Our scoring breakdown
Judges break every score down like this:
High scores
High scores go to the top scoring routines in each age division and level. Larger divisions may get a top 15-20. Dancers with more than one solo place once, with their highest scoring solo.
| Entries in the division | High scores |
|---|---|
| 10 or more | Top 10 |
| 5 to 9 | Top 5 |
| 1 to 4 | Top 4 |
Overall high scores
- Top Recreational, Intermediate and Advanced in Solo/Duo/Trio12 & under and 13 & up
- Top Recreational, Intermediate and Advanced in Group/Line/Production12 & under and 13 & up
- One overall high score each for Adult/Pro-Am, Student Choreography and Inspirational
- Not enough entries? Small and large groups are combined for overalls in the same age and level
- Performance AwardFor routines that do not complete enough of the dance to be adjudicated
Special awards
Judge’s Choice
Every judge gives Judge’s Choice awards at each award ceremony. They are not based on numerical scores.
Unity in Motion
Our staff picks a studio director who shows leadership, sportsmanship and positivity. They also get a credit toward their next WIDC event!
Studio Owner Awards
Every studio owner gets a blank special award to give to a dance from ANOTHER studio, and presents it on stage at awards.
Vibe Check
The routine with the best vibe of the session takes home the Overall Vibe Check award.
Stand Out, Choreography & Star Performance
Studio Stand Out awards, Choreography awards and Star Performance, for costume, choreography and performance.
Dance Device Lab Scholarship
For a studio professional who is active on and off the stage and dedicated to dance training.
Studio flags
Given at the end of every competition. Each winner takes home a large custom flag!
Performance Plus
The studio with the most energy, unique choreography and the best overall performance quality.
Studio Spirit
The studio with the best attitude and sportsmanship.
Studio Excellence
A studio entered in every category (solos, duos, trios and groups) with the best technique, cleanliness and performance.
BUMP UP THE JAM
All three judges have to agree to move a routine up a level. The routine gets the award and is eligible for overalls in its new level. If a soloist is bumped for one solo, all of their solos are bumped.
Modeling is scored on performance, outfit, appearance and choreography. Title scoring has its own page.
National Dance Battle
At regionals, judges pick routines on entertainment value alone. Those routines perform a second time for a new set of judges on the last day of Nationals, and the most entertaining routine wins. Dances are scored by level and multiple winners are selected.
