• All ages will be recorded as of January 1, 2026.
• Age categories for all entries will be determined by taking the average age of all participants in that entry and dropping the decimal point.
• Proof of age: A birth certificate may be required upon request. Ms. Toni should have received a copy of each dancer’s birth certificate at the beginning of the season.
• Adjudication Age Divisions:
  
  • Mini – 5-6 years
  • Petite – 7-9 years
  • Junior – 10-12 years
  • Teen – 13-15 years
  • Senior – 16-19 years

Rules:

• Upon registration the performance level of each dancer is chosen by the studio director.
• Routines are calculated based on the level of each dancer. The majority of the group determines the level of the routine. If a dance is 50/50 split, the dance will be placed in the higher level.
• Duos/Trios: The highest-level dancer determines the competitive level of the routine. No exceptions.
• If 2 or more judges agree that a routine is not in the correct level, that routine will be bumped to the appropriate level determined by the judges. If a routine is bumped to the appropriate level, the judges will re-evaluate their scores to reflect the proper scoring grid for that level.
• All Production routines compete by age division only and are not assigned a level. Productions are scored using the Competitive scoring grid, with High Score awards presented in the 12 & Under and 13 & Up age divisions.

Levels:

• Novice - For dancers with little to no competition experience. Novice dancers may compete in up to 6 routines (Productions not included) and are limited to one Novice solo.
• Intermediate - Recommended for dancers with moderate competition experience. Intermediate dancers may compete in up to 9 routines (Productions not included) and are limited to two Intermediate solos.
• Competitive - Recommended for dancers with significant competition experience. Dancers performing 10 or more routines (Productions not included) must compete at the Competitive level. Competitive dancers may not perform in Novice routines and may compete with unlimited Competitive solos.

Only the dance styles that our studio competes in are listed below, but you can visit the Turn It Up Dance Challenge website to view all available categories and divisions. Any routine that is placed in the incorrect category will be changed to the correct category.

• Acro – Blending dance technique with acrobatic movement, this style highlights tumbling skills, transitions, strength and flexibility.
• Character – A style reflecting pop culture or theatrical themes through dynamic and expressive movement, often incorporating stylized footwork and gestures.
• Contemporary – Blending many traditional styles of dance, contemporary emphasises fluid movement, innovative techniques and emotional expression.
• Hip Hop – A dance style that originated in street culture, this style includes a wide range of movements, from dynamic popping and locking to smooth, rhythm-based grooves.
• Jazz – A style incorporating sharp, rhythmic movements with smooth, fluid transitions, emphasizing both technical precision and emotional expression. Skills often include isolations, leaps, turns, kicks, etc.
• Lyrical – A style that combines ballet and jazz techniques, emphasizing expressive and fluid movements to convey emotion and storytelling through music.
• Musical Theater – A performance style that blends acting and dancing to tell a story through expressive choreography, often portraying specific characters and emotions from stage shows, theatre productions, or Film Musicals. Lip sync is allowed.
• Open – A versatile style that allows for a mix of styles and techniques. Routines in this style have the freedom to incorporate elements from various genres, showcasing creativity and individual expression.
• Tap – This style is performed in tap shoes, using the feet to produce rhythmic sounds with the floor. Tap focuses on timing, rhythm and coordination.

Additional Rules:

• A maximum of 4 acrobatic tricks may be done in any category except acro and open or any production routine, which may have an unlimited number of tricks.
• An acrobatic trick is considered anything where both feet pass over the head and the body is airborne. Such as, but not limited to, back handspring, back tuck, front/side aerials, etc. An acro pass is considered one trick. (Example: Round off back handspring, round off back handspring back tuck).
• The following movements are not included in the acrobatic trick count: handstands, cartwheels, front/back walkovers, forward rolls, kip up variations and other transitional movements.
• If an entire group executes one aeriel at the same time or in a ripple effect, that is considered 1 trick.

One point will be deducted for every 5 seconds over time limit. Timing will begin when music starts (if no music, once dancers take first step) and will stop when last performer is off the stage. This does not include prop removal.

• Solo: 2:50
• Duo/Trio (2–3 dancers): 2:50
• Small Group (4–9 dancers): 3:50
• Large Group (10–19 dancers): 3:50
• Line (20+ dancers): 5:50
• Production (15+ dancers): 6:50

If a dancer is removed from a routine for any reason once the final schedule has been sent to studios, the following rules apply:

• Any routines in the trio, small group, large group, line, or production division will perform in the original division assigned & will have the option to be announced down one dancer.
• A duo that is down a dancer is allowed to switch the performance to a solo ONLY if Turn It Up Dance Challenge is notified of this change prior to the event. If notified of the change on site, the routine will remain in the duo division & be announced down one dancer. This routine will be eligible for adjudication ONLY.

• Each entry will be judged by a highly qualified panel of judges. All judges’ decisions will be final. Contacting or speaking to judges is strictly prohibited at all times.
• Routines will be scored out of a possible 300 points (100 points from each judge). Judges will consider technique, execution, stage presence, choreography, and difficulty while scoring.
• Ties for first place only will be broken by the highest technique score.
• Points may be deducted if a routine contains more dancers than were registered.
• Any routine that a judge feels is not appropriate is subject to point deductions or even disqualification. If a judge flags the routine as not appropriate, the flag will be reviewed by the head judge and context regarding the flag will be noted in your studio score sheets after the event.

High scores will be given out at every regional and national competition. Turn It Up Dance Challenge recognizes the top scoring awards in each age category in the Novice, Intermediate, and Competitive levels. The high score in each age group will win cash prizes and scholarships. Each routine will receive one adjudicated street sign and pins for all registered dancers in that routine. Turn It Up Dance Challenge will announce 1st place in each category per level & age.

High Score Rules

• Top 15 Solo High Scores and Top 10 Group High Scores are awarded in each age division and level.
• A minimum of 5 routines in an age division and level is required to be eligible for cash awards or scholarships. For Lines and Productions, if fewer than 5 routines compete, the routine must earn a High Platinum or higher to receive a scholarship award.

Scoring Grid:

Novice

• High Platinum: 275–300
• Platinum: 264–274.9
• High Gold: 254–263.9
• Gold: 253.9 and under

Intermediate

• High Platinum: 280–300
• Platinum: 269–279.9
• High Gold: 259–268.9
• Gold: 258.9 and under

Competitive

• Platinum Pro: 291–300
• High Platinum: 282–290.9
• Platinum: 271–281.9
• High Gold: 261–270.9
• Gold: 260.9 and under

Additional Awards:

• Judges Special Awards – At each regional and national competition, Turn It Up Dance Challenge recognizes unique and entertaining performances with Special Awards. These awards are hand-selected and presented directly by the judges' panel.
• National Dance Team Invitation - At each regional competition, Turn It Up Dance Challenge judges select outstanding routines to join the Turn It Up National Dance Team. All dancers in the selected routine are invited to participate for that competition season. Only Competitive and Intermediate routines can be invited to participate on the Turn It Up National Dance Team.
• Heart of Gold – Presented to one soloist in each age division who demonstrates exceptional heart, soul, and passion in their performance. Winners receive a Heart of Gold medal and letter and will be featured on the Heart of Gold Winners page at www.iDance4aCure.org.
• Judges Choice Awards – At each regional and national competition, judges will select routines that stand out in the following categories:
  • Choreography Award – Presented to the routine that showcases outstanding, creative, or complex choreography.
  • Most Entertaining – Presented to the routine that captures the judges' attention with an exciting and highly entertaining performance.
  • Technical Excellence – Presented to the routine with the highest technique score. Productions are not eligible.
  • Outstanding Costume Award – Presented to the routine with the most unique or memorable costume.

Only dancers competing at the Competitive level are eligible for Title. Title awards are presented in the Mini, Petite, Junior, Teen, and Senior age divisions. Contestants submit a headshot, introduce themselves to the judges' panel, and perform one solo. Each dancer may enter one solo for Title. Winners are determined by a combined score from all three components. At each Regional and National competition, a Title Winner and 1st–5th Runners-Up will be announced.

• Turn It Up Dance Challenge is not responsible for any lost or stolen items during any competition. Please take extra precautions.
• All participants and attendees are expected to demonstrate good sportsmanship and treat others with respect. Also, participants are expected to be respectful of dressing rooms making sure to leave it the way you found it upon arrival. When in the audience, please stay seated and keep talking to a minimum during all performances.
• ABSOLUTELY NO PERSONAL PHOTO OR VIDEO are allowed during performances at any of our events. If any Turn It Up crew member sees any audience member taking photos or videos during performances, they will be approached and asked to stop. Failure to comply could result in removal from the performance space.
• For safety reasons, dancers may not jump off the front of the stage or approach the judges table.
• Coaching from the wings or audience is not allowed at any time throughout a performance. Doing so may result in point deductions.
• Unless a piece of choreography has been copyrighted, Turn It Up Dance Challenge cannot enforce ANY plagiarism policies.
• Competitors may only compete with one studio per event.
• Entry fees and deposits are non-transferable and non-refundable.
• Rules and Regulations are subject to change each season.