TOUR INFO
Join us in a city near you and take the Ultimate Challenge!
- – Safe, welcoming, inclusive events
- – INCREDIBLE Studio Owner Rebates and Incentives
- – Over $125,000 in cash scholarships awarded annually!
- – exciting National championship FEATURING DANCE-OFF, GALA AND DANCER OF THE Year events
Schedule, Fees & Deadlines
Schedule Of Events
1 OR 2 DAY EVENTS
A 1 day event is typically on Saturday. A typical 2 day event is 12 & Under on Saturday and 13 & Over on Sunday.
3 OR 4 DAY EVENTS
A 3 or 4 day schedule will begin with Teen and/or Senior solos on Thursday/Friday afternoon after 3:00pm, 12 & Under on Saturday and 13 & Over on Sunday.
NOTE: This is an outline and all schedules are subject to change due to number of entries. Final schedules are sent to studios and available on our website 7 days prior to the start of event.
Fees
Fees are disclosed to Studio Owners and their office staff only, through the ADA registration portal. Studios can email us to receive an ADA eBrochure that outlines all fees, rules & regulations for the season.
To receive a studio incentive on entry fees, your account’s invoice must be paid in full online at least 4 weeks prior to the event.
Account holders can pay by credit card or eCheck. We no longer accept checks by mail.
ADA does not accept Independent entries from parents/dancers. All dancers must be registered by a studio.
Deadlines
The deadline for entry is 5 weeks prior to the start of the event. Fees are due 4 weeks prior.
Events can close prior to the deadline, if they are at capacity. We highly recommend submitting your entries early to secure your spot!
Studios are to upload their music and make any necessary music changes to their entries up until 7 days prior to the event, when the system will lock. If you change your music after this deadline, it will not be what is played on site!
Categories & Time Limits
| Category | Number of Dancers | Time Limit (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|
| Solo | 1 | 2:45 |
| Duo/Trio | 2-3 | 3:00 |
| Small Group | 4-8 | 3:30 |
| Large Group | 9-17 | 3:30 |
| Class | 18+ | 3:30 |
| Extended | 4+ | 6:00 |
| Production | 10+ | 10:00 |
Age Divisions & Classifications
DETERMINING AGE DIVISIONS: All ages are as of January 1st, 2026. The age of the entry is determined by the average age of the dancers, dropping the decimal. Our online registration program calculates the average age for you.
Bump Rule: Duo-Production entries may not compete more than one division below the age of the oldest dancer in the entry, regardless of the calculated average age. For example, any entry having one or more dancers that fall into Senior (16-19), must compete as Teen (13-15), one age division below the oldest dancer. Our system will bump these entries up for you.
Age Divisions
- 6 & Under
- Young: Ages 7-9
- Junior: Ages 10-12
- Teen: Ages 13-15
- Senior: Ages 16-19
- Adult: Ages 20+
ADA offers multiple level classifications of competition, a place for every dancer!
COMPETITIVE: Dancers with competition experience, training at an Intermediate to Advanced level. This is for dancers wishing to compete for medal standing, Overall High Scores, Choreography and Costume awards, Ultimate Challenge and cash scholarships.
NOVICE: Beginner dancers with limited to no previous competition experience. Group entries must be at least 75% Novice dancers. High Score Novice awards will be based on the amount of entries and ADA reserves the right to group all Novice Solo-Production entries in overall standings.
CDA rules may vary, click here for more details
ADDITIONAL CLASSIFICATIONS
PRO-AM: Dancers who are 20 years or older, studio owners, teachers, or professional performers. In addition, if you currently choreograph/assist 5 or more routines at your studio or are paid for any choreography, teaching, performing outside of your studio, you must enter under this classification. We ask that you use your best judgment. One professional makes the entire routine Pro-Am. Pro-Am is eligible for regional costume and choreography awards, but will only be eligible for Overall High Score Pro-Am if there are 4 or more Pro-Am entries.
MEDAL STANDING ONLY: Dancers who wish to compete for an adjudication, judges’ critiques and Special Awards. These entries are not eligible for High Score awards.
NON-COMPETITIVE: Dancers who wish to compete only for judges’ critiques and Special Awards. These entries are not eligible for High Score awards. This classification can be used by a dancer who is performing a second solo in the same subject/style, or for teachers who wish to perform and not compete.
Important Information Pertaining to Classifications
The Novice and Competitive classifications have been developed to afford different levels of dancers the opportunity to participate in ADA and to separate the classifications to present high score awards to each.
A Novice entry does not use a different scoring scale or is scored higher based on their classification. All entries are adjudicated by the same standard as far as scoring, however the adjudicator’s critiques will be geared towards the level of training outlined in each classification.
While these placements are at the studio’s discretion, we appreciate the honest and fair leveling of your dancers.
Adjudication System
Three scoring judges with up to 100 points each:
195-209 Honorable Mention
210-229 Bronze Medal
230-239 High Bronze Medal
240-254 Silver Medal
255-269 High Silver Medal
270-284 Gold Medal
285-300 Ultimate Gold Medal
Ultimate Challenge Medals
All soloists are eligible at NO EXTRA CHARGE! Soloists that receive a score between 290-300 (Teen & Senior)/ 287-300 (Young & Junior) will receive an Ultimate Challenge medallion. The Ultimate Challenge is the most elite award you can receive as a soloist at American Dance Awards, as it is our qualification to compete for America’s Dancer of the Year at Nationals! There is no limit on how many competitors can receive an Ultimate Challenge score, and there are no guarantees that an Ultimate Challenge score will be awarded in a Regional.
Any soloist who receives an Ultimate Challenge score regionally is invited to compete for America’s Dancer of the Year in their respective age division at our National Championships. They will be awarded with an Ultimate Challenge Medal and a Dancer of the Year jacket! All Ultimate Challenge medal recipients are expected to compete for America’s Dancer of the Year at the National level.
Please note: If there are no Ultimate Challenge scores in an age division, the soloist(s) with the highest score will receive an ADA Regional Dancer of the Year jacket and an invitation to compete at Nationals.
High Score in Category Awards
4 or more entries – 1st place certificate presented
7 or more entries – 1st & 2nd place certificates presented
10 or more entries – 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place certificates presented
All entries must score a Gold or Silver medal to receive a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place certificate.
High Score by Classification
High Score awards will be presented based on the number of entries in each classification (Novice, Competitive, Pro-Am). Awards are determined by performance score only.
Regional High Score Cash Scholarships
High Score Solo (12 & Under and 13 & Over) – $75 scholarship
The following awards will be presented in age divisions Young, Junior, Teen, Senior as determined by performance score:
High Score Duo/Trio – $75 scholarship
High Score Small Group – $100 scholarship
High Score Large Group, Class, Extended, Production – $150 scholarship
Overall Highest Adjudication
Performance & Choreography score combined!
Top 3 Small Group – Production entries will be awarded in 12 & Under and 13 & Over, with 1st place receiving a
$300 cash scholarship!
Scholarships are given at the discretion of American Dance Awards, determined by the number of entries in a category. ADA reserves the right to combine high score awards based on the number of entries.
All winnings will be automatically in your studio account to use at an upcoming Regional or National event.
Additional Awards: High Score 6 & Under, Costume Awards, Solo Choreography Awards, Diamond Choreography Awards, Young Choreography Awards, Special Awards
Diamond Choreography Awards
Choreography Awards are presented at each regional event, called the Diamond Choreography Awards. They are presented to the choreographers with the top scores in Duo – Production, in 12 & under and 13 & over.
As regional Diamond Choreography awards are the qualification for America’s Choreographer of the Year at Nationals, entries must be choreographed by weekly, in-house teachers and/or studio owners to be eligible for Diamond awards. “In-house” is defined by a teacher who has scheduled weekly teaching hours through the duration of the season at your studio. Guest choreographers are not eligible.
Diamond Choreography winners are eligible to compete at the National Championships for America’s Choreographer of the Year, a $2,000.00 cash scholarship!
Young Choreography Awards
Choreographers age 21 years old and younger may enter their Duo – Production choreography in the Young Choreographer category. There is no limit to the number of entries a Young Choreographer may submit. Winners from each regional event are eligible to compete for America’s Young Choreographer of the Year at the Championships for a $1,000.00 cash scholarship! Young Choreographers are not eligible for Diamond Awards.
Special Awards – An American Dance Awards Tradition!
Our 4th judge is a Special Awards judge, who records critiques but does not score. This judge presents awards for such qualities as outstanding precision, showmanship, use of staging and patterns, technical execution, emotional connection, and more! This awards presentation is full of valuable insights, teaching moments, and special recognitions. At American Dance Awards, our Special Awards are always personal and truly special.
Rules & Regulations
By entering any American Dance Awards (ADA) or Canadian Dance Awards (CDA) event, it is agreed that all students, parents, teachers, and accompanying individuals will adhere to the following rules.
Studios are responsible for distributing these to all participating families.
Liability & Code of Conduct
Liability
Upon entering any ADA or CDA event, all participants (students, parents, teachers, relatives) agree not to hold ADA/CDA, its staff, directors, or host venues responsible for injury or loss of property.
Professional Conduct
All participants will uphold the values of respect and support of the dance community. Any derogatory remarks or negative behavior toward other studios or dancers will not be tolerated.
Respect for Staff and Judges
The results of the competition are final. No teacher, student, or parent may approach or question judges or directors. Our panel is selected to provide professional, fair feedback and adjudication.
Gracious Sportsmanship
All dancers are expected to graciously accept awards and express gratitude when presented.
Dressing Room Etiquette
Dressing areas are shared. No studio may “claim” private space for changing or warm-up.
Studios are responsible for cleaning up their changing area. Abuse of dressing spaces may result in disqualification or removal from the event.
No photography, videography, or filming is allowed in dressing rooms or backstage.
Disruptive Behavior
No one may walk in front of the judges’ table during a performance.
No dancer may sit on the floor near the judging area.
Coaching from wings or the audience is strictly prohibited.
Any teacher, parent, or student engaging in inappropriate behavior may be disqualified or removed from the event.
Contact Protocol
Parents/students may not contact the ADA office directly. All communication must go through the participating studio.
Performance Policies
Schedule & Running Order
Performances will follow the final schedule. No intentional changes to performance order will be allowed. Exceptions must be approved on site by the Director or Event Manager in cases of extenuating circumstances.
Check-In Policy
All entries must check in with the Stage Manager at least five (5) numbers before their scheduled performance. ADA does not hold numbers unless prearranged.
Appropriate Content
All music, choreography, and costuming must be age-appropriate and family-friendly. Any entry deemed inappropriate or discriminatory will be penalized or disqualified at the sole discretion of the judges and/or directors.
Music Policy
All studios must abide by the ADA Music Policy as outlined above.
Food & Beverage Policy
Only ADA staff and judges may have food or drink in theatre/auditorium spaces.
Props
Props must be free-standing. ADA does not provide electricity or stage lighting adjustments.
Props may not be spray-painted in the venue or parking lot.
If a routine leaves behind “litter,” a prearranged cleanup crew must follow immediately.
Prop handlers may not wear studio-branded clothing.
Dangerous Items Prohibited
No knives, swords, guns or other dangerous props are permitted.
Entry & Scoring Regulations
Entry Limits
There is no cap on overall entries per studio/dancer.
A soloist may not compete in the same subject more than once (a second solo in the same subject must be Non-Competitive).
Soloists are limited to three (3) solos per event.
Duo/Trio entries may not compete against themselves in the same subject unless 50% of the dancers differ.
Productions may include the same dancers in multiple routines within the same category.
Category Corrections
If a judge determines an entry is miscategorized, it will be adjudicated appropriately but not penalized. National entries must be submitted in the subject they were adjudicated under at Regionals.
Judging Method
All participants accept the method of judging as determined by ADA directors. Directors may adjust categories or combine High Score awards as needed.
High Score & DOTY Eligibility
A soloist may only place once in High Score standings (highest scoring solo prevails).
National DOTY winners from the previous year may not re-compete as a soloist for Ultimate Challenge, or High Score awards.
A dancer may only win one national title per age level.
Dancers may not win another Ultimate Challenge jacket or regional title in a different city within the same season.
Repeat performances of a high score-winning routine (with the same choreography/music) from the prior year are not eligible unless marked Non-Competitive or for medal standing only.
Duo–Production entries with the same concept/music/choreo must have 50% changes to qualify again.
Age & Genre Placement
Soloists will be placed in categories based on exact age and genre.
Medal Eligibility After Stage Exit
Any dancer 13 & Over who exits the stage during a performance is eligible for medal standing only.
Media & Privacy
No Cameras Allowed
No photography or videography of any kind is permitted in dressing rooms or theater spaces. Violation may result in removal from the venue or school disqualification.
Media Release
All participants grant American Dance Awards, LLC permission to use any photographs or videos captured during the event for promotional use in digital and print formats (website, social media, ads, brochures, etc.)