Rules & Regulations
Please read carefully before registering
Important Agreement
The following rules must be read and agreed upon as your entries are being submitted. All studios, teachers, dancers, and parents are responsible for understanding and following these regulations. By completing registration, you acknowledge acceptance of all ADC rules and policies.
GENERAL INFORMATION
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All on-line entries must be completed before event deadline date listed on website.
-
Entries are accepted on a first-come first-serve basis. There will be a $10 late fee per act entered after the deadline date.
-
No entry will be processed to compete without full payment.
-
Addiction Dance Competition will only accept Visa, Master Card, Studio checks, money orders or cashier checks. Personal checks will not be honored. All returned checks are subject to a $30 service fee.
-
ADC reserves the right to cancel or move the competition location due to unforeseen circumstances.
-
There will be NO refunds after your registration has been submitted and studio invoice has been paid.
-
General Admission to any ADC event is FREE!
-
Doors will open 30 minutes prior to the first scheduled performance of each day.
-
No food or drinks are allowed inside the competition performance area.
-
ADC expects everyone to display good sportsmanship. Failure to comply will result in immediate disqualification.
-
ADC is not responsible for lost or stolen items
Age Groups
Age as of January 1, 2026
Super Mini
5 & Under
Teen
13–15 years
Mini
6–8 years
Senior
16–19 years
Junior
9–10 years
Adult
20+ years
Tween
11–12 years
Teacher
All ages
Division
Solo
1 Performer
Line
20-39 Performers
Duet/Trio
2-3 Performers
Addiction Line
40+ Performers
Small Group
4-9 Performers
Production
15+ Performers
Large Group
10-19 Performers
ADDICTION LINE- Performance must utilize at least 40 dancers incorporating any style of dance or combination of dance styles. ADDICTION Line performances should not portray a theme or storyline and have a 5:00 minute time limit.
PRODUCTION- Performance must utilize at least 15 dancers incorporating any style of dance that portrays a theme or storyline throughout. Props are encouraged. Production performances have an 6:00 minute time limit for performance and given a maximum of 5:00 minutes total for set-up and removal of props.
Time Limits
Number | Division | Maximum Time |
|---|---|---|
1 | Solo | 2:45 |
2 | Duet/Trio | 3:00 |
3 | Small Group | 3:00 |
4 | Large Group | 4:00 |
5 | Line | 4:00 |
6 | Addiction Line | 4:00 |
7 | Production | 8:00 |
LEVELS
NOVICE- Dancers with 1-2 years of competition experience and 5 or less routines.
*If a dancer is registered for 6 or more routines dancer must compete in intermediate or advanced level.
INTERMEDIATE- Dancers with 3-5 years of competition experience.
ADVANCED- Dancers with 6 or more years of competition experience.
ADAPTIVE- Designed specifically for individuals with special needs
-
Mixed level groups are only allowed to compete one level lower than the highest level dancer. (Ex: A routine that has one Advanced level dancer can only compete in the Intermediate or Advanced level.)
-
Level Change - At ADC we trust that dancers will be placed in the appropriate level based on years of experience competing. We understand, however, that occasionally level changes need to be made day-of-event to ensure a fair competition experience.
Our process is as follows:
● The dance must first be flagged by 2 out of 3 judges.
● The tabulator will check scores.
● The dance must score 2.5 points or more higher than the next highest score in its current
category AND must place top 10 in the bracket of the next category it’s bumped into.
CATEGORIES OF DANCE
BALLET
Performance should contain ballet technique incorporating formal classical movements.
TAP
Performance consisting primarily of tap technique.
CONTEMPORARY
A performance that combines modern dance and classical ballet elements.
POM-PON
Performance using pom-pons with incorporation of precise and definite movements.
HIP HOP
Performance demonstrating any dance style or combination of dance styles.
POINTE
Performance must consist of pointe technique. This category is not permitted in the NOVICE LEVEL.
LYRICAL
Performance consisting of dynamic emotion and expressive movements to compliment the lyrics demonstrated with fluidity, balance, extension and control.
FOLK/ETHNIC
Performances with tradition and strong cultural roots.
MUSICAL THEATRE
Performance featuring any style of dance from a Broadway, Movie or Television Show.
CLOGGING
Performance using clogging technique.
JAZZ
Performance must consist of jazz technique.
MODERN
Performance consisting of interpretive movements using modern technique focusing on the ‘center’ of the body, coordination between breathing and movement and a dancer’s relationship with the floor.
ACRO/GYMNASTICS
Performance using controlled movements and flexibility, walkovers, aerials, backhand springs, etc. Must incorporate dance technique.
HIP HOP
Performance demonstrating hip-hop and/or funk choreography.
GENERAL RULES
Dancers must perform in their scheduled order unless permission is given for costume changes. Points will be deducted from acts that do not comply. The only exception to this rule is if the ADDICTION office administration has prior notification or the Competition Director has pre-approved the delay. Special stage or house lighting will not be provided for any performance. At no time are teachers, parents or dancers allowed to practice or rehearse on stage.
PROP RULES
No form of liquid, gel, aerosol, glitter, etc. may be used that would physically alter the surface of the marley floor provided by Addiction. If the stage is altered from its original state during an act, please be ready to clean up immediately following the performance. There will be a one-point deduction for prop removal that exceeds one minute.
Production performances are given a maximum of 5:00 minutes total for set-up and removal of props, exceptions can be made on a case by case basis. When sliding props or moving scenery, please be careful not to damage the marley dance floor. If marley floor is damaged beyond repair, the studio owner/director will be responsible for replacing it.
Fire, swords, knives, weapons and use of live animals are prohibited. If the weight of a prop exceeds the maximum weight limit for a built stage, or the Competition Director feels the weight of the prop is a safety hazard, the dancers will not be allowed to use the prop. Props must be loaded in and out of the venue on the same day they will be used. Addiction will not be responsible for props left overnight or unattended. All props backstage should be labeled with the studio name for identification purposes.
FINAL COUNTDOWN
The FINAL COUNTDOWN is a live audition experience on stage! All participating dancers will be assigned an audition number. One ADC choreographer will teach a short combination to the group of auditioning dancers. The judges will begin the elimination process until we are left with the top 5 dancers on stage. The dancers are divided into two age brackets for the FINAL COUNTDOWN; 12 & younger, 13 & older. Dancers must enter based on age the day of competition. Audition numbers can be purchased at the registration table. Top 3 Final Countdown winners will receive an item from the ADC merchandise store. Final countdown winner will receive CASH prize!
ADC NATIONAL RULES
All Regional Platinum, Diamond and Double Diamond winners are eligible to participate in Nationals. Each routine will receive a score from a panel of 3 National ADC judges.
Adjudicated awards are presented to every routine. (National High Gold, Platinum, Diamond, Double Diamond. Flawless Diamond) Routines must perform in scheduled order. If a studio does not comply points may be deducted from routine.
ADC NATIONAL GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP
At Nationals the top 3 scoring routines in each division in the Novice, Intermediate, Advanced levels will be invited to participate in the ADC National Grand Championship. These top scoring dances will re-compete for National Grand Champion in each level and group division. Only one group per studio can qualify in each Grand Champion division.
GRAND CHAMPION DIVISIONS:
SOLOS
Super Mini Solos (all levels)
Mini Solos
-
Intermediate Mini Solos
-
Advanced Mini Solos
Senior Solos
-
Intermediate Senior Solos
-
Advanced Senior Solos
Junior Solos
-
Intermediate Mini Solos
-
Advanced Mini Solos
Tween Solos
-
Intermediate Junior Solos
-
Advanced Junior Solos
Teen Solos
-
Intermediate Tween Solos
-
Advanced Tween Solos
DUO/TRIOS
Super Mini D/T (all levels)
Mini D/T
-
Intermediate Mini D/T
-
Advanced Mini D/T
Senior D/T
-
Intermediate Senior D/T
-
Advanced Senior D/T
Junior D/T
-
Intermediate Junior D/T
-
Advanced Junior D/T
Tween D/T
-
Intermediate Tween D/T
-
Advanced Tween D/T
Teen D/T
-
Intermediate Teen D/T
-
Advanced Teen D/T
SMALL GROUPS
Super Mini Small Groups (all levels)
Mini Small Groups
-
Intermediate Mini Small Groups
-
Advanced Mini Small Groups
Senior Small Groups
-
Intermediate Senior Small Groups
-
Advanced Senior Small Groups
Junior Small Groups
-
Intermediate Junior Small Groups
-
Advanced Junior Small Groups
Tween Small Groups
-
Intermediate Tween Small Groups
-
Advanced Tween Small Groups
Teen Small Groups
-
Intermediate Teen Small Groups
-
Advanced Teen Small Groups
LARGE GROUP/LINE
Super Mini Large Group/Line (all levels)
Mini Large Group/Line
-
Intermediate Mini Small Groups
-
Intermediate Mini Large Group/Line
-
Advanced Mini Large Group/Line
Senior Large Group/Line
-
Intermediate Senior Large Group/Line
-
Advanced Senior Large Group/Line
Junior Large Group/Line
-
Intermediate Junior Large Group/Line
-
Advanced Junior Large Group/Line
Tween Large Group/Line
-
Intermediate Teen Large Group/Line
-
Advanced Teen Large Group/Line
Teen Large Group/Line
-
Intermediate Teen Large Group/Line
-
Advanced Teen Large Group/Line
PRODUCTION PALOOZA
Top scoring productions will be invited back to earn the Production Palooza Grand Champion title! Grand Champion winners will receive a banner and National Grand Champion trophy.
Choreographer of the Year- We will award one Choreographer of the Year award at the ADC National Showcase. The Choreographer of the year award is selected by the 3 national judges. All 3 judges must vote on their favorite choreographer from the entire National event.
Studio of the Year- Studio of the Year is awarded to one studio with the highest average scores in each level.
ADC RULES
THE FOLLOWING RULES MUST BE READ AND AGREED UPON AS YOUR ENTRIES ARE BEING SUBMITTED. YOUR REGISTRATION TO OUR EVENT DEMONSTRATES THAT YOU HAVE READ AND FULLY ACCEPT THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND CONDITIONS.
GENERAL INFORMATION
-
All on-line entries must be completed before event deadline date listed on website.
-
Entries are accepted on a first-come first-serve basis. There will be a $10 late fee per act entered after the deadline date.
-
No entry will be processed to compete without full payment.
-
Addiction Dance Competition will only accept Visa, Master Card, Studio checks, money orders or cashier checks. Personal checks will not be honored. All returned checks are subject to a $30 service fee.
-
ADC reserves the right to cancel or move the competition location due to unforeseen circumstances.
-
There will be NO refunds after your registration has been submitted and studio invoice has been paid.
-
General Admission to any ADC event is FREE!
-
Doors will open 30 minutes prior to the first scheduled performance of each day.
-
No food or drinks are allowed inside the competition performance area.
-
ADC expects everyone to display good sportsmanship. Failure to comply will result in immediate disqualification.
-
ADC is not responsible for lost or stolen items
AGE GROUP
Super Mini 5 & Under
Mini 6-8
Junior 9-10
Tween 11-12
Teen 13-15
Senior 16-19
Adult 20 & Older
Teacher- Teacher
DIVISION
Solo- 1 Performer
Duet/Trio- 2-3 Performers
Small Group 4-9 Performers
Large Group 10-19 Performers
Line 20-39 Performers
Addiction Line 40+ Performers
Production 15+ Performers (Theme/Storyline)
ADDICTION LINE- Performance must utilize at least 40 dancers incorporating any style of dance or combination of dance styles. ADDICTION Line performances should not portray a theme or storyline and have a 5:00 minute time limit.
PRODUCTION- Performance must utilize at least 15 dancers incorporating any style of dance that portrays a theme or storyline throughout. Props are encouraged. Production performances have an 6:00 minute time limit for performance and given a maximum of 5:00 minutes total for set-up and removal of props.
TIME LIMITS
Solo 2:45
Duet/Trio 3:00
Small Group 3:00
Large Group 4:00
Line 5:00
Addiction Line 5:00
Production 6:00
LEVELS
NOVICE- Dancers with 1-2 years of competition experience and 5 or less routines.
*If a dancer is registered for 6 or more routines dancer must compete in intermediate or advanced level.
INTERMEDIATE- Dancers with 3-5 years of competition experience.
ADVANCED- Dancers with 6 or more years of competition experience.
ADAPTIVE- Designed specifically for individuals with special needs
-
Mixed level groups are only allowed to compete one level lower than the highest level dancer. (Ex: A routine that has one Advanced level dancer can only compete in the Intermediate or Advanced level.)
-
Level Change - At ADC we trust that dancers will be placed in the appropriate level based on years of experience competing. We understand, however, that occasionally level changes need to be made day-of-event to ensure a fair competition experience.
Our process is as follows:
● The dance must first be flagged by 2 out of 3 judges.
● The tabulator will check scores.
● The dance must score 2.5 points or more higher than the next highest score in its current
category AND must place top 10 in the bracket of the next category it’s bumped into.
CATEGORIES OF DANCE
BALLET - Performance should contain ballet technique incorporating formal classical movements.
POINTE - Performance must consist of pointe technique. This category is not permitted in the NOVICE LEVEL.
JAZZ - Performance must consist of jazz technique.
TAP - Performance consisting primarily of tap technique.
LYRICAL - Performance consisting of dynamic emotion and expressive movements to compliment the lyrics demonstrated with fluidity, balance, extension and control.
MODERN - Performance consisting of interpretive movements using modern technique focusing on the ‘center’ of the body, coordination between breathing and movement and a dancer’s relationship with the floor.
CONTEMPORARY – A performance that combines modern dance and classical ballet elements.
FOLK/ETHNIC – Performances with tradition and strong cultural roots.
ACRO/GYMNASTICS- Performance using controlled movements and flexibility, walkovers, aerials, backhand springs, etc. Must incorporate dance technique.
POM-PON- Performance using pom-pons with incorporation of precise and definite movements.
MUSICAL THEATRE- Performance featuring any style of dance from a Broadway, Movie or Television Show.
HIP HOP- Performance demonstrating hip-hop and/or funk choreography.
OPEN- Performance demonstrating any dance style or combination of dance styles.
CLOGGING– Performance using clogging technique.
GENERAL RULES
Dancers must perform in their scheduled order unless permission is given for costume changes. Points will be deducted from acts that do not comply. The only exception to this rule is if the ADDICTION office administration has prior notification or the Competition Director has pre-approved the delay. Special stage or house lighting will not be provided for any performance. At no time are teachers, parents or dancers allowed to practice or rehearse on stage.
PROP RULES
No form of liquid, gel, aerosol, glitter, etc. may be used that would physically alter the surface of the marley floor provided by Addiction. If the stage is altered from its original state during an act, please be ready to clean up immediately following the performance. There will be a one-point deduction for prop removal that exceeds one minute.
Production performances are given a maximum of 5:00 minutes total for set-up and removal of props, exceptions can be made on a case by case basis. When sliding props or moving scenery, please be careful not to damage the marley dance floor. If marley floor is damaged beyond repair, the studio owner/director will be responsible for replacing it.
Fire, swords, knives, weapons and use of live animals are prohibited. If the weight of a prop exceeds the maximum weight limit for a built stage, or the Competition Director feels the weight of the prop is a safety hazard, the dancers will not be allowed to use the prop. Props must be loaded in and out of the venue on the same day they will be used. Addiction will not be responsible for props left overnight or unattended. All props backstage should be labeled with the studio name for identification purposes.
FINAL COUNTDOWN
The FINAL COUNTDOWN is a live audition experience on stage! All participating dancers will be assigned an audition number. One ADC choreographer will teach a short combination to the group of auditioning dancers. The judges will begin the elimination process until we are left with the top 5 dancers on stage. The dancers are divided into two age brackets for the FINAL COUNTDOWN; 12 & younger, 13 & older. Dancers must enter based on age the day of competition. Audition numbers can be purchased at the registration table. Top 3 Final Countdown winners will receive an item from the ADC merchandise store. Final countdown winner will receive CASH prize!
ADC NATIONAL RULES
All Regional Platinum, Diamond and Double Diamond winners are eligible to participate in Nationals. Each routine will receive a score from a panel of 3 National ADC judges.
Adjudicated awards are presented to every routine. (National High Gold, Platinum, Diamond, Double Diamond. Flawless Diamond) Routines must perform in scheduled order. If a studio does not comply points may be deducted from routine.
ADC NATIONAL GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP
At Nationals the top 3 scoring routines in each division in the Novice, Intermediate, Advanced levels will be invited to participate in the ADC National Grand Championship. These top scoring dances will re-compete for National Grand Champion in each level and group division. Only one group per studio can qualify in each Grand Champion division.
GRAND CHAMPION DIVISIONS:
SOLOS
Super Mini Solos (all levels)
Novice Mini Solos
Intermediate Mini Solos
Advanced Mini Solos
Novice Junior Solos
Intermediate Junior Solos
Advanced Junior Solos
Novice Tween Solos
Intermediate Tween Solos
Advanced Tween Solos
Novice Teen Solos
Intermediate Teen Solos
Advanced Teen Solos
Novice Senior Solos
Intermediate Senior Solos
Advanced Senior Solos
DUO/TRIOS
Super Mini D/T (all levels)
Novice Mini D/T
Intermediate Mini D/T
Advanced Mini D/T
Novice Junior D/T
Intermediate Junior D/T
Advanced Junior D/T
Novice Tween D/T
Intermediate Tween D/T
Advanced Tween D/T
Novice Teen D/T
Intermediate Teen D/T
Advanced Teen D/T
Novice Senior D/T
Intermediate Senior D/T
Advanced Senior D/T
SMALL GROUPS
Super Mini Small Groups (all levels)
Novice Mini Small Groups
Intermediate Mini Small Groups
Advanced Mini Small Groups
Novice Junior Small Groups
Intermediate Junior Small Groups
Advanced Junior Small Groups
Novice Tween Small Groups
Intermediate Tween Small Groups
Advanced Tween Small Groups
Novice Teen Small Groups
Intermediate Teen Small Groups
Advanced Teen Small Groups
Novice Senior Small Groups
Intermediate Senior Small Groups
Advanced Senior Small Groups
LARGE GROUP/LINE
Super Mini Large Group/Line (all levels)
Novice Mini Large Group/Line
Intermediate Mini Large Group/Line
Advanced Mini Large Group/Line
Novice Junior Large Group/Line
Intermediate Junior Large Group/Line
Advanced Junior Large Group/Line
Novice Tween Large Group/Line
Intermediate Large Group/Line
Advanced Large Group/Line
Novice Teen Large Group/Line
Intermediate Teen Large Group/Line
Advanced Teen Large Group/Line
Novice Senior Large Group/Line
Intermediate Senior Large Group/Line
Advanced Senior Large Group/Line
PRODUCTION PALOOZA
Top scoring productions will be invited back to earn the Production Palooza Grand Champion title! Grand Champion winners will receive a banner and National Grand Champion trophy.
Choreographer of the Year- We will award one Choreographer of the Year award at the ADC National Showcase. The Choreographer of the year award is selected by the 3 national judges. All 3 judges must vote on their favorite choreographer from the entire National event.
Studio of the Year- Studio of the Year is awarded to one studio with the highest average scores in each level.
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