In10sity Dance Competition is thrilled to announce exciting updates for the upcoming 2025 season, designed to enhance the competitive experience for studios and dancers alike. Driven by invaluable feedback from our participating studios, we are constantly evolving to ensure a well-rounded and enriching platform for every facet of dance. Here’s what’s new and noteworthy as you prepare for the Intensity Dance Competition in 2025.
Exciting Changes for the 2025 Season
One of the most significant changes for 2025 is the separation of Production routines from Lines. We recognize the unique artistry and performance quality inherent in Production routines and are creating a dedicated space for them to be adjudicated and celebrated.
Lines vs. Productions: A Clearer Distinction
Starting in 2025, both Lines and Productions will still require a minimum of 20 dancers. However, at the time of registration, studios will have the option to classify routines with 20 or more dancers as either a “Line” or a “Production.” This classification choice will be available within the various divisions that routines are automatically categorized into based on dancer count. All other competitive class and age division parameters will remain the same.
This change allows for a more focused evaluation of Production routines, acknowledging their often intricate compositions and diverse performance elements. To further streamline the process, specifying the “category” of production routines will no longer be required at registration. Production routines often naturally incorporate multiple dance genres, making a single category designation less relevant.
Introducing Best of Production Awards
Understanding that classifying Production routines under existing categories limited their eligibility for In10sity’s Best Of Category awards, we are excited to introduce “Best Of Production” awards for 2025. These prestigious awards will recognize our highest-scoring production routines across the following criteria:
- Premier 11 & Under
- Elite 11 & Under
- Premier 12 & Over
- Elite 12 & Over
These awards will celebrate the exceptional talent and creativity showcased in Production routines, ensuring they receive the recognition they deserve within the intensity dance competition framework.
Welcome Ballroom to the Category Lineup
Responding to popular demand and reflecting the ever-evolving dance landscape, Ballroom has been added to our official category list for 2025! Ballroom routines should feature classic ballroom techniques, and dancers must wear ballroom shoes. This addition broadens the spectrum of dance styles celebrated at In10sity and provides a platform for studios specializing in ballroom to shine.
In10se Platinum: Now Attainable Across All Competitive Classes
Previously, In10sity’s highest level of distinction, In10se Platinum, was exclusively reserved for routines in the Elite Class. After careful consideration and studio feedback, we are pleased to announce that In10se Platinum will now be attainable across all competitive classes on a sliding scale. This change makes the highest level of achievement more accessible and encourages dancers in all competitive classes to strive for excellence within the intensity dance competition.
Competition Programs and Features
In10sity Dance Competition offers a range of exciting programs and features beyond routine performances, designed to enhance the overall experience and provide opportunities for dancers to grow and be recognized.
Con10der Title Program
Launched in 2018, the Con10der Title Program offers dancers the chance to compete for prestigious titles at each Regional and Nat10nal event. Titles are awarded in four age divisions: Mini, Junior, Teen, and Senior.
Image alt text: Dancers performing on stage during the Con10der Title Program at an intensity dance competition, showcasing their solo routines.
Each Con10der participant performs a solo and competes in a separate, exclusive improv competition for their age division. Judges evaluate dancers based on both their solo and improv performances to determine the Con10der title winners. Con10ders do not compete in the general In10se Improv competition for their age division.
Regional and National Con10der Awards:
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Regional Events (Continuing in 2025): Regional Con10ders are eligible for solo overalls in their age division. Winning Con10ders receive a $100 cash award and a $100 scholarship for the following Regional season. Participation in the Regional Con10der title program is a prerequisite for competing at the Nat10nal level.
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National Events (Starting 2024): Nat10nal Con10ders have their own divisional overalls, announced after Interview and Improv Honorees. Top performers re-perform their solos for the judges. “Dual Winners” (Interview and Improv Honorees not in the top soloist overalls) also re-perform.
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National Con10der Prizes (Continuing in 2025): Nat10nal winning Con10ders receive a $500 cash award and an All Access Pass, granting a full scholarship to any In10sity event for a year. Senior Con10ders who are graduating receive a $1,000 cash award instead of the All Access Pass. Nat10nal Con10ders also have the honor of performing their solos in the GRP Finale on the final day of the intensity dance competition.
In10se Dancers Program
The In10se Dancers program offers selected dancers the opportunity to perform in the opening number of the GRP Finale at Nat10nals. These dancers perform alongside In10se Dancers from across North America in a routine choreographed by a leading industry professional.
Image alt text: Group of In10se Dancers energetically performing a hip-hop routine on stage at the In10sity Dance Competition.
Selection and Participation:
- Judges at each Regional event select outstanding soloists from the Elite and Premier competitive classes in the Junior, Teen, and Senior age divisions to become In10se Dancers. Studios with both Elite and Premier dancers are chosen from the Elite class.
- Studios attending Nat10nals without solo performers can nominate two performers per age division (Junior, Teen, Senior) to participate as In10se Dancers.
- Dancers not initially selected can audition for the In10se Dancers program on the first day of Nat10nals.
The In10se Dancers program provides an incredible experience for dancers to learn from top choreographers, make new connections, and create lasting memories within the intensity dance competition. Registration instructions for this free program are provided on the In10se Dancer certificate awarded at Regional events.
In10se Improv Competition
Dancers registered for the intensity dance competition are invited to participate in the In10se Improv competition at Regional or Nat10nal events. The competition is divided by age division (Mini, Junior, Teen, & Senior) and takes place before awards ceremonies.
Image alt text: Young dancers participating in the In10se Improv competition, showcasing their spontaneous dance skills on stage.
Con10der participants have their own separate improv competition and are not eligible for In10se Improv. Petite age division dancers participate in the Mini In10se Improv.
Competition Format:
- Participants check in backstage before their age division’s improv competition.
- Dancers listen to a music excerpt and then perform in groups (3-10 dancers) for preliminary rounds.
- Advancement through quarterfinal, semi-final, and final rounds is possible.
- The top three dancers in the final round are ranked, with the champion receiving a $100 scholarship and 1st and 2nd runners-up each receiving a $50 scholarship (redeemable for the following regional season).
Please note that participation in In10se Improv is non-refundable.
In10sity Honors Awards
At each Regional event, In10sity Dance recognizes five routines with In10sity Honors awards, selected by our panel of adjudicators during the intensity dance competition.
- Technical Excellence Award: Recognizes exceptional technical skill and ability.
- Perfect Precision Award: Awarded for routines demonstrating attention to detail and superb execution.
- Exceptional Entertainment Award: Celebrates compelling and entertaining performances.
- Couture Costuming Award: Recognizes costumes that best suit the music and theme and complement the performers.
- Cutting Edge Choreography Award: Awarded to the piece that artistically resonates most with the judges.
Beauty With In10tion Photogenic Competition
Dancers are invited to participate in the Beauty With In10tion photogenic competition. All proceeds from submissions directly support the Living With In10tion scholarship program for graduating seniors at Nat10nals.
Image alt text: Collage of dancer portraits submitted to the Beauty With In10tion photogenic competition at In10sity Dance.
Participation Details:
- Submit a digital photo and a $25 submission fee at the merchandise table.
- Complete a Google Form with dancer information and upload the photo(s).
- Multiple photo submissions are allowed (separate fee per photo).
- Submissions are accepted until the award ceremony where winners are announced.
- Winners are announced for each age division (Mini, Junior, Teen, & Senior) during their respective group award ceremonies. Petite dancers enter the Mini division for this competition.
Best Of Category and Best Of Production Awards
“Best Of Category” awards are presented at each Regional event, recognizing the top overall non-solo routine in each age division and category with at least 5 entries in both Premier and Elite competitive classes.
As mentioned earlier, “Best Of Production” awards will be introduced in 2025 to acknowledge the highest-scoring production routines across specific Premier and Elite age divisions.
Studio of Xcellence Award
The “Studio of Xcellence” award is given at each Regional and Nat10nal event, recognizing both an Elite and a Premier winner since 2023. Studios can only win one Studio of Xcellence award per competition.
Eligibility and Calculation:
- Elite Studio of Xcellence: Requires at least one Elite non-solo routine in each age division (Mini, Junior, Teen, & Senior). The studio’s highest-scoring non-solo routine in each age division are added together. The studio with the highest cumulative score (out of 1200 possible points) wins.
- Premier Studio of Xcellence: Requires at least one Premier non-solo routine in each age division. The studio’s highest-scoring non-solo routines are added together. The studio with the highest cumulative score (out of 1180 possible points) wins.
If a studio qualifies for both Elite and Premier awards, they receive the award with the higher cumulative total, and the other award is given to the studio with the next highest total. Studio of Xcellence winners receive a trip for two with In10sity staff in the fall following each season.
The In10sity Challenge
The In10sity Challenge takes place at each Regional and Nat10nal event. Studios competing at least five non-solo routines are eligible.
Challenge Calculation and Awards:
- In10sity calculates the average score of each eligible studio’s top five highest-scoring non-solo routines.
- The top five studios with the highest average scores receive cash awards at the event’s conclusion:
- 5th Highest Studio Average: $100
- 4th Highest Studio Average: $250
- 3rd Highest Studio Average: $500
- 2nd Highest Studio Average: $750
- Highest Studio Average: $1,000
General Competition Guidelines
To ensure a smooth and fair intensity dance competition for all participants, please review the following general guidelines.
Age Divisions
In10sity Dance Competition offers six age divisions:
- Petite (6 years & under)
- Mini (7-8 years)
- Junior (9-11 years)
- Teen (12-14 years)
- Senior (15-19 years)
- Adult (20 years & older)
Age divisions for routines with multiple dancers are determined by the average age of dancers as of January 1st of the competition year (decimals are dropped and rounded down). Soloist age divisions are also determined by the dancer’s age as of January 1st. Petite age division routines (6 & under) default to the Debut class of competition. Mini age division (7-8 years) includes Debut, Premier, and Elite competitive classes. Routines cannot “bump up” to older age divisions.
Size Divisions and Time Guidelines
Routines are categorized into size divisions:
- Solo (1 dancer)
- Duet & Trio (2-3 dancers)
- Small Group (4-9 dancers)
- Large Group (10-19 dancers)
- Line (20+ dancers)
- Production (20+ dancers)
As of 2025, Lines and Productions are separate divisions with their own overalls. Studios choose the classification for routines with 20+ dancers at registration.
In10sity Dance does not enforce strict time limits, respecting dance as an art form. Suggested time guidelines are: Solos, Duets & Trios, Small Groups: 3 minutes; Large Groups & Lines: 4 minutes; Productions: 7 minutes. Choreographers are expected to use their judgment to create impactful pieces within reasonable timeframes for this intensity dance competition.
Categories
All routines (excluding Productions) register under the following categories: Acro, Ballet, Ballroom, Character, Contemporary, Clogging, Folk/Ethnic, Hip Hop, Jazz, Lyrical, Modern, Musical Theatre, Open, Pointe, Pom/Drill, Tap. Production routines are not categorized, allowing for genre fusion.
Competitive Classes
Dancers are classified as Debut, Premier, or Elite. Studios are responsible for placing dancers in appropriate classes based on their competitive experience and training intensity.
- Debut: Very little competitive experience, possibly first year competing.
- Premier: More experience than Debut, potentially recreational training level.
- Elite: Highly active competitors with intense training regimens.
Petite age division routines are always Debut class. Soloists must compete in the same competitive class at all events within a season. Non-solo routine competitive class is determined by the majority of dancers’ classes (with tie-breakers defaulting to the higher class). Studios can “bump up” a non-solo routine to a higher class but not down. Competitive class changes are not allowed after the final schedule release. Competitive classes aim to ensure fair competition among dancers of similar abilities within the intensity dance competition.
Adjudication and Scoring
Routines are judged on: Technique (35%), Showmanship (25%), Precision/Execution (15%), Choreography (15%), and Overall Performance (10%). Scoring breakdowns for each competitive class (Elite, Premier, Debut) determine levels of distinction (In10se Platinum, Platinum, High Gold, Gold, Silver). Top-scoring routines are recognized within each division, competitive class, and size division. Tie-breakers prioritize Technique, then Showmanship, then Precision/Execution, then Choreography, and finally Overall Performance scores. Soloists can only place once in overalls per age division (highest-scoring solo counts).
Scheduling
Tentative schedules are released 7 days before each intensity dance competition event. Full payment is required to receive the schedule. Modification requests are outlined in an accompanying email and subject to deadlines (exceptions for unforeseen events/injuries). Performance schedules with approximate times are provided to studio administrators only. Studios are responsible for distributing schedules to dancers. Be prepared to compete 90 minutes before the scheduled time. Out-of-order performances are for adjudication only (ineligible for overalls). In10sity Dance aims to run on time and reserves the right to adjust schedules. Competition dates may be modified as needed.
Registration and Fees
Online registration is available through studio accounts on the In10sity Dance website. Studios must establish a dancer roster. The registration system calculates age/size divisions and competitive classes and generates invoices. Independent entries are not accepted. Registration fees are due 30 days before each event and are non-refundable. Accepted payment methods are cash, check, or money order (credit/debit cards accepted with a 5% discount for cash/check/money order payments). A $25 fee applies to returned checks. Full payment is required for official registration. Late payments (within 30 days of the event) must be cash, cashier’s check, money order, or credit card. In partnership with studios, In10sity offers a 50% scholarship on entry fees for special needs dancers.
Media Fee
A one-time media fee per dancer at each intensity dance competition event covers digital downloads of all photos and videos from the entire competition. Family discounts are available. Individual photos/videos are not sold separately.
Props, Music, and General Information
- Props: Props are allowed; studios are responsible for transportation, setup, and teardown. Maximum prop height: 10 feet (freestanding/handheld), no dancer above 6 feet from stage floor. Hazardous materials, pyrotechnics, weaponry, and stage-damaging substances are prohibited. In10sity is not liable for unattended prop damage or disposal of left-behind props.
- Music: Music must be age-appropriate and free of profanity/vulgar language (violations may lead to score deduction or disqualification). Music must be uploaded online one week prior to the event. Backup music is highly recommended. Music speed/cuts will not be adjusted by In10sity.
- General Information: No human props. Only registered performers on stage. No coaching from backstage/audience. No refunds (credit for future events for illness/injury). Cash awards payable to studios. Awards must be collected at the event. Uncollected awards cannot be shipped. Re-performances (except for In10sity technical issues) are for adjudication only (ineligible for overalls). Dancers leaving stage and not re-performing are scored based on their performance and eligible for all awards.
Cash Awards Summary
- Top-scoring soloists in each age division and competitive class (with 3+ soloists) receive cash awards ($100 Elite, $75 Premier, $50 Debut).
- Con10der Title winners in each age division receive $100 cash.
- Highest-scoring non-solo Mini, Junior, Teen, & Senior routines in Premier and Elite classes receive $250 cash (In10se Award).
- In10sity Challenge awards cash to the top 5 studios based on average scores of their top 5 non-solo routines (ranging from $100 to $1000).
We are excited to bring these updates to the intensity dance competition experience and look forward to seeing you and your dancers in the 2025 season!
