Welcome to the definitive guide for navigating the Mark Of Excellence Dance competition, a premier platform for dancers to showcase their talent and passion. Whether you’re a studio director, dance teacher, or a dancer preparing for your moment on stage, understanding the competition’s structure is key to a successful and rewarding experience. This comprehensive overview details everything you need to know about age divisions, competition levels, diverse categories, essential rules, exciting awards, and fee structures within the Mark of Excellence Dance framework.
Understanding Age Divisions at Mark of Excellence Dance
To ensure fair competition and peer-to-peer evaluation, Mark of Excellence Dance categorizes performers by age. These divisions are meticulously designed to group dancers of similar ages, fostering a balanced and encouraging competitive environment. The age divisions are as follows:
- Mini: 5 years and Under
- Petite: 6-8 Years
- Junior: 9-11 Years
- Teen: 12-14 Years
- Senior: 15-19 Years
- Adult: 20 + Years
Important Note for Adult Divisions: Any routine that includes a performer aged 20 or older will automatically be classified in the Adult Division. This rule applies regardless of the average age of the group, even if only one dancer is 20+. Adult performances are a celebrated part of our competition but are for critique and comments only, and are not eligible for overall awards.
Age Calculation: All ages are determined as of January 1, 2025. It’s crucial to accurately calculate dancer ages to ensure correct division placement. Proof of age may be required at the competition.
Navigating Competition Levels: Beginner to Advanced in Dance
Mark of Excellence Dance prides itself on offering a competitive space for dancers of all skill levels. To accommodate varying degrees of experience and training, we provide three distinct competition levels, ensuring every dancer competes fairly and appropriately. These levels, from Beginner to Advanced, allow for dancers to be judged against their peers with comparable training backgrounds.
Choosing the Right Level for Your Dancers
Studio Directors and Teachers play a vital role in placing dancers in the correct level. While we provide guidelines based on training hours, we trust studio professionals to use their discretion in assessing each dancer’s appropriate level. Our registration system requires a level assignment for every dancer, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful placement.
Level Guidelines:
- Beginner (Mark of the Future): Designed for dancers with less than 2 years of structured dance classes and who train for under 2 hours per week. This level is perfect for those new to competitive dance, focusing on foundational skills and encouraging early development.
- Intermediate Level: Suitable for dancers with 3 or more years of structured dance classes, training between 3 to 5 hours per week. Intermediate dancers demonstrate growing technique and performance abilities.
- Advanced Level: For dancers with 3 or more years of structured dance classes who are dedicated to intensive training of 6 or more hours per week. Advanced dancers exhibit high-level technique, complex choreography, and refined artistry.
Level Adjustment: While Studio Directors select levels, the judging panel reserves the right to adjust a routine’s level if deemed necessary to maintain fair competition. For any questions regarding group levels, please contact our office for clarification.
Combining Levels in Group Routines: Point System Explained
For group performances that include dancers from different levels, Mark of Excellence National Talent Competition employs a unique point system to determine the group’s competition level. This system ensures fairness when groups have a mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced dancers.
Point Allocation:
- Beginner Dancer: 1 point
- Intermediate Dancer: 3 points
- Advanced Dancer: 6 points
Level Determination: The level with the highest total points dictates the competition level for the entire group.
Examples:
Small Group Example (9 Dancers):
- 3 Beginner Dancers = 3 points (3 x 1)
- 5 Intermediate Dancers = 15 points (5 x 3)
- 1 Advanced Dancer = 6 points (1 x 6)
- Total Points = 24 points. This group competes at the Intermediate Level because Intermediate level points are the highest.
Large Group Example (18 Dancers):
- 14 Beginner Dancers = 14 points (14 x 1)
- 2 Intermediate Dancers = 6 points (2 x 3)
- 2 Advanced Dancers = 12 points (2 x 6)
- Total Points = 32 points. This group competes at the Beginner Level due to Beginner level points being the highest.
This point system ensures that groups are judged appropriately based on the overall skill level represented within the ensemble.
Explore Diverse Categories of Dance Competition
Mark of Excellence Dance celebrates the breadth and depth of dance artistry by offering an extensive range of competition categories. From classical ballet to dynamic hip hop, our categories are designed to showcase the diverse talents and styles within the dance community.
Main Categories:
- Acro/Gymnastics
- Adult
- Ballet
- Character
- Clogging
- Contemporary
- Drill Team
- Folkloric
- Hip Hop
- Improvisation
- Jazz
- Lyrical
- Musical Theater
- Modern
- Open
- Pantomime
- Pointe
- Pom-Pon
- Production
- Song & Dance
- Student Choreography
- Specialty
- Tap
- Inspire (Dancers with Exceptional Abilities)
The Open and Specialty categories are designed to be inclusive, accommodating any dance form not explicitly listed, or combinations of listed categories, encouraging innovation and unique artistic expressions.
Extended Categories: In addition to these, Extended Categories of Competition are available to further explore niche styles and fusions. Please inquire for a full list of extended categories.
Age Breakdown Within Categories
To ensure further precision in competition, each category is broken down by specific age groups, aligning with the age divisions but offering even finer granularity, especially for younger dancers.
Category Age Breakdown:
- 5 years and under
- 6 years
- 7 years
- 8 years
- 9 years
- 10 years
- 11 years
- 12 years
- 13 years
- 14 years
- 15 years
- 16 years
- 17 years
- 18 years
- 19 years
- 20+ years
This detailed age segmentation applies across ALL categories of competition, ensuring dancers are always competing within their specific age bracket.
Determining Group Age: Average Age Rule
For group routines, the average age of the performers determines the group’s age division.
Average Age Calculation: To calculate the average age, sum the ages of all dancers in the routine and divide by the total number of dancers.
Example: If a group has dancers with ages totaling 125 years and there are 11 dancers, the average age is 11.36. An average age of 11.0 to 11.9 is classified as the 11-year-old age division.
Age Verification: Be prepared to provide valid proof of age for any performer upon request. Failure to do so can lead to disqualification. Acts are required to compete in their correct age division and are not permitted to “age up”.
The Bump Rule: Maintaining Competitive Integrity
The “Bump Rule” is a crucial element of Mark of Excellence Dance to prevent significant age disparities within a group from creating unfair advantages.
Bump Rule Explained: The average age of a routine cannot be more than one age division below the age of the oldest dancer, regardless of the calculated average age.
Example: If a routine averages into the Junior age division (9-11 years), but includes a Senior dancer (15-19 years), the routine will be bumped up to compete in the Teen age division (12-14 years).
Exception: The Bump Rule does not apply to the Production category, where the average age is the sole determinant of the age division.
General Entry Divisions: Solos to Productions
Mark of Excellence Dance accommodates a variety of performance sizes, from solo showcases to grand production numbers. The general divisions for entries are:
- Soloist: Individual performer. Maximum of TWO Solos per dancer at a regional event.
- Duet/Trio: 2-3 performers.
- Small Group: 4-9 performers.
- Large Group: 10-19 performers.
- Line: 20+ performers.
- Production Line: 20+ performers (specifically for Production category).
Minimum Dancer Requirement: If an act falls below the minimum number of dancers for its category during the competition (due to unforeseen circumstances), it will be judged and receive awards based on points earned, but will not be eligible for Top Ten awards.
Time Limits for Performances
To maintain a smooth competition schedule and ensure fairness, time limits are strictly enforced for all routines.
| Routine Type | Standard Time Limit | Extended Time Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Solos & Duet/Trios | 2:30 | 3:00 |
| Small Groups | 3:00 | 3:30 |
| Large Group and Line | 4:00 | 4:30 |
| Production | 6:00 | 8:00 |
Extended Time: Limited additional time can be purchased for Small Groups, Large Groups, Lines, and Production groups only. Contact our office for details on extending performance time.
Participation Requirements and Studio Affiliation
Mark of Excellence Dance welcomes all talented acts, but to maintain a structured and studio-focused environment, certain participation requirements are in place.
Studio Affiliation: All participating acts must be affiliated with an active dance studio.
Minimum Entries: Each studio must register a minimum of five (5) entries with at least five (5) individual dancers per regional or national competition.
Studio Director Approval: Participation requires the approval of the studio owner or Director, ensuring alignment with studio programs and standards.
For any questions regarding entry requirements or studio affiliation, please contact our office.
Competition Day Essentials: Check-In and Scheduling
Punctuality is paramount at Mark of Excellence Dance. Dancers should be present in the building and ready to compete at least ONE hour before their scheduled stage time to allow for check-in, warm-up, and any last-minute preparations.
Schedule Communication: An exact competition schedule will be emailed to each studio at least 7 days prior to the event date. Schedules can vary between cities depending on the volume of entries.
Schedule Changes: Once the schedule is disseminated, changes are generally not permitted unless a Doctor’s note is provided for medical emergencies.
Entry Acceptance: Entries are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and are limited by available performance time. Mark of Excellence Dance reserves the right to extend competition days (including starting on Fridays) or relocate venues if unforeseen circumstances necessitate.
Registration and Payment Procedures
Registration for Mark of Excellence Dance is exclusively online through our website: www.markofexcellencetalent.com. Click on the registration link to begin the process. Paper or faxed entries are not accepted.
Payment Methods: We accept Certified Checks and all major credit cards. Checks must be received 30 days prior to the event. A $35.00 fee will be charged for any returned checks.
Entry Refusal: Mark of Excellence Dance reserves the right to refuse any entry at any time at its discretion.
Adjudication and Scoring System: Striving for Excellence
Mark of Excellence Dance employs a qualified panel of judges, selected for their extensive knowledge across all dance disciplines. Our judges are typically Studio Owners, Directors, Choreographers, and Teachers actively involved in dance education, ensuring they understand the nuances of different levels and age groups.
Judge’s Perspective: Judges’ scores and comments reflect their professional opinions and are aimed at providing constructive feedback to help dancers improve. These opinions do not necessarily represent the views of Mark of Excellence Dance Directors and Staff. Our primary goal is to foster growth and help each dancer reach their full potential.
Adjudication Point System: We use an adjudicated point system, meaning multiple duplicate awards may be presented within each age group and category, recognizing various levels of achievement.
Scoring Criteria (Maximum Points per Category):
- Technique: (Max 40 points)
- Execution: (Max 30 points)
- Showmanship: (Max 20 points)
- Choreography: (Max 5 points)
- Costume: (Max 5 points)
Award Levels Based on Total Score:
- Xtreme Platinum: (288.0 – 300.0) – Highest Distinction
- Platinum: (280.0 – 287.9) – Exceptional Achievement
- High Gold: (272.0 – 279.9) – Outstanding Performance
- Gold: (267.0 – 271.9) – Commendable Performance
Tie-Breaking and Feedback: The judge’s panel will resolve any ties for HIGH POINT in the TOP TEN Finalists. Ties within the TOP TEN are announced as tied for positions 2nd through 10th. Each act receives an individual score and audio critique, accessible only to the Studio Director.
General Conduct and Stage Safety
Safety is our utmost priority at Mark of Excellence Dance. All dancers must perform on the designated stage surface. Performing on tables, furniture, or any equipment used by judges or staff is strictly prohibited.
Prohibited Actions: Intentionally throwing items from the stage towards the audience or staff is forbidden and may result in disqualification.
Standard of Conduct and Appropriateness
Mark of Excellence Dance is committed to a “family-friendly” viewing environment. While we appreciate diverse dance styles, routines must be in good taste and appropriate for a general audience. Inappropriate routines may face point deductions, ineligibility for Top Ten awards, or disqualification, at the discretion of the judges and Mark of Excellence Dance staff.
Video and Photography Restrictions
To protect both the dancers and choreographers, and to maintain a distraction-free performance environment, personal video recording and photography are strictly prohibited during performances. A professional videographer and photographer will be available at each event to capture these moments professionally.
Music Submission Guidelines
Music Format: Performance music must be uploaded during Studio Registration online. Please also bring backup copies in CD, iPod, iPad, USB flash drive, or laptop formats.
Music Responsibility: Ensuring the quality and availability of music is the responsibility of the Studio Director. Music should be submitted two weeks BEFORE the schedule release. Backup resources should always be readily available at the competition as a precaution.
Prop Regulations and Stage Usage
Prop Usage: Props must be essential to the routine and carried onto the stage by performers or studio staff. Prop setup must be completed within 2 minutes. Coordinate with the backstage manager for any prop assistance.
Performer Involvement with Props: Individuals supporting or assisting with props during the performance must be registered performers within the act and included in the dancer count and age considerations.
Stage Surface Protection: To maintain a clean and safe dancing surface for all, the use of substances that could affect the stage is prohibited. This includes glitter, powder, flowers, feathers, etc. Please ensure the stage is clean after your performance.
Prohibited Props: Dangerous props are not allowed, including fire, live animals, metal swords, metal knives, glass, or items with sharp edges. Rollerblades, skates, skateboards, etc., are also prohibited. Throwing items from the stage is not permitted.
Prop Height Restrictions: Freestanding props have no height limits, but for safety, dancers are not permitted to stand above 6 feet on any scenic prop piece (risers, tables, scaffolding, etc.).
Competition Delay: Studios causing unreasonable delays or attempting to alter the performance schedule without prior approval may be subject to point deductions.
Awards and Recognition: Celebrating Achievement
Final Awards Posting: All Final Awards will be published on the Mark of Excellence National Talent Results page after the competition concludes.
Placement Awards: One placement award is presented to each act in every category and age division, recognizing their performance level within their specific group.
TOP TEN Finalists: In addition to adjudicated awards, TOP TEN finalists are announced for BEGINNER, INTERMEDIATE, and ADVANCED levels within each competition division, highlighting the highest-scoring routines. Soloists performing two solos are eligible for Top Ten recognition with their highest-scoring solo.
Excellence Rewards and Cash Prizes
Excellence Rewards: Prizes are awarded as Excellence Rewards, which can be used as credits for the 2024 Grand National Finals or 2025 Regional competition registrations.
High Point Award Cash Equivalents:
- Mini, Petite, Junior, Teen, and Senior Solo High Point Winners: $100.00 Excellence Rewards
- Mini, Petite, Junior, Teen, and Senior Duet/Trio High Point Winners: $100.00 Excellence Rewards
- Mini, Petite, Junior, Teen, Senior Small and Large Group High Point Winners: $125.00 Excellence Rewards
- Mini, Petite, Junior, Teen, and Senior Line High Point Winners: $150.00 Excellence Rewards
Adult Division Awards: Adult performers receive recognition, placement awards, and judge’s critiques but are not eligible for TOP TEN awards or Excellence Rewards.
Group Excellence and Entertainment Awards
Group Excellence Awards: Prestigious awards are given to the highest-scoring group routines (small groups, large groups, lines, productions) in each level: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced.
Group Excellence Entertainment Award: Judges also select a Group Excellence Entertainment Award from all group routines across all age divisions and levels, recognizing outstanding entertainment value.
Group Excellence Award Prize: Each of the four Group Excellence Award winners receives $300.00 in Excellence Rewards for the following season. These awards are presented at the end of the competition after the final studio has performed.
Performance Artist, Solo Master, and Costume Awards
Performance Artist Award (Title Award): A TITLE AWARD is selected for each level and age division. A Performance Artist Winner and Runner Up are chosen based on overall personality, entertainment, and showmanship, separate from adjudicated scores. Entry is automatic for all solos.
Solo Master Award: Presented in each age division to the most talented soloist in specific categories: Tap, Lyrical, Ballet, Hip Hop, Jazz, Musical Theater, Modern, Contemporary, Open, Specialty, and Clogging. Entry requires a $35.00 fee and pre-registration as SOLO MASTER online or at the competition.
Solo Costume Award: Recognizes outstanding solo costumes in each age division based on design, creativity, fit, and workmanship. All soloists are automatically entered, across all levels.
Photogenic, Choreography, Judges Choice, and Sportsmanship Awards
Photogenic Award: Entered at the competition for a $35.00 fee. An award is given to the most photogenic individual in each age division. Participants must bring a 5×7 or 8×10 photo with contact information. Photos are not returned.
Choreography Award: Judge’s panel discretion awards for outstanding choreography in small groups, large groups, and lines across Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels.
Judges Choice Award: Judges select and acknowledge special and unique aspects of group routines across Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels.
Group Costume Award: Recognizes outstanding group costumes (small groups, large groups, lines) based on design, creativity, fit, and workmanship across Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels.
Sportsmanship Award: Presented to the studio and dancers demonstrating exceptional respect and sportsmanship throughout the competition weekend, selected by judges and staff.
Additional Awards: Judges may present additional awards at their discretion to recognize exceptional performances or qualities.
Fees, Payments, and Change Policies
Change Fees: Once the event schedule is finalized, a $50 change fee applies to each change request (song title, category, dancer, spelling, etc.). Adding a routine after the schedule is set also incurs the change fee plus the regular entry fee, subject to space availability.
Outstanding Balances: Schedules are withheld if balances are not paid in full 7-10 days prior to the event.
Payment Deadline: All entries and payments are due 30 days before the competition date. Late payments may result in exclusion from the schedule. Entries after the competition begins may not be accepted.
Late Payment Policy: Payments received after the 30-day deadline must be in certified funds. Personal or studio checks are not accepted for late payments. Performance is contingent upon full payment received and processed before the event.
Terms and Conditions Agreement: Registration with Mark of Excellence Dance signifies agreement to all RULES, REGULATIONS, TERMS, and CONDITIONS. Violations may lead to ineligibility for TOP TEN or OVERALL AWARDS.
National Finals Qualification
Participating in a regional Mark of Excellence Dance event qualifies studios and dancers for our National Finals. Contact our office for more information regarding National entries and qualifications.
Liability Waiver and Permission Agreement
By registering, participants acknowledge and accept the inherent risks of dance competition and release Mark of Excellence National Talent Competition from liability for injury, illness, theft, or death. Permission is also granted to use photographs, video, or recordings for promotional purposes without compensation or consent.
Category Descriptions: Defining Dance Styles
For clarity and to ensure routines are appropriately categorized, here are the descriptions for each dance category:
- Acro / Gymnastics: Blend of acrobatics and dance, featuring gymnastic passes, headstands, chest rolls, and aerial tricks.
- Ballet: Classical ballet technique with traditional steps, performed in ballet slippers.
- Character: Portrayal of a character from television, movies, or Broadway, through dance.
- Contemporary: Fusion of modern and lyrical movements with a strong ballet foundation.
- Clogging: Folk dance with flat-footing, foot-stomping, and rhythmic footwork.
- Drill Team: Precision ensemble choreography with synchronized elements.
- Folkloric: Ethnic and cultural dance styles such as Spanish, Hawaiian, or Irish Step.
- Hip Hop: Street dance styles including popping, locking, breaking, and crumping.
- Improv: Spontaneous choreography in jazz or lyrical genres, performed to given music.
- Lyrical: Interpretive dance emphasizing the lyrics of the music with classical technique.
- Modern: Dance based on modern techniques and styles, often emphasizing expression and innovation.
- Musical Theater: Dance routine incorporating any style to music from a Broadway show or movie musical.
- Jazz: Routine showcasing jazz technique, leaps, and turns.
- Open: Combination of any listed dance categories or unique dance forms.
- Pom Pon: Precision ensemble choreography with synchronized movements using pom-pons.
- Pointe: Classical ballet technique and steps performed in pointe shoes.
- Song and Dance: Routine combining both vocal performance and dance skills. Cordless microphone provided.
- Specialty: Combination of listed categories or unique dance styles not otherwise categorized.
- Tap: Rhythmic and Broadway styles of tap dance technique.
- Inspire: Category for dancers with exceptional abilities, celebrating inclusivity in dance.
- Production: Large group routine with 20+ dancers featuring varied dance styles and acrobatics, often with a theatrical theme.
We hope this comprehensive guide clarifies all aspects of the Mark of Excellence Dance competition. We look forward to welcoming you and your dancers to an event filled with talent, sportsmanship, and the celebration of dance!
