Rules & Regulation

Eligibility:
The Washington D.C. Grand Prix is open for students  ages 8 – 18 years old and young dancers  ages19-21
A participant’s age is determined strictly as of January 1, 2024.
Participants may enter the competition as soloists, part of an ensemble, or in any combination there of.

**Beginning 2024 season, all solo registrations can be made by parents/dancer! ALL ENSEMBLE PIECES must be registered by school! **

Solo Age Divisions:

  • Pre-Competitive Division

          Ages 8-9

  • Youth Division
    Ages 10-11
  • Junior Division
    Ages 12-13
  • Teen Division
    Ages 14-15
  • Senior Division
    Ages 16-18
  • Professional Division:
    Ages 19 – 21

Categories, Time Limits, and Fees

Registration Fee – $103 per dancer 
*Registration Fee is NON-REFUNDABLE

Solo Classical
2 min, 30 sec max
$104 per dancer

Solo Contemporary
2 min, 30 sec max
$104 per dancer

Duet/Trio
3 min max
2, 3, dancers
$60 per dancer

Pas De Deux
$74 per each dancer
*Adagio and Coda ONLY – no variations*

Small Ensemble
4-6 dancers
3 min max
$53 per dancer

Large Ensemble
7+ dancers
4 min, 30 sec max
$47 per dancer

Character Dance/Folk Dance
*all performers (solos, duet/trio/ small ensemble, and large ensemble) compete together*
Solo – $104 per dancer
Duet/Trio – $60 per dancer
Small Ensemble ( 4-6 dancers) – $53 per dancer
Large Ensemble (7+ dancers) – $47 per dancer
Pas De Deux $74 per each dancer

Refunds are issued only in the event of an injury, with the exception of the $103 registration fee. In the event of an injury, the Washington D.C. Grand Prix should be notified immediately, no later than one week prior to the competition date by the participant, parent, or a teacher via email. All refund requests must be accompanied by an official note from a physician, including ink signature, doctor’s stamp and office letterhead. All emails notifying the Washington D.C. Grand Prix of a withdrawal due to injury must be sent to info@dcgrandprix.com

Photo/Video Rights:
The Washington D.C. Grand Prix reserves the right to make photo and/or video recordings at any time during the event. This includes, but is not limited to, the recordings of master classes, participants’ rehearsals or performances during the competition, or any activities in the venue lobby or backstage. By participating in the Washington D.C. Grand Prix, participants and their parents and/or legal guardians give their express permission for the Washington D.C. Grand Prix to make any photo/video recordings at any time. Also, by participating in the Washington D.C. Grand Prix, participants and their parents or legal guardians give the Washington D.C. Grand Prix their express permission to use any such photo/video recordings (including those containing their name or likeness) for promotional purposes (including any uses in print, online, or in social media). Video order inquiries go to video@dcgrandprix.org

Music Submission:
Coming Soon! We are working on a music library that will be available for download for the dancers! This will ensure good quality music based on our classical repertoire list. 
All Music Submissions should be emailed to music@dcgrandprix.org in mp3 only no later than two weeks before the date of the competition! 
The email should contain:
      *  City Location ( Important ) please indicate your city participation

  • Participant’s Name
  • Participant’s Age
  • Participants’ Division
  • Competition Category
  • Title of Music
  • Length of Music
  • Attached MP3 music file (MP3 only!)

Participants are responsible for bringing additional copies of the music to the competition in case of emergency.

Awards and Scores
Scoring:
Total 100 points to include:

  • Technique
  • Artistry
  • Musicality
  • Presentation
  • Style
  • Control and Coordination

The total score is the average of scores given by all of the judges. In addition to providing a numerical score for each participant’s performance, judges may offer personal comments on the score sheet to help guide participants in their training. Scoring is adjusted to students’ individual technical levels.

Score sheets will be sent to school email address 2 weeks after the competition.

Awards -Semi Final Round

  • Grand Prix Award
  • Youth Grand Prix
  • Youth Star Award
  • 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place in each category
  • Excellent School Award
  • Excellent Coach Award
  • Best Male Teacher
  • Best Teacher in each age category
  • Best Choreographer in Solos
  • Best Choreographer in ensembles
  • Top 12: Certificate of Achievement
  • Certificate of Recognition for ALL Participants

Awards – Final Round

  • Grand Prix Award: $1000 (For Final Round Senior ONLY)
  • Youth Grand Prix: $500 (For Final Round Junior/Teen ONLY)
  • Youth Star Award: $200 (For Final Round Pre – Competitive/Youth ONLY)
  • 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place in each category
  • Excellent School Award
  • Excellent Coach Award
  • Best Teacher in each age category
  • Best Choreographer in Solos
  • Best Choreographer in ensembles
  • Top 12: Certificate of Achievement
  • Certificate of Recognition for ALL Participants
  • All scholarships will be awarded at the Final Round
  • The Washington DC Grand Prix jury reserves the right not to present all of the announced awards on semi -final and final rounds
  • Safety and Security
  • Entrance into the event will require advanced registration. The event is open to the general public. Entry fees may apply depending on location. Entrance backstage and into dressing room areas requires a parent, teacher, or contestant nametag before the competition begins only! Guests will not be permitted in these areas. Note: absolutely no photography or videotaping is permitted in dressing rooms. No parents or teachers are allowed to be on stage or wings. Teachers are only allowed on-stage with students during open stage/warm-up time. 
  • Audience Code of Conduct:
  • Standards of Audience Conduct are taken seriously. All competitors and their teachers, families, and guests must adhere to professional standards as set forth below.
  • All Venue/theatre rules: No one is allowed to change their costumes, eat, or loiter in the main lobby in any theatre at any competition date. 
  • During the competition, the audience will be silent at ALL times. Audience may get up between performances. It is not acceptable to get up in during a performance. It is not reasonable to expect babies and young children to remain quiet during a ballet competition. Please make alternate plans for them. Photography and Videotaping are not permitted. Washington D.C. Grand Prix aims to create a positive environment for all dancers. Please keep your commentary to compliments and appreciation.
  • Any negative comment is considered unacceptable.
  • General Information:
    Stage Costume and Makeup should be worn when competing.
    Photography and Videotaping are not permitted. Professional versions may be purchased.
    Competitor entry number and detailed schedule will be sent via email 1 week prior to the competition.
    No performances will occur before 8am or after 10pm.
     No stage set is permitted.
  • Violations: Should a competition number not meet the Washington D.C. Grand Prix variation requirements or time limits, that piece will be disqualified. Dancers will be permitted to complete their performance and their teacher/parent will be notified.
  • Deadlines:
    Registration Deadline: 2 weeks before date of Competition for your location.
    Music Submission Deadline: 2 weeks before date of Competition for your location.
    Deadline for Changes: 2 weeks before date of Competition for your location 
  • Invitation for Final Round will be sent to the School’s Director after each semi-final competition. Registration for final will close 2 weeks before the date of the Final Round. 
  • Late Fees:
    $50     per change requested after the deadline
    Late Registration, Music Submission, any changes made 2 weeks before the competition
    The Washington D.C. Grand Prix reserves the right to refuse or restrict participation at will.