Genesis Dance Experience
Rules & Scoring
Review competition rules, divisions, levels, time limits, scoring information, and event policies for Genesis Dance Experience.
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Important Notices
Key competition policies and reminders to review before registering routines.
Entries Are Limited
Entries are accepted on a first come, first served basis and are limited to available performance time. Genesis will not oversell an event.
Change Fee
Any changes made to an entry within 7 days of a competition will be subject to a $50.00 change fee per entry.
Results Are Final
All results are final and are not negotiable by teacher, performer, or parent.
Safety & Integrity
All staff and judges are background checked, receive abuse prevention training, and are selected for quality, knowledge, fairness, and integrity.
Competition Guidelines
Studio Participants
General participation rules for studio, independent, school, duet/trio, group, line, and production entries.
- Entries are accepted on a first come, first served basis and are limited to available performance time.
- Genesis will not oversell an event.
- No minimum entry limit is required.
- Independent entries are welcome.
- Any entry changes made within 7 days of competition are subject to a $50.00 change fee per entry.
- All participants consent to the use of their picture and/or voice by Choice Events without royalty fee or other compensation.
- Genesis reserves the right to combine age groups or divisions for placement purposes.
- All staff and judges are background checked and receive abuse prevention training.
- Genesis sources high-quality, knowledgeable judges and believes in running fair events with integrity.
- Genesis Dance does not discriminate and is an equal opportunity competition for performing arts evaluation.
Divisions
Age Groups & Divisions
Age groups, category styles, team sizes, and division details for Genesis Dance Experience.
Age Groups
Age is determined by the contestant’s age on August 1, 2024, for duets, trios, and groups. If a question arises concerning a contestant’s age, proof of age by birth certificate must be provided.
Duo, Trio & Team Average Age
For duo/trio and team divisions, average age is calculated by adding the ages of all dancers and dividing by the number of dancers.
Decimals are removed, so an average age of 11.7 becomes 11.
Studio Category Styles / Genres
Kick routines must include at least 40 kicks, waist high or above, performed by at least 50% of the team. Competing dancers may enter as many categories as they please.
Team Size
| Division | Number of Dancers |
|---|---|
| Solo | 1 dancer |
| Duet / Trio | 2–3 dancers |
| Small Group | 4–9 dancers |
| Large Group | 10–19 dancers |
| Line | 20+ dancers |
| Production | 20+ dancers |
Placement
Levels & Time Limits
Review level placement guidelines, time limits, music upload requirements, and overage fees.
Novice
Dancers who have competed for less than two years and take minimal classes. These dancers are expected to still be developing basic skills and techniques.
Intermediate
Dancers who have competed for 2–4 years and take a moderate level of classes. These dancers are beginning to master harder skills and show improved understanding of genre, musicality, and technique.
Advanced
Dancers who have competed for 5+ years and take a high number of classes per week. These dancers are expected to have a high skill level and strong understanding of genre and technical elements.
Important Level Placement Notice
Judges may move any routine they believe has been entered below its appropriate ability level. All judges’ decisions are final. If a routine is moved to a level that has already competed, the routine will be eligible for adjudication only.
Once the tentative schedule is posted, routines may no longer change performance levels unless there is a technical error. Programs are responsible for using sound judgment when entering routines and choosing performance levels.
Questions about level placement? Contact rebekah@thewinnerschoice.net.
Time Limits
| Routine Type | Time Limit |
|---|---|
| Solos / Duets / Trios | 3 minutes |
| Groups | 3 minutes 30 seconds |
| Lines / Productions | 6 minutes |
| Scholastic Team Routines | 2 minutes |
No minimum time limit is required for any performance.
Music running over the listed time limits will be charged $25 per 30 seconds.
All music must be uploaded in the registration portal at least 7 days before the event.
Performance Guidelines
Routine Rules
Prop, stage, performance, and family-viewing policies for Genesis routines.
Props
- General props are allowed.
- Before registration, notify Genesis Dance of routines that require prop setup and removal from the stage.
- Props requiring setup and removal may not be allowed at all venues or locations.
- Studios and schools are responsible for setting up and removing props from the stage within two minutes.
- Deductions will occur if setup or removal exceeds the allowed time.
- Studios and schools are responsible for ensuring the stage is completely clean and clear after the routine.
- Damage caused by props or performances may be subject to fines.
- Performers cannot stand above 6’6” on a prop.
- Props that stand above 10’ are not guaranteed to fit on the stage.
Prohibited Items
- No dangerous props, including swords or fire.
- No live animals.
- No scenery.
- No substances of any kind are allowed on stage, including baby powder, chalk, paint, liquid, sand, glitter, or confetti.
Performance Standards
- Routine music, costuming, and choreography must be appropriate for family viewing.
- Point deductions or disqualification may result if judges determine a routine is inappropriate.
- Visual coaching is prohibited during competition.
- The competition Marley floor is a minimum of 42’ x 42’.
Additional Divisions
All Star & Scholastic Participants
Requirements, genres, team sizes, and resources for All Star and Scholastic dance divisions.
All Star Participants
- All Star dance teams must be sanctioned members of USASF.
- All rosters must be uploaded prior to April 2, 2025 in the USASF portal.
- USASF All Star Dance Teams are eligible for Dance Summit Base Camp Bids.
- All Dance Teams are eligible to win Rebel Costumes.
- Dance age grid and dance rules should be reviewed through USASF resources.
- All Star, Worlds, Solo, and DanceABILITIES score sheets should be reviewed before competition.
- Resource links are provided below for quick access.
Scholastic Genres
High Kick routines must include at least 40 kicks, waist high or above, performed by at least 50% of the team. Variety includes two or more genres.
Scholastic Team Sizes
| Elementary Dance | 4+ dancers, Grades K–5 |
| Junior High School | 4+ dancers, Grades 6–8 |
| Junior Varsity Dance | 4+ dancers, Grades 9–11 |
| Small Varsity Dance | 4–14 dancers, Grades 9–12 |
| Large Varsity Dance | 15+ dancers, Grades 9–12 |
| College Dance | 4+ dancers |
Scores & Awards
Scoring & Adjudications
Scoring rubric, adjudication ranges, judging criteria, and award information for Genesis Dance divisions.
Scoring Rubric
| Word Choice | Score |
|---|---|
| Outstanding | 10 |
| Excellent | 9 |
| Very Good | 8 |
| Good | 7 |
| Fair | 6 |
| Not Established | 5 |
| Poor | 4 |
Word choices are used by ICU and IASF.
Adjudications for All Dance Divisions
| Adjudication | Score Range |
|---|---|
| Silver | 120–180 |
| Gold | 180–210 |
| High Gold | 210–240 |
| Platinum | 240–270 |
| Evolution | 270–300 |
Each of the three judges scores each routine out of 100. Judges consider choreography, musicality, performance, technique, difficulty, and staging. The Top 10 Overall performances will be awarded in each age and level.
Event Policy
Video & Photography Policy
Recording, streaming, camera, and photography guidelines for event locations and performances.
Commercial Recording
No commercial recording, audio/visual commercial live streaming, or commercial media capture is allowed in the event venue or other event-related venues, including hotels, restaurants, or event grounds.
If a team authorizes commercial recording or streaming in any event location, the team will be automatically disqualified.
Personal noncommercial live streaming apps, including Facebook Live and similar platforms, are not permitted to capture all or any part of a performance during the event.
Video Cameras & Flash Photography
Family members may video and photograph their child’s or friend’s performance if it is done from their seat in an unobtrusive and non-distracting manner.
This media is expected to be for personal use only. Professional equipment, recording multiple performances, recording an entire division, or recording every team from a gym is not allowed.
Need Help?
Questions About Rules or Level Placement?
For routine level placement or event-related questions, contact Rebekah and the Genesis Dance Experience team.