INDEPENDENT ENTRIES ARE NOT ACCEPTED

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH OUR RULES MAY RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION
ANY DANCER(S) AFFLIATED WITH DAVID SANDERS AND/OR DAVID SANDERS DANCE DYNAMICS ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO COMPETE AT ANY LEGACY EVENT

ENTRIES MUST BE RECEIVED IN THE LEGACY OFFICE 45 DAYS PRIOR TO THE COMPETITION DATE

ENTRIES RECEIVED AFTER THE 45 DAY DEADLINE WILL BE ASSESSED A 10% LATE FEE

Entries will be accepted on a first come, first served basis and will be limited to the amount of performance time available. When our events reach their capacity we do stop accepting entries, so please send your entries in early. Certified funds, cash, or credit card must pay entries not paid in full 2 weeks prior to competition date or they will not be permitted to compete.

AS WE CONTINUE TO STRIVE TO BE THE BEST WE CAN POSSIBLY BE, PLEASE NOTE THAT WE HAVE MADE SEVERAL CHANGES, REFINEMENTS AND IMPROVEMENTS THAT ARE DESIGNED TO ENHANCE YOUR COMPETITION EXPERIENCE WITH US

Legacy wants to provide a positive experience for everyone that attends our events. To assist us in achieving this goal, it is expected that every member of competing studios (directors, teachers, students and parents) will be courteous and supportive of each other in a manner that displays respect for the Art of Dance.

CLICK A LINK BELOW TO LEARN MORE

      • Solo
      • Duet/Trio
      • Small Group (4-9 dancers)
      • Large Group (10-19 dancers)
      • Line (20+ Dancers)
      • Production (17+ dancers)
        Productions will now be placed into either 12 & Under or 13 & Over using our average age calculation based off our national birthdate and bump rules. Productions adjudication will now be based on Production value as well as Technique. Productions will not have a Level placement.
      • Extended (any “group” routine that exceeds our standard time limits)
      • Advanced Soloists are limited to 3 entries and must be in different categories of competition. Only their highest score is eligible for the Top 10.
      • Intermediate Soloists are limited to 2 entries and must be in different categories of competition. Only their highest score is eligible for the Top 10.
      • Novice Soloists are limited to 1 entry.

    • As we are always striving to keep every dancers competition experience positive and inspirational, we have 3 competitive division to level the playing field even more. The Competition Divisions are now Novice, Intermediate and Advanced. In the Mini age division there are 2 levels, Mini-Novice & Mini-Competitive

      • Dancers with little or no competitive experience, dancing 3 hours or less per week (including rehearsal time and all dance categories) and competing in no more than 5 Routines, may enter this Division. There will be no cash prizes in this division. There will be a presentation of top scores only. These scores will not count toward the Legacy Award. Novice entries are not eligible to participate in our “Showdown of the Legends” (final dance off) at National Finals.
      • Dancers that study 6 hours or less per week (including rehearsal time and all dance categories) and competing in no more than 9 Routines may enter this Division. These scores will count toward the Legacy Award and will receive cash awards, subject to the cash award rules. Intermediate entries will have their own “Showdown of the Legends” (final dance off) at our National Finals as long as 100 Intermediate group entries are registered for the event. If this number is not attained, the Intermediate Division winners will compete against the Advanced Division winners in our “Showdown of the Legends” dance off.
      • Dancers who study 6 hours or more per week (including rehearsal time and all dance categories) should be considered for this Division. Dancers competing in 10 or more routines must be placed in the Advanced Division. Any dancer competing in this division may not compete in the Novice Divisions. These scores will count toward the Legacy Award and will receive cash awards, subject to the cash award rules.
      • We suggest all Mini competitors age or average age 6 & under compete in this division. This, of course, is totally up to the studio owner/competition team directors’ discretion. Dancers with little or no competitive experience, dancing 3 hours or less per week (including rehearsal time and all dance categories) and competing in no more than 5 Routines, may enter this Division. There will be no cash prizes in this division. There will be a presentation of top scores only. These scores will not count toward the Legacy Award. Novice entries are not eligible to participate in our “Showdown of the Legends” (final dance off) at National Finals.
      • We suggest all Mini competitors age or average age 7 & 8 compete in this division, regardless of hours of study. This, of course, is totally up to the studio owner/competition team directors’ discretion. Dancers competing in 6 or more routines must be placed in the Mini Competitive Division.
      • When determining the competitive level of a dancer, please keep in mind you can only choose one of our five levels. In other words, a dancer cannot be Intermediate in one dance style and Advanced in another. The level you place a dancer on your student performer list in our online system will carry through every dance he or she is in.
      • It is not mandatory for you to enter the Novice or Intermediate Divisions based on our suggested hours of study & rehearsal per week. These Divisions have been formed for those that wish to compete on a more level playing field. It is not our intention to suggest that a dancers or groups level should be based solely on our recommendations of study & rehearsal time, therefore the Intermediate (as long as the parameters of this Division are not exceeded) & Advanced Divisions are open to ALL regardless of hours of study and is at the sole discretion of the studio owner/competition team director.
      • Because NO competition can possibly know how many hours a child dances or for how many years they have danced, teachers are left to their own sound judgment when entering routines and each dancers level. The judges or Legacy management may elevate routines that are obviously under-placed. All decisions are final. Routines that are elevated will be exempt from our “mixed group” percentage rule.
      • In a mixed Level Trio or Group routine, at least 51% of the dancers must be from the Division they are competing in. If a mixed level Duet or Group equates to 50% then they must compete in the higher level. In the case of mixing 3 levels, the highest percentage will prevail unless you specify an elevated Division. If this happens with a trio you must obviously choose between Intermediate or Advanced. All the rules above apply to mixed Mini-Novice routines as well. Violation of these rules will result in disqualification of the subject routine from the top ten. Legacy or the studio may move a routine to the proper Division prior to the performance of the routine to correct a placement error. Remember that Advanced Division Dancers cannot compete in the Novice Division.
      • Soloists may only perform in one Division.
      • If you do not select a Division, you will automatically be placed in the Advanced Division or Mini-Competitive Division if it is a Mini entry.
      • Any Advanced routine scoring less than Gold points at a regional event may move down to the Intermediate Division for Nationals. Please be extra careful with your Division placement if you are attending a national event.
      • Just because your studio has more than one competition team, does not mean that one of the teams has to be placed in the Intermediate Division. It is possible that both teams could/should be entered in the Advanced or Intermediate Division. Our levels should not be used as a tool to simply keep your groups from competing against one another. Each group placement should be based upon the qualifications of that team.
      • The spirit and intent of our Competition Divisions is to provide dancers with the opportunity to compete against other dancers with similar experience and training. It is NOT designed so that Advanced dancers can win more categories.
      • If you have any questions regarding placement or any other rule, please feel free to email or call us, we are always happy to help.
    • Solos, Duet/Trios and Small Groups (3 Minutes)
    • Large Groups (4 Minutes)
    • Lines (5 Minutes)
    • Productions (6 Minutes)
      • Acro/Gym
      • Ballet/Pointe
      • Character
      • Contemporary/Modern
      • Hip-Hop
      • Jazz
      • Lyrical
      • Musical Theatre
      • Song & Dance/Vocal
      • Specialty (our “open” category)
      • Tap
      • Teacher
      • ”The Legacy Zone” Parents Category. (All contestants must be 20 years or older)
      • Wild Card (another “open” type category)
      • Mini (Ages 3 - 8)
      • Petite (Ages 9 - 10)
      • Junior (Ages 11 - 12)
      • Teen (Ages 13 - 15)
      • Senior (Ages 16 - 19)
      • Open (Ages 20 and up. Not eligible for cash prizes)
      • Extended is any group that exceeds our standard time limits. Solos & Duet/Trio are NOT eligible for time extensions.
        Small Group Extended (Max. Time Limit 4 Minutes)
        Small Group Double Extended (Max. Time Limit 5 Minutes)
        Large Group Extended (Max. Time Limit 5 Minutes)
        Large Group Double Extended (Max. Time Limit 6 Minutes)
        Line Extended (Max. Time Limit 6 Minutes)
        Line Double Extended (Max. Time Limit 7 Minutes)
        Line Triple Extended (Max. Time Limit 8 Minutes)
        Productions Extended (Max. Time Limit 8 Minutes)
        Productions Double Extended (Max. Time Limit 10 Minutes)
        Productions Triple Extended (Max. Time Limit 12 Minutes)
      • Time limits will be strictly adhered to. A deduction of one-half (.5) point for every 10 seconds or portion thereof in excess of the time limit will be made. Extending a routine will incur an additional $5 fee per dancer in said routine.
      • With the exception of Soloists, all ages will be determined by Legacy's National birth date of June 1, 2025.
      • For regional events, Soloists will compete at their age as of the first day of competition, however, for our National event, soloists ages will be determined by our National birth date of June 1, 2025.
        • Example: If Paula is 12 at our Regional event, but turns 13 before June 1, 2025, she will compete in the 12 year old age division as a soloist, however, her age for determining the avg. age of Duet/Trio or group entries at this Regional event will be 13. At Nationals, she will also have to solo in the 13 year old age division. If Paula were born June 1st or later, then she would remain 12 years old at Nationals as well as in avg. age calculation.
      • Duet/Trio and Group entries that consist of dancers with different ages, will be allowed to compete only one age division down from the age of the oldest dancer in that entry, regardless of the groups average age.
        • Example: A group with an average age of 10.49 has a 13 year old dancing with them. This group will compete in the Junior Age division at 11, which is one age division lower than the oldest dancer, even though their average age is in the Petite division. If the oldest dancer in that group were 16 years of age, said group would have to compete in the Teen Age division at 13, even though their average age of 10.49 is still in the Petite Age division. Also: The youngest dancer in the group must perform in at least 50% of the routine. These rules will be strictly enforced.
      • Names, ages, birth dates and competitive level of all contestants must appear on entries or they will not be accepted. Contestants will be responsible for producing proof of age to the competition directors should a question arise.
      • Once you have determined the national age of all dancers in your duet/trio, group, line or production entry, add their ages together and divide by the number of dancers in said entry. Drop all decimal points. Do not round up or down.
        • Example: Paula’s National Age is 13, Dylan’s is 13 and Aidan’s is 12. Their duet/trio avg. age is 12.67. Drop the decimal points and they will compete in the 12 year old age division. Please keep in mind our rule about D/T’s & Groups with mixed age divisions only being able to compete 1 age division down from the oldest dancer. Worried about messing up? Don’t be, our computer program will catch any error and place your entry in the proper Age Division.
      • All entries are eligible to compete “up” in age & division at the discretion of their competition director, however, at no time is any entry ever allowed to compete “down” in age or division.
      • This is left to the discretion of the studio owner/choreographer at the time of entry. For scoring purposes only, our judges panel reserves the right to place a routine in a more appropriate category.
      • The Tap and Jazz dance Categories may contain up to 3 Acro/Gym Tricks.
        A .5 point deduction per judge will be made for each trick exceeding the 3 trick limit.
      • Acro/Gym tricks are not permitted in the Ballet/Pointe Category.
        The only exceptions to this are forward, backward and shoulder rolls. Tricks in lifts are permitted as well (a lift being defined as being supported by another dancer with any body part). Infraction of the “trick rule” will result in a ½-point deduction per judge. If in doubt, feel free to contact us.
      • Character
        A routine portraying a recognizable character(s), stereotype(s) or ethnic/folk dance throughout. Can incorporate either dance or acrobatic techniques.
      • Contemporary Modern
        A routine incorporating Ballet, Modern and/or Jazz techniques, while pushing the envelope of the Jazz standard vocabulary. Up to 3 acro tricks allowed which must be used to further the choreography and remain in the context of the routine. No tumbling passes permitted.
      • Hip-Hop
        A routine definitely utilizing street, funk and urban style Jazz techniques. Up to 3 acro tricks and tumbling passes are permitted.
      • Jazz
        A routine utilizing primarily Jazz technique. This could be upbeat or slow & bluesy. Up to 3 acro/gym tricks are permitted.
      • Lyrical
        A routine using choreography based on the interpretation of lyrics. The routine should emphasize communication with the performers audience, incorporating strength and control while utilizing Ballet and Jazz techniques. Up to 3 acro tricks allowed which must be used to further the choreography and remain in the context of the routine. No tumbling passes permitted.
      • Musical Theater
        A routine featuring any style of dance interpreting a song from a Broadway Show, Theatrical Event, or Movie Musical. Up to 3 acro tricks and 1 tumbling pass are permitted.
      • Song & Dance/Vocal
        Legacy will only provide one “hand held” microphone for these routines, however, you may use your own wireless mics/headsets, provided it is cleared by the Legacy staff prior to the event and is set up and tested before the event begins. Legacy cannot be held liable for loss, damage or performance of your personal equipment.
      • Specialty
        Any routine incorporating any of our performance categories or combination of categories, “The Legacy Zone” excluded, or any other style of dance not listed (i.e. clogging, drill team, etc). Unlimited acro tricks & tumbling passes are permitted.
      • Tap
        A routine utilizing Tap technique and primarily featuring tap work. Pre-recorded Tap sounds are not preferred and may result in lower scores from our judges. Up to 3 acro / gym tricks are permitted.
      • Wild Card
        Another specialty/open type category where almost anything goes. Rules are the same as our Specialty category.
      • Teacher
        Any one person 20 years of age or older that competes in any entry type, (Solo, D/T, Groups), who are teachers or professional dancers and/or who have ever been teachers or professional dancers are to compete in this category. There will be no exceptions. Entry types may compete in any of the above listed performance categories; however, there will be no age divisions. All Teacher entries will compete against each other for their own Top 10 recognition provided there are more than 2 entries. Teacher routines are not eligible for cash prizes. If it is found that any entry meets the above criteria, it will automatically be entered in the teacher performance category.
      • "The Legacy Zone"
        Parents and/or Grandparents, who wish to “showcase” their talents on the Legacy stage in any style of dance, are more than welcome. In fact, we encourage them to do so. Legacy requirements are simple: They may compete as groups/lines/ or productions. Parents in the routine must be at least 20 years of age or older and teachers are not permitted in the entry. Legacy Zone entries are not eligible for cash prizes, although they will have their own Top 10. All Legacy Zone entries will compete against each other regardless of age, group size, or style of dance and will be scored under the recreational point system as seen below. After all, this entire category is about having fun. Above all else, we ask our Legacy Zone contestants to acknowledge that they are about to be introduced to a world that was once dominated only by their children… a realm void of maturity as they know it… they are about to enter … “The Legacy Zone!”
    • Your studio must be registered online to view entry fees.
    • Entry fees are due 45 days prior to the first day of competition and are to be paid on one studio check made payable to Legacy Dance Championships or a credit card.
    • There are no refunds after the deadline date. Entries received after the deadlines are subject to a 10% late fee.
      • Extended Fees are determined by units of 60 seconds or portions thereof over our standard time limits, except where Productions are concerned. Double extended is $10 additional per dancer. Triple extended is $15 additional per dancer.
      • Must be paid by certified funds and might not be listed in the program. Canadian funds/checks are not accepted – please pay with Bank Check, Money Order or Cashiers/Certified Check in U.S. Funds only. Certified funds, cash, or credit card must pay any entries not paid in full 2 weeks prior to competition date or they will not be permitted to compete.
      • Legacy will provide only competent judges. Our panel will consist of teachers, choreographers, and working professionals that are well versed in all categories of dance. They will also have an understanding of what it takes to choreograph for children, and mold them from a young age thru adult. Routines will be scored and critiqued from each judge. The judge's scores & critiques will be released to the STUDIO DIRECTOR ONLY after your studios last routine is performed. Video critiques can be found in the studio director's online account in the days following the competition. In the event an authorized representative is needed from the studio to receive scores and/or critiques, our National Headquarters will need to be notified by the director prior to the event. The scores and comments of the judges do not necessarily represent the opinions of Legacy’s directors or its staff. The judges will base their score on the following criteria:
        Technique - 50%
        Execution/Musicality - 25%
        Choreography/Showmanship - 15%
        Overall Appearance - 10%
      • Medals are adjudicated based on the following point system
        • Platinum Elite Gold Gold High Silver Silver
        Mini Novice 270 - 300.00 264 - 269.99 258 - 263.99 246 - 257.99 225 - 245.99
        Mini Competitive 279 - 300.00 273 - 278.99 268 - 272.99 255 - 267.99 234 - 254.99
        Novice Petite / Junior 273 - 300.00 267 - 272.99 261 - 266.99 249 - 260.99 228 - 248.99
        Intermediate Petite / Junior 279 - 300.00 273 - 278.99 268 - 272.99 255 - 267.99 234 - 254.99
        Advanced Petite / Junior 285 - 300.00 279 - 284.99 270 - 278.99 261 - 269.99 240 - 260.99
        Novice Teen / Senior 279 - 300.00 273 - 278.99 268 - 272.99 255 - 267.99 234 - 254.99
        Intermediate Teen / Senior 285 - 300.00 279 - 284.99 270 - 278.99 261 - 269.99 240 - 260.99
        Advanced Teen / Senior 291 - 300.00 285 - 290.99 276 - 284.99 267 - 275.99 246 - 266.99
      • All Advanced soloists in the mini, petite, junior, teen & senior age divisions receive automatic entry into our title category. Novice & Intermediate dancers are NOT eligible for title. At each Regional event, the judges’ panel will determine the soloist who displays the best overall performance by one female and one male dancer in the Mini, Petite, Junior, Teen and Senior Age Divisions. Title winners are selected by different judging criteria. Overall performance and showmanship take precedence in the Title category, although an elite gold medal score must be achieved to qualify for the title. It is not uncommon for the High Score soloist to not win Title. Title recipients will receive a trophy, special Legacy Hoodie and the coveted title:
      • "Mr. Legacy or Miss Legacy"
      • The Top 10 for all entry types (see entry types), competitive divisions (Novice, Intermediate & Advanced) and the overall ”Highest Score” for each age division (see age divisions), will be presented as long as an elite gold medal is achieved. All ties will be broken in the Top 10. In the event of a tie the technique score will break the tie. If this does not break the tie, we then go to the execution/musicality scores. At this point, if there is still a tie, the judges’ panel will determine the winner. The judges’ decision is final.
      • There must be at least 5 entries in a category to receive a cash prize award. Legacy reserves the right to combine categories or levels to create prize breaks.
        For Cash Prize Awards Please See Legacy Cash Prize Chart For Details.
      • At each Regional & National event, every competing studio’s Top 5 Highest Scores from the group segment of competition in the combined age divisions of Petite/Junior (9-12 yrs. old) & Teen/Senior (13-19 yrs. old) will be tabulated. During the final awards, the one studio with the highest point total from the combined Petite/Junior age division and the one studio with the highest point total from the combined Teen/Senior age division will be crowned The Jr. Legacy Award winner and The Sr. Legacy Award winner. In the event of a tie, Legacy will add in succession, each studios next highest scoring group entry until the tie is broken. The Legacy Award winners will receive a beautiful trophy and if entry criteria are met, the teacher/studio director will also receive a gift certificate from Legacy in an amount ranging from $500.00 - $1,500.00 (see cash prize chart). This is our way of saying thank you for your overall commitment to excellence in dance!
      • At Legacy, we believe that continuing education from the industries top teachers and choreographers are crucial for both growth and personal achievement in the field of dance. Due to this belief, Legacy will be awarding scholarships to the Hollywood Summer Tour, DanceLook at each Regional event and in select cities AXIOM Dance Convention!! Just our way of showing you support for showing us support.
      • Choreography Award
        The judge's panel will select one routine from our 12 & Under segment of competition and one routine from our 13 & Over segment of competition, which best represents overall excellence in choreography. The choreographer of these routines, or their representative, will be asked to come on stage and receive a plaque and recognition for their accomplishment.
        Sportsmanship Award
        The Legacy backstage staff will choose the one studio that best displays overall courtesy and support to all of their fellow competitors. This studio will be presented with the: Legacy Sportsmanship Award
      • Vouchers will be presented to the Studio Directors for all their prize money earnings after the events final award segment. Vouchers must be mailed or faxed to the Legacy office for redemption. Vouchers will not be mailed after the event - please be present to receive your vouchers.
      • An event schedule will be provided for studios 6 days prior to the first day of competition for each regional event. This will be sent via e-mail. Please be sure to supply us with an active email address. All entries must be prepared to perform up to one hour in advance of their scheduled performance time. Legacy will never start an event before 8am or end an event later then 10pm on a Sunday unless it is absolutely necessary. Unless otherwise approved by the Legacy Director(s), should an entry not perform in the order of appearance, as listed in the Legacy program, there will be a 1/2 (.5) of one point deduction from the entry's total score. This rule will be strictly adhered to and frequent offenders risk further point deductions, as well as possible disqualification. In all cases, routines must be performed during the awards session in which they are scheduled. If for any reason, the routine cannot perform prior to or during the awards session in which they are scheduled, it will be performed for adjudication only. The routine would not be eligible for any overall awards; however, its score may still be used in determining our Legacy Award (if not already presented) and to qualify for National Finals.
      • It is highly recommended, but not mandatory to use our Music Upload feature. It is really quite simple and easy to use!
      • Accepted Music Formats.mp3 and .m4a - If you do not use our music upload system, you must bring your music on USB and make sure to turn in your music clearly marked with the entry #, name of routine, studio name and most importantly IN ORDER OF PERFORMANCE!
      • Back Up Music - We highly recommend bringing a Master Back-up USB. Better safe than sorry.
      • Props should be essential to the act and must be carried on & off stage by the performer(s) or your own staff (instructor, parent, coach, etc.). The placement of props, mats, etc., must be completed within 1 minute. The timing of the act will begin after the 1-minute prep time.
      • The use of glitter, confetti, or similar materials are not permitted. Unweighted Helium balloons are also not permitted. If using Helium balloons they may not be released on stage or anywhere else in the building.
      • If the stage is "littered" during a routine, you must be prepared to COMPLETELY CLEAN & CLEAR THE STAGE immediately following completion of the routine. Failure to do so will result in a 1-point deduction from your total score.
      • ABSOLUTELY NO ITEMS MAY BE THROWN OR SHOT OFF THE FRONT OF THE STAGE.
      • Fire, swords and knives on stage are prohibited. Simulated weapons with dull, safe edges are acceptable.
      • Scenery or backdrops requiring the use of theater fly bars, or special theater lighting may not be used. Special fog or smoke is not permitted.
      • For safety measures, all props (free standing or hand held) are restricted to a maximum height of 12 feet. in addition, a dancer may not stand above 8ft. the use of safety railings may be used, however the total prop height with railings may not exceed 12 ft. any violation of this rule will result in the act not being eligible for the top ten and the award will be announced for adjudication scores only. some venues may have more stringent rules.
      • Please contact our National Headquarters if you need further clarification of prop guidelines. Safety is always a major concern.
      • There is absolutely NO Videotaping or photography permitted of any kind at Legacy Events, except during awards. This rule will be strictly adhered to as it is extremely distracting and hazardous to the dancers. We also have an obligation to protect the copyrights of your teachers and choreographers, as well as protect your children from possible exploitation. Legacy will extend one warning, after that, violators will be asked to leave the performance area. Failure to comply with these rules may result in studio disqualification. This will be strictly adhered to.
      • If dance movements, lyrics, or costuming are deemed to be offensive, too suggestive, or otherwise age inappropriate for our family audience, it will be scored lower at the discretion of the judges. Offensive lyrics, overly sexual or extremely violent content is not acceptable on the Legacy stage.
      • Score Sheets, Prize Money Vouchers, Studio Plaques / Trophies, all performance music, etc. must be picked up by the end of our events. They will not be available for mailing afterward.
      • Contestants and teachers, by virtue of entering a Legacy Event, give their permission and consent to the directors of Legacy to use their images, photographs & videos to appear on television, or any other electronic media for advertising, news coverage or any other commercial use of our events.
      • Any performer competing in a dance competition takes certain inherent risks. These include, but are not limited to sprains, bruises, pulled muscles, and broken bones. Participation in this competition indicates the acceptance of such risks by performers. Therefore by virtue of entering this event, it is agreed that participants will not hold Legacy National Dance Championships, LLC® its officers, directors, officials, staff or employees responsible for injuries sustained or illnesses contracted by them while in attendance and/or participating in any activity related to a Legacy Competition. Legacy National Dance Championships® and the hosting facility are not responsible for personal injury or property loss to either contestants or spectators.

 Click on the following logos to learn more about our incredible scholarship sponsors. We would like to thank them for their commitment to providing Legacy Dancers across the country their support and encouragement.