dance Machine is part of the America’s National Dance Championships (ANDC) Family of Competitions & Conventions.

Dance Machine as a part of the ANDC Family of Competitions & Conventions expects all studios that participate in events to maintain a high moral standard, keep a positive attitude, and encouraging nature. Dance Machine is designed to be a learning experience and an opportunity for everyone to be recognized for their accomplishments. We offer twenty categories, three competition levels, six overall age divisions, a titles division, and many fun and free divisions to show your studio’s spirit. Dance Machine promotes a family-geared environment. Routines that are seductive, contain explicit lyrics, and suggestive material could result in substantial point deductions. We expect all entries to be appropriate for family viewing. We also expect all parents, teachers, and dancers to use good moral character and values at the competition. We encourage good sportsmanship!!! Not following these moral guidelines could cause a studio to be asked not to return to our events.

1. RECREATIONAL: This level is for dancers who only take a class or are in an instruction situation 3 hours or less a week. This level is for Beginning dancers and/or those with little or no experience in a competitive environment. Recreational Dancers are limited to 1 Solo. Just because a dancer is a beginner or has limited experience does not mean they have to be entered at this level; if they have the hours and the skill, give them the push. Dancers with TWO or more solos must enter at the Intermediate or Advanced Level. 
2. INTERMEDIATE: This level is for recreational students, those who only take class or practice in an instructional situation for less than 5 hours per week. This includes all solo, duo, duet, and trio times, as well as weekly practice time in addition to classes.
3. ADVANCED: This level is for dancers who take a class or are in an instructional situation for more than 5 hours per week and is open to any and all participants. If a dancer’s skill level is truly advanced, they need to be entered at the Advanced level regardless of the number of hours taken per week. 

**Level hours are based on all classes taken, not by each style of dance taken. So if a student takes ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, and acrobatics, all of these classes should be added to determine levels. If additional ballet/technique classes are taken or weekly solo/duet/trio classes are taken, these should also be included in the tally of hours.

You will compete in the division entered. Please do not ask us to change it on the day of competition!

Because NO competition can possibly know how many hours a child dances or for how many years they have danced, teachers are left to their own sound judgment when entering routines. The judges may elevate routines that are obviously under-placed. All decisions are FINAL.

Three Important Rules Applying to Level Placement

1. Soloists may only perform one solo and be entered in the RECREATIONAL Level. If performing multiple solos, then a dancer must enter in the Intermediate or Advanced Level. 
2. Duet/Trios need to enter at the highest level of dancer. EXAMPLE: A trio has two Intermediate Dancers and one Advanced Solo Dancer; it needs to be entered at the Advanced Level. The same goes for a Duet/Trio; if one dancer is Advanced for Solo, it needs to be entered at the Advanced Level. 
3. If 50% of a group routine is a higher level, then the group needs to be entered at a higher level. 

Divisions

• Solo (1 Performer)
• Duet/Trio (2-3 Performers)
• Small Group (4-9 Performers)
• Large Group (10-19 Performers)
• Super Group (20+ Performers)
• Production (15+ Performers and have a theme or tell a story) **Production has an extended time limit**

Our Policy on Teachers/Professionals Competing: This is a sensitive issue; however, this is our policy. WE OFFER AN ELITE DIVISION… Any routine solo, duet/trio, or group with a teacher in the routine must compete in the ELITE DIVISION; this is regardless of average age. ELITE DIVISION will have its own top score awards separate from other divisions but will not have levels. Teachers may be in production numbers with no restrictions on age division. We will treat each situation individually, and our decision will be final. When in doubt, please ask! By Dance Machine Productions policy, a Teacher/Professional is anyone who has graduated high school and is paid to teach/choreograph classes/solos/duet/trios over two hours per week.

Regional Title: All Soloists are eligible for Regional Title unless they hold a National Title in the ANDC Family of Competitions & Conventions. There is no FEE for the regional title. A regional title winner is selected in each overall age division. Any soloist scoring a Platinum Adjudication or higher at a regional competition may enter the National Titles Competition held in July in Wilkesboro, NC at The Walker Center on the Campus of Wilkes Community College. 

National Title Competition: As stated above, soloists scoring a Platinum Adjudication or higher at a regional competition may enter the National Title Competition. It is held in July in Rockingham, NC at The Cole Center. National Contestants compete in Interview, Class, an On Stage Introduction, and Solo Routine. All National Title Information will be posted on the “Titles” page before the Regional Season begins. The National Title Holders have the opportunity to Tour with Dance Machine ANDC; they help with awards, emcee, and lead activities at regional/national competitions.

• Tiny Division (6 & under) **No Levels**
• Mini Division (7-8)
• Petite Division (9-10)
• Junior Division (11-12)
• Teen Division (13-14)
• Senior Division (15-19)
  If entries merit then Senior SOLOS will break into (15-16) & (17-19)
• Elite Division (20 +) **No Levels**

All Ages for Regional and Nationals as of January 1, 2024

Teachers may contact the office for regional/national entry fees. We are very competitive in the industry with our entry fees. 

(877) 647-7326 or [email protected]

We may ask for proof of studio ownership.

Photogenic is only accepted on-site at competitions and is $50.00 per photo.

All fees are nonrefundable for any reason! A credit may be issued if proof can be given that a performer is unable to participate due to an injury or family emergency. In the event of any government restrictions, we will work with each studio individually to work out the best solution for all parties. We will REFUND if a competition is not able to be held due to any Government Restrictions.

The Dance Machine Adjudicated awards are: 
Judges' scores are combined for a Total Score, determining the Adjudicated Rating Award.  Below are the Rating Values and each judge's Score Range for the adjudication level. 

Power Diamond (291-300) Judge (97-99)
Power Platinum (282-290) Judge (94-96)
Platinum (270-281) Judge (90-93)
Elite Gold (261-269) Judge (87-89)
High Gold (252-260) Judge (84-86)
Gold (240-251) Judge (80-83) 

**All Competitive Levels are scored on the same Adjudication Scale**

Each soloist and member of a Duo/Duet/Trio will receive their own adjudicated award. Each dancer that participates in group routines will be awarded a participation lapel pin for each routine. The Teachers/Directors will be awarded a Dance Machine Adjudicated Award for the studio. Lapel Pins will be bagged by group and given out on stage to groups.

Each routine will receive a digital score sheet that will be uploaded to studio accounts and an Audio/Video Critique for each entry. Scores and Critiques can be accessed on your studio Dashboard in the registration system. We do ask that you allow 24-48 hours after a regional competition for everything to upload and publish to your account.

Overall Recognition will be awarded in Solo, Duet/Trio, Small, Large, and Super Group, and Production Divisions, within each overall age division and competitive level. The 1st Place overall scoring group routine in each overall age division and competitive level will be awarded a Top Score Dance Machine Award; divisions will go out to a Top 10 for Top Score Recognition.

Other awards given will include The Crowd Pleaser Award, The Choreography Award, The Entertainment Award, The Innovation Award, and the ADCC Studio of Excellence Award.

Bravo Awards are selected by the judges for outstanding performances, creative concepts, and awesome potential.

NEW in 2025...Judges may choose Routines to be Awarded the "High Voltage Award" for Powerful, Innovative, Inspiring, or Captivating Routines! This will be awarded on stage immediately following the routine's performance.  The announcement will be accompanied by Lights & Sounds that signal that a High Voltage Power Performance is being Awarded.  

Champion Awards for Top Scoring Groups and Productions will be awarded. These could be by Age Division or Level based on competition size and number of entries in levels.

MUSIC needs to be uploaded in advance of the competition using our online system. All music should be recorded at a proper speed. FOR EMERGENCY, it is advisable to have a duplicate Flash Drive available. 

TIME LIMITS: Solos, Duet/Trios 3:00 min, Groups 4:00 min, and Productions 10:00 min (Time limit includes entrance/exit and prop setup); If extended time is needed for entries, contact the office for procedure.

NUMBER OF ENTRIES: Entries will be on a first come, first served basis and will be limited to the amount of performance time available. DANCE MACHINE reserves the right to add additional competition days or move the competition location due to unforeseen circumstances. Dance Machine also bears the right to refuse entries at their discretion.

VIDEOTAPING AND PHOTOGRAPHY IS PROHIBITED at Dance Machine and ANDC Family Competitions. This is for the protection of all performers and studios. We give FREE PHOTOS AND VIDEO of every routine for performers and studios at regional competitions and national championships. 

Use our ONLINE Entry System to submit routines. A schedule email will be sent via email 10-12 days before the regional competition. Unpaid entries will not be scheduled. A general performance schedule will be posted on the website a week prior to the competition. If entry fees are not paid, we will not allow performers to participate in the competition. ALL ENTRIES SHOULD BE PAID BY CERTIFIED FUNDS or CREDIT CARD. Double-check all entries before submitting them, as a “change fee” will be applied to your account if changes are needed once the schedule is created.

ALL FEES ARE NONREFUNDABLE FOR ANY REASON… Credits can be issued for future events based on the individual situation. Studio directors must facilitate this communication; our office will not speak with performers' parents/guardians.

Routines awarded an Elite Gold Award or higher qualify to compete at one of our Dance Machine-America’s National Dance Championships Finals, The Clash of the Champions held in June in North Carolina and July in Tennessee. 

Photogenic Entries: Entries must bring to the competition a recent 5 x 7 or 8 x 10 in black and white or color to the competition. On the back of the photo, list the name, age, and studio. Photos will be returned to the merchandise table at the conclusion of the age division. Dance Machine is not responsible for any damages to the photograph submitted. You must enter photogenic on the day of the competition. You do not have to be a registered competitor to enter the photogenic category, but you must be affiliated with a registered studio. DO NOT SEND PICTURES OR MONEY FOR PHOTOGENIC ENTRIES - you must enter at the competition. There is a $50.00 fee per photo entered in the photogenic category. Each competition will have a limited number of photogenic entries. Photos will receive an Adjudicated Award and are eligible for Top Score Awards. Top Scoring Photogenic Awards will be presented at Group Awards during regional competitions. 

Absolutely NO forms of liquids (including water), gels, aerosols, glitter, confetti, etc., which may affect the stage surface, may be used during a routine. All props must be in place within the given time limit of the routine unless certain circumstances warrant reasonable additional time due to the stage location and conditions.

All routines must compete on the day and time assigned. Entries that do not compete on their assigned day and time will be adjudicated but will not be eligible for top score awards.

Any change in competition days and/or times is at Dance Machine's sole discretion and will be determined by the amount of time available at each regional competition.

A studio schedule will be emailed 8-10 days before the competition date if paid in full. Dance Machine does not have a general format we follow at our regional competitions. Every regional schedule is based solely on the breakdown of entries by solos, duets/trios, groups, and productions for that particular event. We do not have this breakdown in numbers until all of the entries have been processed, and at that time, we set up a schedule that will best accommodate the participants in that competition. We would rather go later on a Saturday, so it is not a late night on a Sunday when participants have school or work the next day. This would not always be possible if we had a general format.

Dance Machine reserves the right to extend or condense the number of days of competition or move the competition location due to unforeseen circumstances.

The dance machine rules will be evaluated and enforced individually based on what is best for all parties involved. We pride ourselves on being FAIR!!!

Maxx Opportunities, Inc. DBA Dance Machine/The ANDC Family of Competitions & Conventions and the hosting facility are not responsible for personal injury or property loss. A panel of well-qualified judges will judge contestants, and all judges' decisions will be accepted as final.

Categories where acrobatic/gymnastics tricks are not allowed are specified; in other categories, please keep tricks to less than five or enter in open. Questions? Please ask us. No limit to tricks in character, cheerleading, musical theater, or pom-pom categories.

• Acrobatic: A routine containing acrobatic technique with dance steps to connect movement.
• Ballet: A routine containing ballet technique and steps. No arco/gymnastic tricks.
• Baton: Use of baton technique, while using a baton, with dance steps to connect movement.
• Character: A dance routine of any style that portrays a recognizable character.
• Cheerleading: Routine can include chants, tumble passes, lifts, stunts, pom pons, and dance.
• Clogging: A routine using clogging technique and steps. We also offer clogging line, clogging moving line, and clogging exhibition for clogging group routines. These are available in our online entry system.
• Contemporary: A blend of modern and lyrical styles with an edge.
• Ethnic: A routine using movement native to particular culture or nationality.
• Hip-Hop: A routine consisting of pop-locking, funk, or street style dance.
• Jazz: A routine using jazz technique and steps.
• Lyrical: Routine must contain interpretation of music, use of extension, control, and balance.
• Modern: The interpretation of idea with the use of isolations, contractions, and demonstrate a feel for music.
• Musical Theatre: A routine portraying a Broadway or film character or theme, vocalization and lip-sync is allowed.
• Open: A combination of dance styles and any acrobatics/gymnastic tricks are allowed.
• Pointe: routine containing ballet technique and steps while wearing Pointe shoes. No acrobatics/gymnastics tricks.
• Pom-Pom: A routine using pom-poms with dance movement.
• Song and Dance: A routine using both vocal singing and dance.
• Tap: A routine containing tap technique and steps. Try to avoid tap sounds in music.