Inferno Dance competitions are renowned for their vibrant and high-energy atmosphere, attracting talented dancers from various studios. Understanding the awards system is key for studios, dancers, and parents to appreciate the recognition offered at these events. This guide breaks down the different types of awards presented at Inferno Dance, ensuring you’re well-informed about what to expect.
Adjudicated Awards: Recognizing Performance Levels
Every routine at Inferno Dance receives an Adjudicated Award based on a standardized scoring system. This system focuses on providing constructive feedback and recognizing the technical and artistic merit of each performance. The scoring breakdown is as follows:
- Titanium: 297 – 300 points. This pinnacle award recognizes exceptional routines demonstrating near-perfection in technique, performance, and artistry.
- Elite Platinum: 290 – 296.9 points. Awarded to routines showcasing outstanding talent and impressive execution across all judging criteria.
- Platinum: 285 – 289.9 points. This high honor celebrates routines with strong technique, engaging performances, and notable artistry.
- High Gold: 280 – 284.9 points. Recognizing routines with solid performances, demonstrating good technique and stage presence.
- Gold: 279.9 points & below. A foundational award acknowledging effort and potential, with routines showing developing skills.
Judges provide valuable audio commentary for each routine, offering specific feedback and insights. These scores and audio critiques are accessible through DanceCompGenie within a week post-competition. Studio owners receive email instructions prior to each event on accessing this feedback.
High Score Awards: Top of the Tier
High Score awards celebrate the top-performing routines within each level and age group. These are presented across various categories including Solos, Duos/Trios, Small Groups, Large Groups, Lines, Mini-Musicals, and Productions, where applicable.
It’s important to note that Inferno Dance reserves the right to combine levels and age groups based on registration numbers at each event. Tie-breaks are determined at the discretion of the on-site judging panel.
To maintain fair competition, dancers cannot compete against themselves in the same category and age group within the Solo division. Solo dancers are eligible for a High Score placement only once per category. Duos/Trios have some flexibility, allowed to compete in the same category and age group if at least 50% of the routine’s dancers are different, promoting broader participation.
The number of High Score awards varies based on the number of routines within each level, age group, and routine size:
- 1 – 3 routines: 1 winner
- 4 – 5 routines: 1 winner, 1 runner-up
- 6 – 8 routines: 1 winner, 2 runners-up
- 9 – 13 routines: 1 winner, 4 runners-up
- 14 – 16 routines: 1 winner, 7 runners-up
- 17 – 25 routines: 1 winner, 9 runners-up
- 25+ routines: 1 winner, 11 runners-up
Grand Champion Awards: Best of the Best
Grand Champion awards represent the pinnacle of achievement, awarded to the highest-scoring routines across larger segments of the competition. Typically, Grand Champions are awarded by Level for Groups and by Age for Solos, Duos, and Trios.
Inferno Dance retains the discretion to combine or withhold Grand Champion categories if there are fewer than 25 routines in a category. Additional Grand Champion categories may be introduced depending on the volume of routines and session divisions. Detailed awards breakdowns, including Grand Champion specifics, are provided the week of each event on the final schedule.
TITLE Competition: Solo Spotlight
The prestigious TITLE competition is exclusively for Solo performers, offering an additional layer of competitive recognition. For dancers seeking to vie for the coveted TITLE, further information and rules are available here.
Inferno Showcase: Entertainment Takes Center Stage
The Inferno Showcase highlights routines selected by judges for their outstanding entertainment value and creativity, rather than adjudicated scores. These standout performances are chosen for their ability to captivate and engage the audience. Showcase routines receive a special plaque, celebrating their unique contribution to the event. They are not scored a second time, emphasizing the focus on entertainment over competitive ranking in this segment.
Specialty/Judges’ Choice Awards: Recognizing Unique Qualities
Throughout each competition, judges present Specialty or Judges’ Choice awards to routines that stand out for particular reasons, irrespective of their scores. These awards recognize unique qualities, exceptional artistry, innovative choreography, or captivating performance elements that judges deem noteworthy.
Best Improv Contest: Spontaneity and Skill
Inferno Dance provides a platform for dancers to showcase their improvisational talents through the Best Improv Contest. Participants sign up for this optional contest and are then given 30 seconds to improvise to two different styles of dance. Winners and runners-up are selected from two age groups: 11 & Under and 12 & Over, celebrating dancers’ adaptability and creativity in spontaneous performance.
Studio Awards: Celebrating Studio Culture
Beyond individual and routine accolades, Studio Awards recognize the collective strengths and positive attributes of participating dance studios. These awards may encompass various aspects, including:
- Fans on Fire: Recognizing studios with exceptional audience support and enthusiasm.
- Sportsmanship: Celebrating studios that demonstrate outstanding ethical conduct and respect.
- Artistry: Honoring studios that emphasize artistic expression and creative innovation.
- Performance: Acknowledging studios with consistently strong and engaging stage presence.
- Technique: Recognizing studios that prioritize and excel in technical dance skills.
- Studio on Fire: A comprehensive award recognizing overall studio excellence across multiple categories.
Stellar Impact Award: Positivity and Community Spirit
The Stellar Impact Award distinguishes studios that embody positivity, kindness, and support within the Inferno Dance environment. This award recognizes studios actively promoting the positive competition experience that Inferno Dance aims to create. Instead of a physical award, Inferno Dance makes a $250 donation to a non-profit organization in the honored studio’s name. Winning studios are featured on Inferno’s website and Instagram story, further highlighting their commitment to community values. Eligibility for this award is limited to loyalty clients who have consistently represented Inferno’s values.
Staff Choice Pins: Recognizing Everyday Kindness
Inferno Dance staff members actively participate in recognizing positive behavior through Staff Choice Pins. These pins are awarded to any attendee – dancers, directors, parents, etc. – who demonstrate acts of kindness, courtesy, helpfulness, and other positive behaviors throughout the event, fostering a welcoming and supportive atmosphere.
Please Note: Award Flexibility
Inferno Dance reserves the right to modify the number and types of awards presented at each competition. This flexibility ensures the awards structure remains adaptable and effectively recognizes the talent and positive contributions at each event.
By understanding the diverse award system at Inferno Dance, participants can fully appreciate the breadth of recognition offered, from adjudicated scoring to special recognitions that celebrate not just dance skill, but also sportsmanship, artistry, and community spirit.
