2026 RULES & REGULATIONS

Please read all rules carefully before registering.

DANCE COMPETITION GUIDELINES

At BREAKING BOUNDS we promote a fun, friendly, and safe environment. We ask that every participant and attendee respect the rules and follow proper theatre etiquette.

TIME LIMITS & AGE CATEGORY

Time Limits:

Solo:
3  Minutes
Duo / Trio:
3  Minutes
Small Group:
3  Minutes
Large Group:
4  Minutes
Line:
4.5  Minutes
Extended Line:
5  Minutes
Production:
12  Minutes

Age Calculation:

Ages are calculated as of December 31st of the previous year (e.g., Dec. 31, 2025). Decimal points are dropped for average age calculation (e.g., 11.8 years is 11 years).

  • Solo: Based on the age of the dancer as of December 31st.
  • Duo/Trio & Groups: Based on the average age of the dancers.

MUSIC, PROPS & CONTENT

Music Submission:

Music must be uploaded to DanceBUG at least 3 weeks before the competition. Late submissions require Director approval and incur a $2.50 fee. Music must be edited precisely (start to finish).

Family-Friendly Content:

Music, choreography, and costumes must be appropriate for all audiences. Explicit lyrics, violence, or inappropriate content will lead to adjudication but exclusion from awards and overall placements.

Prohibited Props:

Dangerous items such as fire, fireworks, swords, knives, or weapons are strictly prohibited. Breaking Bounds reserves the right to restrict any prop based on venue guidelines.

  • Large props must be noted on the DanceBUG registration form.
  • Studios are responsible for the orderly loading/unloading of props.

PERFORMANCE & PENALTIES

Timing Penalties:

Exceeding the maximum time limit incurs a 1-point deduction for every 5 seconds over (unless pre-approved). Additional time can be purchased.

Re-Dancing Policy:

  • Mini/Novice/Part-Time: May re-dance and receive an award, but may be ineligible for overalls.
  • Junior/Teen/Senior Competitive: Re-dancing means ineligibility for placement or overalls (comments only).
  • Re-dancing due to technical difficulties is allowed without penalty.
  • Tap sounds on recorded tap music will result in a 5-point deduction.

BACKSTAGE & VENUE ETIQUETTE

Backstage Access:

Only Studio Directors, Dancers, and Teachers are permitted backstage. Parents are not allowed. Dancers must be ready to perform 2 hours before schedule and may wait backstage for up to 5 numbers before their routine.

Prohibited Filming:

No photography or videography by audience members is allowed during performances. Violation may result in disqualification.

Venue Responsibility:

Studios are responsible for keeping dressing areas clean. Abuse of competition spaces (dressing rooms, etc.) may lead to disqualification. No negativity or booing will be tolerated.

COMPETITOR GUIDELINES AND SCORING

Competitor Eligibility

  • Each competitor may represent only one studio during a Breaking Bounds event.

  • Competitors may not compete against themselves in the same category.

  • Independent entries are permitted and are eligible for adjudication and overall awards.

  • Improv categories are not eligible for overall awards.

  • Adult categories are not eligible for overall awards.

Tie Breaking

  • In the event of a tie, the routine with the highest individual judge score will place higher.

  • If a tie still remains, the judging panel will determine the final placement.

  • If an overall cash prize is tied, only one cash award will be issued.

Performance Readiness

  • Competitors should be ready to perform up to 2 hours before their scheduled time, as the competition may run ahead of schedule.

  • Routines will not be held for missing dancers.

Scoring & Awards

  • All judges’ scores are final.

  • Awards are determined by score levels, meaning multiple routines may receive the same award level within an age category.

  • Cash prizes are awarded to studios only. 

REGISTRATION, WAIVERS & DISCLAIMERS

Registration Terms:

  • All registration is non-transferable and non-refundable.
  • Entries are first-come, first-served via DanceBUG.
  • Payment deadline: January 15th. Late fees apply.
  • Changes to registration are subject to Breaking Bounds’ written consent and fees.

Waiver & Liability:

  • Participation is voluntary; all participants assume inherent risks.
  • Breaking Bounds is not responsible for injuries or lost/stolen property.
  • A Release of Liability and License Agreement must be signed before participation.
  • Breaking Bounds reserves the right to use media for marketing/promotion.

Director Authority

  • Breaking Bounds reserves the right to adjust schedules, categories, and awards based on registration numbers.

  • The Breaking Bounds Director has final authority on all rules, scoring, scheduling, and participation decisions.