Competition Info - THE ONE Nationals

OVERVIEW

THE ONE Nationals FINALS Competition is the culmination of the regional events of RADIX, OVATION & KĀOS Conventions.

2026 COMPETITION DIVISIONS & TIME LIMITS

DIVISION	TIME LIMIT
SOLO	2:45
DUO/TRIO	2:45
GROUP (4-9 DANCERS)	3:00
LINE (10-15 DANCERS)	3:00
EXT. LINE (16-24 DANCERS)	4:00
PRODUCTION (25+ DANCERS)	5:00

THE ONE Nationals will allow a 15 second "grace period" for any routine that goes over the allotted time limit. Routines are subject to a one (1) point deduction per second over this “grace period”.

NEED ADDITIONAL TIME? You may purchase up to 3 additional minutes of time for any Group, Line, Extended Line or Production.

*PLEASE NOTE: The Pre-Qualifying Competition for 2026 will be done by video submission ONLY. The deadline to submit videos will be April 30th, 2026. Details for video submissions will be posted by mid-March. Solos and Duo/Trios do not need to pre-qualify.

AGE DIVISIONS

LITTLE ONES DIVISION average age: 5–7

MINI DIVISION average age: 8–10

JUNIOR DIVISION average age: 11–12

TEEN DIVISION average age: 13–15

SENIOR DIVISION average age: 16–19

OPEN DIVISION average age: 20+

ALL AGES ARE AS OF JANUARY 1, 2026.

To calculate the average age of an entry, add all ages of each dancer together, divide by the number of dancers in the routine and drop the decimal point. For example: If the average age of a routine is 12.7, the decimal (.7) is dropped and would compete in the Junior division (11-12 year-olds).

The average age of any given entry cannot drop more than one (1) age division below the oldest dancer in the routine, regardless of the average age. For example: If dancer ages range from 9-17 in a routine, the routine cannot compete below the Teen age division (ages 13-15).

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. All updates to age divisions are final once the event begins.

All competing dancers must be prepared to present proof of age should a question arise.

PERFORMANCE DIVISIONS

DIVISION	DESCRIPTION
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.
SPECIALTY	Consists of all other categories: ethnic, acro/gymnastics, 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 or High Score 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.

PRE-QUALIFYING COMPETITION: Video Submission Only

All routines that received an ON THE EDGE!, OVATION Award, KĀOTIC Award, Palladium, Platinum, High Gold, Gold, or High Silver at a 2025-2026 RADIX, OVATION, or KAOS regional are eligible to enter the THE ONE Nationals FINALS competition. They do NOT need to pre-qualify.
All Pre-Qualifying entries must submit double entry fees - Pre-Qualifying fees AND FINALS Competition fees. All Pre-Qualifying entries must submit double entry fees - Pre-Qualifying fees AND FINALS Competition fees. Pre-Qualifying entries that do not qualify for the FINALS Competition will receive fee reimbursements for their FINALS Competition. All Pre-Qualifying Competition routines must be registered, paid in full and have videos submitted by April 30, 2026.
All guidelines for the FINALS Competition also apply to the Pre-Qualifying Competition.
Solos & Duo/Trios DO NOT need to pre-qualify!
Video submissions should be one continuous shot, not multiple shots edited together. They can be from any other competition or filmed in your studio space.
Details for video submissions will be sent via email March 2026.

FINALS COMPETITION

Entries for THE ONE Nationals FINALS Competition must have qualified at either a 2025-2026 RADIX, OVATION, or KAOS Regional Competition or the Pre-Qualifying Competition (video submission).
Entries are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. The total number accepted will be limited to the time available.
There is no limit to the amount of routines a studio can bring to the FINALS Competition.
FINALS Competition SOLOS: Each dancer may only compete 1 solo in the FINALS Competition. This soloist must also be registered to compete in a Group, Line, Extended Line or Production. NO EXCEPTIONS. All FINALS Competition solos are eligible for to compete for ONE of ONE (Top Solo Competition).
A dancer’s Top Soloist Competition solo must be different from the Protégé Experience Competition solo and/or All Star Competition solo (if registered for multiple programs).
FINALS Competition solos cannot be switched with a Protégé or All Star Experience solo within three (3) weeks of the event.
REMINDER: Solos and Duo/Trios DO NOT need to pre-qualify. This only applies to Groups, Lines, Extended Lines and/or Productions.
The top-scoring overall Group, Line, Extended Line, and Production routines from FINALS Competition are eligible for the 2026 BEST of THE ONE Award and may be invited to re-compete on June 19 at ENKOR, the official Dance-Off of THE ONE Nationals. Each studio may have only one (1) routine represent each age division. Learn more about ENKOR.
For studios competing for THE ONE Studio Award, nominated FINALS Competition routines may be adjusted up until the first FINALS routine (of any kind) takes the stage at THE ONE Nationals. Learn more about THE ONE Studio Award.

BEST OF THE ONE

Top routines from each age division advance to ENKOR for a final performance opportunity. From there, the highest-scoring routine across all age groups is awarded BEST of THE ONE, recognizing the standout performance of the FINALS Competition.

LEARN MORE

ONE OF ONE

Top soloists from each age division advance for the opportunity to re-compete for the title ONE of ONE — recognizing one standout soloist in each division.

LEARN MORE

THE ONE STUDIO AWARD

Studios compete for THE ONE Studio Award, determined by a combination of FINALS Competition scores, class adjudications, and GALA participation.

LEARN MORE

THE STAGE

THE ONE Nationals Main Stage dimensions are 56’ x 32’, complete with additional wing space, marley & tap mics.
THE ONE Second Stage dimensions are 40’ x 28', complete with additional wing space, marley & tap mics.

MUSIC

All competition music is uploaded via your Dance360 account
Accepted format for audio files include: MP3 (preferred), M4A, WAV and AIF, up to 50 MB each
Music will NOT be accepted on-site at the event. If you need additional assistance, please contact [email protected]
All competition music is due by June 6th.
Music uploads via Dance360 will automatically close 24 hours prior to the start of the event.
ALWAYS bring a back-up music file in another format (like an iPod or iPhone) just in case!

JUDGES CRITERIA

TECHNIQUE	PERFORMANCE	CHOREOGRAPHY & MUSICALITY	OVERALL APPEARANCE
50%	20%	20%	10%

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CODA

THE ONE Nationals is proud to integrate CODA into all its competition. CODA is DanceOne's innovative online system of style specific score sheets, video tutorials, data analytics and judge training. CODA aims to revolutionize the dance competition experience and is complimentary for every routine registered for THE ONE Nationals, RADIX, OVATION and KĀOS. For more info, please visit: coda.breakthefloor.com.

SCORE BREAKDOWN

THE ONE, Palladium, High Gold, Gold, and High Silver awards will be presented based on the following combined scores:

THE ONE	291-300
Palladium	282-290.5
High Gold	273-281
Gold	264-272
High Silver	255-263

THE ONE FAMILY SCALE

THE ONE Nationals realizes that dance and art cross a broad range of styles, taste and appropriateness. However, THE ONE Nationals 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, THE ONE Nationals 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 THE ONE Nationals 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.

ADJUDICATED AWARDS

All entries will be adjudicated by four qualified judges. The lowest score will be automatically dropped. In the event that an entry is choreographed by one of the judges, that judge will only critique the entry and then their "score" will be the score that gets dropped. All ties will be broken by adding the fourth judge's score. If there is still a tie after the addition of the fourth judge's score, it will remain a tie.

DIVISION	AGE
LITTLE ONEs	5–7
Mini	8–10
Junior	11–12
Teen	13-15
Senior	16-19
Open	20-35

SCORE SHEETS & VIDEO CRITIQUES

Within 1 week 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 THE ONE Nationals, we understand that some feedback from our judges may be best shared privately with teachers. Whether it’s about the specifics, a costume, or suggestions for choreography, we want to provide space for that insight.

One judge on our panel will record a TEACHERS-ONLY critique, separate from the general feedback. This private video will be available as its own option in your studio’s online critique section—designed specifically for teachers to receive direct, honest input.

WEBCAST

THE ONE Nationals is happy to provide a free webcast of FINALS Competition, Protégé and All Star Experience Solo Competition, ONE of ONE, The CHALLENGE, and ENKOR.

The webcast link will go LIVE about five minutes before the start of each competition section. Please understand we are occasionally limited by the venue’s internet capabilities; this may cause intermittent or poor connections and on rare occasions, no webcast. THE ONE Nationals will always do everything possible to produce a seamless webcast. We apologize in advance if you experience any problems.

Webcast link coming soon!

VIDEO & PHOTOGRAPHY

Videotaping and flash photography are strictly prohibited during the entire event. This is to enforce the children’s safety and privacy, as well as protect the work of choreographers and artists. THE ONE Nationals offers professional photos and videos of the competition. All participating dancers authorize the use of their image in photos and video for THE ONE Nationals publicity and advertisement purposes.

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. Access your media after the event by visiting media.dance.one.

PROPS

SUBSTANCES & HELIUM

THE ONE Nationals does not allow the use of any substances including but not limited to paint, powder, chalk, glitter, water, etc. THE ONE Nationals 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.

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.

ADMISSION

THE ONE Nationals is considered a closed event. Admission to the THE ONE Nationals competition is free for those attending with dancers at our event. Audience members will be permitted to enter and exit the ballroom between numbers only. Doors will be closed during performances. Registered Teachers/Studio Owners of competing dancers will be given reserved seating in the first row. Visual coaching is prohibited.

Please remember, everyone will need a ticket to THE ONE GALA. This includes dancers performing in the show if they want to come into the audience and watch the show before (or after) they perform. For any questions on this, please email [email protected].

COMPETITION RULES & REGULATIONS

All dancers entered in any part of the competition must also be registered for the full workshop.
All dancers entered in the FINALS Competition must have a teacher registered for the workshop, whether the teacher is actually present at the event or not. Also, all correspondence for dancers entered in the FINALS competition MUST be through the studio (address, telephone numbers, mailings, etc.). This rule does not apply to the dancers entered in The Protégé, All Star, or Cast Experiences.
Solos & Duo/Trios DO NOT need to pre-qualify.
The deadline for competition changes is 3 weeks prior to the event. No changes will be accepted after May 23, 2026.
Each dancer may only compete ONE solo in the FINALS Competition. This soloist must also be registered to compete in a Group, Line, Extended Line or Production. NO EXCEPTIONS.
Entry fees are NON-REFUNDABLE. NO EXCEPTIONS.
All competition fees are per person, per entry.
Professional dancers are welcome for the workshop, and can participate in the competition; however, they can only compete in the Open (20-35) category if they are over age 21. THE ONE Nationals 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 as "Showcase."
Dancers may only compete under ONE studio.
Schools with multiple locations may compete as separate studios at the sole discretion of THE ONE Nationals. If they are competing as separate studios, there may be no mixing of dancers from each location in competition routines.
Excessive scenery, dangerous items and use of live animals is prohibited.
Judges may stop a number in progress and request that it be repeated. If THE ONE National’s equipment fails, the studio may choose to continue or redo the number. If the performers' equipment fails, the performance must continue or be withdrawn.
All numbers must appear according to the scheduled sequence unless THE ONE Nationals grants permission otherwise. Numbers failing to perform within ten routines of their scheduled time will be penalized or disqualified.
Competing dancers should be ready 45 minutes prior to their scheduled competition time. If the competition is running ahead of schedule, you will be expected to perform.
All attendees authorize the use of their images in photos and video for any and all advertising or promotional purposes for THE ONE Nationals.
Entries are taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Competition is limited to time available.
THE ONE Nationals 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 ONE National Directors.
THE ONE Nationals 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." THE ONE Nationals 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 ONE Nationals Directors’ discretion.
Independent dancers are welcome to participate in THE ONE Nationals Workshop.
Independent dancers are not eligible to compete in THE ONE Nationals FINALS Competition.
Independent dancers are unable to compete in The Protégé Experience, All Star Competition and ONE of ONE competitions.
At THE ONE Nationals, 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 THE ONE Nationals event until further notice.