Your Ultimate Guide to AMP Dance Competitions

Discover the Excitement of AMP Dance Competitions

Are you ready to experience the thrill of competitive dance? Amp Dance Competitions are renowned events that bring together talented dancers, dedicated studios, and passionate audiences. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or new to the dance scene, understanding the ins and outs of AMP Dance Competitions is key to a successful and enjoyable experience. This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about AMP Dance Competitions, from general information and registration to categories, rules, judging, and awards.

General Information for Participants and Spectators

AMP Dance Competitions prioritize a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. To ensure this, doors typically open 45 minutes before the first performance. It’s important for attendees to avoid arriving earlier than this, allowing AMP staff to prepare the venue for the day’s events. Spectator admission is free, making it accessible for families and friends to support their dancers.

To maintain a focused and safe environment, and out of respect for the performers and judges, AMP Dance Competitions strictly prohibit air horns and noisemakers within the audience. Enthusiastic applause and vocal cheers are encouraged as the best way to show support. Good sportsmanship is expected from all participants, including teachers, dancers, and spectators. Please note that no food, drinks, or smoking are allowed in the performance area or within the venue itself.

AMP partners with DanceBUG to provide professional photography and videography services for all routines. To protect choreographer rights, ensure child safety, and support AMP’s media service offerings, personal video recording and flash photography, including from cell phones, are strictly forbidden. Studio owners and directors are responsible for communicating this no photo/video rule to their students and parents. Non-compliance may result in removal from the auditorium for the remainder of the competition. For any media-related inquiries, DanceBUG can be contacted directly at [email protected].

By participating, all contestants grant AMP permission to use performance photography and videography for promotional purposes, including advertising, social media, and publicity.

Registration Details for AMP Dance Competition

Official registration for AMP Dance Competitions is conducted online, ensuring a streamlined and efficient process. Studio owners and directors must complete the online entry form in full and agree to the release clause during checkout. To take advantage of early bird discounts and promotional offers, entries must be received at least 45 days prior to the event date.

AMP Dance Competitions are designed to avoid conflicts with school hours. However, due to venue capacity and scheduling constraints, there is a participant limit. Entries are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, and will be capped based on available performance time. Entries submitted after the published deadline will incur a late fee.

It’s crucial to understand that an entry is not officially registered until full payment is received. Furthermore, no routines will be permitted to perform without prior payment. Any routines with outstanding balances within 7 days of the competition start date will be removed from the schedule. AMP accepts Visa, MasterCard, and EFT Debit transactions for payment.

The deadline for any category or competition changes is two weeks prior to the event date. Changes after this deadline may be subject to a late fee (refer to “Performance Rules” for details). Within 7 days of the event, category or level changes are not permitted due to operational constraints, except in cases of scratches or injuries.

AMP reserves the right to add competition days or relocate events due to unforeseen circumstances. AMP also reserves the right to cancel any event that does not meet the minimum entry requirements. In the event of a cancellation, all entry fees will be fully refunded. However, refunds are not provided after minimum entry numbers are met and the competition is confirmed, unless cancellation is due to natural disaster or weather events. In such cases, AMP will reschedule the event within the same season. If the new date is not feasible, a 50% refund will be offered, or a 100% credit towards a future event within 3 years.

Competitors may only represent one studio. Competing under multiple studios may lead to disqualification and future participation restrictions in AMP Competitions.

Dance Categories at AMP Dance Competition

AMP Dance Competitions offer a variety of categories to showcase different group sizes and dance styles:

Solos: Limited to two solos per dancer.
Duet/Trios: Duets and trios compete together in the same category.
Small Group: 4-9 performers.
Large Group: 10-17 performers.
Super Line: 18-24 performers.
Production: 25 or more performers.

These categories ensure fair competition and allow dancers to perform in settings that best suit their group size and choreography.

Time Limits for Dance Routines

Adhering to time limits is crucial in AMP Dance Competitions to maintain schedule efficiency and fairness:

Solos & Duet/Trios: Maximum 2 minutes 45 seconds.
Small Groups: Maximum 3 minutes.
Large Groups & Super Lines: Maximum 4 minutes.
Productions: Performance time limit of 7 minutes, with a combined maximum of 4 minutes for prop setup and removal.

Extended time can be purchased for routines exceeding these limits (up to 1 minute extra for $5.00 per performer) for Solos, Duet/Trios, Small Groups, Large Groups, Super Lines, and Productions. Prop setup time can also be purchased in advance for complex setups requiring extra time or assistance.

Routines exceeding time limits during the competition can either pay a late fee at check-in or receive a 1-point deduction per minute over the limit for both routine length and prop setup time.

Dancers are expected to perform in the order listed in the schedule unless special permission is granted by the Competition Director or pre-approved by AMP administration. AMP does not provide rehearsal space or time. Unauthorized schedule delays will result in a half-point deduction per judge. Routines not performing within 10 acts of their scheduled time may be ineligible for Overall High Point Awards unless pre-approved. Re-performances are only re-adjudicated in case of technical errors caused by AMP.

A tentative schedule will be available online. Dancers in the first 10 acts should arrive fully costumed and ready to perform. All other dancers must be ready one hour before their scheduled performance time. If the competition runs ahead of schedule, dancers are expected to perform when called upon backstage, and AMP will not run more than 30 minutes ahead of schedule.

Age Divisions in AMP Dance Competition

Age divisions in AMP Dance Competition are structured to ensure dancers compete against peers of similar age and experience:

Bitty: 3-6 years old
Mini: 7-9 years old
Junior: 10-12 years old
Teen: 13-15 years old
Senior: 16-19 years old
Adult: 20+ years old

Age divisions are determined as of January 1st of the competition year. The Bitty division is exclusively for the NEW BEAT Level. Bitty-aged routines wishing to compete in the LOW FREQUENCY category must “age up” to the Mini division to be eligible for High Point Overalls. The Adult category is for performance and judge feedback only, and is not eligible for Overall High Point Awards.

For Duet/Trios, Groups, Super Lines, and Productions, the average age of the performers determines the age division. Decimals in average age are always dropped. However, the average age cannot be more than one age division below the oldest dancer’s age. For example, a group with dancers aged 10-17 cannot compete younger than the Teen category. This age rule does not apply to Productions; their division is solely based on average age. Studios can choose to have routines compete in older age categories at their discretion (“aging up”).

Dance Levels and Guidelines at AMP Dance Competition

AMP Dance Competitions offer different competitive levels to accommodate dancers of varying experience and training intensity:

UP BEAT LEVEL: Designed for dancers with special needs and developmental disabilities, this inclusive level focuses on celebrating individual strengths and talents in a supportive environment. It emphasizes participation, enjoyment, and personal growth through dance, music, and artistic expression.
NEW BEAT LEVEL: This level is for dancers who are beginning their dance training and competitive journey. Strictly for recreational level dancers, it provides a gentle introduction to competition. AMP reserves the right to move routines to a higher level if they are deemed too advanced for New Beat. To maintain fairness, if two or more judges believe a routine is over-leveled, it will be moved to the Low Frequency Level. Studios will be notified of any level changes before awards. To compete in the New Beat level for groups and lines, at least 75% of the dancers must be New Beat level dancers, and no High Frequency level dancers are allowed.
LOW FREQUENCY LEVEL: Intended for intermediate dancers with limited competitive experience, this level is generally for dancers training up to 6 hours per week. However, technical ability and age are also key considerations. Dancers demonstrating advanced skills should be placed in the High Frequency division regardless of training hours. Similar to New Beat, 75% of group/line dancers must be Low Frequency level dancers to compete in this category.
HIGH FREQUENCY LEVEL: This is the advanced competitive level for experienced dancers and those training over 6 hours per week. Studio directors determine placement, considering both experience and technical proficiency. Routines can always choose to compete at a higher level.

In cases where there are insufficient entries in a particular level and age category, AMP may combine Low and High Frequency levels to ensure a competitive experience and diverse awards for all participating studios.

Styles of Dance Accepted at AMP Dance Competition

AMP Dance Competition embraces a wide range of dance styles, allowing dancers to showcase their versatility and passion:

BALLET/POINTE: Focuses on classical ballet technique and movements. Pointe or ballet shoes are required. Barefoot dancing is not permitted in this category.
JAZZ: Emphasizes jazz technique, including splits and floor rolls.
TAP: Primarily features tap technique. Tap shoes are mandatory.
LYRICAL: Characterized by emotional expression, fluid movements, balance, extension, and control. Lyrical routines must use music with lyrics. Instrumental pieces will be moved to the Contemporary or Open category.
CONTEMPORARY: Blends lyrical and modern dance movements.
MUSICAL THEATRE: Showcases dance styles from Broadway musicals, movies, or television shows.
HIP HOP/FUNK: Demonstrates street jazz styles incorporating hip-hop and/or funk choreography. Acrobatics and breakdancing are allowed.
OPEN: Allows any dance style or combination of styles.
ACRO DANCE: Combines classical dance technique with acrobatic elements. This category emphasizes the integration of acrobatics within a dance context. Specific acrobatic lifts like “3-highs” and “Blinds” (front and back) are prohibited.
SPECIALTY: Highlights unique dance forms or techniques, such as acro/gymnastics, ballroom, clogging, cultural/ethnic styles, or novelty styles. Judging is based on core dance elements like technique, movement quality, storytelling, staging, and performance.
PRODUCTION: Large-scale performances with 25 or more dancers, using any dance style to portray a theme or storyline. Productions have a 7-minute performance time limit and a maximum of 4 minutes for prop setup and removal.

There are no restrictions on the number of “tricks” or “acro moves” in any routine, regardless of style.

Performance Rules and Regulations

AMP Dance Competitions maintains a set of performance rules to ensure fairness, safety, and smooth operation:

Dancers must perform in the scheduled order, except for costume changes with prior permission. Rehearsals are not permitted during the competition. Delays caused by performers or teachers rehearsing will result in deductions.
Dancers not performing within 10 acts of their scheduled time may be ineligible for Overall High Point awards, except with pre-approved exceptions.
Communication and cooperation with backstage staff are expected to ensure a timely competition.
The entire performance must take place on stage. Entrances and exits are only permitted from the wings. Starting or ending routines in the audience or jumping off the stage is prohibited. Approaching the judges’ table is not allowed. Props and performers must remain at least 1 foot from the stage edge for safety.
Special stage or house lighting is not provided. Studios are responsible for cleaning up any stage litter immediately after their performance.
Rehearsing on stage before or after competition days is strictly prohibited. Teachers, parents, and dancers are not allowed to practice or meet on stage at any time.
Changes made after the final schedule release incur a $50 fee per change, including changes made at the event. This fee applies to music file changes, level changes, age division changes, division type changes, category changes, prop setup time additions, and performer additions/deletions that impact category size. Unpaid fees may impact eligibility for Overall High Point Awards.
Category or level changes are not accepted within 7 days of the event, except for scratches or injuries. Violations of performance rules may lead to deductions from each judge’s score.

Safety and Liability at AMP Dance Competitions

Safety is paramount at AMP Dance Competitions. AMP and the hosting venue are not liable for any damage, loss, or injury to contestants, spectators, or their property while on the premises. Dance participation involves inherent risks, and by participating, dancers accept these risks. Participants agree to release AMP Dance LLC, its directors, and employees from responsibility for injuries or illnesses contracted during the event. Studio owners/directors agree to a Release of Liability Clause during registration.

As a public event, AMP encourages attendees to:

Supervise children at all times.
Be responsible for personal belongings.
Be aware of surroundings.
Report any unsuitable or suspicious activity to AMP staff.

Family Friendly Environment at AMP Dance Competitions

AMP Dance Competitions are committed to maintaining a family-friendly atmosphere. While dance encompasses diverse styles, AMP sets standards to address routines deemed inappropriate for a family audience. Routines considered inappropriate may be penalized or disqualified and are unlikely to receive top scores.

AMP employs a “Family Viewing” system where judges can indicate “This routine might not be AMP friendly.” Each judge selecting this option results in a 1-point deduction from the routine’s total score. If all three judges select this, the routine is disqualified. This system is in place to ensure routines are suitable for all audiences. Studios will be contacted for discussion if points are deducted for appropriateness. AMP welcomes feedback on this evolving policy.

Prop Rules for Dance Performances

Prop usage at AMP Dance Competitions is governed by specific rules to ensure safety and venue integrity:

Dancers should set up and remove their own props whenever possible. If assistance or extra time is needed, prop setup time must be pre-purchased during registration. On-site requests for additional setup time, if granted, incur a 50% increased fee or a 1-point deduction per minute over time.
Liquids, gels, aerosols, glitter, and powders that could affect the dance surface are prohibited. Studios are responsible for cleaning up any stage litter caused by their props.
When moving props, sliders or protective tools must be used to prevent damage to the marley dance floor. Studios are liable for the replacement cost of damaged floors.
Hanging backdrops and special lighting are not permitted. Fire, swords, knives, and live animals are prohibited. Helium balloons are allowed only if weighted and permitted by the venue.
Props exceeding stage weight limits or deemed unsafe by the Competition Director are not allowed.
Props must be loaded in and out of the venue on the same day of use. Prop storage backstage or in the wings is not allowed. AMP is not responsible for unattended or overnight props.
Special prop assembly requests should be discussed with the Competition Director upon arrival. All backstage props must be labeled with the studio name for identification. Prop rule violations may result in ineligibility for high score awards and adjudication-only status.

Judging Process at AMP Dance Competitions

AMP Dance Competitions utilizes a panel of judges to provide comprehensive feedback and fair scoring. One judge on each panel is specifically for teachers and studio owners, offering insights into choreography, costuming, content, staging, and training techniques. The other two judges focus on providing constructive feedback to dancers regarding routine cleanliness, technique, performance quality, and timing. All judge decisions are final, and the judging process is at the discretion of AMP Directors and Producers.

Score sheets are available only to studio owners/directors. Performances are evaluated based on five elements:

Technique (40 points)
Stage Presence (25 points)
Choreography (20 points)
Timing and Music (10 points)
Difficulty (5 points)

Each judge can award a maximum of 100 points. Ties are not broken for general competition awards, but are broken for Overall High Point Awards using Technique score, then Performance score, and finally “judge’s choice.” Judge’s score sheets and critiques are confidential and accessible to studio owners and teachers through the AMP registration/studio page.

General Awards at AMP Dance Competitions

AMP Dance Competitions recognizes dancers at all levels with a variety of awards:

Adjudication Awards:

NEW BEAT LEVEL: Extreme Voltage, High Voltage, Voltage, or Amp.
LOW FREQUENCY, HIGH FREQUENCY, & UP BEAT LEVELS: Blown Speaker, Extreme Voltage, High Voltage, Voltage, and Amp.

All routines receive an adjudication award based on their score and performance level. “Category Winners” are announced for solos and duet/trios, and “Best in Style” awards are given to group numbers.

Overall High Point Awards:

High Point Emblems are awarded to the top-scoring routines in Solo, Duet/Trio, Small Group, Large Group, and Super Line/Production categories within each level (Up Beat, New Beat, Low Frequency, High Frequency).
AMP Cash prizes are awarded to the highest-scoring routines in each age division for Solo, Duet/Trio, Small Group, Large Group, and Super Line/Production. A minimum of 5 entries per division is required for AMP Cash awards. AMP Cash is credited towards studio registration for the following year and cannot be used for lobby merchandise.
Overall High Point Awards are divided into age divisions: Bitty (3-6), Mini (7-9), Junior (10-12), Teen (13-15), and Senior (16-19).
Soloists or Duet/Trio contestants can only place once in the Overall High Point Awards.
Acts must perform on the same day or before their awards ceremony to be eligible for Overall High Point Awards. Acts performing after their scheduled awards segment will only receive general awards.
Acts dropping below minimum group size requirements may compete for adjudication only and are ineligible for Overall High Point Awards. If a group size change is communicated before the competition starts, adjustments may be made for eligibility.

High Point Award Breakdown:

The number of Top awards presented depends on the number of routines in each category (level, age, and group size):

Top 1 Award:
- 1-4 routines in New Beat & Up Beat Divisions and ALL Production categories.
- 2-4 routines in Low & High Frequency Competitive Divisions.
Top 3 Award: 5-8 routines.
Top 5 Award: 9-13 routines.
Top 10 Award: 14-29 routines.
Top 20 Award: 30+ routines.

Additional Awards and Scholarships

In addition to general and high point awards, AMP Dance Competitions offer special recognitions:

AMP SCHOLARSHIP: A full solo entry scholarship for outstanding soloists to attend any AMP event the following year. Non-transferable and not redeemable for studio credit.
COSTUME AWARD: Recognizes exceptional costume design, originality, fit, and routine appropriateness in Solo, Duet/Trio, and Group/Super Line/Production categories.
DIFFICULTY AWARD: Awarded for outstanding execution of technical difficulty in choreography for Solo, Duet/Trio, and Group/Super Line/Production categories.
CHOREOGRAPHY AWARD: Presented to choreographers demonstrating exceptional choreography in Solo, Duet/Trio, Group, Super Line, or Production performances, based on judge nominations.
MOST ENTERTAINING AWARD: Recognizes the most entertaining Solo, Duet/Trio, Group, and/or Line, as chosen by the judges.
TECHNIQUE AWARD: Awarded to routines showcasing outstanding technical ability in Solo, Duet/Trio, Group, and/or Line categories.
WELL ROUNDED STUDIO AWARD: Recognizes studios providing comprehensive dance education across multiple genres. Studios must present group routines in at least 5 of the following styles: Jazz, Ballet, Lyrical/Contemporary, Musical Theatre, Open, Specialty, Hip Hop, Tap. Qualifying studios receive a Record Award. The studio with the highest average score across at least 5 styles also receives a Well-Rounded Studio trophy and AMP Cash. Awards are given for Up Beat, New Beat, Low Frequency, and High Frequency levels.
CULTURE AWARD: A new award recognizing studios that embody love, positivity, and kindness. The winning studio receives a trophy and a cash prize to donate to a children’s charity of their choice (officially registered non-profit). If the studio does not have a preferred charity, AMP will donate to Sunshine Angels on their behalf.

Conclusion: Experience the Excitement of AMP Dance Competitions

AMP Dance Competitions offer a platform for dancers of all levels to shine, grow, and celebrate their passion for dance. With comprehensive categories, clear rules, and a focus on positive feedback and recognition, AMP provides a rewarding competitive experience. Whether you are a dancer, teacher, or spectator, AMP Dance Competitions promise excitement, inspiration, and a celebration of the art of dance. Join us and be part of the AMP dance community!