Rules and Regulations

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Official Rules & Regulations

Presented by Baltimore Dance Festival – June  7, 2026

I. INTRODUCTION

The Vivelo Dance Competitions (VDC) is an educational and competitive dance event that will take place on June 7, 2026, in Baltimore, Maryland.
These official rules and regulations outline the eligibility criteria, standard procedures, and competition guidelines for all participants.
The VDC is part of the Baltimore Dance Festival, (BDF) and the Competitor’s full pass includes access to BDF workshops, shows, and social dancing, offering participants the opportunity to showcase and develop their talent across multiple dance rhythms and styles.

ELIGIBILITY

All competitors must have:

  1. Registration on the Podium Platform: All competitors must register through the Podium platform to participate in the competitions.

  2. Division/Category Pass Purchase: All competitors are required to purchase a pass for each division or category they wish to compete in; all passes are available at www.baltimoredancefest.com/competitors-passes. If participating in multiple divisions or categories, a separate payment must be made for each one.

  3. Competitor Full Pass: Each competitor must purchase a competitor full pass, which grants access to all workshops, day events, shows, and parties offered by the Baltimore Dance Festival. Please note that this pass does not include access to masterclasses or VIP events.

  4. Wristband: Competitors will receive a wristband onsite upon registration. This wristband must be worn throughout the event and will serve as proof of onsite registration.

II. REGISTRATION PROCESS

  1. Navigate to the Competitions tab to access the registration link.

  2. Register with your email address to create a competitor account.

  3. In your account, register one or more Divisions/Categories in which you will compete.

  4. For each Division/Category, you must:

    • Upload your music file.

    • Upload an artistic image and include your Instagram link (If applicable).

    • Indicate the country and city you represent.

    • Register all dancers performing in that Division/Category.

    • Complete the registration payment and upload proof of payment through the platform.

    • Once your registration and payment are complete, your Division/Category will be approved for competition.

      Registration and Payment Deadline: May 15, 2026

III. ACCREDITATIONS

PREREQUISITIES:

  • All dancers must be fully registered (full name, Official Identification Document (ID), date of birth).

  • Download your QR code from the Podium System.

  • Bring your official identification document to the event.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Attend registration at the date and time published on official social media channels and/or website.

  • Present both your QR code and ID at the registration desk.

  • Late or missed registration will not be accepted and may result in penalties.

  • All minors under 17 years old must he accompanied by an adult.

IV. FLOOR REHEARSAL

  1. The Floor Rehearsal Registration Form will be available through the Podium System.

  2. Activation will be announced on official social media channels and/or website.

  3. Available time slots are limited and assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

  4. Floor rehearsal outside of the designated schedule is not permitted.

  5. VDC is not responsible for music playback during rehearsal.

DEFINITION:

The floor rehearsal is a brief, structured opportunity for competitors to test spins, slides, tricks, and acrobatics on the competition floor.

This is NOT a full routine rehearsal - Time and slots are limited.

V. COMPETITION LEVELS

AMATEUR

A dancer beginning their dance journey or with limited stage experience.

Eligible if one or more of the following apply:

  • Does not dance professionally.

  • Has not competed as a semi-professional.

  • Has never received payment for teaching dance.

SEMI-PROFESSIONAL

A dancer progressing toward professional mastery.

Eligible if one or more of the following apply:

  • Demonstrates intermediate to advanced technical skills.

  • May teach or choreograph part-time.

  • Receives limited financial compensation for dance activities.

  • Has not competed as a professional.

PROFESSIONAL

A dancer demonstrating full technical, physical, and artistic mastery.

Eligible if one or more of the following apply:

  • Holds a degree or professional certification in dance.

  • Regularly performs, teaches, or choreographs.

  • Competes or performs in professional-level productions, concerts, or shows.

  • Has previously competed as a professional.

Former professional remains classified as professional regardless of career breaks.

VI. DIVISIONS & SUBCATEGORIES

Divisions:

  • Salsa

  • Bachata

  • Hip-Hop

Subcategories:

  • Soloist – one dancer

  • Couple/Duo – two dancers

  • Small Team – Up to 6 dancers

  • Large Team – More than 6 dancers

VII. AGE CATEGORIES & LEVELS

Age Categories:

  • Children: 5–8 years

  • Junior: 9–12 years

  • Teen: 13–17 years

  • Adult: 18+

Levels:

  • Amateur - No age restrictions

  • Semi-Professional - No age restrictions

  • Professional: No age restrictions

VIII. MOVEMENT DEFINITIONS

  • Dips: Any movement taking one dancer off their balance axis, requiring partner support.

  • Tricks: Fluid, sequential movements where one partner remains in floor contact.

  • Lifts: Movements where one dancer raises the other above the floor.

  • Acrobatics: Any movement where a dancer is propelled into the air, losing full contact.

  • Spins: Maximum of 8 bars (32 beats / 4 phrases of 8 counts) of continuous spins allowed.

  • Combinations: Sequences combining dips, lifts, acrobatics, and spins performed fluidly.

IX. CATEGORY PARAMETERS

  • A dancer may not compete in the same age category across different levels (Amateur, Semi-Professional, Professional) of the competition.

  • A dancer may compete in multiple divisions (Salsa, Bachata, Hip-Hop) within the same age category, provided each performance uses different music and costumes.

  • A competitor may participate in a different category using the same costume and music, provided they meet all the requirements for that category.

  • For team entries, at least 80% of the dancers must be at a skill level corresponding to the category in which the team is competing.

  • For team entries, at least 80% of the dancers must fall within the age category corresponding to the category in which the team is competing.

X. DANCE STYLES

Salsa On1 / On2

  • Must maintain musical timing throughout.

  • Lifts/acrobatics not allowed.

  • Up to 5 total dips/tricks/combinations permitted.

Salsa Cabaret

  • Permits dips, lifts, acrobatics, and combinations.

  • Up to 7 total tricks/lifts/combinations allowed.

Bachata

  • Must follow 4/4 rhythm with proper tap accents on beats 4 and 8.

  • Music must align with traditional bachata timing and flow.

Hip-Hop

  • Must follow the rhythm and tempo of the music with precision, hitting beats, snares,

    and bass drops cleanly and in time.

Teams

  • Teams consist of 3–10 couples (6–20 dancers).

  • May include freestyle or partnered styles.

  • Up to 7 dips, lifts, or combinations allowed.

XI. COMPETITION ROUNDS

Depending on the number of participants, categories may include:

  • Eliminations

  • Semifinals

  • Finals

XII. MUSIC SUBMISSION & GUIDELINES

  • Music must be uploaded during the online registration process (via the Podium platform).

  • Only one upload is permitted; changes allowed until May 15, 2026.

  • After May 16, a $10 change fee applies; after May 30, each change incurs a 1% score

  • deduction.

  • Music must be MP3 format, clean (no offensive content), and genre appropriate.

  • Competitors must bring a USB backup of their track.

  • Non-compliance may result in penalties or rejection.

Music Duration Limits:

  • Soloists: 1:30 – 1:50 Minutes

  • Couples/Duos: 1:40 – 2:00 Minutes

  • Teams: 2:00 – 3:00 Minutes

XIII. COSTUMES

Costumes must reflect professional competition standards.

General Guidelines

  • Must cover intimate areas with non-transparent materials.

  • Women must wear stockings.

  • Makeup and hairstyle must remain intact during performance.

  • Costumes must remain intact throughout.

Children’s Costumes

  • Must be age appropriate.

  • Shorts or briefs required; thongs prohibited.

  • Transparent materials over intimate areas not permitted.

  • Makeup should be light and natural.

XIV. STAGE/FLOOR ENTRY & EXIT

  • Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time.

  • No talc, resin, or substances may be used on the stage/floor.

  • Competitors must go directly to their starting position when called.

  • After the performance, exit promptly following a short bow.

XV. JUDGING & EVALUATION

Judging Panel

  • All judges are certified professionals.

  • The Head Judge oversees fairness and decision-making.

  • A Penalty Judge manages scores deductions.

  • Judges may reclassify dancers to the appropriate levels when necessary.

XVI. SCORING CRITERIA

Category Weight

Timing 20%

Category 20%

Technique 20%

Musicality 10%

Difficulty 10%

Connection 10%

Stage Presence. 10%

Tiebrakers

If total scores are identical, ties will be resolved in this order:

1. Technique

2. Category

3. Difficulty

4. Timing

5. Musicality

6. Connection

7. Stage Presence

If still tied, the Head Judge will call for a majority vote among the judging panel.

XVII. PENALTIES

Each infraction results in a 1% deduction from total score (cumulative).

Infractions include:

  • Exceeding dip or lift limits

  • Timing errors or missed steps

  • Falls

  • Costume malfunctions

  • Music violations

Severe or repeated infractions may result in disqualification.

XVIII. DISQUALIFICATION

Grounds for disqualification include:

  • Inappropriate behavior: Unsportsmanlike conduct.

  • Not showing up for the performance or failing to notify organizers of an absence.

XIX. AWARDS

  • 1st Place:

    🏆 Trophy (plus a cash prize if 8 or more participants are registered in the category)

    • Winners will receive complimentary Full Competitor Passes for the 2027 Vivelo Competitions at the Baltimore Dance Festival.

    • All 1st Place winners will also be featured in the Sunday Night Closing Showcase of the Baltimore Dance Festival.

  • 2nd Place:


    🥈 Medal

    • Winners will receive a 50% discount on Full Competitor Passes for the 2027 Vivelo Competitions at the Baltimore Dance Festival.

XX. GENERAL GUIDELINES

  • A category will open with a minimum 3 registered competitors.

  • If fewer competitors are registered, the following options apply:

o Compete at higher level

o Reassign to another Division

o Cancel (no refunds)

  • Organizer decisions are final and not subject to appeal.

XXI. MEMBER CHANGES

  • Groups must compete with members exactly as registered.

  • Unauthorized member substitutions will result in penalties or disqualification.

  • Approved changes require the organizer’s consent and payment of any applicable registration

    fees.

XXII. ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS

All participants must:

  • Read and accept these rules.

  • Sign the waiver and release form.

Failure to comply will void registration.

The VDC Organizing Team reserves the right to make any decision necessary to resolve extraordinary situations.

All decisions are final and binding.