Competition rules, clearly staged.

Every official entry must be completed through the Rhythm of Heritage online portal before it can be reviewed.

• A Primary Account is the main point of contact for the competition and manages performance details and submissions.
• Solo entries are submitted through the performer's Primary Account.
• For Duo, Small Group, and Large Group entries, one performer or responsible adult must be designated as the Primary Account holder.
• Secondary Accounts collect information and signed waivers from additional performers in Duo, Small Group, or Large Group performances.
• For minors under 18, a parent or legal guardian is the required point of contact and must complete the required consent forms.

Rhythm of Heritage moves through four rounds, beginning with a video audition and ending with the championship final.

• Round 1, Audition: all registered Solo, Duo, Small Group, and Large Group participants submit a performance video. Judges shortlist 50 contestants.
• Round 2, Preliminary: selected participants perform live. Judges shortlist the Top 20 contestants.
• Round 3, Semi-Final: selected participants perform at an advanced level. Judges shortlist the Top 10 contestants.
• Final Round: finalists compete for championship titles, and the highest-scoring performance wins.

Divisions are based on the actual number and ages of performers competing on stage.

• Entry types include Solo, Duo, Small Group with 3-6 performers, and Large Group with 7-12 performers.
• Applications with more than 12 performers are not accepted.
• Age divisions are Junior 6-9 years, Intermediate 10-17 years, and Adult 18+ years.
• Age is determined as of January 1, 2026.
• For Duo, Small Group, and Large Group entries, the average age of registered dancers determines the age division.
• If an entry changes division type during the competition, it may be moved to Adjudication Only at the Competition Director's discretion.

Choose the category that best matches the movement, tradition, and creative direction of the performance.

• Classical: traditional or classical dance performance.
• Folk / Cultural: dance rooted in cultural, folk, or heritage-based movement.
• Hip-Hop: hip-hop, street dance, or related styles.
• Contemporary: contemporary movement, expression, and interpretation.
• Open Style: a performance that does not fit one listed category.
• Fusion: a combination of two or more dance styles or cultural influences.
• X-Factor Performance: a performance highlighting standout creativity, energy, uniqueness, or entertainment value.
• Western Style: western dance styles and related performance formats.
• Judges may adjust a participant's category if an entry is submitted incorrectly.

Contestants are expected to arrive prepared, perform safely, and respect the family-friendly nature of the event.

• All competing dancers must be registered before participating.
• Required waivers must be completed before participation by performers or, for minors, by a parent or legal guardian.
• Participants must perform in scheduled order unless approved by the event team.
• Late arrivals may be disqualified.
• Vulgar, offensive, discriminatory, or inappropriate content is not permitted.
• Costumes must be stage-appropriate for a family-friendly event.
• Dangerous props, fire, weapons, sharp objects, hazardous materials, and unsafe staging elements are prohibited.
• Participants must show respect to judges, staff, volunteers, audience members, and fellow contestants.

Competition music is managed electronically and should be ready before event weekend.

• Primary Registrants must submit competition music electronically through the designated upload process.
• Music should be uploaded before the event weekend.
• Accepted formats include Mac-compatible files such as MP3, WAV, and M4A.
• Music files must be under 10 MB.
• Each entry should have a backup track available, such as a USB or shareable digital file.
• If there is a technical issue with the submitted file, the production team may request the backup.

Judges' decisions are final. Scores may be recorded digitally or on paper and averaged for final ranking.

• Technique and Skills: 20 points.
• Expression and Stage Presence: 20 points.
• Creativity and Choreography: 20 points.
• Costume and Overall Impact: 15 points.
• X-Factor: 10 points.
• Group Synchronization: 15 points for group performances.
• Judges score performances individually, and the average score determines ranking.

Contestants compete for top prizes, special recognition awards, and post-event opportunities.

• Top Winner Trophy and Prize: $4,000.
• 1st Runner-Up Trophy and Prize: $3,000.
• 2nd Runner-Up Trophy and Prize: $2,000.
• Audience Vote Trophy and Prize: $1,000.
• Special recognition may include X-Factor, Best Choreography, Best Costume, Best Energy, Best Stage Presence, Most Creative Performance, Judges' Choice, Audience Favorite, Rising Star, Best Synchronization, and Spirit of Dance / Sportsmanship.
• Winner benefits may include DTFEST recognition, a 1-year spotlight or contract opportunity, prize money allocation, substitute dance teacher opportunities for teen/adult winners, sponsor gift hampers, and complimentary VIP tickets to DTFEST.

Participation includes consent for event media capture and promotional use.

• The event may include photography, videography, live social media coverage, and promotional content.
• By participating, contestants grant 3E Entertainment and Leap2Dance the right to use event photos and videos for promotional purposes.
• Participants agree to follow event rules, accept judges' decisions as final, and participate respectfully and professionally.