ATLAS DANCE CHALLENGE

Official Rules & Policies

Atlas Dance Challenge was created to elevate the competitive dance experience through fairness, professionalism, and integrity. Our goal is to provide a structured and respectful environment for dancers, studios, and families.

Atlas operates under a Prestige Above Quantity philosophy.

REGIONAL PARTICIPATION POLICY

Each studio may participate in one (1) Atlas Regional event per competition season.

Studios may not enter multiple Atlas Regional cities within the same season.

This policy exists to:

• Preserve the identity of regional competition
• Prevent studios from entering multiple cities to chase wins
• Ensure fair competitive balance
• Maintain consistent adjudication standards

Nationals participation, if offered, is separate from this policy.

AGE DIVISIONS

Age is determined by the dancer’s age as of January 1 of the competition year.

Kinder – Ages 5–6
(Adjudication and special awards only. there are no overall awards for this age group)

Mini – Ages 7–9

Junior – Ages 10–12

Teen – Ages 13–15

Senior – Ages 16–18

GROUP AGE DETERMINATION

Group age divisions are determined by the average age of a pre-determined number of dancers in each of the group entry types

Solo - Age of Dancer

Duet/Trio - Average age of 2/3 Dancers

Small Group - Average age of the oldest 4 dancers

Large Group - Average age of the oldest 10 Dancers

Line - Average Age of the oldest 14 dancers

Production - Average age of the oldest 15 dancers

Atlas has a strict policy against padding younger groups with older dancers in an effort to increase the technique and showmanship abilities of a younger group. This will not be tolerated. if the age of any 1 dancer is significantly older than that of the group, or we see a trend in your studio's entries, atlas reserves the right to move the group to compete in the age category of the oldest dancer in the routine.

ENTRY TYPES

Solo – 1 dancer

Duet/Trio – 2–3 dancers

Small Group – 4–9 dancers

Large Group – 10–19 dancers

Line – 20–25 dancers

Production – 25+ dancers

PRODUCTION RULES

Productions do not compete by dance style.

All productions compete against each other within their age division.

There are no style awards for productions. Productions must present a clear theme, but may represent several dance styles throughout the production.

May the best production win.

Production age divisions:

• 11 & Under Average Age
• 12 & Over Average Age

The average age of the oldest 15 dancers in a production will determine the age category for the production

DANCE CATEGORIES

Entries may compete in the following styles:

• Ballet
• Jazz

• Modern
• Contemporary/Lyrical
• Musical Theatre
• Hip-Hop
• Tap
• Open

Productions do not compete by category.

TIME LIMITS

Solo — 2:30

Duet / Trio — 2:45

Small Group — 3:00

Large Group — 4:00

Line — 6:00

Production — 10:00 dance + 5:00 to set/remove props

Timing begins with the first movement or music and ends with the final movement or fade of music.

Entries exceeding time limits may receive point deductions.

MULTIPLE ROUTINE ENTRY RULE

To maintain competitive integrity and scheduling efficiency:

Studios may not enter multiple routines in the same age/style category where fewer than 50% of the dancers are different.

Example:

If a studio enters two Teen Jazz Small Groups, at least 50% of the dancers must be different between the routines.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULING

Atlas schedules routines to allow up to two dances between a dancer’s performances when possible.

However, dancers are expected to manage costume changes and timing accordingly. All Dances within a category are competed back to back.

Example:

Jazz Category, small groups will run in order of age from Mini through senior. Once all Small Group Jazz Dances have performed, the next style category will begin. This process will repeat until all small groups, large groups, and lines have competed in each style category.

MISSED PERFORMANCE POLICY

Atlas does not offer routine restarts or rescheduling.

Dancers are responsible for being prepared and present when their routine is called.

If a routine is missed, it will be considered scratched and will not be performed.

Professional performance environments do not provide do-overs for missed entrances.

BACKSTAGE & LINEUP SYSTEM

Atlas does not operate a traditional backstage check-in system.

Dancers will line up according to monitors displaying routine title and studio name.

Dancers will move forward in the lineup as routines progress.

This system ensures:

• Efficient scheduling
• Reduced backstage congestion
• Clear performance order

PROPS

Props are permitted.

A Prop Pass is required for any parent assisting with props backstage.

Prop Pass holders may enter backstage only to place or remove props.

They must exit backstage immediately after completing this task.

Parents may not remain backstage.

BANNED PROPS & STAGE SAFETY

Atlas welcomes creative use of props. However, certain items are strictly prohibited for safety and venue protection.

The following items may not be used on stage or backstage.

Dangerous Items

• Fire or open flames
• Candles or sparklers
• Fireworks or explosives
• Knives, swords, or weapons of any kind
• Sharp objects
• Pyrotechnics

Dangerous props are prohibited for dancer safety.

Substances That Affect the Dance Floor

The following materials are prohibited because they can damage the performance surface or create slip hazards:

• Water
• Paint or wet substances
• Glitter
• Powder or chalk
• Flour or cornstarch
• Sand or dirt
• Fake blood or liquids
• Confetti or paper scatter
• Aerosol sprays
• Graphite powder
• Bubbles or bubble machines

These materials may alter the stage surface and are commonly banned in dance competitions for safety reasons.

Animals

Live animals are not permitted on stage.

Vehicles & Motorized Items

The following are prohibited:

• Hoverboards
• Motorized vehicles
• Scooters or bikes
• Remote-controlled devices

Electrical Equipment

Props requiring electrical outlets or stage power are not permitted unless pre-approved by Atlas.

Battery-powered props may be allowed with approval.

Oversized Props

Props must safely fit within the performance space.

Atlas may prohibit any prop that:

• Exceeds stage height limitations
• Is considered unsafe
• May damage the stage or flooring

Stage Damage

All props must have protective material (felt, rubber, etc.) on surfaces that contact the floor.

Studios are financially responsible for any damage caused to the stage or dance floor.

Prop Setup & Removal

Props must be:

• Set up quickly
• Removed immediately following the performance

Excessive setup or removal time may result in point deductions.

Final Authority

Atlas reserves the right to prohibit any prop or item deemed unsafe or disruptive to the event.

Failure to comply may result in:

• Point deductions
• Routine disqualification

DRESSING ROOM POLICY

Each participating studio will be assigned a designated dressing space.

Atlas is committed to providing organized and respectful changing environments.

Parents and guardians are permitted in studio dressing areas.

Studios are responsible for supervising their dancers within their assigned space.

Photography or video recording inside dressing areas is strictly prohibited.

BACKSTAGE ACCESS

Backstage access is restricted to:

• Dancers
• Studio staff
• Atlas staff
• Prop Pass holders (for prop placement only)

Parents and spectators are not permitted backstage.

MUSIC POLICY

All music is screened prior to the event.

Music containing inappropriate or explicit content may be rejected.

COSTUMES & CHOREOGRAPHY

Costumes and choreography must be age appropriate.

Atlas reserves the right to deduct points, disqualify a routine, or request a routine exit the stage if content is deemed inappropriate.

SPORTSMANSHIP

Atlas expects professional conduct from:

• Dancers
• Parents
• Studio staff

Unsportsmanlike behavior may result in point deductions or disqualification.

CASH AWARDS

All cash awards are distributed as Visa gift cards.

Atlas does not offer event credits or return incentives.

Awards benefit dancers directly.

SOLO OVERALL AWARDS

Mini
1st — $125
2nd — $75
3rd — $50

Junior
1st — $150
2nd — $100
3rd — $75

Teen
1st — $200
2nd — $125
3rd — $75

Senior
1st — $250
2nd — $150
3rd — $100

Only one solo cash award per dancer per event may be received.

GROUP CASH AWARDS

Only 1st Overall group routines receive cash awards.

Prize amounts are distributed per dancer and increase by age division.

An additional gift card is awarded to the choreographer.

Typical payout examples:

Small Group
$25–$50 per dancer depending on age division

Large Group
$25–$45 per dancer

Line
$20–$40 per dancer

Production
$20–$30 per dancer

TECHNIQUE SCHOLARSHIPS

Atlas awards Technique Scholarships to outstanding dancers.

Scholarships apply to technique class training only.

Scholarships do not cover:

• choreography
• private lessons
• competition fees
• costumes

TAX POLICY

To comply with federal regulations:

No individual dancer or choreographer will receive more than $500 in cumulative awards within a calendar year.

Atlas may issue payouts to studios when necessary for compliance.

Recipients are responsible for any applicable tax obligations.

GENERAL ADMISSION

Atlas Dance Challenge does not charge general admission.

Families are welcome to attend freely.

VIP EXPERIENCE

An optional Atlas VIP Parent Experience is available.

VIP packages may include:

• Reserved premium seating
• VIP lounge access
• Parent education talk-back session
• Enhanced media access

VIP packages are limited per event.

FINAL AUTHORITY

Atlas Dance Challenge reserves the right to interpret and enforce all rules.

All decisions made by Atlas officials and judges are final.

SCORING & ADJUDICATION

Atlas Dance Challenge uses a 300-point adjudication scoring system.

Each routine is scored by three judges, each awarding up to 100 points.

The scores from all judges are added together to determine the routine’s final score.

This expanded scoring system widens the scoring range and significantly reduces the likelihood of tie scores.

The maximum possible score is 300 points.

SCORING CRITERIA

Each judge evaluates routines using the following categories:

Technique — 30 Points

Evaluation of technical ability and execution.

Judges consider:

• Alignment and placement
• Control and balance
• Strength and flexibility
• Quality of turns, jumps, and extensions
• Clarity of movement

Execution — 25 Points

Evaluation of how accurately choreography is performed.

Judges consider:

• Precision of movement
• Synchronization (for groups)
• Completion of movements
• Consistency of technique throughout the routine

Musicality — 15 Points

Evaluation of the dancer’s connection to the music.

Judges consider:

• Timing
• Rhythm
• Musical phrasing
• Dynamic interpretation

Choreography — 15 Points

Evaluation of the creative composition of the routine.

Judges consider:

• Use of space
• Variety of movement
• Transitions and formations
• Difficulty level
• Originality

Performance Quality — 15 Points

Evaluation of the dancer’s performance and stage presence.

Judges consider:

• Energy and confidence
• Expression and character
• Audience engagement
• Overall entertainment value

ADJUDICATION LEVELS

Every routine receives an adjudication award based on its final score out of 300 points.

Atlas intentionally maintains high standards for top adjudications to preserve the value of exceptional performances.

Platinum

295 – 300

Exceptional performance demonstrating outstanding technical ability, execution, artistry, and stage presence.

Platinum represents the highest level of adjudication at Atlas Dance Challenge.

Gold

285 – 294.99

Strong performance with excellent technique, musicality, and performance quality.

Silver

275 – 284.99

Solid performance demonstrating developing technical skills and artistic expression.

Bronze

Below 275

Performance showing developing technique and foundational performance abilities.

OVERALL AWARDS

Overall placements are determined by the highest scoring routines within each age division and entry type.

Placements include:

• Top 3 in each category within each age division
• Top 5 Overall routines within each age division

Only 1st Overall group routines receive cash awards.

TIE BREAKER POLICY

Because Atlas uses a 300-point scoring system, ties are rare.

If a tie occurs:

The routine with the higher Technique score will receive the placement.

If still tied:

The routine with the higher Execution score will receive the placement.

If scores remain tied after these criteria, routines will share the placement.

ATLAS STUDIO OF EXCELLENCE AWARD

The Atlas Studio of Excellence Award is presented to the studio that demonstrates the highest level of overall performance across all routines presented on the Atlas stage.

This award recognizes consistent excellence, strong training, and outstanding performance quality across an entire competitive program. The Studio of excellence award will be a free 2 day master class of our participating Atlas class master's of dance program of which the winning studio may choice. atlas will cover all costs to host the event at the studio of excellence locatation.

HOW THE STUDIO OF EXCELLENCE IS CALCULATED

The Studio of Excellence winner is determined by calculating the average score of all routines performed by a studio.

Routines included in the calculation:

• Solos
• Duets / Trios
• Small Groups
• Large Groups
• Lines
• Productions

All routines performed during the competition are included in the final calculation.

CALCULATION METHOD

The calculation is performed using the following method:

The final score of every routine performed by the studio is added together.
The total score is then divided by the total number of routines performed.
The resulting number is the studio’s overall average score.

Example:

Studio enters 12 routines

Total of all routine scores = 3,456

3,456 ÷ 12 = 288.00 studio average

The studio with the highest overall average score will receive the Atlas Studio of Excellence Award.

MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENT

To qualify for the Atlas Studio of Excellence Award, a studio must enter a minimum of five (5) group routines.

Group routines include:

• Small Groups
• Large Groups
• Lines
• Productions

This requirement ensures the award reflects the strength and consistency of a studio’s ensemble training program, not only individual performances.

Solos and duet/trios will still be included in the average score calculation once the minimum group requirement is met.

PURPOSE OF THE AWARD

The Atlas Studio of Excellence Award is designed to recognize:

• Consistent high-level training
• Strong ensemble performance
• Overall competitive excellence
• Balanced programs across multiple routines

This award rewards quality across an entire competitive team, rather than entry volume.

TIE BREAKER

If two studios achieve the same average score:

The studio with the highest scoring group routine will receive the award.

If still tied:

The studio with the highest scoring solo will determine the winner.

FINAL AUTHORITY

Atlas Dance Challenge reserves the right to verify calculations and determine the final recipient of the Studio of Excellence Award.

All decisions are final.

JUDGING PANEL

Atlas Dance Challenge judges are selected based on their professional experience within the dance industry.

Judges may include:

• Professional dancers
• Choreographers
• Dance educators
• Industry professionals

Judges are independent contractors and may not judge studios with which they are currently affiliated.

All judging decisions are final.