COMPETITION INFO
WHY NUVO’S COMPETITION IS UNIQUE !
DJ BOOTH
Nuvo has a custom DJ booth on the side of our main stage! It's equipped with a full LED wall on the front panel! The announcer for the competition is stationed in the DJ booth for the weekend to make Nuvo's competition fun and interactive!
ARTIST JUDGES
What could be better than getting direct feedback and critiques from the Nuvo artists?! Our artists pride themselves on continuing to educate with their insightful and supportive video critiques!
PERFORMANCE DIVISIONS
Nuvo supports all styles of dance. We currently award high score in 9 different performance divisions!
TEACHER ONLY VIDEO CRITIQUE
Each judging panel will include a specific Teacher Only critique. This critique is used for more in depth information regarding a dancers' technique, costume, choreography, etc.
FREE LIVE WEBCAST
For friends and family to watch from home!
COMPETITION DIVISIONS & TIME LIMITS
| DIVISIONS | TIME LIMIT |
|---|---|
| GROUP (4-9 Dancers) | 3:00 |
| LINE (10-15 Dancers) | 3:00 |
| EXT. LINE (16-24 Dancers) | 4:00 |
| PRODUCTION (25+ Dancers) | 5:00 |
| DUO/TRIO | 2:45 |
| SOLO | 2:45 |
- There will be a 15 second "grace period" allowed for each routine. Time and classification limitations will be strictly enforced.
- Up to 3 minutes of additional time can be purchased for any Group, Line, Extended Line or Production when registering your routines in Dance360. We do not permit extra time for any Solos or Duo/Trios.
- NEW THIS SEASON: Dance360 will only allow music to be uploaded that is under the time limit for each routine. For example, the time limit for a solo is 2:45 with a 15 second “grace period” therefore the piece of music can only be a max of 3 minutes. If attempting to upload music that is 3:15 for a solo, the upload will not be accepted by the system.
- If by chance a routine goes over the time limit and past the "grace period” the routine will be adjusted to adjudication only and will not be eligible for any placement or special awards.
- NEW THIS SEASON: When registering your routines in Dance360, there will be an option to select if a routine has a prop and if so, a section to provide a brief description of the prop. General prop set up can not exceed the length of the piece. For example, if an Extended Line with a prop is 4 minutes, you will have 4 minutes max to set the prop. If prop set up exceeds the routine time limit, the routine will be adjusted to adjudication only and will not be eligible for any placement or special awards. For more information, please scroll down to the Props subsection below.
AGE DIVISIONS
| DIVISION | AVERAGE AGE |
|---|---|
| NUBIE | 5-7 |
| MINI | 8-10 |
| JUNIOR | 11-12 |
| TEEN | 13-15 |
| SENIOR | 16-19 |
| OPEN | 20+ |
- All Nuvo ages (Workshop & Competition) are determined as of January 1, 2026. For example: Ages for November 2025 events will be as of January 1, 2026, and ages for April 2026 events will be as of January 1, 2026.
- To reach the average age of an entry, add all the ages together and divide by the number of dancers in the entry. When averaging ages always DROP THE DECIMAL POINT. For example, if a routine average is 12.7, you would drop the decimal, therefore the routine would compete in the 11-12 yr. old age category.
- The average age of each entry must not drop more than one age division below the age of the oldest dancer in the entry, regardless of the actual average age. Example: an entry contains dancers ranging in age from 9-17, the entry may not compete younger than the 13-15 age category (one division younger than the oldest dancer – 17).
- Any routine with a dancer 21 years of age or older must compete in the Open age division (20+) regardless of the average age of the routine.
- Group and higher routines are allowed to “age up” only to the next age division.
- Names and ages of all dancers must appear on the entry form or it will not be accepted.
- All competing dancers must be prepared to present a birth certificate should a question arise.
PERFORMANCE DIVISIONS
| JAZZ | Primarily jazz technique, utilizing up-tempo music. |
| BALLET | Primarily ballet or pointe technique, including classical steps and movements. |
| HIP HOP | Primarily hip hop technique. |
| TAP | Primarily tap technique. Routines demonstrating clogging technique and style may not compete in the tap category. |
| CONTEMPORARY | A fusion of many jazz styles with a strong emphasis on modern technique. |
| LYRICAL | A combination of jazz and ballet techniques to slow music incorporating emotional and storytelling elements. |
| MUSICAL THEATRE | Any routine interpreting a song from a Broadway or Movie Musical. |
| BALLROOM | Routine that consists of core elements of ballroom repertoire showcasing Traditional or Latin techniques. |
| ACRO | Acrobatic dance is a fusion of Dance and Acrobatic tricks. These tricks originate from circuses all over the world. Balance, Flexibility and Power blended seamlessly with dance movement. |
| SPECIALTY | Consists of all other categories: ethnic, novelty, clogging, etc. |
| SHOWCASE | Entries that wish to perform for critiques only. These routines will not be scored and will not be eligible for Adjudicated, Placement or Special Awards. |
| IMPROVISATION | Involves creating and executing movement spontaneously, without any premeditated movement. Dancers entered in this category will not know the song being played ahead of time. The DJ will ask the dancer what “style” they would like and then select a corresponding song at random. Length will be no more than 2 minutes and 30 seconds. |
Judges reserve the right to change the performance division of a number if they feel it is incorrectly placed.
ENTRY LIMITS
Please see your corresponding city page for specific entry limits for your tour city!
If a soloist receives a 1st Place award in one Nuvo city, they are unable to compete a solo (even if a different solo) at any other Nuvo city for the remainder of the season. Soloists that win 1st place may continue to perform a solo in the competitions but will not be adjudicated or awarded and will be for Showcase Only.
INDEPENDENT DANCERS
Nuvo believes a dancer is best served by attending consistent classes with a reputable dance studio. We do acknowledge that in certain circumstances a dancer is “independent.” Nuvo defines independent dancers as dancers not associated with a physical dance studio and not taking consistent classes in a structured program. We understand this rule is subjective, therefore any questions will be resolved at the Nuvo Director’s discretion.
Independent dancers are not eligible to compete in Nuvo's Competition.
THE NUVO STAGE
The Nuvo stage is 40’ wide and 28’ deep with additional wing space on each side of the stage.
COMPETITION SCHEDULING
- Friday competition may start as early as 7am. It typically starts with Nubie, Mini or Junior solos, but will vary per city based on routines registered.
- Routines scheduled on Friday before 3:30pm, that are unable to perform due to school, will be offered a full refund.
- Mini & Junior routines will not be scheduled after 9pm.
MUSIC REQUIREMENTS
- Easily upload your music to your Dance360 account!
- NEW THIS SEASON: Dance360 will only allow music to be uploaded that is under the time limit for each routine. For example, the time limit for a solo is 2:45 with a 15 second “grace period” therefore the piece of music can only be a max of 3 minutes. If attempting to upload music that is 3:15 for a solo, the upload will not be accepted by the system.
- Audio files are accepted in MP3, WAV, M4A or AIF format only, up to 50 MB each. We recommend MP3 format.
- All music must be uploaded via Dance360 at least 1 week prior to the event. ALWAYS have a backup option just in case!
- We will no longer be accepting USB’s on-site. If by chance a backup file is needed, please be prepared to play the music file off an ipod, phone or laptop.
- If playing backup music off of a device, please make sure the song is imported into your iTunes or media player. We will NOT be able to play any songs from an email or off the internet.
JUDGES CRITERIA
| TECHNIQUE | PERFORMANCE | CHOREOGRAPHY & MUSICALITY | OVERALL APPEARANCE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50% | 20% | 20% | 10% |
C.O.D.A.
Nuvo is proud to integrate C.O.D.A. into all its competition. C.O.D.A. is DanceOne’s innovative online system of style specific score sheets, video tutorials, data analytics and judge training. C.O.D.A. aims to revolutionize the dance competition experience and is complimentary for every routine registered for Jump, Nuvo, 24 Seven, RADIX and The Dance Awards.
IS YOUR ROUTINE NUVO FRIENDLY?
Nuvo realizes that dance and art cross a broad range of styles, taste and appropriateness. However, Nuvo is a family event and we are determined to set some sort of standard to make sure inappropriate routines are penalized or disqualified. At a minimum, these routines should not be rewarded with the highest scores of the competition. To handle this, Nuvo has set up a “Family Viewing” point system. It’s simple: Each judge’s score sheet has a check box on it, labeled “This routine might not be Nuvo friendly”. For each judge that checks this box, there will be a 5 point deduction from a routine’s total score. So, if three judges check this box, a routine’s score would drop 15 points. If all four judges check the box, the routine will be disqualified.
Again, this is not a perfect science. Nuvo's opinion might be too relaxed for some and too strict for others. We can only do what we think is right. This is a work in progress but we feel that it’s a step in the right direction. As always, we welcome your feedback!
ADJUDICATED AWARDS
DJ'S PICK!!, Palladium, High Gold, Gold, and High Silver awards will be presented based on the following combined scores:
| DJ's PICK!! | 291-300 |
| Palladium | 282-290 |
| High Gold | 273-281 |
| Gold | 264-272 |
| High Silver | 255-268 |
All DJ’S PICK!!!, Palladium, High Gold, Gold, and High Silver award winners will be eligible for the 2026 Dance Awards!
NEW THIS SEASON: In an effort to eliminate the number of ties within the DJ'S PICK!! award, judges may now use half-point increments when scoring between 97-100.
PLACEMENT AWARDS
In addition to the adjudicated awards, a competitive 1st, 2nd & 3rd Place award will also be given to the highest scoring Solo, Duo/Trio, Group, Line, Extended Line and Production, in each of the Nubie, Mini, Junior, Teen, Senior, and Open age categories. The Highest Scoring Solo & Duo/Trio winners will receive FREE Competition entry, for that number, at the 2026 Dance Awards Finals Competition! We also recognize the Top 10 highest scoring soloists on stage.
A competitive 1st, 2nd & 3rd Place Award will also be given to the highest scoring Jazz, Ballet, Tap, Lyrical, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, Hip Hop, Ballroom, Acro and Specialty number in the Nubie, Mini, Junior, Teen, Senior & Open divisions.
SPECIAL AWARDS
BEST NU GROUPS (Nubie, Mini, Junior, Teen, Senior & Open)
A select few Nubie, Mini, Junior, Teen, Senior and Open routines will be chosen, by consensus of the judges, to receive the BEST NU GROUP Award. BEST NU GROUP Awards are presented to the routines that the judges feel are, overall, the most technical AND entertaining.
STUDIO PICK
To be eligible for the STUDIO PICK Award, a studio must have entered at least 15 entries (a minimum of 7 must be group routines) into the competition. Each STUDIO PICK routine must be a Group, Line, Extended Line or Production. It may be the highest score from the studio, it may not be. It is simply what the judges remembered and liked the most.
Each STUDIO PICK Award winner receives free entry into the 2026 Dance Awards!
CLOSING SHOW
This season Nuvo will be doing all scholarship announcements as part of our Sunday closing ceremony. All dancers, parents and teachers are invited to join us at the Main Stage on Sunday afternoon once the workshop classes finish.
During the ceremony all Breakout Artist Scholarships, Class Standout Scholarships and Die Hard Dancer Scholarships will be announced. Best Nu Group & Studio Pick routines will not be re-performing in the Closing Show.
There will also be special performances from the 2025 Best Dancer Winners!
BRING BACK BALLET!!!
Over the past few years, we have noticed a trend of studios not bringing many ballet routines to dance conventions. Since we believe that ballet is the foundation for almost every dance style, Nuvo is trying to do its part to reverse the trend. We are happy to announce that we are offering a FREE ballet small group (4-9 dancers) for each studio registering 10 or more paying dancers for the workshop!
PLEASE NOTE: Dancers in this free routine MUST be wearing either ballet shoes or pointe shoes.
ONLINE CRITIQUES
Within 24 hours after each event, all score sheets & online critiques will be made available to the users of the Dance360.com account from which the registration was originally submitted. Individual registrants will have full access to their critiques if they submitted their own registration, regardless of whether they are associated with a studio. If a studio prefers to have sole access to these critiques, all registrations must be submitted through their Studio account and not from any Individual accounts.
TEACHER ONLY CRITIQUES
At Nuvo, we realize there are things our judges might want to say JUST to the teacher. Maybe it’s about a particular dancer, a costume, or choreography suggestions. Therefore, one judge on our panel will be doing a TEACHERS ONLY critique, which will be included as a separate viewing option on the studio’s online critique. This way Teachers will receive feedback for their ears only!
LIVE WEBCAST
Nuvo is proud to offer a free webcast of our competitions! You will find a link to the webcast here! The webcast link will go LIVE about five minutes before the competition start time. We attempt to do the live webcast of the Competition and Closing Show in every city. Please understand that sometimes we are limited by the internet capabilities of the venue in which the event is being held. Occasionally we are unable to get a good enough connection from the venue to do the webcast, or the connection is intermittent. Please be assured we do everything possible to produce a seamless webcast. We apologize in advance if you experience any problems.
VIDEO AND PHOTOGRAPHY
Photography and Video recording from any media devices (i.e. digital cameras, cell phones, SLR’s, Flip, etc.) is strictly prohibited during competition. This is to enforce the children’s safety and privacy, as well as protecting the work of choreographers and artists. Nuvo offers professional photo and video services at each of our events and on our website after the event.
DANCEONE MEDIA SEASON PASS
Required one-time fee per dancer, per season. Includes unlimited photos and videos at all DanceOne competitions, conventions, and special events.
ADMISSION
Admission to the Nuvo Competition and Closing Show is FREE for those affiliated with the event (must be with a registered dancer). Registered Teachers and Studio Owners will be given reserved seating during the Competition. Visual coaching is strictly prohibited.
PROPS
NO dangerous props may be used during the competition (swords, fire, etc.). General prop set up can not exceed the length of the piece. For example, if an Extended Line with a prop is 4 minutes, you will have 4 minutes max to set up the prop. If prop set up exceeds the routine time limit, the routine will be adjusted to adjudication only and will not be eligible for any placement or special awards. It is the sole responsibility of each studio to ensure that its props are taken on and off stage. Nuvo staff cannot help with props & cannot provide its own equipment to be utilized as props. It is also the studio's responsibility to ensure that the stage is completely clean and clear after the routine is finished. Please do not build props backstage as this can be hazardous to the performers. For safety, dancers cannot stand above 6'6" on a prop. Props that stand above 10' are not guaranteed to fit on the Nuvo stage.
SUBSTANCES & HELIUM
Nuvo does not allow the use of any substances including but not limited to paint, powder, chalk, glitter, water, etc. Nuvo does not allow the use of helium. If you have a routine using something you believe MIGHT be an issue, please contact us and ask before registering that routine.
LIGHTING
- Routines can request our lighting rig to have a complete blackout or dimmed lighting for a competition routine.
- Routines can request one power source backstage if they need to plug in and power a prop used for a routine.
- Any special lighting that a studio wants to bring on stage (to create their own lighting effects) must be administered and created by the dancers that are registered for the routine. A Studio’s special lighting cannot be controlled by a teacher or parent from the wings or backstage.
PLEASE NOTE: Any violation of the above will result in the routine being adjusted to adjudication only and will not be eligible for any placement or special awards.
RULES & REGULATIONS
- To compete at Nuvo a dancer must be registered for the entire Workshop.
- Most of our cities sell out before the registration deadline. In an effort to plan our events more efficiently, we have implemented a $50 deposit per routine. This deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable to another city/event. For Studio registrations, if a routine is removed before the 30-day deadline, the deposit can be applied to the remaining balance for that city/event only. Please understand this is being implemented to help give opportunities to the most amount of dancers at each event and to prevent last-minute cancellations.
- All competition routines must be entered under a studio name. Nuvo does not accept entries independently of a studio. This includes solos. In most cities, soloists do not need to be in a group routine, however the soloist must enter with a studio name and with the studio’s permission. Please see corresponding city page for specific entry limits for your tour city.
- If a soloist receives a 1st Place award in one Nuvo city, they are unable to compete a solo (even if a different solo) at any other Nuvo city for the remainder of the season.
- The deadline for competition changes is 2 weeks prior to the event. No changes will be accepted after this date.
- Professional dancers are welcome for the workshop, and can participate in the competition; however, professional dancers ages 21 or older can only compete in the Open (20+) category. Nuvo considers a “professional” to be anyone that teaches at a dance studio on a regular basis and/or anyone that derives more than 50% of their income from dance.
- Registered teachers/studio owners cannot perform in the competition unless the routine is entered in “Showcase.”
- Competing dancers may compete for one studio only, unless there is a rare circumstance where Nuvo’s director has granted prior consent.
- Dancers and routines may compete in more than one city.
- Routines that were awarded Best of Nu Group during the 2024-2025 season CANNOT compete again during the 2025-2026 season.
- Entries that performed in The 2025 Dance Awards Closing Show cannot compete during the 2025-2026 regional season.
- All numbers must appear according to their scheduled sequence.
- Judges may stop a number in progress and request that it be repeated. If Nuvo’s equipment fails, the studio may choose to continue or to re-do the number. If performers’ equipment fails, the performance must continue or be withdrawn.
- Competing dancers should be ready 30-45 minutes prior to their scheduled competition time. The Competition may run up to 45 minutes early and each dancer will be expected to perform at the earlier time. Also, please keep this in mind if you are leaving the theatre and plan on returning for Awards.
Nuvo reserves the right to change all rules and regulations at any time without notice. All questions that arise are resolved by the discretion of the Nuvo Director. - Routines can request our lighting rig to have a complete blackout or dimmed lighting for a competition routine.
- Routines can request one power source backstage if they need to plug in and power a prop used for a routine.
- Any special lighting and/or prop that a studio wants to bring on stage (to create their own lighting effects) must be administered and created by the dancers that are registered for the routine. A Studio’s special lighting cannot be controlled by a teacher or parent from the wings or backstage.
- At Nuvo, we value loyalty to studios. We do not allow teachers or studio owners to solicit dancers from other studios at any of our events. The first offense will result in a warning. If any additional offenses occur, the studio will not be permitted to attend any future DanceOne event until further notice.
