About Advanced Dance Contest
Advanced Dance Contest focuses solely on identifying and honoring the absolute best performances, rather than distributing awards across multiple categories, ages, and levels. By combining contemporary, jazz, and lyrical styles into a single advanced division, we create a rigorous and competitive environment that challenges dancers to demonstrate versatility, creativity, and technical excellence.
Each event is held in a professional and inspiring setting, providing dancers with a stage that highlights their artistry and skill. Winners not only earn prestigious titles but also receive substantial prizes and monetary awards—recognizing their hard work and dedication while supporting their future endeavors in dance.
Advanced Dance Contest stands apart from other competitions by employing a highly selective process to assemble a panel of judges who are deeply embedded in the dance community. Our judges are not only seasoned professionals but also passionate advocates for dance, having dedicated countless hours to both performing and teaching. Their extensive experience and keen eye for talent ensure that only the most exceptional dancers are recognized and rewarded. This commitment to expertise guarantees that evaluations are thorough, fair, and reflective of the highest standards in the dance industry.
To maintain our high standards, participation in Advanced Dance Contest is by invitation only. Studios and dance companies must first be nominated to receive an invitation, recognizing their outstanding contributions to the dance community. Once invited, their top dancers may submit a brief audition video for acceptance into Advanced Dance Contest. This rigorous invitation and audition process ensures that only the very best dancers compete, preserving the elite nature of the contest and showcasing the highest level of talent in the nation.
Stages
At Advanced Dance Contest, we believe every performance deserves a stage that enhances the dancer’s artistry and expression. That’s why we carefully select venues in vibrant communities, from local theaters to large school auditorium stages, chosen for their quality and atmosphere. Each stage features thoughtfully designed lighting and sound systems, ensuring performances are presented in a professional and captivating manner. This attention to production details creates an inspiring and memorable experience for dancers and audiences alike, reflecting the excellence and prestige of our competition.
Judges
Our judges are the cornerstone of Advanced Dance Contest, carefully selected for their unparalleled expertise and standing within the dance community. Each judge is a highly trained professional with extensive experience in performing, teaching, and mentoring. Their dedication to the art of dance ensures that evaluations are conducted with the utmost fairness and precision. By bringing together such esteemed individuals, we uphold the highest standards of excellence, recognizing and rewarding only the most skilled and exceptional dancers in the nation.
Cost and Scholarships
Our entry fee offers exceptional value by providing dancers with a respected platform to showcase their talents before expert judges, perform on high-quality stages, and compete for prestigious titles and meaningful prizes at each event:
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Solo $295
Duet $375
Trio $450
Small Group (4–9 dancers) $525
Large Group (10+ dancers) $625
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We understand that cost may be a barrier for some dancers. Scholarships are available to ensure talented dancers from all backgrounds can participate. Please reach out via email for scholarship information.
Awards & Recognition
Advanced Dance Contest honors its winners with a selection of prestigious prizes that celebrate their exceptional talent, hard work, and dedication. Our prize packages include cash awards, high-quality dance gear, beautiful bouquets, and an assortment of healthy snacks to support dancers’ well-being. Winners also receive the official Winners Pin, an impressive trophy, and— for solo contestants— a crown, symbolizing their artistry and achievement. These awards not only recognize excellence but also provide meaningful encouragement and resources to support each dancer’s continued growth and success.
Founder’s Note
Advanced Dance Contest was founded by Star McDaniel, a lifelong dancer who grew up immersed in the competitive dance circuit—always driven by the question of who truly was the best. Her firsthand experience inspired her to create a competition built on the highest standards of excellence and fairness.
Guided by this vision, Star ensures that every aspect of the contest reflects integrity and professionalism—from selecting only the most qualified judges with extensive backgrounds in dance, to awarding meaningful prizes such as cash awards, premium dance gear, and other valuable items that genuinely support and celebrate each winner’s achievements.
This unwavering dedication to quality and authenticity is what distinguishes Advanced Dance Contest as a premier event in the dance community.