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INFERNO'S COMPETITION POLICIES
INFERNO AIMS TO CREATE A FAIR, ENCOURAGING AND ENJOYABLE COMPETITION EXPERIENCE FOR ALL ATTENDEES. THE POLICIES BELOW ARE ENFORCED AT ALL INFERNO EVENTS AND IN AGREEING TO PARTICIPATE/ATTEND YOU AGREE TO ALL POLICIES AS LISTED BELOW.
ROUTINE SIZES & TIME LIMITS
TYPE DANCERS TIME LIMIT EXTENDED TIME
SOLO
DUO/TRIO
SMALL GROUP
LARGE GROUP
LINE
PRODUCTION
MINI-MUSICAL
1 DANCER
2-3 DANCERS
4-9 DANCERS
10-19 DANCERS
20+ DANCERS
20+ DANCERS
10+ DANCERS
2:45 MINUTES
3 MINUTES
3 MINUTES
4 MINUTES
4 MINUTES
8 MINUTES
8 MINUTES
NOT PERMITTED
NOT PERMITTED
$100/MINUTE
$150/MINUTE
$150/MINUTE
$175/MINUTE
$175/MINUTE
*$200/MINUTE AFTER 3 MINUTES
MINI-MUSICAL:
Must reflect storyline or plot progression from a broadway or movie musical
Routine title must reflect theme
Dancers must represent characters from the story
Can be a combination of styles (jazz, tap, hip hop, etc.)
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*Dependent upon registration, skill levels and age groups may be combined for the mini-musical division.
1. The difference between Line and Production entries is the time limit allowed.
2. One dancer may enter up to four solos
3. Routines may be extended by 1:00 minute increments up to an additional 4:00 minutes. Routines wishing to extend past 4:00 minutes must have approval from Inferno Dance prior to competition and all routines extended past 4:00 minutes will automatically be put in their own high score category.
4. A one point deduction will be subtracted from the total score for every 5 seconds in excess.
5. Extended Time is available for small groups, large groups, lines, productions and mini-musicals only
AGE GROUPS
We take the average age of performers as of January 1 dropping off any decimal.
EXAMPLE: An 11.8 year old dancer would compete in the 11 year old category.
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AGE CATEGORIES:
4 and Under
5 - 6 years
7 - 8 years
9 - 11 years
12 - 14 years
15 - 16 years
17 - 19 years
20 & Over
1. The 20 & Over division is for Adults / Teachers. This division is NOT eligible for high score, specialty or title awards. If there are enough entries at a specific regional location, a high score award MAY be given.
2. Only amateur dancers are permitted to compete (except in the Teacher division).
3. The same dancer cannot compete more than once in the same category and age group in the Solo division. Duo/Trios are allowed to compete in the same category and age group as long as at least 50% of the routine is made up of different dancers. This means that contestants must never compete against themselves in the same age group and category.
4. Dancers are allowed to compete UP in age range. Dancers are NOT ALLOWED to compete DOWN in age range.
SKILL LEVELS
EMBER
DIFFERENT ABILITIES/
ACCESSIBLE
SPARK
BEGINNER
FIRE
INTERMEDIATE
BLAZE
ADVANCED
Levels are determined by the level of the skills within the routine, not by those of the individual dancer(s).
It is possible for a dancer to perform two or more routines in different levels as long as they are from different category groupings (i.e. classical and commercial). A dancer may not place in two different levels (only the highest placing solo will be awarded, regardless of level).
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Levels are based on the following criteria
1. Tempo of music and/or movement
2. Body alignment and movement of dancer
3. Skills listed below
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Routines may contain ATTEMPTING of 2 skills of a higher level.
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Routines may not contain mastery of more than 2 skills of a higher level. The execution of these two skills must appropriately reflect the level of the dancer.
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If routines contain mastery of more than 2 skills of a higher level or do not reflect the level of the dancer as determined by the on-site judging panel, the routine will automatically be placed in the higher level.
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If no level is provided during registration or prior to competition, the routine will automatically be placed in the Blaze (advanced) level.​
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Levels modifications are made at the discretion of the on-site judging panel and do not result in deduction or disqualification. Level modifications do not suggest or imply scoring placements at the modified level. If a routine level is modified, it has been judged & scored as if it was originally placed in that level.
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If the level the routine is being moved into has already been awarded, the routine will compete for adjudication only.
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Level modifications by judging panel are final.
SKILL LEVELS BREAKDOWN
Ember: Level for dancers with physical or developmental disabilities
Duo/Trio routines with 1 or more dancers of ember level can be entered at the ember level
50% or more of the individual dancers in a group must be in the ember level for the routine, as a whole, to be placed in the ember level
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Skills not included in the breakdown below will be assessed and placed at the discretion of the on-site judging panel.
STYLES
The Classical Styles
​BALLET: ballet technique, classical steps, and movements. Ballet shoes only, no pointe shoes allowed.
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MODERN: interpretive movement using Graham, Horton, Limon, and/or Cunningham modern technique.
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POINTE: pointe technique. No acro passes permitted.​
The Company Styles
ACROBATIC: tumbling, passes, flexibility / contortionist movements, and / or stationary gymnastics skills. Must also contain dance movements and choreography.
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CONTEMPORARY: a combination of lyrical and modern movements.
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LYRICAL: should reflect lyrical technique (balance, extension, and control) with the mood of the music.
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OPEN: All entries that are Clogging, Ethnic (Folkloric), Mixed styles (combination of styles), Pom, Kick or styles that are not in above categories.​
The Commercial Styles
CHARACTER: recognizable character movements (clown, animal, etc.) in any category style. Acro style is allowed, but only 50% of routine can be acro skills and the other 50% has to be dance movements.
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HIP-HOP: at least 75% of Hip-Hop or street type moves.
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JAZZ: any type of jazz movements.​
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MUSICAL THEATER: movements that reflect a Broadway Show or Musical.​
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TAP: tap technique. No acro passes permitted.
The Communication Styles
MONOLOGUE: a spoken passage from a show or written work. Can be comedic, dramatic, or any style. One handheld, wireless microphone is provided by Inferno Dance. No dancing required.
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VOCAL: simultaneous dancing while singing. Routine may be any type of vocal presentation. Accompaniment must be pre-recorded and must contain only backup vocals, no lead vocals are permitted. One handheld, wireless microphone is provided by Inferno Dance.
PLEASE NOTE:
In the above categories with the exception of Acro, Character, Open, and Hip Hop no routine is permitted to consist of:
More than three acrobatic passes (Acro passes which consist of a combination of 2 or more gymnastic/acrobatic skills are considered as one trick.)
More than 20% of acrobatic tricks.
No acro tricks are permitted in Tap or Pointe.
Lifts are permitted.
Judges have the right to move a number into a different category based on their interpretation of the dance style used in the routine. Studio directors / owners will then be given the opportunity to move the routine to the appropriate category or that routine will risk disqualification.
Vocal and Monologue routines are often moved into separate categories as they are judged with separate criteria.​
CONTENT AND APPROPRIATENESS
Inferno is committed to providing a family-friendly environment, ensuring that all performances are suitable for both participants and audiences. We encourage choreographers and studios to explore their artistic boundaries while remaining mindful of the diverse age range of our attendees.
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We recognize that the concept of "appropriateness" is subjective and that opinions on our judging panel's decisions may vary. Decisions regarding routine appropriateness are made by several judges and staff members, who determine the correct course of action with the goal of keeping our competition environment safe for all.
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Judges may use their "Choreography and Concept" score (5 points) to reflect their views on a routine's suitability. Some judges might choose to address content concerns directly with choreographers and studio staff via a Routine Content Card rather than in their critique. If two or more judges/event leaders flag a routine as inappropriate, a Routine Content Card will be issued, highlighting specific elements that may need revisiting. In certain cases, the routine may be disqualified or limited to adjudication only. Ultimately, decisions are made by the on-site judging panel and event staff, and may not reflect the opinions of Inferno's ownership and administrative team.
SCORING
Technique in Transition, Placement and Movement - 20 points
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Technical Skills - 15 points
Projection and Performance - 20 points
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Uniformity of Movement & Use of Stage/Transitions (Duo, Trios, and Groups) / Use of Stage/Transitions in Movement (Solos)- 10 points
Dynamics and Texture - 15 points
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Style and Artistic Expression - 15 points
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Choreography and Concept - 5 points
Vocal Category Judging Criteria
Tone Quality - 20 pts.
Intonation - 20 pts.
Technique- 20 pts.
Showmanship - 20 pts.
Dictation/Overall Articulation - 20 pts.
Monologue Category Judging Criteria
Character - 20 pts.
Voice - 20 pts.
Movement - 20 pts.
Pacing - 20 pts.
Overall Presentation - 20 pts.
JUDGING AND AWARDS
Judges will provide audio commentary.
Scores and audio critiques will be available to view via DanceCompGenie within a week of the competition. An email with instructions on how to access scores and critiques will be sent to the studio owner prior to each competition.
ADJUDICATED: Every routine will receive an Adjudicated Award based on the below scoring:
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Titanium: 297 - 300 pts.
Elite Platinum: 290 - 296.9 pts.
Platinum: 289.9 - 285 pts.
High Gold: 284.9 - 280 pts.
Gold: 279.9 & below
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HIGH SCORE: awarded in each level and in each age group for Solos, Duos/Trios, Small Groups, Large Groups, Lines, Mini-Musicals and Productions, if applicable.​
Levels and age groups may be combined based on registration at each event at the discretion of Inferno Dance.
Ties are broken or awarded at the discretion of the on-site judging panel.
The same dancer cannot compete more than once in the same category and age group in the Solo division. Solo dancers may only place once per high score category. Duo/Trios are allowed to compete in the same category and age group as long as at least 50% of the routine is made up of different dancers. This means that contestants must never compete against themselves in the same age group and category.
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The breakdown of the number of High Scores awarded is determined by the number of routines within each level, age group, and routine size as follows:
1 - 3 routines = 1 winner
4 - 5 routines = 1 winner, 1 runner-up
6 - 8 routines = 1 winner, 2 runners-up
9 - 13 routines = 1 winner, 4 runners-up
14 - 16 routines = 1 winner, 7 runners-up
17 - 25 routines = 1 winner, 9 runners-up
25+ routines = 1 winner, 11 runners-up
GRAND CHAMPION: Grand Champion awards are given to the top scoring routines of a larger section of the competition. Grand Champions are typically awarded by Level for Groups and Age for Solos, Duos and Trios. If there are less than 25 routines in a grand champion category, it may be combined with another, or not awarded at Inferno's discretion. Additional grand champion categories may be offered depending on the amount of routines and session divisions. Please see the awards breakdown (provided the week of the event on the final schedule) to learn how Grand Champions will be awarded for your event.
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TITLE: Available exclusively to Solos. For more information about TITLE, click here!
INFERNO SHOWCASE: Stand-out routines will be selected by the judges to perform in the Inferno Showcase. These routines will be selected based on entertainment and creativity, not based on adjudicated scores. Each routine will be awarded a plaque and will not be scored a second time.​
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SPECIALTY/JUDGES' CHOICE: Awarded several times per competition to the judges' standout routines, regardless of score.
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BEST IMPROV: At each competition, dancers are given the opportunity to sign up for an Improv Contest. A limited number of contestants will participate in 30 seconds of improv to two different styles of dance. A winner and a runner-up will be selected from each of the following age groups: 11 & Under and 12 & Over.
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STUDIO AWARDS: Recognizing stand-out characteristics of select studios, as a whole. Awards may include but are not limited to: Fans on Fire, Sportsmanship, Artistry, Performance, Technique, and Studio on Fire.
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STELLAR IMPACT AWARD: The stellar impact award is in recognition of a studio who has brought a spirit of positivity, kindness and support to our Inferno environment and is actively promoting the competition experience Inferno strives to create. No physical award is provided for this recognition, but rather a $250 donation is made by Inferno to a non-profit organization in honor of the studio who has received the stellar impact award. Studios are featured on the stellar impact page of Inferno’s website, (where you can also learn more about this year’s organization and check donation progress). The studios awarded each weekend will also be recognized on Inferno’s instagram story in the week following the event. We are thrilled to offer this recognition to studios who align with Inferno’s mission to give back to our shared community. Only loyalty clients (clients who have attended the year prior) who have properly represented Inferno’s values for all years of their attendance are eligible to win this award.
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STAFF CHOICE PINS: Inferno Dance staff members will be handing out pins to any attendee (dancers, directors, parents, etc.) who exhibit acts of kindness, courteousness, helpfulness, and other notably positive behavior at the event.
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PLEASE NOTE: The number and types of awards given out at each competition may change at the discretion of Inferno Dance.
TITLE COMPETITION
INTERVIEW
IMPROV EXPERIENCE
SOLO
All soloists are eligible to add TITLE to their routine, regardless of skill level.​
Dancers also participate in an improv experience on-site by one of our judges or a member of the Inferno Dance staff. Dancers will perform to two styles of music with a break for feedback from the judges in between. The Title portion of the competition lasts for an hour and is usually scheduled on the Saturday of the event before the first session of the day.
DANCERS SHOULD WEAR COMFORTABLE DANCE-WEAR FOR THE IMPROV CLASS.
Dancers are not required to provide a headshot.
Prior to the competition, dancers will be interviewed virtually about their interests and background in dance.
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To win title, the routine must receive an adjudication of platinum or higher.
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The Titles awarded to winners are determined by age, as follows:
Tiny Inferno Titleist: 6 years old & Under
Petite Inferno Titleist: 7-8 years old
Junior Inferno Titleist: 9-11 years old
Teen Inferno Titleist: 12-14 years old
Senior Inferno Titleist: 15 years old & Over
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PLEASE NOTE: Dancers in the 20 & Older age group are NOT eligible to compete for Title, but will be allowed to participate in the Title Masterclass.
REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT
1. Entries will be accepted on a "first-come, first-served" basis and registration will be closed once all time slots are filled. Routine spaces may only be reserved with a deposit or full payment of routines.
2. Registration is due 60 days before the event's start.
3. Payment is due in full 45 days before the event's start.
4. A $15/routine late fee will be assessed for all routines NOT paid before registration has closed.
5. Registration will NOT be accepted less than two weeks prior to event.
6. Credit cards are accepted with a 3.7% additional processing fee. Individual personal checks will NOT be honored.
7. Payment of entries sent after the deadline date must be in the form of a credit card payment or QuickBooks invoice.
8. All returned payments are subject to a $25 service fee.
9. No dancer from a studio may perform until full payment from that studio has been received.
10. No physical payments (cash, check or money order) can be accepted on-site.
11. Inferno Dance reserves the right to cancel the event for any reason. If an event is cancelled by Inferno for any reason, all attendees will receive a 100% refund.
12. No refunds will be given if the event is held. In the event of an emergency or illness, only studio credits will be issued with proper verification at the discretion of Inferno Dance.
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Waitlist Policy:
Should an event sell out with pre-registration, we will open a waitlist under the same name in DanceCompGenie. Waitlisted studios will be asked to join the competition on a first come, first served basis. If space opens at the event, studios will be contacted via email and must respond within 48 hours. If we do not receive a response, your studio will be removed from the waitlist and the next studio will be given an opportunity to add their routines.
If no space has opened by the registration deadline (60 days before the event begins), all waitlisted studios will be informed via email that we could not fit their routines in our event.
If there is enough interest and we are able to hold a second regional in the same city on the same weekend, waitlisted studios will automatically be added to that event.​​
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A representative from each studio must check in upon arrival at the apparel station to receive welcome package and information. Any payment disputes will also be handled at this time.
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Overpayment Policy:
Pre-Season (August - December 15):
Clients who overpay may:
Request a refund of their overpayment by December 15th in writing (via email) with a valid mailing address
Place the overpayment on the account as a credit to be used for the upcoming event or a later Inferno event.*
*Clients who select this option will have their unused payments mailed back to them within 10 business days following the closure of the event.
In Season (December 15 - July 31):
Clients that overpay will have a credit placed on the account for the amount. Unless another address is provided, any overpayments will be mailed to the address attached to the client’s DanceCompGenie account within 10 business days following the closure of the event.
NO CASH REFUNDS will be supplied.
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It is agreed upon entering any Inferno Event that participants, including students, parents, teachers, and other spectators, will not hold Inferno or its owner, directors, employees, or host facilities liable for injuries sustained, illnesses contracted by them, or loss of property while in attendance and/or participating in any activity of an Inferno event.
EVENT DATE
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
PAYMENT DEADLINE
February 2-4
February 16-18
February 23-25
March 1-3
March 8-10
March 15-17
March 22-24
April 5-7
April 12-14
April 18-20
April 19-21
April 26-28
May 3-5
May 10-12
May 17-19
Midwest Nationals
Dec 4
Dec 18
Dec 25
Jan 1
Jan 8
Jan 15
Jan 22
Feb 5
Feb 12
Feb 18
Feb 19
Feb 26
Mar 4
Mar 11
Mar 18
April 27
Dec 19
Jan 2
Jan 9
Jan 16
Jan 23
Jan 30
Feb 6
Feb 20
Feb 27
Mar 4
Mar 5
Mar 12
Mar 19
Mar 26
Apr 2
May 7
COMPETITION SCHEDULING
​1. Event schedules and information will only be made available to studio owners once ALL payment is COMPLETED.
2. Tentative schedules will be provided to studio owners through their DanceCompGenie accounts three to four weeks prior to event.
3. Studios will be provided a deadline and a form with which they may submit changes to their registration prior to the final schedule being sent. All changes must be submitted by the deadline via the method required in the provided email; any changes sent after the deadline may not be accepted.
4. Final schedules, and any other information necessary for the event will become accessible/emailed approximately 7 days prior to event.
5. Routines will occur in the order that Inferno Dance schedules them UNLESS permission is granted by Inferno Dance to change the order.
Scheduling requests will be accepted by Inferno Dance on a "first-come, first-served basis." Please read the "Scheduling" portion of our FAQ for instructions on how to submit a request. Please note the following when submitting your request:
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1. ROUTINES PERFORMING AFTER THE SESSION THEY WOULD TYPICALLY BE SCHEDULED, AT REQUEST OF THE STUDIO, WILL PERFORM FOR ADJUDICATION ONLY.​
2. No requests will be accepted after the final schedule has been released.
3. If scheduling adjustments are made after the final schedule has been published, routines may perform for adjudication only and will not be eligible for high score awards or any awards announced prior to the performance.
4. Dancers must be prepared to go on stage at least 60 minutes before their scheduled performance time.
5. Any routine that is late for its performance order without Inferno Dance approval may be subject to disqualification.
6. ALL ROUTINES MUST CHECK IN BACKSTAGE WITH A BACKSTAGE MANAGER ONCE ALL DANCERS IN THE ROUTINE ARE PRESENT.
MUSIC
Music should be uploaded to DanceCompGenie once registration is complete and at least 72 hours prior to the start of the competition.
Additionally, music back-ups must be submitted on a USB flash drive, and must be clearly labeled with studio name. Music must also be labeled with the routine name as it appears in the schedule and registration software. USB is to be submitted to the DJ upon check in, at least 30 minutes before performance time.
Lyrics must be appropriate for family listening and should not include any inappropriate language, subject matter or innuendos (see content policies).
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Routines may not be permitted to perform again if the music uploaded or provided is incorrect or the wrong cut. Opportunities to perform again will be at the discretion of the on-site staff.
PROPS
Any questions or concerns about props must be brought to Inferno Dance’s attention at the time of registration.
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Freestanding props that need start on stage may be placed by helpers within 2 minutes of the beginning of the routine and completely cleared from the stage within 2 minutes following the end of the routine.
Props not placed/removed within 2 minutes will incur a 2 point deduction per additional minute.
Please notify the backstage manager at least 10 minutes before the start of the routine if a prop will need to be placed by helpers. When not being utilized, helpers must remain backstage and away from interfering with all dancers.
NO OVERSIZED SCENERY OR PLATFORMS. Dancers cannot be standing above 10 feet from the stage floor.
NO DANGEROUS PROPS, such as fire, guns, swords, knives or functioning weapons.
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NO LIQUIDS, GELS, PAINTS, LOOSE GLITTER, LOOSE CONFETTI, SMOKE, DRY ICE, FOOD, POWDERS or LIVE ANIMALS are allowed on stage.
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Anything damaging to the stage floor is subject to responsibility of studio.
Any loose props must be cleaned up by the studio members in a timely manner.​
All items on the stage must be cleaned up by your studio. Please leave the stage floor the way you found it.
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Violation of any of these rules may result in deduction in score or disqualification at the discretion of Inferno Dance.
PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY
Click here to learn more about FREE MEDIA
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At check-in, Studios will be offered 2 "Media Zone" passes. Anyone wearing this pass is permitted into the media zone (located near the Inferno media team) to take pictures and video of their studio's routines only. Entering this area without a pass or taking photos/videos of other studio's routines may result in disqualification and/or dismissal from the event.
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Outside the media zone or without a media zone pass, PERSONAL PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEOGRAPHY ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED. Failure to adhere to this may result in may result in disqualification and/or dismissal from the event.
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By agreeing to participate in these events, choreographers, teachers, and performers automatically grant permission to Inferno Dance to use their relevant photos for publicity purposes, including: ads, television, videotaping, and film broadcasting in connection with promotional campaigns.
CONTENT AND CONDUCT
All routines MUST be appropriate for family viewing. Any routines with suggestive or inappropriate movements, costumes, and/or lyrics may be scored lower by judges or disqualified.
Similarly, all dancers, teachers, and parents are expected to act in a professional, respectful manner. Failure to do so may result in score deductions, disqualification, or removal from​ the event.
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Inferno Dance reserves the right to deny registration/entry to an event based on any actions deemed as misconduct or in violation of Inferno policies. Failure to comply with Inferno's code of conduct and policies may result in inability to attend future events.
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Smoking, alcoholic substances and drugs are prohibited in or around the competition area. We ask that all smokers stand at least 50 yards from the competition venue to preserve the well-being of our dancers, audience members and our staff members.
DISCLAIMER:
By agreeing to participate in Inferno Dance events, you will be waiving and releasing all claims for injuries you or your child/ward might sustain arising out of the event(s). Please see the AGREEMENT, WAIVER, RELEASE OF ALL CLAIMS, HOLD HARMLESS AND COVENANT NOT TO SUE attached below for more information: