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Fortune Dance Competition > Rules

Fortune Dance Competition Rules & Regulations

Section 1: Registration

  1. Dancers must be registered with the competition. All reservations require a deposit to secure a spot in events. Any reservation without a deposit is subject to cancellation within two weeks or sooner from the date it was submitted. Entries must be completed via online registration at least 28 days prior to the event.
  2. Registration is accepted on a first come first served basis. Many events will reach capacity before the deadline and any entries exceeding the limit will be turned away. Studios must submit a minimum deposit at the time of registration to hold their spot. All entries must be submitted on our website; no other formats will be accepted. Early Bird discount applies towards registration fees if all routines are paid in full prior to October 1st. Submitting a registration deposit only before this date does not solidify an early bird discount.

Deposit Tiers:

1-2 Entries : $50

3-5 Entries: $100

6+ Entries: $500

  1. All fees are non-refundable, no exceptions. Entries are not considered confirmed until a deposit or full payment has been received.

Changes to Registration

  1. Ensure all routines are included during registration, additional routines cannot be added at the door.
  2. If a competition is canceled due to a health pandemic or other unforeseen circumstances, all entry fees will be refunded. However, if the event proceeds as scheduled, no refunds will be issued.
  3. Refunds will not be issued for injuries or dropped dancers. However, if a doctor’s note is submitted within one week following the event, a studio credit for the original amount paid will be issued. This credit may be applied toward a future Fortune Dance Competition.
  4. Any modifications to existing entries made within 14 days of the event are subject to a $5 change fee per adjustment. Changes submitted on the day of the competition will incur a $10 fee per adjustment. We strongly encourage all participants to carefully review their schedules in advance and report any necessary updates to the office promptly. All changes to registration within 14 days of the event must be submitted in writing via email
  5. Gift certificates or credits that are awarded to routines can only be redeemed for group entry fees at future Fortune Dance Competitions.
  6. When making event specific changes, please sign into the competition website. When making global changes to a specific routine, you will do so by logging into your studio portal.

Section 2: General Rules

  1. Fortune Dance Competition has the right to change venues at any point if necessary.
  2. Personal recording is prohibited. Professional media will be available for purchase.
  3. Rules and Regulations are subject to change and available on our website, all pricing is available for studio directors through the fortune dancebug portal.
  4. Rules and Regulations are subject to change and available on our website, all pricing is available for studio directors through the fortune dancebug portal.
  5. Performers who wish to compete with multiple studios must provide written permission from each studio, independent entries welcome! Independent entries cannot compete at the same competition their studio is attending.
  6. Please note each venue has its own rules and regulations regarding food and beverage, all attendees must adhere to venue specific rules at all times.
  7. Master classes, open stage time, cutting contests, and wood flooring for percussive styles will be available when venue and schedule allows. All percussive dance styles will compete at the same time regardless of division.

Section 3: Liability

  1. All teachers, parents, spectators and participants give Fortune Dance Competition the right to use their photo or video with any advertising or media campaign. By performing at our events, all competitors consent to the use of photographs and/or video footage for promotional purposes, which may include social media and streaming of routines online.
  2. Liability: Fortune Dance Competition and the hosting venue are not responsible for personal injury or property loss to either contestants or spectators. Performers in a dance competition are subject to risks which can include, but are not limited to sprains, pulled muscles and broken bones. Participation in Fortune Dance Competition events indicates the acceptance of these types of risks; participants and spectators agree that they will not hold Fortune, its officers, employees or staff responsible for injuries or illnesses contracted while in attendance. Fortune Dance Competition reserves the right to communicate one on one or through the mailing list with studios using contact method provided in the registration system.

Section 4: Performer Code of Conduct

  1. Dressing rooms shall be kept neat and tidy. Trash should be disposed of properly.
  2. Respect others property and space at all times.
  3. No aggressive or threatening behavior including but not limited to derogatory comments, shouting, excessive arguing, verbal and physical assault, or harassment of others.
  4. No destruction of property or engagement in illegal activity.
  5. You must not touch or remove someone else’s property without their permission.
  6. Bullying is strictly prohibited and may result in disqualification.
  7. When available Family, Boys, and Girls dressing rooms will be offered. Family dressing rooms contain pop up tents and are open to all genders to allow accessibility for all attendees of Fortune Dance Competition Events.

Section 5: Audience Code of Conduct

  1. Anyone not performing including teachers, parents, and dancers who have already performed or soon performance are considered audience members.
  2. Photography and Video Recording is strictly prohibited failure to abide by this rule may result in disqualification of the studio, Fortune Dance Competition staff reserves the right to request videos or photos be deleted from any device if it is found that recording took place.
  3. Alcohol, Tobacco, or drug use is not permitted during our events or within competition designated spaces. Any guest that is impaired will be removed.
  4. Sportsman like behavior is expected from all those in attendance, failure to maintain sportsmanlike behavior may result in disqualification.
  5. All attendees should behave respectfully in the theatre this includes refraining from talking and moving during numbers.Please stay seated during performances and wait to locate a seat until dancers have finished performing.
  6. Disruptive behavior may lead to removal from the venue.

Section 6: Props and Safety Requirements

  1. Any props placed on stage are allowed 2 minutes which includes both set up and removal, anything over 2 minutes will be charged at $20 per minute, accurate build time must be provided during registration to ensure schedule accuracy.
  2. Storing of props in the wings is strictly prohibited.
  3. Props must be loaded in and out of the venue on the same day of the performance and during the same session.
  4. Performers must not be higher than 8 feet off the floor at any given time.
  5. Lighting requests will not be taken for routines.
  6. All props must be safe for all performers and attendees
    1. NO dangerous props (knives, fire, swords etc)
    2. NO liquids, oils, paints or powders may come in contact with stage floor
  7. Any items left on stage by the studio must be completely cleaned up by the studio. Should items not be removed by the studio, a clean up fee of $500 may be required.
  8. Failure to adhere to these rules may result in removal from overalls and or disqualification.

Section 7: Backstage Requirements

  1. Routines must arrive 90 minutes before their scheduled performance time or doors open time for routines within the first hour of start time
  2. Routines must check in with backstage manager 5 numbers before performance and notify the backstage manager of any props or wing clearance needs.
  3. Routines must be prepared to compete when routines are called and may be asked to perform outside of performance order.
  4. Studio directors and instructors should monitor event time as the event may run ahead or behind schedule.
  5. Teachers may stay backstage with dancers during their routines but are not permitted to coach from the backstage area during the performance.
  6. Parents or dancers not in the routine performing are not permitted backstage unless explicit permission is given by studio director and backstage staff.
  7. Unauthorized delays may result in score deduction or disqualification.

Section 8: Music and Performance Rules

  1. All music must be uploaded to the registration portal 14 days prior to the event. Backup copies must be available on site in the form of an iPad, computer, or flash drive. Personal cellular devices do not suffice for back up music.
  2. Music must be age appropriate and free of profanity, racial slurs, or any other lyrics that may be considered inappropriate. Automatic point deduction or disqualification may occur.
  3. Choreography must be appropriate for all audiences. Inappropriate themes, costumes, or content may result in score deductions or disqualification.
  4. If a technical issue arises beyond the dancer’s control, the routine may be restarted at the judges discretion
  5. Additional time may be purchased at a rate of $3 per performer for each 30 second increment.
  6. A 10 second grace period will apply, if additional time is not purchased a 1 point deduction will occur for every 5 seconds over the time limit.
  • Solo: 2 Minutes and 45 Seconds
  • Duet/Trio: 3 Minutes
  • Small Group: 3 Minutes and 30 Seconds
  • Large Group: 4 Minutes
  • Line: 6 Minutes
  • Production: 8 Minutes

Section 9: Leveling System

Novice Level: The novice level is for dancers who have limited or no competition experience. A dancer in the novice level may compete in no more than 6 routines. A novice dancer may compete no more than 1 solo.

Intermediate Level: The intermediate level is for dancers who have moderate competition and dance experience. If dancers have limited competition experience but above average technique and performance skill, they should be placed in the Advanced Level. A dancer in the intermediate level may compete in no more than 10 routines and no more than 2 solos.

Advanced Level: The Advanced Level is for dancers, regardless of their routine count who have significant competition, dance experience, or advanced technique and/or performance skill. Dancers who perform in 10 or more routines will automatically be placed in the Advanced Level. Dancers in the Advanced level may compete an unlimited amount of solos.


Gems: Gems is designed to provide performance opportunities for dancers with physical, developmental, cognitive, and sensory adaptive needs. Gems provides a supportive and accessible environment for all dancers to feel empowered.

  1. NO level changes will be allowed once the final schedule is released or at the event. Studio owners are responsible for placing their dances in the correct levels based on their execution of choreography. We understand that levels may differ from studio to studio or competition to competition. Please see our video examples to place your dancers in the accurate levels for our competition (Available August 1st 2027).
  2. To ensure accurate level placement, please review our level guidelines carefully and assign dancers accordingly. Proper placement helps maintain a fair and enjoyable competitive experience for all participants.
  3. We will bump routines at the judges discretion, If one of our judges believes a routine is placed improperly, studio directors will be notified. If two or more judges believe a routine is placed improperly judges will collaboratively discuss if the routine shall be bumped. Any routine bumped must be scoring within the next levels top 10 routines.

Section 10: Ages, Group Sizes, & Styles

 
1. Dancers compete in age divisions based on their age as of the first day of the competition they are registered for. For Duet/Trios and Groups, the average age determines the age division into which you fall. Drop the decimal point when averaging the ages, i.e., an age average of 8.5 would compete in the 8-year-old division. Duet/Trios or Groups cannot compete no more than two age divisions younger than the oldest dancer, regardless of average age. For example: if a group includes a dancer that is in the senior division and. the average age is 8 (petite division), the group will compete one level above petite, at the junior division.

2. Any child who is more than two years younger than the average age of the group must perform a meaningful and significant portion of the choreography. Failure to do so may result in a deduction of points. Entry Categories: Solos, duets/trios, small groups, large groups, lines and productions are permitted.

3. Any routine that includes a dancer aged 20 or older will be placed in the Adult Division with the exception of production routines.

4. In the event of an age-related concern, contestants may be asked to provide proof of age, such as a birth certificate. Any such discrepancy must be brought to the attention of the Fortune Dance Competition director within 60 minutes of the performance in question.

Age Divisions:

  • Mini – 5 and Under
  • Petite – 6 to 8 years old
  • Juniors – 9 to 11 years old
  • Teens – 12 to 14 years old
  • Seniors – 15 to 19 years old
  • Adult 1 – 20 to 49 years old
  • Adult 2 – 50+

Group Sizes:

  • Solo – 1 dancer
  • Duo/Trio – 2 to 3 dancers
  • Small Group – 4 to 9 dancers
  • Large Group – 10 to 18 dancers
  • Line/Production – 19+ dancers

5. At Fortune Dance Competition we value providing an experience where all styles of dance are recognized and celebrated. Therefore, we offer a variety of genres to choose from including:

  • Ballet: Performance must contain ballet technique incorporating formal classical movements. No point shoes are allowed in the ballet category and no acro or gymnastic elements are permitted.
  • Lyrical: Performance must have dynamic emotion and expressive movements demonstrated with fluidity, balance, extension, and control, primarily focused on storytelling and interpretation of music lyrics.
  • Contemporary: Blending many traditional styles of dance, contemporary emphasizes fluid movement, innovative techniq
  • Pointe: An advanced style of ballet performed in pointe shoes, requiring strength, control, and precision. Reserved for the Advanced level only.
  • Modern: Performance must consist of interpretive movements using modern technique such as natural body movements focused on the “core” of the body with coordination between breathing and movement as well as dancers relationship to the floor.
  • Pointe: An advanced style of ballet performed in pointe shoes, requiring strength, control, and precision. Reserved for the Advanced level only.
  • Musical Theatre: A performance style that blends acting and dancing to tell a story through expressive choreography, often portraying specific characters and emotions from stage shows, theatre productions, or film musicals. Lip sync is permitted.
  • Jazz: Performance must consist of jazz technique. Up to three acro/gymnastic elements are permitted.
  • Hip Hop: A dance style that originated in street culture, this style includes a wide range of movements from dynamic popping and locking to smooth rhythm-based grooves.
  • Acrobatics: Blending dance technique with acrobatic movement, this style highlights tumbling skills, transitions, strength, and flexibility.
  • Ballroom: Performance that consists of core elements of ballroom repertoire showcasing traditional techniques.
  • Pom Pon: Incorporating the use of pom poms, this style emphasizes precision, rhythm and coordination. Pom poms must be used for at least 80% of the routine.
  • Character: Performance emphasizes rhythmic footwork, expressive upper body, and bold performance to portray a specific cultural style or character. Lip Sync is allowed.
  • Clogging: Performance must use clogging shoes and consists of clogging technique. Clogging is a percussive American folk dance style that uses rhythmic footwork to create audible beats often danced to bluegrass, country, or folk music. It requires quick, syncopated steps, heel-toe combinations, and energetic movement.
  • Tap: Performance must use tap shoes and display tap technique. Tap dance is a percussive style where dancers create rhythm and musicality using metal plates on their shoes. It emphasizes precision, syncopation, and clear articulation of sounds through footwork.
  • Irish: Irish dance is a traditional style originating from Ireland known for its fast, precise footwork performed with a still upper body and upright posture.
  • Flamenco: Flamenco is a passionate Spanish dance style rooted in Andalusian culture, combining powerful rhythmic footwork, expressive arm movements, and intense emotional performance. It is performed to guitar-driven music with handclaps and singing, emphasizing sharp accents, posture, and dramatic presence.
  • Song and Dance: A performance that combines both singing and dancing by the same performer(s). The vocals must be live (not pre-recorded) and the dance should be choreographed to compliment and enhance the vocal performance. Judging will be based on both vocal ability and dance technique as well as stage presence and execution. One handheld microphone will be provided no additional sound equipment or microphone may be used.
  • Folkloric: A traditional dance style reflecting cultural heritage and regional movements that do not have a specific genre category offered (belly dance, polkas, Bollywood, hula, Chinese classical dance, etc)
  • Baton: Combining baton twirling with dance elements, this style features coordinated movements, tricks and rhythmic patterns using baton(s).
  • Worship: A performance style rooted in faith and spiritual expression, using movement to convey devotion, gratitude, and connection to a higher power. This style is often set to inspirational of gospel music.
  • Open: A versatile style that allows for a mix of styles and techniques. Routines in this style have the freedom to incorporate elements from various genres showcasing creativity and individual expression.

Section 11: Scoring and Judging

  1. Routines are judged based on technique, stage presence, and execution
    1. Technique: Up to 40 Points
    2. Stage Presence: Up to 40 Points
    3. Execution: 20 Points
  2. Judges decisions regarding scores and placements are final. Score sheets and critiques will be available up to one week after the competition.
  3. If a tie occurs, the highest technical score will determine placement.
  4. Adjudications: Each routine will receive a rating (Platinum, High Gold, Gold, etc) in additional to overall placement awards. Platinum awards are reserved for routines competing in the Advanced and Intermediate decisions.
  5. Judges will be vetted to make sure they have no affiliation with the studios competing. They will only be allowed to see the name of the routine, the number, the age division, and the level. They will have no access to dancers name or studio.
  6. A soloist may not compete against themselves in any style category and may not place more than once in overall high scores.
  7. The Fortune judges panel will consist of four judges, our fourth judge is our Teacher and Choreographer judge providing feedback for instructors only, this judge will not provide any scores.
  8. Critiques and scores will be available up to 1 week after the competition
  9. Should a dancer complete less than ¾ of their routine, dancer will be disqualified from overall placement. Dancer may recompete at the judges discretion but will only be eligible for adjudication.
  • Platinum: 292-300
  • High Gold: 278-291.9
  • Gold: 266-277.9
  • High Silver: 250-265.9
  • Silver 230-250

Section 12: Awards and Scholarships

  1. Overall Awards will be given in all age division and group categories, and will be recognized according to number of entries:

1-3 Routines: All Routines Recognized

4-5 Routines: Top 3 Recognized

6-9 Routines: Top 5 Recognized

10+ Routines: Top 10 Recognized

  1. Top in style awards will be given for the highest scoring group routines in both the 11 and under and 12+ age division recognizing the highest scoring routine in each style. These routines will be entered into our Style of the Year Title!
  2. Scholarships and Gift Certificates will be awarded at Fortune Dance Competition events, these must be redeemed in the current or following competition season. These can include Fortune Dance Competition events or outside organizations.
  3. Gift Certificates with the exception off free or half of solo entries are redeemable for group entry fees, they may not be applied towards registration deposits, solos, or duo/trios.
  4. Photogenic Competition: The photogenic competition is included with all solo entry fees. Photo will be taken backstage before dancers perform. Photos may be used for Fortune Dance Competition marketing. Photogenic winners will be entered into our national cover model competition. If you do not wish to participate please let the photographer know backstage.
  5. Awards must be picked up during the competition and will not be mailed.
  6. Awards are subject to change at any point.
  7. During the last award session containing group routines, studio awards will be given.
    1. Studio Spirit Award – Recognizing outstanding sportsmanship, teamwork, and inclusion on and off the competition stage. This awards expands beyond just the dancers on the stage but recognizes parents, teachers, and directors.
    2. Technical Excellence – Recognizing the studio with the highest average score of the weekend.
    3. Excellence in Entertainment – Recognizing a studio who’s routines consistently provide high energy and performance value across the weekend.
  8. The All Around Dancer Title:
    1. Entry to the All Around Dancer Competition can be purchased during registration for $35 per dancer
    2. Dancers competing for the All Around Dancer title are eligible to place in their overall division in addition to competing for title.
    3. The All Around Dancer scores will include their solo and improv. Dancers will improv for 30 seconds on stage to a dance genre that they choose at random styles may include: Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Hip-Hop, Lyrical, Contemporary, and Musical Theatre.
    4. All genders will compete against each other for title.
    5. Dancers will compete with those in their age category and level all levels are eligible to compete for the All Around Dancer Title.
  9. Highest Scoring Routine –  11 and under and 13+ Highest scoring solo routines and group routines in the respected age divisions will be announced after the last qualifying entry competes.

Section 13: Schedule

  1. Preliminary schedule will be released 7-14 days before the event, studio directors must review this schedule carefully and notify the competition director immediately of any changes. Finalized schedule will be released 5—7 days before the event.
  2. Schedule requests must be made 1 month before the first day of each event, schedule requests are not guaranteed but Fortune Dance Competition will do their best to accommodate requests.
  3. All entries must compete during their scheduled day and time assigned. Routines may request an alternate time to perform after finalized schedule is released but will be ineligible for overall awards.
  4. We reserve the right to add/remove days of the competition but will not begin on a Thursday at any time.
  5. Fortune Dance Competition holds a strict cap on registrations to ensure a reasonable start and end time for each competition day.

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