Ignite Dance Competition is committed to celebrating the dedication, talent, and artistry of dancers across various styles and age groups. A key component of any dance competition is the judging and awards system, and Ignite prides itself on a transparent and comprehensive approach to recognizing outstanding performances and studios. This article will detail the scoring methodology and the diverse range of awards presented at Ignite Dance Competition events, both regionally and nationally. Understanding these aspects can help dancers and studios better prepare for and appreciate the recognition offered at Ignite.
Scoring System at Ignite Dance Competition
Every routine at both Regional and National Ignite Dance Competition events is evaluated by a panel of three qualified judges. To ensure fairness and provide constructive feedback, each judge scores each performance based on three core elements:
Core Scoring Components
- Technique: This assesses the dancers’ technical proficiency, encompassing elements like precision, control, clarity of movements, and proper execution of dance steps and skills relevant to the chosen style.
- Showmanship: Showmanship evaluates the performance quality and engagement of the dancers. Judges consider factors such as stage presence, energy, charisma, connection with the audience, and effective communication of the piece’s narrative or emotion.
- Overall Impact: This component captures the holistic effect of the routine. Judges assess the choreography’s creativity and effectiveness, musicality, costuming, and the routine’s ability to leave a lasting impression.
Each judge can award a maximum of 100 points, leading to a potential maximum cumulative score of 300 points per routine. This detailed scoring system ensures a thorough and balanced evaluation of each performance at the ignite dance competition.
Tie-Breaking Rules
In the event of a tie in overall scores, Ignite Dance Competition prioritizes technical execution. The routine with the higher technique score from the judges will be awarded the higher placement. However, in the rare instance of two routines achieving perfect scores, the tie will stand, and both performances will receive the top honor.
Judges’ Recognition: Personalized Accolades
Beyond numerical scores, Ignite Dance Competition emphasizes personalized recognition through Judges Awards.
Judges Awards
In each awards ceremony session, each judge has the privilege to present up to three Judges Awards. These are discretionary awards, hand-selected by each judge to recognize routines that particularly resonated with them. These awards highlight performances that inspired, moved, or stood out for unique qualities that may go beyond the standard scoring criteria. These special recognitions are presented at both Regional and National ignite dance competition events.
Artists on Fire
The “Artists on Fire” award celebrates exceptional soloists who demonstrate both outstanding technique and a palpable passion for dance. Judges select these individuals throughout each weekend, acknowledging their dedication and artistry. This award is presented at both Regional and National ignite dance competition events, showcasing the bright future of dance.
Stand Out Dancers
Ignite Dance Competition enriches the competition experience by offering free convention classes at the start of each full competition day. Convention teachers, who are often renowned dance educators and choreographers, have the opportunity to recognize “Stand Out Dancers” within their classes. These dancers are acknowledged during the group awards ceremony for their respective age divisions and receive a certificate, encouraging their continued growth and participation in ignite dance competition and beyond. This award is also a feature at both Regional and National events.
Category and Overall Excellence: Celebrating Top Performances
Ignite Dance Competition provides tiered recognition to celebrate excellence within specific categories and across the entire competition.
Highest in the Category
When a category comprises three or more routines, ignite dance competition recognizes up to the top ten highest-scoring routines within that specific category. A category is defined by level (e.g., Recreational), age level (e.g., Junior), style (e.g., Contemporary), and entry type (e.g., Small Group). Routines achieving “Highest in the Category” receive verbal recognition during the awards ceremony, celebrating their achievement within their peer group. This recognition is given at both Regional and National events.
For example, if a Regional event features 12 Recreational Junior Contemporary Small Groups, Ignite will verbally acknowledge the top ten scoring routines within that specific category, excluding other dance styles or categories.
Overall Awards
For a broader spectrum of recognition, Ignite Dance Competition presents Overall Awards. All routines within a specific level (e.g., Elite), age level (e.g., Senior), and entry type (e.g., Solos) compete against each other for these prestigious awards. Presented after all routines within an overall category have competed, Ignite awards up to the top ten placements. It’s important to note that a soloist can only place once in the overall awards, even if they enter multiple solos. Only their highest-scoring solo will be considered for overall placement at the ignite dance competition. These awards are presented at both Regional and National competitions.
Dancer of the Year
At the National ignite dance competition event, dancers competing solos at the Competitive or Elite level are automatically entered into the Dancer of the Year Competition. Eligibility requires prior solo competition at a Regional event. Dancers are recognized at the conclusion of their respective competition sessions. This prestigious accolade is exclusively presented at the National event and is awarded across various age divisions within the Competitive and Elite levels, recognizing the pinnacle of solo performance at ignite dance competition.
Ignite Dance Competition proudly awards the following Dancer of the Year titles at Nationals:
- Competitive Mini Dancer of the Year
- Competitive Petite Dancer of the Year
- Competitive Junior Dancer of the Year
- Competitive Teen Dancer of the Year
- Competitive Senior Dancer of the Year
- Elite Mini Dancer of the Year
- Elite Petite Dancer of the Year
- Elite Junior Dancer of the Year
- Elite Teen Dancer of the Year
- Elite Senior Dancer of the Year
Special Recognition Awards: Highlighting Unique Achievements
Ignite Dance Competition also features special awards that celebrate unique aspects of dance performance and studio excellence.
Regional Improv Winner
Ignite recognizes improvisation skills by awarding a Regional Improv Winner in each age division. The Mini and Petite age divisions are combined for this category, and the adult age division is not eligible. Depending on entry numbers, runner-up awards are also presented. This award, given each weekend at Regional events, celebrates spontaneity and creativity within ignite dance competition.
Ignite Dance Competition proudly presents the following Regional Improv Winner awards each weekend:
- Mini & Petite Regional Improv Winner
- Junior Regional Improv Winner
- Teen Regional Improv Winner
- Senior Regional Improv Winner
Top Choreographers
Recognizing the artistry behind the routines, ignite dance competition presents Top Choreographer awards each weekend. These awards celebrate outstanding choreography in group routines (solos, duets, and trios are not eligible). Routines in the Pro-Am or Adult divisions are also not eligible. The award is presented to the choreographer of the winning routine. In divisions with fewer than 10 entries, Ignite reserves the right to combine award categories.
Ignite Dance Competition presents Top Choreographer awards in these age categories:
- 12 & Under: Top Choreographer
- 13 & Over: Top Choreographer
Most Entertaining
Performance quality takes center stage with the “Most Entertaining” award. Presented each weekend, this award recognizes two group routines that deliver exceptional entertainment value. Similar to the Top Choreographer award, solos, duets, trios, and routines in Pro-Am or Adult divisions are not eligible. Ignite may combine categories if there are fewer than 10 entries in a division. This award celebrates the joy and engagement that dance brings to ignite dance competition.
Ignite Dance Competition presents “Most Entertaining” awards in these age categories:
- 12 & Under: Most Entertaining
- 13 & Over: Most Entertaining
Most Memorable Award
The “Most Memorable Award” is a special accolade chosen directly by the judges. Presented to two group routines at each weekend event, this award highlights performances that the judges would love to see again, signifying a lasting impact and artistic impression. Solos, duets, trios, and routines from Pro-Am or Adult divisions are not eligible. Ignite may combine categories with fewer than 10 entries. This award truly reflects the judge’s personal appreciation for standout performances at ignite dance competition.
Ignite Dance Competition presents “Most Memorable” awards in these age categories:
- 12 & Under: Most Memorable
- 13 & Over: Most Memorable
Top Performance Awards: Recognizing Highest Scores
Ignite Dance Competition culminates in awards for the highest-scoring performances across the weekend.
Highest Score of the Weekend
The “Highest Score of the Weekend” awards are presented to routines achieving the highest cumulative scores throughout the entire weekend event. Routines in the Pro-Am or Adult divisions are not eligible for these top honors. These awards represent the pinnacle of achievement in scoring at ignite dance competition.
Ignite Dance Competition awards “Highest Score of the Weekend” in the following categories, regardless of level:
- 12 & Under: Highest Scoring Soloist
- 12 & Under: Highest Scoring Duet or Trio
- 12 & Under: Highest Scoring Group
- 13 & Over: Highest Scoring Soloist
- 13 & Over: Highest Scoring Duet or Trio
- 13 & Over: Highest Scoring Group
Studio of the Weekend
NEW! Ignite Dance Competition introduces “Studio of the Weekend” awards to recognize studios demonstrating consistent excellence across multiple routines. These awards are presented to studios with the highest cumulative average score for their routines within a specific level (Recreational, Competitive, or Elite). Eligibility requires a studio to have at least five group routines at the level they are competing for this award. This award celebrates the overall strength and consistent high performance of dance studios participating in ignite dance competition.
Ignite Dance Competition presents “Studio of the Weekend” awards in these categories:
- Recreational Studio of the Weekend
- Competitive Studio of the Weekend
- Elite Studio of the Weekend
Studio Spirit and Excellence: Celebrating Values
Beyond performance, Ignite Dance Competition recognizes studios that embody positive values and contribute to the dance community.
Spirit of Ignite
NEW! The “Spirit of Ignite” award is a prestigious accolade presented during the final group awards ceremony of each weekend. This award recognizes a studio that exemplifies Ignite’s core values: community, sportsmanship, and respect. The recipient studio is chosen for uplifting fellow participants, demonstrating exceptional sportsmanship throughout the event, and showing unwavering respect for all involved in ignite dance competition.
ADCC Studio of Excellence Award
NEW! Ignite Dance Competition is proud to partner with the Association of Dance Competitions and Conventions (ADCC) to present the “ADCC Studio of Excellence Award.” This award, given by ADCC member competitions, recognizes a studio that best embodies the values of the ADCC, including collaboration and the pursuit of excellence. Winning studios who are registered with ADCC will be featured in the ADCC Magazine, The Competitive Advantage. This award connects ignite dance competition to a broader network of dance excellence and recognition.
Ignite Dance Competition’s comprehensive scoring and awards system is designed to celebrate dancers and studios at all levels. From detailed scoring metrics to special judges’ selections and studio-wide accolades, Ignite strives to create a rewarding and encouraging experience for every participant. By understanding these awards, dancers and studios can better appreciate the breadth of recognition offered at ignite dance competition events and strive for excellence in all aspects of their dance journey.
