Registration

Pricing

Payment

Encore does not accept business or personal checks. 

1. All fees must be paid by credit card, cashiers check, wire transfer or money order. Registration must be submitted and paid in full no later than 30 days prior to the first day of competition. Any registration paid after the 30 days payment deadline is susceptible to incur a 10% late fee. Payment may be required sooner in a “Sold Out” situation.

All studio registrations must include payment.

2. Dancers must be registered with a verified Studio

3. A Reservation Deposit is required to reserve a spot for your routines in any Encore event. Actual registration must Studios with unpaid reservations may be removed an event. Encore reserves the right to charge a reservation cancellation fee for any unpaid reservations for a given year. The reservation cancellation deposit will roll over to the following season should it go unpaid, and must be paid in full prior to submitting a reservation deposit for the current year. Actual registration must be within 80% of initial registration or additional fees may apply.

*Encore does not accept independents. Encore will conduct business with Studios only. No parents should call the Encore office for any reason. Any parent inquiries regarding schedules, etc. should be directed to the participating studio, not to the Encore office.

Refund Policy

• All fees are non-refundable.

Exceptions: See Below

Encores 100% Event Guarantee

Encore’s commitment is to host all of our Events in one of two ways.

Our two (2) Plans are…

Priority Plan:

In-Person events run traditionally with a full spectrum of Safety Guidelines in place as needed.

Registration may be limited as needed to ensure maximum safety.

If necessary, competition will be scheduled for performances in studio blocks.

Virtual Plan (if mandates prohibit In-Person Events): 

Should government mandates preclude In-person participation during the time of a scheduled Encore event, we will pivot to a virtual competition platform. Virtual events will be held at a discounted rate.  Studios will upload competition routine videos and the event will be judged virtually.  Score Results will be posted after the event and awards will be shipped.  Directors will receive judge’s video commentary via the Encore website through the studio account portal.

If studios choose not to participate in a virtual event, a full refund (less processing fees) will be issued.

Schedule of Competition

A detailed competition schedule will be available via the DanceBUG app starting the first day of the event. Encore does not have a general format for scheduling at our regional competition. Every regional schedule is based on the breakdown of entries by division level and type (solo, duo/trio, groups, line, and production) for that particular city. Dancers must be ready to perform 1 hour before their scheduled time. Once a routine has checked in with our backstage managers, the routine is placed in queue within Encore’s judging system.

Changes to Schedule

Please note: If you have a special scheduling request for a particular entry, the request must be in writing at the time the entry is submitted. We will do our best to accommodate your special requests but this is not guaranteed.

“Special Scheduling Request” entries that do not perform prior to their respective awards ceremony will be adjudicated only and will not be eligible for High Score Awards and Cash.

Once the schedule is released/posted, no studio, teacher, or parent may request a performance to be rescheduled. Encore does not hold or move any entry unless it is a legitimate issue.

Registration will be closed 14 days prior to the first day of competition. No changes to your submitted registration can be made by Studios including music edits, division level, age or category. Studios must contact the Encore office in writing to notify us of any change/revisions to your registration within 7 days of receipt of the studio’s Entry Summary to avoid change fees. After 7 days, the following fees will apply:

On-Site Changes: Any routine requesting to change Division Level will only be considered for if the routine wishes to bump up to a higher Division Level. No routine may bump down after the final schedule has been released.

Prop Restrictions

Safety is always our main concern.

Props: All time limits include set-up and tear-down, 20 Point Deduction For Exceeding The Time Limit. The placement and removal of props, mats, etc. No form of liquid, gel, glitter, water, wet paint, or any other substance may be used that would affect the dancing surface. Absolutely no items may be thrown or shot off the front of the stage. Performers must be prepared to completely clear the stage in the event of any loose items (feathers, streamers, etc.) Absolutely no littering of the stage is allowed. Any violation of the above rules will result in the act not being eligible for Overall Awards.

Fire, swords, knives, and guns are strictly prohibited. Should any of these items be used as a prop, the routine will be stopped immediately and asked to leave the stage.

The use of helium balloons will be at the discretion of the theater staff, not the Encore Staff. If the theater staff allows the use of helium balloons, they must be attached to a weight to ensure they will not float into the lights, causing a possible fire hazard.

If your prop is in question, please contact the Encore office at least 2 weeks prior to competition.

Costumes & Wardrobe

All costumes should be family friendly. Any costume changes made during a performance, off-stage or backstage, should have appropriate undergarments.

Division Levels

For the positive benefit of your dancers, the teacher determines adjudication level of each routine. Training equals all class and rehearsal time.  This includes, but is not limited to, dance class, rehearsal, drill team, cheer leading, gymnastics, etc. We trust teachers’ judgement and appreciate your honesty in placing your dancers in the appropriate Division Level. Division Levels have been created to allow dancers to fairly compete with dancers of like skill sets and experience.

*At the discretion of the Judges, routines entered in “Incorrect” Divisions will be moved to the Division Level that the judges feel is appropriate for the dancer/routine and thus may NOT be eligible for High Score and Overall Awards.

*NEW* Division Rules for 2025…

1. If you won first overall in your age category for your solo at any Nationals during the previous year, and have not moved up an age category for the next year (i.e. Junior to Teen), Encore requires you to move up a Division Level for your solo the following year.
2. If you won first overall in your age category for your solo at any Regionals during the previous year, Encore highly recommends you move up a Division Level for your solo the next year.
3. If you won first overall in your age category for your solo at any Regionals or Nationals during the previous year, but you are moving up an age category (ie. Junior to Teen), Encore highly recommends you move up a Division Level for your solo the next year.
4. For all group routines that won first overall in your age category at any Regionals or Nationals during the previous year, please evaluate the routine level, dancers new level, and place accordingly. Encore highly recommends you move up a Division Level the next year.
5. All routines, (solos, duo/trios, small groups, large groups, lines, and productions) will have a two-year maximum that they will be eligible to compete at Encore. For example, if you are competing the same routines back-to-back, one year after another, you must move up a Division Level in the second year of your competition performance if not already in Division three. After the second year, you will no longer be eligible to compete the routine at Encore. If your first year of performance is in Division three, you must also compete the second year of your routines in Division three.
6. When determining appropriate Division Levels for Duos and Trios, please place your routine in the Division Level corresponding to the dancer in the routine with the highest Division Level. For example, if you have a Duo and or Trio, and one dancer in said routine is a division three performer, Encore requires you to place the routine in Division three.
7. Studio Directors and Choreographers should pay close attention to the combination of dancers in a Small Group, Large Group, Line, or Production number. If the dancers who are at the highest level are in the front for most of the routine, demonstrating an elevated degree of difficulty, Encore highly recommends you place the routine in a higher Division Level.

Technical Specifics and Guidelines

I-Beginner Dancers- Recreational/Beginner level dancers with 3 hours or less of training/rehearsal per week and little to no competition experience.

II- Intermediate Dancers- Dancers who have progressed beyond a Beginner level with approximately 4-7 hours of training/rehearsal per week. Dancers in Division 2 typically have some competition experience.

III- Advanced Dancers- All advanced technique allowed, 8 or more hours of training/rehearsal per week.

Dance without Boundaries– Adaptive and inclusive division for diversely enabled dancers. Dance without Boundaries will have their own overall awards.

*Age 20 and over are not eligible for overalls

Dance Categories

Acrobatic– A routine that is predominantly gymnastics/acrobatic tricks with minimal dance elements.

Ballet/Pointe– Ballet or Pointe techniques. Ballet or Pointe shoes only.

Ballroom– Variety of social dances performed by couples.

Character- Easily recognizable character is portrayed. May incorporate any style of dance technique.

Clogging– Clogging techniques. Clogging shoes only.

Dance Team– Precision choreography that also incorporates dance technique.

Hip Hop/Funk– Street style of jazz that incorporates contemporary and fad dance trends.

Jazz– Primarily jazz techniques, utilizing up-tempo music.

Lyrical- Combination of jazz, modern, and ballet techniques.

Modern– Modern dance style of choreography.

Musical Theater- “Broadway” or movie musical style of dance and/or song.

Open– Will not fall under any other dance category. A combination or blend of multiple dance styles.

Pom Pom/Cheer/Dance Team- Pom poms and pom pom technique.

Tap- Tap techniques.

*NON-DANCE CATEGORIES*

Cover Model- Cover Model winners will be chosen at each Encore Regional event. Encore National Photogenic Winners (Mini, Petite, Junior, Teen, Senior) will be selected from all regional Cover Model competition winners. One photo per entry. Cover Model Award Winners will have featured photos in Encore’s National advertising and promotional campaigns and a beautiful National Cover Model Winner plaque!  Cover Model payments and photo submissions may be pre-registered or can be registered on-site.

Photogenic- Photogenic winners will be chosen at each Encore Regional event. Encore National Photogenic Winners (Mini, Petite, Junior, Teen, Senior) will be selected from all regional Photogenic competition winners. One photo per entry. Photogenic Award Winners will have featured photos in Encore’s National advertising and promotional campaigns and a beautiful National Photogenic Winner plaque!  Photogenic payments and photo submissions may be pre-registered or can be registered on-site.

Title Awards

Miss and Mr Encore- Title Award entries will be judged during the regular solo performance but will also be entered into a separate award category. Only 3 solos per person can be entered for Miss/Mr. Encore. Title Awards will be given in the Mini, Petite, Junior, Teen, and Senior age divisions. Click here to view more about our title awards.

Music

Encore will be using an electronic file upload system for all routine entries. Studios will upload all of their music in advance through the Encore Registration Portal. 

Music uploads will be closed 10 days prior to the first day of competition. Encore will not accept or replace the music after the music upload portal is closed. Encore will only accept a back-up media source (USB, iPod) onsite if there are technical difficulties.

Encore will not re-compete a routine if the music is incorrect. If the dancer stops at any point during the routine because of incorrect music, the routine will be scored based on what was performed. Please double check your downloaded music prior to the event. Encore reserves the right to allow a routine to re-perform; however, any re-performance is not eligible for Overall High Score Awards.

Pitch level and speed cannot be controlled at the event. Please be sure to upload the correct version for your dancers performance.

Each studio is REQUIRED to bring a backup for all routines that have been registered. Back-up media can be submitted to the Encore MC if technical difficulties do occur.

Video Commentary – Digital Video Judges commentary. Additionally a separate “Teachers Only Video” commentary for Dance Professional’s ears ONLY. “Teachers Only” commentary will only be available at the Regional level. Judge’s video commentary is accessed after each competition through your Encore Studio Account.

Adjudication Awards (for each routine) *NEW* “Can I Get an Encore”, Platinum, Ultra High Gold, High Gold, Gold.

Overall High Score Awards

• Overall Results will be posted on the Encore website the following week.
• Adult groups 20 years and over will be adjudicated only and are not eligible for any High Score Awards or Encore Dollars.
• Soloists cannot place more than once in Overall High Score Awards.
• Each dancer performing in a Duo/Trio will receive an award if placed in the Overall Awards
• Encore reserves the right for our Judges to alter the division level of any performance, which may or may not be eligible for Overall High Score Awards. Studio Directors will be notified immediately if any changes need to be made.
• If a dancer leaves the stage before completing the routine, they may not re-compete the routine and will be scored based on what they have performed. Encore reserves the right to allow a routine to re-perform; however, any re-performance is not eligible for Overall High Score awards.

Encore Dollar Requirements
Encore Dollars have no cash value. Encore dollars may ONLY be used for Encore Registration Fees at our National Finals Competition within the same calendar year in which the Encore Dollars were received. Encore Dollars may be applied as a credit on National Registration Fees only for the routine which received the award. A High Score Award form must be submitted for Encore Dollars to be honored.

• A minimum number of routines per type/division level/age group (Mini, Petite, Junior, Teen, Senior) must be entered for Encore Dollars to be awarded.
• Ten (10) routine minimum for Encore Dollars in Solo/Duo/Trios & Small Groups.
• Five (5) routine minimum for Encore Dollars in the Large Groups/Line.
• Three (3) routine minimum for Encore Dollars in Production.
• Overall High Score Winners meeting the requirements above will need to complete the Overall High Score Forms using the QR Code below. Encore Dollars will be applied as a credit towards your 2024 National registration.

– Solo: 1st place wins $25.00  Encore Dollars
– Duo/Trio: 1st place wins $50.00 Encore Dollars
– Small Group: 1st place wins $100.00 Encore Dollars
– Large Group & Line: 1st place wins $125.00 Encore Dollars
– Production: 1st place wins $150.00 Encore Dollars

Top Scoring Studio
Studios must have a minimum of 5 group routines to qualify for Top Scoring Studio Award. The top 5 group scores from each studio are averaged to determine the studio with the TOP SCORE. Studio will receive a Top Scoring Studio Banner.

Trophy for charity program  (in lieu of receiving group trophies):
Arms Wide Open’s (AWO) unique theater and dance programs (dance, drama, singing, choreography and acting) provides individuals with special needs innovative specialized instruction, giving them the ability to express themselves freely while providing a safe and friendly outlet for emotions, encouraging socialization, creating an inclusionary environment with other children without disabilities. Being active in the arts helps stop the stigma associated with special needs by providing tools to keep active while building a social network. Arms Wide Open provides a wide range of classes, including tap, jazz, ballet, hip-hop, social dance, arts and crafts, contemporary, swing, and line dancing, among countless others, that promotes creativity, removing barriers to learning and other risk factors that may jeopardize these individuals’ chances for success. Arms Wide Open is proud to serve more than 300 individuals with special needs from every cultural and socio-economic background.

Scholarships

Scholarships awarded in all cities.

Re-performance at the fault of Encore– Should a routine be interrupted by a technical problem on the part of Encore, an electrical failure or any extenuating circumstance on the part of Encore solely, that heretofore is unforeseen, a dancer may be allowed to re-perform without penalty. Conditions of the stage are not the responsibility of Encore and will not be considered in the re-performance of a number.

Re-performance not at the fault of Encore- Encore does not re-compete a routine if the music is incorrect on part of the studio/original upload. If the dancer stops at any point during the routine, the routine will be scored based on what was performed. Please double check your music uploads. Encore reserves the right to allow a routine to re-perform; however, any re-performance not at the fault of Encore is not eligible for Overall High Score awards.

Cancellation/Extension of Events– Encore reserves the right to cancel or extend any event in accordance with the response of the number of event entries. Studios will be notified within three days if an event is to be extended.

Publicity– Choreographers, Teachers, and Performers automatically grant permission to Encore to use their photos and videos for advertising and publicity purposes, inclusive of television, video taping, or film broadcast in connection with promotion campaigns.

NO CAMERAS OF ANY TYPE ALLOWED DURING PERFORMANCE. 

ALL ROUTINES MUST BE APPROPRIATE FOR FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT.

CLICK HERE for a printable version of Encore Performing Arts Rules