RULES AND REGULATIONS

+ Types of Entries & Time Limits

  • Solo (1 dancer): 2:45 minutes - NEW IN 2027
    Soloists with multiple solos must compete in different genres.
  • Duet/Trio (2-3 dancers): 2:45 minutes - NEW IN 2027
  • Small Group (4-9 dancers): 3:00 minutes
  • Large Group (10 to 19 dancers): 4:00 minutes
  • Line (20 or more dancers): 6:00 minutes
  • Production (20 or more dancers): 8:00 minutes
    All Production entries of all ages and skill levels will compete in a single category.

NEW IN 2027: Thirty seconds of additional time can be purchased for $5/dancer (Soloists can only purhcase 30 seconds of additional time.)

NOTE: PNT defines a dancer as any person who is on stage at any point during the routine.

+ Age Divisions

Ages are determined as of January 1.

Overall recognition will be given in the following six (6) age divisions:

  • Mini: 6 years & under
  • Petite: 7-9 years - NEW IN 2027
  • Junior: 10-12 years
  • Teen: 13-15 years
  • Senior: 16-19 years
  • Adult: 20 years and over

Age Bump Rule: The oldest dancer in a routine can only compete one age division lower than their actual age for any duet/trio/group.

+ Competition Levels & Assignment Guideline

The following guidelines are suggestions to help determine appropriate level placement for each dancer. Teachers must use their own sound judgement to determine a level for each dancer. There is no way for PNT to know how many hours students spend in the studio, or how long a student has been dancing. Honesty is the best policy. PNT reserves the right level up a routine at the judge's discretion. All judges decisions are final and will not be changed. If the judges determine that a routine should be moved to a level that has already competed, the routine will then be eligible for adjudication only.

  • Any Routine that is bumped to a higher competition level at any PNT Competition, for any reason, will remain in that higher level for the rest of the season.

**ADVANCED LEVEL**

Advanced level is for top-level competitive dancers who train a minimum of five (5) hours a week and have prior competitive experience.

Advanced entries are eligible for Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Double Platinum adjudications. Only dancers at the Advanced level are eligible for PNT PoiNTs.

**INTERMEDIATE LEVEL**

A true step above the beginner level. These dancers are on the rise, showcasing developing skills as they continue to work towards the advanced level. These dancers train between 3-5 hours a week and have little to no competition experience.

Intermediate entries are eligible for Silver, Gold, and Platinum adjudications. Not eligible for PNT PoiNTs or Double Platinum adjudications.

**NOVICE LEVEL**

Novice level is for the true beginner. These dancers are working on understanding dance fundamentals, building a strong foundation, body lines, and how to execute dance movements correctly. These dancers train three (3) or less hours of week and little to no competition experience.

Novice entries are eligible for Silver, Gold and Platinum adjudications. Not eligible for PNT PoiNTs or Double Platinum adjudications.

**ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES**

Studios are required to assign a performance level for each individual dancer at the time their roster is entered into the registration system. It is imperitive that performers are entered in the correct performance level. Any level changes must occur seven (7) days prior to the start of the event.

NOTE - Dancers may only be registered in one (1) performance level. Any dancer found to be registered in more than one (1) level may be disqualified.

No advanced level dancers may perform in any novice level routines.

Solos: Solos must compete at the level in which they are registered on your roster.

Duet/Trios and Small Groups: Duet/Trios and Small Groups must compete at the highest level of dancer in a routine.

  • Example: One (1) advanced dancer and eight (8) intermediate Dancers will determine the routine to be in the advanced Level.

Large Groups and Lines: No more than 1/3 of the dancers in a routine may be a higher performance level than the level that the routine is entered.

  • Example: If a routine has 12 dancers - four (4) advanced dancers, four (4) intermediate dancers, and four (4) novice dancers, the routine will be placed in the ‘advanced’ level because 1/3 or more of the dancers are advanced.

+ Dance Categories

NOTE: Routines containing inappropriate lyrics, costumes, and/or choreography, will result in a lower score from judges.

CONTEMPORARY

  • Routine uses a blend of contemporary techniques emphasizing innovative choreography, emotional range, and artistry.
  • Any number of Acro tricks allowed.

LYRICAL

  • Routine combines ballet and jazz techniques, emphasizing expressive and fluid movements to convey emotion and story telling through music.
  • Any number of Acro tricks allowed.

MODERN - NEW IN 2027

  • Modern dance is an eclectic genre born from rejection of traditional balletic norms and inspired by diverse cultural dances. It is characterized by the principles of fall and recovery, contraction and release, with movement commonly originating from the torso or pelvis.
  • No Acro tricks allowed.

JAZZ

  • Routine consists of sharp rhythmic movements and fluid transitions showcasing technical precision.
  • Any number of Acro tricks allowed.

MUSICAL THEATER

  • Routine blends acting and dancing to tell a distintive story often portraying specific characters and emotions from stage shows, theatre productions, or Film Musicals.
  • Any number of Acro tricks allowed.

HIP HOP

  • A dance style that originated in street culture, this style includes a wide range of movements, from dynamic popping and locking, to smooth rhythm-based groups.
  • Any number of Acro tricks allowed.

TAP

  • This style is performed in tap shoes, using the feet to produce rhythmic sounds with the floor. Tap focuses on timing, rhythm and cordination.
  • Tap sounds must not be prerecorded in music. Violation may result in point deductions.
  • Three (3) Acro tricks allowed.

BALLET/POINTE

  • Routine must consist of ballet technique. Must include classical steps and movements.
  • Must use soft ballet shoes or pointe shoes.
  • Three (3) Acro tricks allowed.

ACRO/GYMNASTICS

  • A routine using controlled acro/gymnastic moves such as walkovers, limbers, handstands, chest rolls, etc. May contain tumbling passes.
  • The majority of an acro routine must be acro moves.
  • Acro dance may contain contortion moves, however, it must contain dance moves, steps, and choreography.

OPEN

  • Routine contains diverse techniques, showcasing creativity, individualism, and personal expression.
  • Any number of Acro tricks allowed.

POM

  • A routine incorporating the use of poms. This style incorporates rhythm, cordination, and precision.
  • Any number of acro tricks allowed. However, no stunts, tosses, or pyramids taller than one person is allowed or a one point penalty per judge will be incurred.
  • Any number of Acro tricks allowed.

CLOGGING

  • A rhythmic style of dance featuring perccussive footwork where dancers use their shoes to create distinctive sound.
  • Three (3) acro tricks allowed.

FOLKLORIC

  • A routine using cultural heritage and regional movement. Such as Spanish, Hawaiian, polkas, etc.
  • Any number of acro tricks allowed.

POINT DEDUCTIONS

  • Tap, Clogging, and Ballet/Pointe dance categories may contain no more than three (3) acro tricks. Modern may contain NO acro tricks. A one-half (.5) point deduction per judge will be made for any acro tricks in these categories over the allotted amount. A gymnastic pass will be counted as the number of tricks in the pass.
  • Acro tricks are considered any trick where both feet pass over the body, with or without the use of hands.

+ Registration

  • Registration closes two (2) weeks prior to an event.
  • Entries will be processed in the order they are received and will be limited to the amount of performance time available.
  • NO entries will be processed until they are PAID IN FULL.
  • ENTRIES NOT PAID IN FULL BY WITHIN30 DAYS OF THE EVENT WILL BE CANCELED.
  • Registration must be done on our website, through DanceBug. Payment must be made via credit card, debit card or mailed check. PNT does not charge processing fees for card payments. Mailed checks MUST be postmarked thirty (30) days prior to the event, along with an email containing the tracking number.
  • It is IMPERATIVE that your roster be entered/updated with the CORRECT PERFORMANCE LEVEL and CORRECT DATE OF BIRTH. Be precise. When registering for a competition, enter Music Titles and Participant Names exactly as they should appear in the Prestige Program. This WILL NOT be able to be changed after the final schedule is completed.
  • A Preliminary schedule will be emailed to the studio. It is extremely important that you review this information including birth date and age division, and reply IMMEDIATELY with any corrections. Any studio that makes an enrollment/routine change ten (10) days prior to the event is subject to a $10 fee for each change. NO CHANGES will be accepted after the Final Schedule is released.

MUSIC REQUIREMENTS

  • All music must be uploaded to DanceBug.
  • Music must be uploaded two (2) days prior to the event.
  • A backup copy is always encouraged in the event of malfunction of the original track. Acceptable forms of backup music are thumbdrive or cell phone. (Dongle will NOT be provided.)

WITHDRAWS/ADDITIONS

  • All withdraws or additions must be made by the studio no later than ten (10) days prior to the event.

+ Scoring

Technique - up to 40 points
Performance - up to 40 points
Choreography - up to 10 points
Overall Impression - up to 10 points
100 total points possible from each judge

Silver- 0-239.9
Gold- 240-269.9
Platinum- 270-284.9
Double Platinum- 285-300 (ADVANCED LEVEL ONLY)

SCORES & DEDUCTIONS

  • A panel of competent judges will judge contestants. All entrants agree that the time, manner, and method of judging the contest shall be solely within the discretion of the directors and producers of PNT and that all decisions of the judges are final.
  • If dance movements, music lyrics, or costuming are deemed to be too suggestive or otherwise inappropriate for our family audience, or if the music contains vulgar or inappropriate lyrics, the routine will be scored lower by the judges.

RUN OFF RULES - NEW IN 2027

  • Mini/Petite Routines: No point deductions.
  • Junior Routines: No point deductions for a routine that performed less than 50% of the routine. For a routine that performed more than 50%, the option to recompete will be available with a three (3) point deduction.
  • Teen/Senior Routines: No point deduction for a routine that performed less than 25% of the routine. For a routine that performed more than 25%, the option to recompete will be available with a three (3) point deduction.

NOTE: There will be no penalty to recompete due to music malfunction due to technical difficulties on the part of PNT or costume malfunction that would result in an immodest performance. Any dance with a music malfuction due to technical difficulties on the part of PNT will be invited to recompete. Please have a studio representative see the backstage manager to schedule. Any dance wishing to recompete due to a costume malfuction with the result of an immodest perfomance, must appeal to the backstage manner/tabulator by the end of the second routine after the routine in question.

+ Awards

AWARDS

  • Double Platinum, Platinum, Gold, and Silver Awards will be decided by a predetermined range of points for each place and performance level.
  • There may be multiple Double Platinum, Platinum, Gold, and Silver Awards in each age group and category.

OVERALL AWARDS

Overall recognition and banners will be given in the following six (6) age divisions:

  • Mini: 6 years & under
  • Petite: 7-9 years
  • Junior: 10-12 years
  • Teen: 13-15 years
  • Senior: 16-19 years
  • Adult: 20 years and over

CATEGORY CUPS - Nationals only

Category cups will be awarded in each genre according based off of 12 and under and 13 and up in each level. Must be three (3) in a category to award.

GRAND CHAMPION AWARDS - Nationals only

Grand Champion lineups will combine all genres and all types of entries 12 and under and 13 and up and award an overall lineup determined by the number of routines.

BIG SHOW - Nationals only

The PNT Nationals Big Show will be at the conclusion of our Nationals event. The Big Show will consist of dances that the judges choose to re-compete for our National Finals Big Show Award. Routines will be presented with a certificate during their awards session throughout the event.

NATIONALS OPENING NUMBER - Nationals only

Dancers ages 10 and up may sign up to participate in the Big Show Opening Number via their studio's registration. These dancers will learn and perform the opening routine along side of our Preps & Prodigies during Nationals and will receive a free t-shirt.

NOTE: PNT reserves the right to combine ages or levels based on number of routines for any set of awards.

PNT PoiNTs - NEW IN 2027

  • ALL unexpired PNT Cash will be accepted for the 2026-2027 season.
  • PNT PoiNTs are PoiNTs awarded to be used for competition/convention fees.
  • 1 PoiNT = $1.
  • All PNT PoiNTs awarded have no cash value and PNT is not responsible for lost or stolen certificates. No PNT PoiNTs will be given in the Novice & Intermediate Levels.
  • There must be at least five (5) entries to a category to receive PNT PoiNTs.
  • PNT PoiNTs cannot be used for merchandise.

+ Props

  • A prop is any object that is not permanently affixed to the dancer's costume or body.
  • Props must be freestanding. Scenery or backdrops requiring the use of theater fly bars may not be used.
  • All props need to be assembled and disassembled within three (3) minutes. Any prop taking extra time may result in a one-half (.5) point deduction per judge for every 30 seconds. If you will need additional time, please email jennifer.dancepnt@gmail.com.
  • Use of fire, swords, and knives on stage is not allowed. Simulated weapons with dull, safe edges are acceptable with approval of Prestige.
  • Use of liquid, paint, gel, aerosol, glitter, fog, smoke, powder, paint powder, ashes, or similar substance that would affect the dancing surface is not allowed. If this occurs, it will result in a one (1) point deduction per judge.
  • Use of helium balloons are not allowed.
  • Safety is always our main concern. If the stage is “littered” during a routine, please be prepared to clean it up immediately as this will be included in your prop management time.

+ Title/Photogenic

TITLE

  • Title registrations WILL NOT be accepted on site.
  • Title Solo entries will be judged during their regular solo performance.
  • When registering for Title, there is a Title Fee in addition to the solo fee to compete.
  • Only two (2) solos per person can be entered into the Title division. Solos must be different genres.
  • All Miss/Mr Prestige Title winners will be decided by the highest adjudication across all accepted entries in each age division. Only 1st place per level will be awarded.
  • Title winners will receive a plaque, tiara/crown, and an exclusive title t-shirt.

Title categories are:

  • Mini Miss/Mr Prestige (Advanced, Intermediate, Novice, Differbility)
  • Junior Miss/Mr Prestige (Advanced, Intermediate, Novice, Differbility)
  • Teen Miss/Mr Prestige (Advanced, Intermediate, Novice, Differbility)
  • Senior Miss/Mr Prestige (Advanced, Intermediate, Novice, Differbility)

PHOTOGENIC

  • Photogenic entries can be registered for on site.
  • Photos should be 8x10 and in color.
  • Physical photos are required to enter and must be turned into the registration table prior to the start of the appropriate awards session.

Please include the following information on the back of the photo

  • Name of Dancer
  • Dancer's age as of January 1st
  • Studio Name

Photos may be picked up at the backstage table by the end of the event. All photos not picked up will be disposed of.

+ Competition Schedule

  • A competition schedule will be emailed no later than seven (7) days before the competition date to all studios. Every regional schedule is based on the breakdown of entries by solos, duet/trios, groups and lines in each age division for that particular city. This breakdown is not available until all of the entries have been processed. Once all entries are processed, a schedule will be set to best accommodate all entrants at that event.
  • In order to receive adjudication and compete for high score awards, all entries must compete on the day and time assigned. Any entry, which is not able to compete at their assigned day and time, may request an alteration to the routine’s performance time to perform for adjudication only.
  • Routines will perform in numerical order, based on the number assigned to your routine. If the backstage manager sees potential delays due to costume changes, you may be asked to compete out of sequence. Please be prepared to compete when we call your number, even though it may be a few numbers earlier than you anticipated.
  • Performers MUST be checked in with the Backstage Manager 5-10 minutes prior to their scheduled performance time. Failure to do so may result in your routine being disqualified.

NOTE - If you are concerned you may not be able to make your scheduled time due to costume changes or similiar problems, please notify the backstage manager. If the backstage manager has not been notified of any problem, and you are not ready to compete when called, your routine may be disqualified.

+ Media Available For Purchase

  • Videotaping & photography is STRICTLY prohibited for the protection of your dancers.
  • Any parents caught recording or taking pictures during competition risk their studio being disqualified.
  • DanceBug will be on site taking professional videos and photos of all routines and the media will be available for purchase through DanceBug. For information, please contact DanceBug at support@dancebug.com.

+ Safety

  • Any performer competing in dance competitions takes certain inherent risks. These include, but are not limited to, sprains, bruises, pulled muscles, and broken bones.
  • Participation in this competition indicates the acceptance of such risks by performers. Therefore by virtue of entering this event, it is agreed that participants will not hold PRESTIGE NATIONAL TALENT LLC; or its officers, directors, officials, staff or employees responsible for injuries sustained or illnesses contracted by them while in attendance and/or participating in any activity related to a PRESTIGE NATIONAL TALENT LLC Competition or Convention.
  • PRESTIGE NATIONAL TALENT LLC and the hosting facility are not responsible for personal injury to contestants or spectators.
  • PRESTIGE NATIONAL TALENT LLC is not responsible for lost or stolen property. Do not leave your property and valuables unattended in the event center, theater, or dressing rooms.

+ PNT Video & Photography Use

Contestants and teachers by virtue of entering a PNT event give their permission and consent to the Directors of PNT to use their images, photographs, or videos to appear in electronic media for advertising, news coverage, or any other commercial use.