EMPWR Dance Experience

Policies & Regulations

Welcome to EMPWR Dance Experience! We’re here to celebrate your artistry, dedication, and passion. To ensure our events run smoothly and to create a safe, empowering environment for all, we ask every participant, parent, and teacher to follow the etiquette and regulations outlined below.

Etiquette

  • Good Sportsmanship: Respect, kindness, and encouragement are expected at all times from dancers, parents, teachers, and directors. Every performance deserves support.

  • Performance Order: Dancers must check in with backstage staff and perform in their assigned order unless special permission is granted by the Stage Manager.

  • Be Performance-Ready: EMPWR events often run ahead of schedule. Please be prepared to perform at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled time.

  • Age-Appropriateness: All music, choreography, and costumes must be appropriate for a family-friendly audience. Routines deemed unsuitable may be disqualified or judged for score only.

  • Photography & Videography: Flash photography and personal video recording are prohibited when a licensed photographer/videographer is present. This protects dancer safety, artistry, and privacy.

  • Props & Stage Safety: Props must be safe and approved. No fire, liquid, glitter, sharp objects, live animals, or pyrotechnics. Scenic elements taller than 6 feet require prior EMPWR approval.

  • Clean-Up: Any debris left on stage must be cleared immediately by the studio or performers.

  • Respect for Spaces: Dressing rooms, hallways, and venues must be kept clean and orderly. No food or drink in performance areas.

  • Behavior: Any dancer, teacher, or parent displaying disrespectful, disruptive, or unsafe behavior may result in disqualification of the entry or removal from the event.

Media Release

By attending or participating in an EMPWR event, all contestants, teachers, parents/guardians, and directors grant EMPWR Dance Experience the right to use photographs and/or videos for promotional purposes, including social media, website, marketing materials, or press coverage.

Rules & Logistics

  • Judging: All judging results are final. Entries may receive adjudication only if policies are not followed.

  • Self-Competition: A dancer cannot compete against themselves in the same category/age division. Exceptions for groups will be reviewed by the Director.

  • Incomplete Routines: Routines missing performers or unable to complete performance as entered may be adjudicated only.

  • Microphones & Special Equipment: Wireless/handheld microphones are not supplied by EMPWR; performers must provide their own and notify EMPWR in advance.

  • Damage or Misconduct: Any damage to property, unsafe conduct, or misconduct by dancers, teachers, or parents may result in disqualification and liability for costs.

  • Event Adjustments: EMPWR reserves the right to reschedule, cancel, or adjust event dates, times, or format due to unforeseen circumstances.

  • Music: Studios are responsible for uploading and editing music correctly. Backup copies must be available on-site.

  • Check-In: Dancers must be checked in and ready backstage at least 3 numbers prior to their scheduled performance.

  • Refunds: Credits may be issued in cases of illness/injury with a verified doctor’s note, to be used the following consecutive season.

  • Schedules: Tentative schedules will be released only after full payment is received. Final schedules are distributed at least 30 days prior to each event.

The EMPWR Promise

At EMPWR, we go beyond competition. These policies exist to protect fairness, safety, and the spirit of community. By honoring them, we create an environment where dancers can perform with confidence, families can cheer with pride, and teachers can trust in the integrity of the experience.

We are more than a competition. We are a movement.