Dance School Awards – Descriptors and judging criteria:

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Ballet / Character Soloist of the Year:

 

Category descriptor:

Classical/neoclassical ballet or character work. Recognisable ballet vocabulary should be evident, however stylisation, storytelling or artistic approach can be open to interpretation and individual creativity.  Pieces may be repertoire or original choreography.

 

Judges look for:

• Secure ballet technique and alignment

• Musicality and phrasing

• Artistic interpretation and stylisation

• Performance quality and clear storytelling where relevant

• Overall coherence of the piece

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Modern / Jazz Soloist of the Year:

 

Category descriptor:
Modern or jazz styles, including related fusion forms, with emphasis on dynamics, rhythm, and clarity of movement.

 

Judges look for:

• Technical control appropriate to the style

• Musical timing and rhythm

• Energy and attack

• Stylistic clarity

• Performance confidence

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Tap Soloist of the Year:

 

Category descriptor:
Tap technique focusing on rhythm, sound quality, style and musical interpretation.

 

Judges look for:

• Clarity and precision of sound

• Rhythmic accuracy

• Musicality

• Control and balance

• Confident presentation

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Musical Theatre Soloist of the Year:

 

Category descriptor:
A musical theatre performance in which the performer sings a musical theatre piece, with performance and storytelling at the core. The presentation may include choreographed movement or dance, but singing and character interpretation are central.

 

Judges look for:

• Vocal technique and musical accuracy

• Characterisation and storytelling

• Connection between singing, movement, and performance

• Stage presence and communication

• Overall confidence and clarity of performance

• Appropriateness of song choice and characterisation for the student (considering age, cultural context, ability, etc)

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Contemporary / Lyrical Soloist of the Year:

 

Category descriptor:
Contemporary or lyrical styles exploring musical interpretation, movement quality, and expressive performance.

 

Judges look for:

• Movement quality and control

• Musical sensitivity

• Emotional authenticity

• Use of space and dynamics

• Clarity of intent

 

 

Commercial / Street Soloist of the Year:

 

 

Category descriptor:
Commercial or street styles including hip hop, commercial jazz, and related styles suitable for stage performance.

 

Judges look for:

• Rhythmic and musical connection

• Clean execution

• Stylistic authenticity

• Performance confidence

• Overall impact

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Acro Soloist of the Year:

 

Category descriptor:
Acrobatic dance combining dance technique with controlled acrobatic elements, safely integrated.

 

Judges look for:

• Safe and controlled execution

• Integration of dance and acro

• Strength and body awareness

• Flow between skills

• Overall polish

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Rising Star Award – Soloist:

 

Category descriptor:
Awarded to an emerging dancer aged 11 and under in any style showing strong potential for future development.

 

Judges look for:

• Strong foundations for their age

• Musicality

• Natural performance presence

• Confidence and focus

• Evidence of future potential

 

DUETS / TRIOS / QUARTETS / GROUPS:

(All group awards are judged on suitability to style and age.)

Duet / Trio / Quartet of the Year:

 

Category descriptor:
Any style performed by a 2, 3 or 4 dancers, focusing on connection and partnership.

 

Judges look for:

• Synchronisation and connection

• Technical accuracy for the style presented

• Musical unity

• Clear intention

• Balanced performance between dancers

• Overall cohesion

 

Ballet/Character Group of the Year:

 

Category descriptor:
Group work whereby recognisable ballet vocabulary should be evident, however stylisation, storytelling or artistic approach can be open to interpretation and individual creativity.

 

Judges look for:

• Unison and coordination

• Ballet technique and alignment

• Musicality as a group

• Spacing and formations

• Ensemble awareness

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Musical Theatre Group of the Year:

 

Category descriptor:
A musical theatre group performance in which performers sing a musical theatre piece, with character, storytelling, and ensemble performance at the core. The presentation may include choreographed movement or dance, but vocal performance is a central element.

 

Judges look for:

• Vocal quality and musical accuracy as a group

• Characterisation and storytelling

• Ensemble connection and balance

• Integration of singing, movement, and staging

• Appropriateness of song choice, content, and characterisation for the group (considering age, context, and ability)

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Commercial / Street Group of the Year:

 

Category descriptor:
Commercial or street-based styles performed as a group.

 

Judges look for:

• Rhythm and musicality as a group

• Clean execution

• Stylistic consistency

• Visual impact

• Performance confidence

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Tap / Modern / Jazz Group of the Year:

 

Category descriptor:
Group performance in tap, modern, or jazz styles.

 

Judges look for:

• Musical accuracy

• Synchronisation

• Technical clarity for the style shown

• Energy and commitment

• Group cohesion

 

 

Lyrical / Contemporary Group of the Year:

 

Category descriptor:
Group performance in lyrical or contemporary styles focusing on movement quality and interpretation.

 

Judges look for:

• Group dynamics and flow

• Musical interpretation

• Use of space

• Consistency of movement quality

• Artistic coherence

• Latin and Ballroom Group of the Year:

 

Category descriptor:
Latin or ballroom styles performed as a group, reflecting recognised technique and style.

 

Judges look for:

• Stylistic accuracy

• Timing and rhythm

• Partnering awareness

• Presentation and posture

• Group coordination

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Most Promising Junior Group of the Year:

 

Category descriptor:
Any style performed by a junior group.

 

Judges look for:

• Age-appropriate choreography

• Musical awareness

• Group enjoyment and engagement

• Foundations of technique

• Evidence of potential

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Most Artistic Acro Group of the Year:

 

Category descriptor:
Acrobatic dance combining dance technique with controlled acrobatic elements, safely integrated. with emphasis on artistic intent and expression.

 

Judges look for:

• Clear artistic vision

• Expressive performance

• Cohesive concept

• Musical interpretation

• Overall impact

• Safe and controlled execution

• Integration of dance and acro

• Strength and body awareness

• Flow between skills

 

 

Creative Innovation Award (Any Style):

 

Category descriptor:
A group of any style demonstrating originality or creative risk-taking.

 

Judges look for:

• Original ideas

• Inventive use of movement or staging

• Clear intent

• Age-appropriate creativity

• Effectiveness of concept

 

 

Potential safeguarding and care statement:

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We strongly encourage teachers and schools to consider age-appropriate choreography, music, costuming, and themes. These awards aim to celebrate excellence while nurturing dancers in a safe, respectful, and supportive environment.

 

 

INDUSTRY AWARDS – APPLICATION / NOMINATION QUESTIONS:

 

Each of these categories can have a google form with 5 questions, whereby someone could nominate themselves or someone else.

 

Dance School of the Year:

 

Nomination questions:

1. Tell us 3 things you are you most proud of your school achieving in the last year.

2. How would you describe your school’s ethos and values?

3. How do you support both recreational and aspiring professional students?

4. What does safe guarding and student wellbeing look like in practice at your school?

5. Why do you believe your school deserves this award?

 

Judges will consider:

• Clear, specific achievements from the past year and why they matter

• Evidence of positive impact on students, staff, or the wider community

• A clearly articulated ethos and set of values

• Thoughtful support for students with different goals and pathways

• Clear safeguarding procedures embedded in everyday practice

• Awareness of student wellbeing and duty of care

• Evidence of commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in policies, practice, and culture

• Strong leadership and professional standards

• A compelling overall case for why the school stands out

 

Dance Teacher of the Year:

 

Nomination questions:

1. What makes this teacher exceptional?

2. How do they support and inspire students?

3. How do they continue to develop professionally?

4. What impact have they had in the last year?

5. Why should they be recognised now?

 

Judges will consider:

• Quality and clarity of teaching practice

• Ability to motivate, inspire, and support students

• Awareness of different learning needs and pathways

• Commitment to student wellbeing and safe practice

• Evidence of professional integrity and reliability

• Ongoing professional development

• Positive impact within their school or community

• Commitment to inclusive and respectful teaching practice that supports a diverse range of students

• A clear case for why this teacher stands out this year

 

Dance Competition of the Year:

 

Nomination questions:

1. What sets this competition apart?

2. How does it support dancers and teachers positively?

3. How is fairness and transparency ensured?

4. What feedback or learning opportunities are provided?

5. Why does it contribute positively to the dance community?

 

Judges will consider:

• Organisation and professionalism of the event

• Fairness and transparency of adjudication

• Quality and usefulness of feedback

• Safeguarding and duty of care for participants

• Positive experience for dancers, teachers, and families

• Consideration of accessibility, inclusion, and fair treatment of participants

• Contribution to dancer development

• Overall value to the dance community

 

The TIRED Movement Award:

 

Nomination questions:

(For nominations of either a specific performance work OR a practitioner’s contribution)

1. Who are you nominating (person or work), and why?

2. How has this work or practitioner championed inclusion, representation, or equity in dance?

3. What impact has this had on dancers from the Global Majority or underrepresented groups?

4. How does this nomination align with real, meaningful change (not tokenism)?

5. Why do you believe this deserves recognition now?

 

Judges will consider:

• Alignment with TIRED Principles: Supports inclusive, respectful, and equitable dance environments (not merely diverse visuals).

• Clarity of Purpose: The nomination clearly demonstrates an intention to challenge exclusion or support representation.

• Real Impact: There is concrete evidence of positive influence on dancers from the Global Majority or other underrepresented groups.

• Authenticity: The work or individual reflects lived experience, not just rhetoric; initiative is more than symbolic.

• Educational Value: The nomination creates learning or discussion that advances understanding or practice.

• Compelling Narrative: The case is clear, specific, and gives judges an understandable sense of why this is important now.

 

Most Influential Industry Creative:

 

Nomination Questions:

1. Who are you nominating and why?

2. What influence have they had on the industry?

3. How do they positively shape culture, practice, or opportunity?

4. What makes their contribution distinctive?

5. Why does their work matter?

 

Judges will consider:

• Creative influence within the dance sector

• Originality or distinctiveness of work

• Reach and visibility of their contribution

• Ability to shape thinking, practice, or opportunity

• Leadership through creative practice

• Professional integrity

• Evidence of sustained impact

• Clear justification for their influence

 

Lifetime Achievement Award:

 

Nomination questions:

1. What has this person contributed to dance over time?

2. How have they influenced others or the wider sector?

3. What legacy have they created?

4. Why is this contribution enduring?

5. Why is this the right time to recognise them?

 

Judges will consider:

• Length and breadth of contribution to dance

• Enduring impact on people or institutions

• Influence on practice, culture, or opportunity

• Legacy beyond personal success

• Mentorship or support of others

• Professional integrity over time

• Respect within the dance community

• Significance of recognising this contribution now