FLUID COMPETITION

We provide adjudication in two forms for each competition routine: LIVE Feedback following each performance and point-based scoring.

Why LIVE Feedback?

We have been providing this format for over 15 years, and have perfected the art of this detailed execution! It allows for true growth and development to happen within each individual dancer, as we overlap the in-class work with the live performance work.

Our live feedback is Encouraging, Constructive and Growth Driven.

Rules and Regulations

1. Entries are available to all Convention attending: Minis, Juniors, Teens, and Seniors. Teacher(s) are NOT allowed to compete.

2. All competition entries must be registered online (or postmarked) by the event registration cut-off date, otherwise they will not be eligible to compete.

3. All ages are determined by January 1, 2024 for all Competition dancers.

4. Competition fees are NON-REFUNDABLE. NO EXCEPTIONS. This includes sickness, incremental weather, doctors visit, injuries, etc.

5. All changes and adjustments to competition routines must be finalized TWO WEEKS prior to event start date. Changes made after this time and onsite changes will not be accommodated.

6. All competitors MUST be registered for the Convention in order to compete in the Competition.

   2024 Tour Season Exception: If competition space is still available 6-weeks prior to event start date, competition only dancers will be allowed to compete without Convention requirement.

7. If you would prefer to compete without live feedback, let us know! We want to make the Fluid competition accessible to everyone and understand some may rather compete and not receive live feedback. Contact the Fluid Offices and we will make arrangements.

8. Independent entries ARE allowed to compete. Please create an ‘Independent’ account within the registration portal.

9. No limit to the number of Competition routines entered per studio.

10. All performers MUST wear the convention wristband during the Competition.

11. Judges will be live critiquing the performers immediately following each routine. This format is for all solo, duet, trio and group performances.

12. Judges will be scoring each routine based on breakdown below. (see Judging)

13. All routines MUST be appropriate and family viewable (both music and choreography.) Inappropriate routines will be stopped and immediately disqualified.

14. Flash photography and performance video are NOT allowed during competition. We supply personalized videos of each routine to competing studios and Independent dancers, FREE of charge.

15. Live web streaming will be available during each event (quality can not be guaranteed do to hotel/venue internet supply.)

16. Spectators to the competition will be welcomed on a first come, first served basis, with NO entry fee. Theater seating will be available.

COMPETITION CATEGORIES

Performances must be entered into one of the following categories which best fits the style of routine. If your routine does not fit into one of these categories, please enter it into the 'Open' category.

BALLET

Performance consisting of ballet technique; including classical steps and movement

POINTE

Classical ballet technique performed en pointe

LYRICAL

Performance consisting of lyrical technique and contemporary dance styles

CONTEMPORARY

Performance consisting of jazz style, with heavy emphasis on modern & ballet technique

MODERN

Dance emphasizing interpretive movement using modern technique

MUSICAL THEATRE

Performance consisting of song interpretation from a Broadway or Movie Musical

TAP

Performance consisting of tap technique and primarily tap work

JAZZ

Performance consisting of jazz technique, while utilizing up-tempo music

HIP HOP

Performance must include hip hop and street type movement

OPEN

Performance demonstrating any dance style or combination of dance styles (ethnic, ballroom, clogging, novelty, acro, character, etc.)

PERFORMANCE BREAKOUT

SOLO: 1 dancer

DUET/TRIO: 2-3 dancers

SMALL GROUP: 4-9 dancers

LARGE GROUP: 10-19 dancers

PRODUCTION: 20 plus dancers

*same performance breakout applies for 'Extended Time' routines

AGE DIVISIONS

Determine Age Division by age of dancer as of January 1, 2024.

PETITE DIVISION: Ages 5-7

MINI DIVISION: Ages 8-10

JUNIOR DIVISION: Ages 11-12

TEEN DIVISION: Ages 13-15

SENIOR DIVISION: Ages 16-19

ADULT DIVISION: Ages 20+

*Please note age division breakout is different for Convention and Competition

TIME LIMIT

SOLO: 2 minutes, 45 seconds

DUET/TRIO: 2 minutes, 45 seconds

SMALL GROUP: 3 minutes

EXTENDED TIME SMALL GROUP: 5 minutes

LARGE GROUP: 3 minutes

EXTENDED TIME LARGE GROUP: 5 minutes, 35 seconds

PRODUCTION: 4 minutes

EXTENDED TIME PRODUCTION: 6 minutes, 35 seconds

Timing will begin with the first movement and end with the last movement. Performers must enter and exit the stage in a timely manner, while promptly clearing any stage props.

MUSIC

Please upload all music within the registration portal.

Double check the correct song and song version has been uploaded to registration portal 10 days prior to event start date.

Please have a backup for all studio competition music onsite - preferably a device, not a USB drive. We will not be able to accept music through email during the live competition.

PROP REQUIREMENTS

General props are accepted, but MUST be moved on and off stage by performers or performers' helpers. Fluid Dance Staff are not available to assist with movement of props. Please clean and clear stage upon completion of routine performance. The construction and building of props, both on and off stage, are strictly prohibited. 

Fluid does NOT allow dangerous, explosive, live animal, fog machine, water, paint, glitter or oversized props. Due to restricted ballroom space and ceiling height, ‘oversized props’ are considered anything above 10 feet and dancers cannot stand on props over 6 feet.

Please contact our office and get approval regarding any props you think MAY be an issue prior to routine(s) registration.

Each routine is given 2.00 minutes to move props on stage and 2.00 minutes to move props off stage. One point will be deducted for each minute gone over time.

3.00 minutes of ‘prop’ extended time is available for purchase: additional fee of $5 per dancer.

STAGE

40' (width) x 32' (depth): Marley Floor Competition Stage

JUDGING

All competing routines will be adjudicated by three(3) judges. Once routine is complete, live verbal critiques will be executed by each judge (45 seconds allotted per judge.) Verbal critiques are for all solo, duet, trio, small group, large group, production and all extended time routines.

Competition adjudication will also be scored off a total of 300 points. All ties will be broken by the Technique score. Our adjudicators have the final decision.   

COMPETITION SCORING

AWARDS

POWER | Platinum | High Gold | Gold | Silver | Bronze   

Best Costume Award (per division) | Outstanding Choreography Award (per division)

Top 5 Petite Division | Top 5 Mini Division | Top 5 Junior Division | Top 5 Teen Division | Top 5 Senior Division | Top 5 Adult Division

CONDUCT

It is expected for all dancers to conduct themselves in an appropriate and respectful manner at all times throughout the competition, on and off stage.

BY ENTERING THE COMPETITION, YOU ACCEPT ALL JUDGES DECISIONS AS FINAL.