Judging

• Overall Student Choreography Award: This award is given to the student choreography routine with the highest score. Note: To be eligible for this award, routines must be registered as "Student Choreography" rather than by style of dance (e.g., Jazz, Lyrical, Ballet, etc.).
• Exclusive Judges Awards: Special awards presented by judges for unique characteristics of a routine or performer. These awards are not based on adjudicated scores.Solo, Duo, Trio Stand-Out Awards
  Group Stand-Out Awards
  

Awards

• Overall “Fantastic Footwork” Award: A trophy/plaque and a $75 gift certificate for the studio that demonstrates exceptional tap technique. The routine must be registered under the Tap category to qualify.
• I Love NY Award: Awarded for routines that are especially entertaining and deserving of additional recognition.
• N.Y.S.D.C. "Total Technique" Award: A trophy/plaque and a $75 gift certificate awarded to the studio that demonstrates solid, well-executed technique across their entries.
• The Visionary Award: Presented to the studio director who incorporates the most diversity in choreography and performances.
• The Total Commitment Award: Given to a routine at every regional competition that displays total commitment in creativity, costuming, execution, and performance.
• The Artist & Athlete Award: Awarded to a routine that combines strong choreography with significant endurance.
• N.Y.S.D.C. Spirit Award: Presented in every regional city.
• Improvisation Dance-Off: Contest available for different age groups (4-7 yrs., 8-10 yrs., 11-13 yrs., 14 yrs. and up). Entry fee: $20 per dancer. Prizes awarded to the winner and runner-up.
• The Ever Upward Award: Awarded to the highest-scoring routine of the entire competition. Winners are invited to perform in the opening number at Nationals.
• N.Y.S.D.C. "Most Entertaining" Award for Solos, Duos, or Trios: A trophy/plaque and a $75 gift certificate awarded to the entry (solo, duo, or trio) that displays high entertainment value.
• N.Y.S.D.C. "Most Entertaining" Award for Small, Large, or Line Groups: A trophy/plaque and a $75 gift certificate awarded to the group that displays high entertainment value.
• The Call Back Challenge: A lightning round of encore performances chosen by judges, leading to selection for Nationals.
• Stand-Out Stars: Dancers selected by judges to participate in a production number at Nationals.
• Spotlight Winners: Awarded in every regional city.
• Best in Entertainment Showdown Runner-Up and Winner: Routines nominated to re-perform based on entertainment value, with prizes for the winner and runner-up.
• Choreography Showdown Runner-Up and Winner: Routines nominated to re-perform based on innovation, storytelling, and composition, with prizes for the winner and runner-up.
• Exclusive Special Awards: Recognition of senior dancers, memorable entries, and other special achievements.
• Retail Coupons for Memorable Entries: Awarded to individual and group achievements.
• Best Use of Prop Award: Awarded at every regional.
• Exclusive Awards for First-Time Competitors: Recognizing new participants in the competition.
• Top New York Style Awards: Awarded for excellence in New York-style dance.
• Best Music Selection Awards: Awarded at every regional.
• Top Soloist, Duo, Trio, Small, Large, and Grand Line Production Award: Awarded at Nationals.

Additional Information

• Award Donations: Studios can choose to donate their awards to charity at $5 per award. Alternatively, they may keep their awards.
• Video/Photography Policy: Video taping and photography, including FaceTime or video chats, are strictly prohibited during performances and in dressing room areas. NYSDC offers opportunities to purchase action pictures and videos of performances.
• Livestream: A livestream may or may not be available during each regional city event. NYSDC cannot guarantee consistent live streaming due to potential connection issues.
• Competition Schedule: Competitors should be ready to perform one hour before their scheduled performance time. The schedule may be adjusted for efficiency, and awards could run ahead of schedule. Competitors should be prepared to be at awards ceremonies one and a half hours before the scheduled start time.
• Backstage Management: Only authorized individuals (performers, teachers, staff) are allowed in the backstage area. Props can be loaded/unloaded by prop parents up to three numbers before the performance.
• Dress Code for Backstage: Only same-gender parents and teachers are allowed in designated dressing areas. Studios must keep dressing rooms clean and clear of personal belongings after performances.
• Admission & Programs: There is no admission fee for spectators, but program books are available for $8.00, or a $7.00 upload option is available.
• Special Seating: Studio Directors and Teachers will have reserved seating at regional and national events.
• Safety & Venue Regulations: For safety reasons, cell phones must be turned off or put on vibrate during performances. No food or drinks (except water) are allowed in the dressing areas. All studios must comply with NYSDC’s policies regarding venue access, behavior, and safety protocols.
• Liability and Risk: By registering for NYSDC events, participants acknowledge the risks involved with physical activity and agree to hold NYSDC, its staff, and directors harmless for any injuries or illnesses incurred during the competition.
• Damage Responsibility: Any person causing damage to venue property will be responsible for repairs, and the affiliated group may be disqualified.