Here you will find all the Candance Competition essentials – forms, rules & regulations, scoring, awards and advertising. Looking for our most recent champions? Check the Hall of Fame.
Every Candance essential in one place – registration, the official rules, how scoring and overall awards work, and in-program advertising. Looking for champions and contests instead? Head to Features.
Divisions are set by the average age of the routine as of January 1st of the competition year – Mini (5–9), Junior (10–12), Teen (13–14) and Senior (15+). A dancer can appear in routines across several divisions. Full age categories are listed in the Rules & Regulations.
Entry deadline is Jan. 15, 2027 (unless otherwise directed) for the Preliminary schedule to be built. All preliminary schedules should be out about the first week of Feb. 2027, with deadlines for all corrections to be returned to the Candance office. Once the Final schedule is done and resubmitted back to the studios, late changes may carry a fee.
100% of studios MUST upload music files into your DanceBUG account. This will be locked 14 days prior to the event. Please bring music files on a phone or computer for back up, NO USB’s.
Professional stage with proper wings and a safe crossover, full theatrical lighting, dedicated dressing rooms and an on-site warm-up space kept open all day. See the Tour page for venue details.
It’s time to secure your spot at one of North America’s favourite dance competitions. Three steps, in this order – that’s the whole process.
Our online release form, completed and submitted back to Candance headquarters. One per dancer, required before anyone takes the stage.
Head to our official DanceBUG registration page, create your studio account and log in to begin entering routines.
Upload tracks in minutes rather than burning discs - and remove the risk of music skipping or stopping mid-performance.
Still have questions? Contact us today.
Our regional stops feature diverse categories, time limits, age divisions, props, music, and adjudication. Nationals showcase thrilling qualifications, the Title Soloist, Dance Offs, an engaging convention, and a spectacular Gala!
Click to view our 2k27 Rules & Regulations below. Links open in a new window.
Each studio qualifies 4 routines – two 12 & under group routines and two 13 & over group routines. These routines MUST receive a Diamond award to qualify.
Top 10 group routines Dance Off for top awards. Similar rules apply, however only 1 entry per studio (if minimum numbers required have been fulfilled) – and no Diamond award is needed to qualify.
Recognizing the studio that demonstrates excellence across a wide range of genres. Studios combine their top five junior and top five senior group routines, each in a different genre. Open category is not included.
