Introduction
Welcome to the Mark of Excellence National Talent Competition, a premier dance competition with over 40 years of experience in the dance competition industry. This comprehensive guide outlines all rules, regulations, and guidelines for the 2026 competition season. Whether you are a studio owner, director, choreographer, dancer, or family member, understanding these regulations is essential for a successful competition experience. From age divisions and levels of competition to time limits and award categories, this guide covers everything you need to know to prepare for a professionally-produced competition event.
Age Divisions
The competition organizes dancers into the following age divisions based on their age as of January 1, 2026:
| Division | Age Range |
|---|---|
| Mini | 5 and Under |
| Petite | 6-8 Years |
| Junior | 9-11 Years |
| Teen | 12-14 Years |
| Senior | 15-19 Years |
| Adult | 20+ Years |
Important Note for Adult Division: Any routine with a performer age 20 or older will automatically compete in the Adult Division, regardless of the average age—even if there is only ONE dancer age 20 or over. Adult performances receive critiques and comments only, without eligibility for Top Ten awards or Excellence Rewards.
Levels of Competition
Mark of Excellence offers three levels of competition to ensure fair and appropriate placement for dancers at all skill levels. Studio Directors and teachers determine each dancer’s level based on their experience and training hours.
Level Guidelines
| Level | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Beginner (Mark of the Future) | Dances less than 2 hours per week with two years or less of structured dance classes |
| Intermediate | Three or more years of structured dance classes; 3 to 5 hours of studio training per week |
| Advanced | Three or more years of structured dance classes; 6 or more hours of studio advanced training per week |
Combining Levels in Group Routines
When dancers of different levels perform together, the group’s level is determined by a point system:
- Beginner = 1 point per dancer
- Intermediate = 3 points per dancer
- Advanced = 6 points per dancer
The level with the highest total points determines the group’s competition level.
Example 1 (Small Group of 9 dancers):
- 3 Beginner dancers = 3 points
- 5 Intermediate dancers = 15 points
- 1 Advanced dancer = 6 points
- Total = Intermediate Level
Example 2 (Large Group of 18 dancers):
- 14 Beginner dancers = 14 points
- 2 Intermediate dancers = 6 points
- 2 Advanced dancers = 12 points
- Total = Beginner Level
Categories of Competition
The competition features a wide range of categories to showcase diverse dance styles:
- Acro/Gymnastics
- Adult
- Ballet
- Character
- Clogging
- Contemporary
- Drill Team
- Folkloric
- Hip Hop
- Improvisation
- Jazz
- Lyrical
- Modern
- Musical Theater
- Open
- Pantomime
- Pointe
- Pom-Pon
- Production
- Song & Dance
- Student Choreography
- Specialty
- Tap
- Inspire (Dancers with Exceptional Abilities)
Note: The Open and Specialty categories may include any of the listed categories or other forms of dance not specified.
Category Breakdown by Age
Categories are broken down by individual ages: 5 years and under, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20+ years. The average age of performers determines the group’s age classification.
Bump Rule
The average age of each act must not drop more than one age division below the age of the oldest dancer, regardless of the average age. For example, if an act averages in the Junior division but contains a Senior dancer (age 15-19), the act will compete in the Teen division. This rule does not apply to the Production category, which uses the average age only.
Division of Entries
| Entry Type | Number of Performers |
|---|---|
| Solo | 1 dancer |
| Duet/Trio | 2-3 performers |
| Small Group | 4-9 performers |
| Large Group | 10-19 performers |
| Line | 20+ performers |
| Production Line | 20+ performers |
Important: If an act drops below the minimum required dancers for its group size during the competition, it will be judged and receive awards based on points but will not be eligible for Top Ten awards.
Time Limits
| Category | Standard Time | Extended Time |
|---|---|---|
| Solos & Duet/Trios | 2:30 | 3:00 |
| Small Groups | 3:00 | 3:30 |
| Large Groups & Lines | 4:00 | 4:30 |
| Production | 6:00 | 8:00 |
Note: Extended time is available for purchase for small groups, large groups, lines, and production groups only. Contact the office for details.
Registration Requirements
- All participants must be affiliated with an active studio
- Minimum of five (5) entries with at least five individual dancers per regional or national competition
- Studio owner or Director approval required
Schedule of Events
An exact time schedule will be emailed to studios at least 7 days prior to the competition date. Schedules vary by city based on the number of registered acts and dancers.
Important Policies:
- No changes can be made after the schedule is sent unless a doctor’s note is provided
- Entries accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis
- Mark of Excellence reserves the right to add competition days or change locations due to unforeseen circumstances
- All dancers should be in the building and ready to compete at least one hour before their scheduled stage time
Method of Adjudication
Qualified judges—including Studio Owners, Directors, Choreographers, and Teachers—are selected to adjudicate each regional competition. All judges have daily experience within studios and understand all levels, ages, and the preparation required for competition.
Scoring System
| Category | Maximum Points |
|---|---|
| Technique | 40 |
| Execution | 30 |
| Showmanship | 20 |
| Choreography | 5 |
| Costume | 5 |
| Total | 100 per judge / 300 total |
Award Levels
| Award | Score Range |
|---|---|
| Xtreme Platinum | 288.0 – 300.0 |
| Platinum | 280.0 – 287.9 |
| High Gold | 272.0 – 279.9 |
| Gold | 267.0 – 271.9 |
Each act receives an individual score and audio critique. Scores and critiques are available to the Studio Director only. The judges’ panel breaks any ties for High Point in each Top Ten Finalist category.
General Rules and Conduct
Performance Safety
- All dancers must perform on the stage surface
- No performers may use tables, furniture, or equipment used by judges, auditor, MC, or award areas
- No items may be intentionally thrown from the stage toward judges, audience, or staff
- Violations may result in disqualification
Standard of Conduct
Mark of Excellence expects all routines to be in good taste for a “family-friendly” viewing audience. Inappropriate routines will face consequences ranging from point deductions or Top Ten ineligibility to disqualification at the judges’ discretion.
Props
- Props must be essential to the act
- Carried on stage by performers or studio staff
- Setup completed within 2 minutes
- No persons may support or hold props during performance without being part of the act
- No dangerous props: fire, live animals, metal swords/knives, glass, sharp objects, roller blades, skates, skateboards
- No substances that could affect the dancing surface
- Dancers may not stand above 6 feet on scenic prop pieces (risers, tables, scaffolding, etc.)
Music
Performance music must be uploaded during Studio Registration. Bring backup copies on CDs, iPods, iPads, USB flash drives, or laptops. All audio resources are the Director’s responsibility and should be submitted two weeks before the schedule is released.
Video and Photography
For the protection of children and choreography creativity, no cameras are permitted during stage performances. A professional videographer and photographer are available at each event.
Awards and Recognitions
Placement Awards
One placement award is presented to each act in every category and age division.
Top Ten Finalists
Top Ten finalists are posted for Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels in each division. Soloists performing two solos are eligible only for Top Ten with their highest scoring solo.
Excellence Rewards (Credits for 2027 Events)
| Category | Excellence Reward Amount |
|---|---|
| Solo High Point Winner (Mini, Petite, Junior, Teen, Senior) | $100 |
| Duet/Trio High Point Winner (Mini, Petite, Junior, Teen, Senior) | $100 |
| Small/Large Group High Point Winner | $125 |
| Line High Point Winner | $150 |
Group Excellence Award
Presented to the highest-scoring group routine in each level:
- Beginner Level (all ages, all group sizes)
- Intermediate Level (all ages, all group sizes)
- Advanced Level (all ages, all group sizes)
Each winner receives $300 in Excellence Rewards. Additionally, judges select one Group Excellence Entertainment Award from all group routines across all age divisions and levels.
Title Awards
Selected for each level and age division with a Title Award Winner and Runner Up. Cost: $40 per solo entry. Winners are chosen based on overall personality, entertainment, and showmanship.
Solo Master Awards
Presented in each age division for outstanding soloists in:
- Tap, Lyrical, Ballet, Hip Hop, Jazz, Musical Theater, Modern, Contemporary, Open, Specialty, and Clogging
Fee: $40 per entry. Winners receive awards in Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels.
Solo Costume Award
Presented to the most outstanding solo costume in each age division, selected by judges based on overall design, creativity, fit, and workmanship. All soloists are automatically entered.
Photogenic Award
Fee: $40 per entry. Enter at the competition (no mail-in entries). Bring a 5×7 or 8×10 recent black-and-white or color photo with contact information on the back. Photos are not returned.
Choreography Award
Presented at judges’ discretion to one Beginner, one Intermediate, and one Advanced group from small groups, large groups, and lines combined.
Judges Choice Award
Judges select one Beginner, one Intermediate, and one Advanced group to acknowledge special details of a group routine.
Group Costume Award
All small groups, large groups, and lines are eligible. Judges select one Beginner, one Intermediate, and one Advanced group based on overall design, creativity, fit, and workmanship.
Sportsmanship Award
Presented to the studio and dancers exhibiting outstanding respect and sportsmanship throughout the competition weekend, selected by judges and staff.
Fees and Payments
Deadlines
- All entries and payments due 30 days prior to the competition date
- Entries not paid 30 days in advance may not be included in the schedule
- Outstanding balances must be paid 7-10 days prior to receive the schedule
Change Fees
- $50 per change request after the schedule is completed
- Changes include song titles, categories, dancers, spelling, etc.
- Routines added after schedule completion incur change fee plus regular entry fee (if space available)
Payment Methods
- Certified checks and all major credit cards accepted
- No paper or faxed entries
- Returned checks charged $35 fee
- Payments after deadline require certified funds only (no studio or personal checks)
National Finals Qualification
Participation in a regional event qualifies your studio and dancers for the Mark of Excellence National Finals. Contact the office for questions regarding national entries and qualifications.
Liability and Release
By participating, studios acknowledge assumed risk and agree to hold harmless Mark of Excellence National Talent Competition, its agents, employees, officers, and venues from any injury, illness, theft, or death incurred as a result of participation.
Media Release
Dancer/parent/studio grants permission to use photographs, video, and recordings for promotional purposes, website, social media, and advertising without obligation or compensation.
Category Descriptions
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Acro/Gymnastics | Acrobatics blending with dance and aerial tricks; includes gymnastic passes, headstands, chest rolls |
| Ballet | Classical ballet technique with ballet slippers |
| Character | Portrays a character from television, movies, or Broadway |
| Contemporary | Modern and lyrical movements with strong ballet foundation |
| Clogging | Folk dance style (flat-footing, foot-stomping, jigging) |
| Drill Team | Ensemble choreography with precision elements |
| Folkloric | Ethnic and cultural styles (Spanish, Hawaiian, Irish Step, etc.) |
| Hip Hop | Street dance styles (popping, locking, breaking, crumping) |
| Improv | Improvised choreography in jazz or lyrical genre |
| Lyrical | Interpretive dance to lyrics with classical technique |
| Modern | Modern design based on techniques of specific choreographers |
| Musical Theater | Dance to music from Broadway shows or movie musicals |
| Jazz | Jazz technique including leaps and turns |
| Open | Any combination of listed categories |
| Pom Pon | Ensemble choreography with precision elements using poms |
| Pointe | Ballet technique with classical steps in pointe shoes |
| Song and Dance | Combined vocal and dance skills (one cordless mic provided) |
| Specialty | Any combination of listed categories |
| Tap | Rhythmic and Broadway styles of tap technique |
| Inspire | Dancers with exceptional abilities |
| Production | 20+ dancers performing varied styles of dance and acrobatics |
Contact Information
For questions regarding rules, regulations, registration, or any other inquiries:
Phone: 469-872-6566
Website: www.markofexcellencetalent.com
By registering for Mark of Excellence National Talent Competition, you acknowledge that you have read and fully accept these Rules, Regulations, Terms, and Conditions. Any violation may result in the act/routine being ineligible for Top Ten or Overall Awards.