Your Guide to the All Out Dance Competition: Levels, Categories, and Awards

Are you ready to showcase your talent on a dynamic stage? The All Out Dance Competition is designed to provide dancers of all skill levels with a platform to shine, learn, and grow. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to prepare for and excel at the All Out Dance Competition.

Understanding Competition Levels

To ensure fair and exciting competition, All Out Dance Competition is structured with different skill levels. It’s crucial for studio directors to accurately assess their dancers to place them in the appropriate category. Here’s a breakdown of the levels:

Novice: This level is for dancers who are newer to intensive training, taking 5 hours of dance classes or less per week. It’s a perfect starting point for those developing their foundational skills and gaining stage experience in an all out dance competition environment.
Intermediate: Dancers in the Intermediate level are more dedicated and experienced, training for 7 hours of dance classes or less weekly. This category bridges the gap between novice and advanced, offering a competitive yet encouraging space within the all out dance competition.
Advanced: The Advanced level is for highly committed dancers who train extensively, dedicating 9 hours or more per week to their dance education. These dancers exhibit a high level of technical proficiency and artistry, competing at the peak of the all out dance competition.

Judges at the all out dance competition are highly experienced and may, at their discretion, “bump” a dance or dancer to a more advanced level if they deem the performance exceeds the current level’s expectations. This ensures the integrity and competitive balance across all levels of the all out dance competition.

Explore Diverse Dance Categories

The All Out Dance Competition celebrates a wide spectrum of dance styles, providing a stage for various talents and artistic expressions. Here are the performance categories you can expect:

Acro: This dynamic category blends dance with acrobatic elements. Routines must feature gymnastic passes, flexibility moves, and/or contortionist skills, seamlessly integrated with dance choreography and movements. It’s a showcase of strength, agility, and artistry in the all out dance competition.
Ballet: Emphasizing classical technique, the Ballet category focuses on traditional and contemporary ballet steps and movements, performed in soft shoes. Dancers are judged on their precision, grace, and adherence to ballet principles within the all out dance competition.
Character: In this unique category, routines are split evenly between characterization and dance. Dancers embody a character – such as a clown or puppet – for 50% of the performance, with the other 50% showcasing dance technique and storytelling through movement in the all out dance competition.
Clogging: A rhythmic and energetic category, Clogging routines are performed in specialized clogging shoes, highlighting intricate footwork and percussive sounds. Technique and rhythm are key elements in the all out dance competition clogging category.
Contemporary: Building on the foundations of lyrical dance, Contemporary fuses lyrical, jazz, and/or modern movements, often set to contemporary music. This category allows for emotional depth and innovative choreography within the all out dance competition.
Hip Hop: This high-energy category is all about rhythm, style, and street dance technique. Routines primarily use hip-hop movements and technique, encouraging creativity and personal expression in the all out dance competition.
Jazz: Showcasing traditional jazz movements and technique, this category emphasizes energy, syncopation, and stylistic flair. Dancers are judged on their technique, performance quality, and jazz-specific nuances in the all out dance competition.
Lyrical: In the Lyrical category, dancers interpret the lyrics, mood, and emotional content of the music through fluid and expressive movements. Connection to the music and emotional storytelling are paramount in the all out dance competition.
Modern: Inspired by Graham technique, Modern dance routines are interpretive and grounded, focusing on contraction, release, and floor work. This category values innovation and emotional expression through movement in the all out dance competition.
Musical Theatre: A vibrant and theatrical category, Musical Theatre routines interpret songs from Broadway or movie musicals. Performances can include Broadway-style dancing, mime, and even lip-sync singing, bringing narratives to life on the all out dance competition stage.
Pointe: Similar to the Ballet category, Pointe routines are performed in pointe shoes, emphasizing strength, technique, and artistry en pointe. This category showcases the rigor and beauty of pointe work in the all out dance competition.
Tap: Focusing on percussive footwork and rhythm, Tap routines are scored on tap technique and overall performance quality. Clarity of taps, musicality, and showmanship are crucial in the all out dance competition.
Vocal: This category is dedicated to singing performances only, allowing vocalists to showcase their talent and musicality within the all out dance competition framework.
Open: The Open category is designed to be inclusive, encompassing any dance form not already listed or combinations of styles. It’s a space for innovation and pushing creative boundaries in the all out dance competition.
Pro/Am: This category is for routines that feature a professional dancer, offering a unique opportunity to collaborate and learn in a competitive setting at the all out dance competition.

Important Note on Acro Passes: Routines with more than three acro passes must be entered in the Acro or Open categories. Ballet, Pointe, and Tap categories do not permit any acro passes. An acro pass is defined as a combination of two or more acro tricks. Single tricks like a cartwheel or aerial are not considered passes.

Adjudicated Awards: Recognizing Excellence

The All Out Dance Competition utilizes an adjudicated awards system, where performances are judged against a set standard of excellence, rather than directly against each other. The awards are structured as follows, celebrating various levels of achievement in the all out dance competition:

All Out Excellence
Platinum
All Out Gold
Gold
All Out Silver

Dancers are evaluated based on several key criteria: choreography, technique, performance, and musicality. This comprehensive assessment ensures that dancers are recognized for their holistic skills and artistic presentation within the all out dance competition.

High Score Awards and Credit Awards: Top Honors

Beyond adjudication, All Out Dance Competition also recognizes top-scoring performances with High Score Awards and Credit Awards, adding an extra layer of prestige and incentive.

High Score Awards: All solo performances at the all out dance competition are automatically eligible for title awards at no additional cost. In categories with 5 or more entries, a category high score trophy is awarded. Plaques are presented to all All Out Excellence, Platinum, All Out Gold, Gold, and All Out Silver winners. Group dancers also receive award pins. Engraved plaques or trophies are given to the highest scoring Solos, Duo/Trios, and Groups in each Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced division of the all out dance competition.
Credit Awards: For routines in the Intermediate or Advanced categories with a minimum of 10 entries per division, Credit Awards are offered. If a division doesn’t meet the entry minimum, a gift certificate is issued instead. These awards are presented to the top scores in the Junior and Senior divisions of the all out dance competition:
- Solo: $110 Credit
- Duo/Trio: $80 Credit
- Small Group: $110 Credit
- Large Group: $120 Credit
- Line: $150 Credit
- Production: $150 Credit

These Credit Awards can be a significant benefit for studios and dancers, encouraging high participation and achievement in the all out dance competition.

Special Awards: Celebrating Unique Qualities

To further celebrate the diverse talents and qualities seen at the event, All Out Dance Competition presents Special Awards at each awards segment. These awards are unique to the specific performance and dancer(s), recognizing standout moments and exceptional attributes beyond scores.

Choreography, Sportsmanship, and Entertainment Awards

Choreography Awards: Recognizing the art of dance creation, Choreography awards are given at each awards segment to honor the best choreography, often including a credit prize.
Sportsmanship Award: Promoting a positive and supportive environment, the Sportsmanship Award is given to the studio that demonstrates the best overall sportsmanship throughout classes and the competition, also often with a credit prize.
Entertainment Award: To celebrate performances that captivate and engage, Entertainment Awards are presented to the most entertaining group performances in both the 12 & under and 13 & over age divisions, with a credit prize attached.
All Out Performance Award: The pinnacle of group recognition, the All Out Performance Award is given to the overall highest scoring group across all age divisions, highlighting exceptional talent and performance quality in the all out dance competition, accompanied by a credit prize.

Competition and Convention Scholarships: Investing in the Future

All Out Dance Competition is committed to nurturing dancers’ growth by offering thousands of dollars in scholarships through both the competition and associated conventions.

“All Out” Dancers Scholarships: Selected from each convention class, “All Out” dancers earn scholarships for free convention attendance in the following year, providing valuable continued training and exposure.
Title Winner Scholarships: Title winners in both Intermediate and Advanced divisions receive scholarships for free convention attendance the following year, as well as for nationals, further supporting their dance journey.
Runner-Up Scholarships: First runners-up to title winners in Intermediate and Advanced divisions are awarded scholarships for a free solo entry in the following competition year, encouraging continued participation and skill development in the all out dance competition.

Improv. (Improvisation) Category

For dancers who excel in spontaneous creativity, All Out Dance Competition offers an Improv category in two age divisions: 12 & under and 13 & over. Participants have 30-45 seconds to improvise, registering with the emcee before the second awards segment. The winner receives a scholarship to attend convention classes for both nationals and the following year’s convention, celebrating improvisational talent in the all out dance competition.

Entry Rules and Fees: Getting Started

Participating in the All Out Dance Competition is streamlined through an online registration system:

Create an Account: Sign up for a free account with a username and password.
Enter Information: Input your contact details and student list just once.
Submit Entries: Fill out the simple online entry form to submit your routines.
Payment: Pay securely by credit card or mail in a studio check within 7 days.
Account Access: Log in anytime to review, add, or modify your entries.

Key Entry Guidelines:

Registration Deadline: Register at least 30 days prior to the event. Events may sell out, and registration will close once capacity is reached. In-progress registrations without completed payment are not considered entered.
Refund Policy: Entry fees are non-refundable on Regional or National levels, except in documented cases of injury or illness, where refunds or credits are issued to the studio. Refunds are provided if the competition is canceled due to unforeseen circumstances.
Liability Waiver: Each participant must sign the All Out Dance Competition Liability Waiver before competing.
Entry Fee Deadlines & Charges: Entry fees are non-refundable after the 30-day deadline. Canceling entries before this deadline for sold-out shows incurs a 10% fee. Returned checks are subject to a $35.00 fee. Late entries within 14 days of the competition must be paid via cashier’s check or money order. Late entries within 2 weeks incur a 10% late fee. Payments mailed after the deadline must be cashier’s check/money order or credit card, sent overnight with tracking information emailed.

General Information: What to Expect

Dress Code: All Out Dance Competition is a family-oriented event. Costumes must be age-appropriate, and performances suitable for family viewing. Suggestive or violent choreography and lyrics are not permitted and may lead to disqualification.
Props: Props are allowed if setup and removal are within two minutes. Baby powder and helium balloons are prohibited. Dangerous props and backdrops other than the All Out backdrop are not allowed. The stage floor must remain in the same condition after each performance.
Schedule Adherence: Schedules must be followed unless changes are pre-approved by All Out. Failure to adhere to the schedule may result in disqualification from awards. Contestants must check in with the backstage manager before performing. Studio owners should review schedules upon receipt and report conflicts in advance.
Delays: Unwarranted delays caused by dancers may result in ineligibility for high score awards.
Cameras: No cameras are allowed in the auditorium during performances. Media packages are available through DRC Video.
Incomplete Routines: Dancers stopping mid-performance will be asked to perform again but will compete for adjudication only, not high score awards.
Photos: Contestants grant All Out permission to use photos and videos for advertising.
Readiness: Contestants should be ready to perform at least 1 hour before their scheduled routine, as competitions may run ahead of schedule.
Schedules: Schedules are posted on the teacher’s registration site approximately 10 days prior to the competition.
Refunds: No cash refunds are given. Studio credits for future competitions are available for documented illnesses or medical emergencies with a doctor’s letter.

Music Submission Guidelines

Music must be uploaded to your online registration account at least 7 days before the show. Upload music as soon as you register routines. Studios should have backup music on USB/flash drives or iPods/iPads, as CDs are not permitted. The DJ will not adjust music speed or make cuts. All Out is not responsible for music left at the event.

Prepare to be All Out and make your mark at the All Out Dance Competition! We look forward to seeing your incredible talent and passion on stage.