The One Studio Award

OVERVIEW

True distinction is revealed in moments of artistry and intention.

The ONE Studio Award celebrates the studio whose vision, artistry, and training set the standard for an entire week of competition. From FINALS Competition to the GALA Wild Card, these studios elevate every dancer, every routine, every moment.

This is not about a single performance. It is about a legacy of sustained excellence.

ELIGIBILITY & NOMINATIONS

Studios nominate one routine per required category in: Mini & Junior Division | Teen & Senior Division
Routines must compete in FINALS Competition in their designated performance and age division
Nominations may be adjusted until the first FINALS routine (of any kind) competes at THE ONE Nationals.
Eligible routines: Group, Line, Extended Line, or Production
Solo & Duo/Trios are not eligible
Routines may not age up
Ballet routines must be performed in ballet or pointe shoes

Complete representation across all performance and age divisions is required to be considered.

REQUIRED PERFORMANCE & AGE DIVISIONS

MINI & JUNIOR DIVISION	TEEN & SENIOR DIVISION
Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Lyrical or Musical Theatre	Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Lyrical or Musical Theatre
Ballroom	Ballroom
Hip Hop or Specialty	Hip Hop or Specialty

Studios must nominate routines in all required categories across both age divisions — a total of six routines per eligible studio.

BREAKDOWN

50% — FINALS COMPETITION

Scores from the studio’s nominated routines set the foundation. Every rehearsal, every stage moment, every performance counts toward this measure of excellence.

30% — Workshop Adjudications

Dancers are observed during three adjudicated classes across distinct styles. These sessions are part of the Nationals Workshop schedule, in the Mini, Junior, Teen, and Senior age divisions only. The specific style of each class is not announced in advance, creating an element of surprise and encouraging authentic adaptability, focus, and artistry.

Faculty and adjudicators evaluate:

Movement quality
Choreography retention
Work ethic
Musicality
Adaptability

20% — GALA Wild Card

THE ONE Nationals GALA, each eligible studio presents one featured Wild Card performance, selected from their originally nominated routines. This live showcase is the final defining moment, blending artistry, versatility, and stage presence into a single, unforgettable performance.

Versatility. Consistency. Preparation. These are the qualities that define THE ONE Studio Award.

WORKSHOP OVERVIEW

Three adjudicated classes per age division
Styles revealed at class time to inspire adaptability and authentic performance
Studio scores calculated proportionally based on percentage of dancers recognized

DANCER ELIGIBILITY

Any dancer aged 5-19 can compete in a routine for THE ONE Studio Award if they train consistently at the studio for the 8 months leading up to THE ONE Nationals AND pre-qualify as part of a group routine at one regional event during the 2025-2026 season. Dancers can be professionals (being paid to dance on TV, Broadway, at the studio, etc.) if they still train consistently at the studio. Any concerns or clarifications with this rule will be resolved at the Event Producer and National Directors’ discretion.

THE AWARD

The recipient of THE ONE Studio Award receives a $25,000 Grand Prize, a distinction that supersedes other studio prize money earned throughout THE ONE Nationals. Individual dancer cash awards remain unaffected.

This is the ultimate recognition of studio excellence — a celebration of artistry, dedication, and leadership that sets the standard for the dance community.

FINE PRINT

No additional fee to participate in THE ONE Studio Award
DanceOne may adjust rules, revoke participation, or modify awards at discretion
All decisions of the DanceOne Producers and Directors are final and binding.
All prizes, stipends, scholarships, or other benefits may be considered taxable income under U.S. law.
Winners are solely responsible for any and all federal, state, or local taxes associated with their prize(s).
Foreign participants may be required to complete applicable IRS forms (such as Form W-8BEN) prior to receiving any prize or stipend.
Under U.S. tax regulations and certain international tax treaties, DanceOne may be required to withhold and remit U.S. taxes from payments made to foreign participants — even if the participant provides a completed W-8 form.
DanceOne will issue required tax forms (such as Form 1042-S for foreign recipients or Form 1099-MISC for U.S. recipients) in accordance with U.S. law.
Any monetary stipends or prize payments will be distributed by December 31, 2026, unless otherwise stated in writing.
DanceOne reserves the right to revoke participation, awards, or future invitations if a dancer, parent, or studio engages in unprofessional, disruptive, or unsafe conduct.
Participation in all DanceOne events is voluntary and at the participant’s own risk.
DanceOne, its affiliates, sponsors, and staff are not liable for any personal injury, property damage, loss, or other claims arising from participation, travel, or attendance at any event.
DanceOne reserves the right to modify, suspend, or cancel any rule, award, or opportunity at any time without notice, in its sole discretion.