Competition Info
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 |
|---|---|
| ROOKIE | 5-7 |
| MINI | 8-10 |
| JUNIOR | 11-12 |
| TEEN | 13-15 |
| SENIOR | 16-19 |
| OPEN | 20+ |
- All RADIX ages 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 routines with 4+ dancers 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. |
*PLEASE NOTE: 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 RADIX city, they are unable to compete a solo (even if a different solo) at any other RADIX 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
RADIX 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. RADIX defines Independent dancers as dancers not associated with a physical dance studio and taking consistent classes as part of a structured program. We understand this rule is subjective, therefore any questions will be resolved at the RADIX Director's discretion.
Independent dancers are not eligible to compete in RADIX’s Competition.
THE RADIX STAGE
RADIX stage dimensions are 40’ x 30’, complete with additional wing space, marley & tap mics.
COMPETITION SCHEDULING
- A typical RADIX weekend schedules Solo & Duo/Trio Competition on Friday and Group Competition on Saturday.
- Friday competition usually starts at 7am with Solos and will move into Duo/Trios. Actual scheduling is subject to change per city based on registrations.
- Routines scheduled on Friday before 3:30pm, that are unable to perform due to school, will be offered a full refund.
- In some cities, there may be Group Competition on Friday starting after 2:30pm. When this happens, we do our best to notify the studio at least two weeks prior. There will NEVER be Group Competition on Friday before 2:30pm.
- Mini & Junior routines will not be scheduled after 9pm. Teen & Senior routines will not be scheduled after 11pm.
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 PERFORMANCE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50% | 20% | 20% | 10% |
C.O.D.A
RADIX 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 RADIX, Jump, Nuvo, 24 Seven and The Dance Awards.
RADIX FAMILY SCALE
RADIX realizes that dance and art cross a broad range of styles, taste and appropriateness. However, RADIX 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, RADIX has set up a "Family Viewing" point system. Each judge’s score sheet has a check box on it labeled “This routine might not be RADIX friendly”. For each judge that checks this box, there will be a 5 point deduction from a routine's total score. 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. RADIX'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
After much feedback from Studio Owners, we have added an elite award between ON THE EDGE and High Gold! Introducing Palladium! Palladium is a rare white metal of higher value than Gold. We have added this adjudication level, and adjusted some of the scoring ranges, to better reflect the range of skill at our events.
ON THE EDGE!, Palladium, High Gold, Gold, and High Silver awards will be presented based on the following combined scores:
| ON THE EDGE! | 291-300 |
| Palladium | 282-290 |
| High Gold | 273-281 |
| Gold | 264-272 |
| High Silver | 255-263 |
All ON THE EDGE!, Palladium, High Gold, Gold, High Silver and Silver award winners will be eligible for the 2026 RADIX Nationals!
NEW THIS SEASON: In an effort to eliminate the number of ties within the ON THE EDGE! 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 or 3rd Place award will also be given to the highest scoring Solo, Duo/Trio, Group, Line, Extended Line and Production, in each of the Rookie, 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 The ONE Nationals! 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 and Specialty number in the Rookie, Mini/Junior and Teen/Senior divisions.
SPECIAL AWARDS
BEST OF RADIX (Rookie, Mini, Junior, Teen, Senior & Open)
A select few Rookie, Mini, Junior, Teen, Senior and Open routines will be chosen, by consensus of the judges, to receive the BEST OF RADIX Award. BEST OF RADIX Awards are presented to the routines that the judges feel are, overall, the most technical AND entertaining.
STUDIO STANDOUT
The judges will select the top routine from each studio by consensus. This may or may not be the highest-scoring routine—it’s based on what the judges found most memorable.
To qualify for the STUDIO STANDOUT Award, a studio must have entered at least 15 competition routines, including a minimum of 7 group performances. Eligible routines for the award include Group, Line, Extended Line, or Production categories.
Each STUDIO STANDOUT winner receives complimentary entry to the 2026 The ONE Nationals!
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 RADIX, 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
RADIX is proud to offer a free webcast of our competitions! You can find the webcast link here. The link will go live approximately five minutes before the competition begins.
We strive to provide a live webcast of the Competition and Closing Show in every city.
However, please understand that the quality of the webcast depends on the internet capabilities of the event venue. Occasionally, a weak or intermittent connection may affect the webcast.
Please be assured that we do everything possible to deliver a smooth viewing experience. We apologize in advance for any technical difficulties you may encounter.
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 faculty. RADIX 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. Click here to access your media from the weekend!
ADMISSION
Admission to the RADIX Competition and Closing Show is absolutely FREE. 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. RADIX staff cannot help with props & cannot provide it’s 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 RADIX stage.
SUBSTANCES & HELIUM
RADIX does not allow the use of any substances including but not limited to paint, powder, chalk, glitter, water, etc. RADIX 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.
- All lighting routine requests must be submitted to a RADIX Convention Manager at the Registration Desk before the start of competition.
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 AND REGULATIONS
- To compete at RADIX 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. RADIX 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 RADIX city, they are unable to compete a solo (even if a different solo) at any other RADIX 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. RADIX 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 RADIX’s director has granted prior consent.
- Dancers and routines may compete in more than one city.
- Routines that were awarded Best of RADIX during the 2024-2025 season CANNOT compete again during the 2025-2026 season.
- Entries that performed in The 2025 RADIX Nationals Closing Show cannot compete during the 2025-2026 regional season.
- All numbers must appear according to their scheduled sequence unless a RADIX Stage Manager grants permission otherwise.
- Judges may stop a number in progress and request that it be repeated. If RADIX'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.
- RADIX 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 RADIX Director.
- At RADIX, 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.
