At Palace, dancers don’t just arrive, they receive The Royal Treatment 👑 Palace is a one-of-a-kind competition and convention experience designed to help studios prepare, refine, and step into their season with confidence. Whether you’re: stepping into your first competition, or a returning studio looking for extra reps before the season begins Palace is your space to train with intention and perform with purpose.

Inside The Palace, dancers will: Take classes that strengthen technique, performance quality, and stage presence Receive constructive, encouraging feedback that helps routines improve before the season Experience a real competition setting without overwhelming pressure Build stamina, confidence, and consistency through performance Because at Palace, we don’t just judge…we develop performers fit for the throne.

Palace is more than a first step — it’s a strategic advantage. Studios use this experience to: ✔ Prepare dancers for upcoming competition season ✔ Test and refine routines before hitting major stages ✔ Build confidence in newer dancers ✔ Give experienced dancers more stage time and performance reps ✔ Start the season feeling ready — not rushed Dancers leave Palace: ✨ More confident ✨ More prepared ✨ More polished ✨ More ready to take on any stage

CATEGORIES: Acro Ballet Character Contemporary Hip Hop Jazz Lyrical Modern Musical Theatre Open Pointe Tap   Entries should be categorized by the genre that most closely represents the movement and should be 80% true to that genre. Any act with more than 3 acro tricks should be considered in the Acro or Open category Hip-Hop is allowed any number of Acro tricks PERFORMANCE LEVELS: Each routine must be entered into the appropriate performance level based on the dancers’ overall training, experience, and competition history. Studios are responsible for placing routines in the level that most accurately reflects the dancers’ ability. Palace reserves the right to reclassify routines if necessary.   Additional Performance Level Guidelines Mixed-Level Routines In routines where dancer experience might vary, the overall level should be determined by the majority or the collective performance quality. If a routine appears significantly misaligned with its declared level, judges have the discretion to recommend reclassification. Group entries consisting of 50% or more advanced-level dancers will automatically be registered for the advanced category. The same applies with the intermediate level. Transparency and Fairness Each studio must certify that the performance level selected for an entry accurately reflects the dancers’ overall ability. Misrepresentation or intentional “level padding” may result in penalties or reclassification by Palace. Reclassification If a routine’s technical difficulty or execution clearly exceeds the expectations for its submitted level, or conversely, falls short of the standard for the declared category, a request may be made for the routine to be reclassified. Final decisions rest with the competition judging panel. ENTRY TYPES & TIMES LIMITS: Solo: 1 dancer | 2 minutes 45 seconds max Duet/Trio: 2 - 3 dancers | 3 minutes max Large Group: 10 - 19 dancers | 4 minutes max Line: 20 or more dancers | 4 minutes max Production:  20 or more dancers, often with a theme or storyline | 6 minutes max   Note: Extended time is available upon request for an additional fee. If no extended time is paid, a 1-point deduction will occur per ten seconds over time limit. AGE DETERMINATION: Each routine will be placed in one of the age divisions below (See Age Group breakdown category) based on the average age of all performers in the entry. This policy ensures fair and balanced competition across all routines. Age is calculated as of January 1 of the competition year To determine the average age: Add the age (in whole years) of each dancer and divide by the total number of dancers in the routine. Do not round up - drop all decimal points. (Example: An average of 11.8 becomes 11) If a dancer turns the next age division within the calendar year after January 1, they may opt to ‘age up’ to the higher division but not move down.   Verification Palace Dance Competition reserves the right to request proof of age at any time during an event. Studios should have documentation available (e.g., birth certificate, student ID) in case of discrepancy or challenge. Bumping Policy Routines must compete in the age division they qualify for based on the calculated average age. Age bumping is not allowed. Entries may not be moved to a younger or older age division unless qualifying under the “Aging up” policy. Adult division routines cannot ‘bump down’ even if the average age is lower. Age Group Breakdown   Note: Any routine containing a dancer age 20 or older will automatically compete no lower than the senior age division, regardless of the average age of the entry. Routines may compete no more than 1 age division lower than the oldest dancer in the routine.

Judging Criteria Each routine will be evaluated by a panel of three professional judges, with a maximum of 100 points per judge, totaling 300 points. The scoring is based on the following criteria: Technique: 40 points – Precision, control and mastery of dance movement Performance/Execution: 30 points – Emotional expression, stage presence, and overall delivery Choreography: 20 points – Creativity, originality, and suitability of the choreography Overall impression: 10 points – General impact, including costume, and appearance Judges' decisions are final and may not be contested, but feedback is provided for growth. Performers who exit the stage prior to the end of their performance will not receive a score if the judges do not feel that enough of the routine was completed. The performance is eligible to be performed again for adjudication only. Overall High Point Awards Palace celebrates excellence by recognizing the highest-scoring routines across all categories, ages, and performance levels. These awards are separate from adjudication (Diamond, Platinum, etc.) and are based strictly on the routine’s numerical score. Soloist may only place with their highest scoring routine Ties will be honored with shared placement, there will not be a tie-breaker. A studio may only place once per Overall High Point category unless the entries feature entirely different dancers (e.g., different soloists or unique group casts) All entries are automatically entered for Overall Awards—no additional fee required. Divisions Eligible Age Divisions: Mini, Petite, Junior, Teen, Senior, Adult Performance Levels: Novice, Intermediate, Advanced Entry Types: Solo, Duo/Trio, Small Group, Large Group, Line/Production Ranking Format The number of top scores announced will be determined by the number of entries in each division or level Top 10 – May be awarded when 10+ entries are in a division Top 5 – Awarded when 5–9 entries are in a division Top 3 – Awarded when 3–4 entries are in a division Fewer than 3 entries may result in adjudication recognition only Feedback Delivery Methods After the competition, studios will receive: Judges’ comments: Constructive feedback to aid in dancers growth Video Critiques: Optional video feedback sessions upon request Music Submission and Costume Music must be uploaded via the Palace Dance Competition registration portal at least two weeks prior to the event. No changes to the music are permitted less than two weeks prior. Backup music should be brought to the competition on a USB drive or Ipod/Ipad. Music should be edited to the appropriate length for the routine. Explicit lyrics are not permitted. Music must be age-appropriate. Costumes should be age-appropriate. Inappropriate costuming or content may result in score deductions or disqualification. Explicit or culturally insensitive costumes are not allowed.   Props Props are allowed but must be freestanding, easily movable, and under the watch of someone from your studio at all times. Setup and removal of props must be completed within 1 minute max. Props may not be in the wings for more than a few minutes before the routine (based on stage manager discretion) Props must be removed from the wings immediately after the routine. For safety purposes, all props (hand-held or freestanding) are restricted to a maximum height of 10 feet and no dancer may stand on platforms higher than 6 feet. The use of safety railings is recommended. Props must not alter the backdrop, wings, or the surface of the Marley floor and must be easily removed following the completion of the act.   Prohibited Props Glitter Animals Fire in anyway Fireworks of any kind Liquid and gel of any kind Weapons Confetti Down feathers Powder like items such as but not limited to (flowers, glitter, dirt, sand) Prop Exceptions Your studio must be able to safely clear the following items from the stage within 15 seconds. Failure to do so can lead to point deduction. Leaves Rose petals Shredded paper Feathers or Boas (No down feathers) GENERAL GUIDELINES AND POLICIES Payments & Cancellations All fees must be paid in full by the specified deadline to secure competition entry A late fee of $100 will be applied to payments received after the deadline No refunds will be issued after 35 days prior to the event. Credits may be offered for documented injury or illness, applied toward future Palace events only. If the competition is postponed or canceled, registrants will be offered a full credit for a future event or a refund at Palace’s discretion. Palace Competition reserves the right to cancel any and all events due to lack of registration, inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Furthermore, Palace reserves the right to change an event’s location, venue and/or date(s). Upon changing a location, venue and/or date(s), a representative from Palace Dance Competition will contact your studio if you are registered for the event. Palace Dance Competition will not be held liable for any costs incurred for any type of travel arrangements made upon canceling an event or an event selling out, including but not limited to: hotel fees, transportation fees or bank fees. We highly recommend registering for an event prior to making any travel arrangements. Liability and Conduct All participants and their guardians agree to release Palace Dance Competition and its affiliates from any liability for injury, loss or damage incurred during the event Dancers, coaches, parents and audience members are expected to conduct themselves with respect and professionalism. Harassment, discrimination, or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated and may result in removal from the event. Competition Eligibility To ensure fairness and integrity in adjudication, dancers affiliated with Dynamite Dance Factory are not eligible to compete at any Palace event. Video Recording and Intellectual Property Audience recording is discouraged during performances to avoid distraction By participating, studios and dancers grant Palace the right to use photos, videos, and performance footage for promotional and archival purposes Studios must ensure they have the appropriate rights to all music and choreography performed. Palace is not responsible for copyright violations. Copying routines from online sources or other groups will lead to disqualification. Disputes All judges’ decisions are final and binding. No protests or appeals regarding scoring will be accepted. Issues unrelated to scoring should be reported immediately to Palace staff. Palace reserves the right to review and take appropriate action. Backstage Only authorized personnel (dancers, coaches, and designated chaperones) are permitted backstage. All minors must be supervised at all times. Scheduling and Attendance Studios and dancers must check in at least 30 minutes before their scheduled performance time. Routines arriving late on stage risk disqualification or point deductions at the Judges’ discretion. No refunds will be given for missed performances. Palace reserves the right to adjust the order of competition to accommodate timing or logistical needs.

Adjudication Awards Based on the total score, routines will receive the following adjudication placements: Specialty Awards In addition to adjudication and overall placement, Palace may present specialty awards to recognize unique aspects of performance, choreography, and presentation. Possible awards include: Outstanding Choreography – Creativity, structure, musicality, and originality Most Entertaining – Crowd engagement, storytelling, and charisma Technical Excellence – Precision, control, and standout execution Judges’ Choice – Individual judge picks that made a memorable impact Specialty awards are determined at the judges’ discretion and may vary by event. Studio Excellence Palace believes in celebrating the educators and leaders who inspire excellence behind the scenes. Palace Studio of Honor Award (Studio of the Weekend) – Awarded to one studio that consistently demonstrates exceptional technique, sportsmanship, creativity, and overall impact throughout the event. Title Competition Dancers may opt to compete for the prestigious ‘Palace Title’ in their respective age divisions. Title contenders will be evaluated on: Solo performance score Interview with judges Overall presentation   Title Winner Title winner: Highest combined score (Solo + interview + presentation) in their division. Prize: A crown, sash, and complimentary entry to the Palace National Finals. First runner up: Second highest score; awarded a sash and optional national invitation. Photogenic Award Participants can submit a recent photograph to compete for the Royal Radiance Award. All dancers registered for the competition are eligible to register for the photogenic award category. The entry fee is $35 per dancer (non-refundable) Submissions can be made digitally by uploading a high-resolution photo during online registration or in person by bringing an 8X10 printed photo (clearly labeled with dancer name, age, and studio) to the registration desk by the start of the first day of competition. Photo Requirements: Headshots or upper-body dance portraits preferred Professional photos are encouraged but not required Costume is optional; casual studio wear is accepted One entry per dancer per event Inappropriate or heavily edited submissions will be disqualified at the staff's discretion.   Judging criteria include: Visual Appeal Expressiveness Age Appropriateness Photo Quality Winners will be announced during the awards ceremony and will receive a plaque. Notes: The Royal Radiance award is based on the photograph only, not on the stage performance Photos will not be returned unless picked up at the registration desk on the final day of the event