NEW YORK STATE DANCE CHALLENGE & FLORIDA STATE DANCE CHALLENGE 2024-2025 AWARDS

At N.Y.S.D.C./F.S.D.C., we recognize that everyone should be acknowledged for their achievement in performing on stage! Below are the details for various award categories.

High Score Awards

N.Y.S.D.C./F.S.D.C. recognizes the highest scores in all competition levels, age, and size divisions across the following categories:

• Rising Challenger
• Challenger
• High Challenger
• Top Challenger

Award categories include:

• Solos
• Duos/Trios
• Small Groups
• Large Groups
• Line/Production Groups
• Grand Line/Production Groups

High Score Recognition

• First Place: High Score Plaque/Trophy + $50.00 gift certificate for 2026 regional fees.Minimum of 6 entries required in each age division and classification to receive a cash prize.
  If fewer than 6 entries, a $25.00 gift certificate will be issued to the first-place winner.
  For second and third placements, gift certificates will be awarded if there are 6 or more entries in each age division/classification.
  
• Top 10 Recognition: Up to the top 10 highest-scoring entries in each classification and age division.

Eligibility for Overall Awards

Competitors must compete on the day and time assigned to be eligible for overall awards. Awards ceremonies will be held for:

• Judges’ Awards
• Choreography/Entertainment Awards
• Exclusive NYSDC/FSDC Awards
• Titles & Overalls

Judging & Scoring System

All solos, duos, trios, and groups will be judged on a point system. Based on the total score from three judges, entries will receive one of the following rankings:

• High-Silver
• Gold
• High-Gold
• Platinum
• Empire Platinum

For group routines with dancers from different classification levels:

• More than 50% of dancers must be from the classification level they are competing in.

Age Divisions

• Mini Star Division: 3-4 Years
• Petite Star Division: 5-6 Years
• Rising Star Division: 7-8 Years
• Pre-Junior Star Division (NEW for 2025!): 9-10 Years
• Junior Star Division: 11-12 Years
• Teen Star Division: 13-15 Years
• Senior Star Division: 16-19 Years
• Parent Division: Adults only (Adjudicated, no cash awards).
• Adult Division: 20 Years and Older (Adjudicated, no cash awards).

2024-2025 NYSDC/FSDC Scoring System

Rising Challenger Division

• Empire Platinum: 293-300
• Platinum: 285-292.9
• High Gold: 265-275
• Gold: 250-264.9
• High Silver: 240-249.9

Challenger Division

• Empire Elite Platinum: 290-300
• Platinum: 275-290
• High Gold: 265-274.9
• Gold: 250-264.9
• High Silver: 240-249.9

High Challenger Division

• Empire Elite Platinum: 293-300
• Platinum: 285-292.9
• High Gold: 275-284.9
• Gold: 263-274.9
• High Silver: 255-262.9

Top Challenger Division

• Empire Elite Platinum: 295-300
• Platinum: 290-294.9
• High Gold: 278-289.9
• Gold: 263-279.9
• High Silver: 258-262.9

Adjudicated & Special Awards

Adjudicated Awards

• Solo: Each solo receives a Sash Pin and an exclusive lapel pin.
• Duo/Trio: Each receives a trophy/plaque and lapel pin.
• Group Routines: Studios/dancers will receive a trophy/plaque and lapel pin.

Vocal High Score Awards

Awarded in Solos, Duos/Trios, and Groups.

Student Choreography Awards

• Minimum of 3 student-choreographed routines required.

Judges' Awards

• Judges will nominate entries of all ages, levels, and divisions for Judges’ Awards, based on unique characteristics (not adjudicated scores).

Awards for Purchase

Available at the end of each Regional and National competition on a first-come, first-served basis.

High Score Awards Details

Solos & Duos/Trios

• First Place: High Score Plaque/Trophy + $50.00 Gift Certificate.
• Second & Third Place: Gift certificates for 2026 Dance Challenge, if there are 6 or more entries.

Small and Large Groups

• First Place: High Score Plaque/Trophy + $50.00 Gift Certificate.
• Second & Third Place: Gift certificates for 2026 Dance Challenge, if there are 6 or more entries.

Line/Production Groups (20-39 performers)

• First Place: High Score Plaque/Trophy + $75.00 Gift Certificate.

Grand Line/Production Groups (40+ performers)

• First Place: High Score Plaque/Trophy + $100.00 Gift Certificate.

Studio & Special Awards

Top Studio Award

Awarded to the studio earning the highest number of Platinum Awards or the highest cumulative total of the top 10 scores/performances.

Top Costume Award

Awarded to the winning studio with a $40.00 per routine fee for costume entries. Minimum of 10 entries required.

Top Choreography Award

Awarded to the winning studio with a $75.00 gift certificate for 2026 regionals.

Top Class Studio Award

Awarded to the studio that displays positive attitudes, willingness to help others, and age-appropriate costuming/choreography.

Well-Rounded Studio Award

Awarded to a studio that embraces diverse dance styles, encouraging dancers to be more versatile.

Top Adult Award

Awarded to the best Adult routine with a $25.00 gift certificate.

Exclusive NYSDC & FSDC Premiere Star Award

Awarded to one student per studio who demonstrates a positive attitude, works hard, and strives to improve.

Overall Student Choreography Award

Awarded to the student-choreographed routine with the highest score. Eligible routines must be registered under “Student Choreography.”

Judges’ Special Awards

Solo, Duo, and Trio Stand-Out Awards

• Given for outstanding performances.

Group Stand-Out Awards

• Given for exceptional group routines.

Fantastic Footwork Award

Awarded for highly proficient Tap technique.

I Love NY Award

Given to routines that are entertaining and deserving of additional recognition.

Total Technique Award

Awarded to the studio demonstrating strong and well-executed technique.

Visionary Award

Presented to the studio director who brings the most diversity into their choreography and routine performances.

Total Commitment Award

Awarded to the routine that demonstrates total commitment in creativity, costuming, execution, and stage performance.

Artist & Athlete Award

Given to the routine requiring significant endurance and strong choreography.

Spirit Award

Awarded to the studio exhibiting the most enthusiasm and energy during the competition.

Improvisation Dance Off

Open to various age groups (4-7, 8-10, 11-13, and 14+). The winner and runner-up receive a trophy and a gift certificate.

Ever Upward Award

Awarded to the highest-scoring routine of the entire competition, with an invitation to perform in the Nationals opening number.

National Awards

• The Call Back Challenge: A lightning round featuring encore performances selected by the judges.
• Stand-Out Stars: Dancers selected at each Regional for invitation to Nationals, where they perform a production number.

Spotlight Winners

Awarded in every regional city, with opportunities for nationals.

National Best in Entertainment Showdown

• Winner & Runner-Up: Re-perform routines based on entertainment value, with prizes.

Exclusive FSDC Sunshine Award

Awarded to routines that are creative and stand out as one-of-a-kind.

National Choreography Showdown

• Winner & Runner-Up: Routines nominated to re-perform based on choreography excellence.
  

Find the PDF to download here.