Rules | Pac Collective

PHOTOS & VIDEOS
Use of cameras, computers, laptops, cell phones, iPads, tape recorders, or any other type of device during performances is strictly prohibited and may result in point deduction, disqualification of the routine, or disqualification of the studio. Use of cameras and videos, including flash photography, is welcomed during award ceremonies. The studio is responsible for notifying all students, parents, and other participants of these rules and restrictions in writing prior to the event.

PERFORMANCE GUIDELINES
If Precision Arts, Inc. and/or its judges deem the dance movements, music lyrics, costuming or overall theme of the routine inappropriate for a family audience based upon sexual content, vulgar or profane lyrics, or obscenity, the scores may be reduced or disqualified as a penalty reflecting the inappropriate music content, costumes and/or dance movements. Coaching from the wings is prohibited at all events.

REGISTRATION GUIDELINES

All dancers who perform on stage must be fully registered in DanceBug. Dancers must be registered under a studio; independent entries are not accepted. Dancers may only be registered under one studio at each event.

PROP & SCENERY GUIDELINES
Safety is our main priority, and thus specific rules apply with respect to props, scenery, and lighting. Precision Arts, Inc. reserves the right to limit or deny prop usage depending on venue or time restrictions for certain events. Generally, use of props is allowed, but the props must be free-standing and follow the specific rules below.

Props must be carried onto the stage. Assembly requiring tools of any kind is not allowed on stage.
Props must be assembled and removed within 60 seconds unless extended set up time is added.
Use of fire, swords, knives, guns, or other weapons which could injure participants are prohibited in routines and on stage. Simulated weapons may be used in routines and on stage only if they are specifically approved for use based on their material, construction, and dull edges by Precision Arts, Inc. in writing prior to the performance.
Use of liquids, gels, aerosols, glitter, paint, or similar substances that would affect the dancing surface is prohibited unless the use is specifically approved for use by Precision Arts, Inc. in writing prior to the performance.
Use of special fog, smoke, and dry ice is prohibited.
Helium balloons are prohibited in the auditorium, in routines or on stage.
Live animals are prohibited in the auditorium, venue, in routines, and on stage. Please contact us for service animal approval.
Scenery or backdrops requiring the use of theater fly bars is prohibited.
Lighting may not be adjusted.
Human props are not permitted. Any dancer who steps on stage is required to be registered in the routine.
Prop loading and storage varies by facility. Please contact us for special requests.

ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY
Precision Arts, Inc. has zero tolerance for misconduct at our family friendly events. Misconduct is defined by authorized PAC Producers at every regional. We reserve the right to excuse attendees and directors alike from an event at any time. Should a studio director be removed from an event, they will assign a studio representative to fill in their place. Safety will always be our first priority for our performers and audience. Any person who has been convicted of misconduct with a minor may not attend any Precision Arts, Inc. event. This includes and is not limited to directors, instructors, staff, and attendees.

All official communication between Precision Arts, Inc. and participating studios will occur via email, and studios are encouraged to regularly check email and respond promptly to any questions or requests for information. Parents are instructed to contact the studio directors for any information, not Precision Arts, Inc.

Entries must be postmarked by or entered online by the entry deadline date, which is 21 days prior to the scheduled event. Entries are accepted on a first-paid basis and are limited based on performance time availability. All registrations received after the entry deadline will be considered only if space remains available. Precision Arts Inc. reserves the right to reject any entry application for any reason.

Entry fees must be paid by credit card or cashier’s check payable to Precision Arts, Inc. Full payment of the entire entry fee must be made at least 21 days prior to the scheduled event. After the deadline date has passed, any late registrations must be paid by credit card and will have a late fee applied per routine. Payment on-site will be charged a convenience fee. Students and routines removed after the 21-day deadline are considered a fair scratch. No credit will be offered.

Entry fees are not refundable should a participant need to withdraw students, routines, or cancel for any reason. Precision Arts, Inc. reserves the right to cancel scheduled events if, in its sole discretion, the event cannot occur due to circumstances beyond its control, including but not limited to weather-related conditions, pandemics such as the Covid-19 or other contagious diseases, viruses, or unforeseen threats to public health and safety, acts of God, strikes, lockouts, vendor disputes or bankruptcy, civil disturbances, interruptions due to government or court order, law, statute, ordinance or regulation. In the event of a cancellation, Precision Arts, Inc. reserves the right to postpone and reschedule the event to a future date within twenty-four (24) months of the originally scheduled date when circumstances allow. If the event is rescheduled to a future date within twenty-four (24) months of the originally scheduled event, the entry fees, or deposits previously paid shall be applied to the rescheduled event. The rescheduled event may be held at a different venue located within fifty (50) miles from the originally scheduled venue; the rescheduled event may be held on a different day of the week and may differ in length (between 1-5 days). Precision Arts, Inc. shall provide the studio with notice of its intent to reschedule the event no later than ninety (90) days following the canceled event. In the event that Precision Arts, Inc. elects not to reschedule the event within that timeframe, all entry fees and deposits shall be refunded in FULL. In the event that a studio is unable to attend the rescheduled event or another event within twenty-four (24) months of the originally scheduled event for good cause shown, the studio shall be issued a dollar-for-dollar credit for use at another PAC Collective event, which credit shall not expire. Should a venue require proof of vaccination or negative Covid test result for entry into the competition and you are unable to present the requirement, refunds will not be issued.

Any complaints or disputes by a Studio shall be made in writing to the corporation’s authorized registered agent with the Office of the Secretary of State of Illinois. Studios and participants agree and consent to exclusive jurisdiction in the State of Illinois and venue in the Circuit Court of the Twelfth Judicial District, Will County, Illinois, for any dispute or lawsuit arising out of this Agreement, and they waive any and all rights to contest such jurisdiction and venue, and any objection that such county is not convenient.

By registering for an event, you agree and fully understand the above and its contents and agree to be bound by the terms contained therein. The studio owner, as authorized for the participating studio, further agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Precision Arts, Inc. and its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any loss, liability, injury, damage, or cost to its business, officers, directors, employees and agents, person and/or property which may result from its participation in this event.

Please continue to check www.precisionartschallenge.com for updated Rules, Regulations and Policies and answers to frequently asked questions about all aspects of the competitions and performances. Precision Arts, Inc. reserves the right to amend, modify, delete, or add additional Rules, Regulations, and Policies at any time deemed necessary.

Contestants and teachers understand that by entering a Precision Arts, Inc. they give their permission and consent to the directors of Precision Arts, Inc. to use their images or photographs or appear in videos, television, or any other electronic media for advertising, news coverage or any other commercial use of our events. Any performer competing in dance competitions 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 Precision Arts, Inc. or 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 Precision Arts, Inc. Precision Arts, Inc. and the hosting facility are not responsible for personal injury to either contestants or spectators. Studios are required to notify all participants in advance and provide executed copies of the Precision Arts, Inc. Participant Waiver and Release of Liability to Precision Arts, Inc. prior to the start of the event. Failure to follow event and venue guidelines, which results in injury or damaged property, is at the expense of the attendee, including but not limited to parking illegally, entering into off-limit spaces, and sitting or standing in undesignated areas.

Do not leave any property, costumes, props, or valuables unattended in dressing rooms, theaters, auditoriums, or elsewhere at the event venues. Precision Arts, Inc. is not responsible for lost or stolen property of the studio or any participants.

CATEGORY	# OF DANCERS	TIME LIMIT	FEES
Title	1		Contact Us
Extended Time	Group/Lines Only	+2:00	Contact Us
Line/Production	20+	8:00	Contact Us
Large Group	10-19	4:00	Contact Us
Small Group	4-9	3:00	Contact Us
Duet/Trio	2-3	3:00	Contact Us
Solo	1	3:00	Contact Us

Precision Arts, Inc. is proud to have some of the most talented professionals in the industry on our CREW. Precision Arts judges are educators and performers who believe in inspiring the next generation of dancers in the industry through honest, constructive critiques to motivate the dancer in the classroom and inspire the artist on stage.

Each routine will be judged on technique, choreography, performance and personality, and general effect to arrive at an adjudicated award. The predetermined point value for adjudicated awards is given to directors. Precision Arts awards Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze to all levels of competition. Routines registered in our Competitive level will be able to earn a Crystal award. Routines in our Pre-Professional level may earn the coveted highest adjudicated award, The Precision Award, in addition to Crystal, Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze. There may be multiple adjudicated awards in each age group and category. Each routine will receive pins for each participant.

All dancers, parents, and directors agree that the time, manner, and method of judging the contestant shall be solely at the discretion of the directors and producers of Precision Arts Challenge. All decisions of the judges are final.

TUMBLING LIMITS

Ballet and Pointe dance categories can contain NO tumbling skills or passes. Tumbling skills are listed below. Tumbling skills may be used together to form a pass. A tumbling pass is considered one trick. If dancers do any of the below in unison, this will be counted as one trick.

Tumbling skills include:

Cartwheels
Roundoffs
Walkovers
Aerials
Handsprings
Tucks
Pikes
Layouts
Fulls

Jazz, Lyrical, Modern, Musical Theater, Contemporary, Tap, and Clogging dance categories can contain ONLY 3 or fewer tumbling skills or passes. Routines that exceed the 3-trick limit will have a point deducted per judge per skill.

POINT DEDUCTIONS
If dance movements, music lyrics, or costuming are deemed too suggestive or otherwise inappropriate for our family audience, or if the music contains vulgar or inappropriate lyrics, the scores will reflect poor choices in music and movement. Any performers who exit the stage after 25 seconds of the performance will be scored upon their first attempt. They are allowed to perform again for the satisfaction of completing the routine. A point deduction per judge will be made for any violations.

Pre-Professional soloists in the Petite, Junior, Pre-Teen, Teen, and Senior age groups may compete for Title. Soloists must PRE-REGISTER as they will be competing in a separate session. Soloists may enter multiple routines for the Title competition. We will only crown one solo per dancer.

Each judge will have a separate score sheet for all Title candidates judging on the routine's style. This is available for studio owners and teachers to view on the directors resources page. Title Score is separate from the adjudicated scores.

IMPORTANT: There must be a minimum of 4 soloists in an age division to compete for Title. Title age divisions are separated as ‘8 & Under’, ‘9 thru 12’ and '13 & Up'. If the minimum is not met, entries will be combined as ’12 & Under’ and ’13 & Up,’ or all Title contestants will be moved into one division. Age divisions may be broken down further dependent on enrollment at the particular event.

Title winners will receive a sash, crown or a beanie, and are automatically considered a Cover Model Semi-Finalist. A dancer may only be a Title Winner at one regional per brand per year. Title entries will not be included in regular overalls and will instead be placed in their own overall category. The top 10 contestants in each age division will receive a crown/beanie. Ties will not be split.

FAQs

Can I enter more than one solo for Title?
- Yes, there is no limit on Title entries per dancer.
My dancer only has 1 solo. I am concerned about her getting an overall only for Title. What do you recommend?
- It is recommended that dancers with multiple solos participate in the Title program.
Which age divisions can run for Title?
- Petite, Junior, Pre-Teen, Teen, and Senior
Which levels can run for Title?
- Pre-Professional only
Are Title entries included in regular overalls?
- No. Title entries will be placed into their own overall separate from the regular age and level overall.
Is Title ever split by age division?
- Yes, when an age division exceeds 10 entries we will split that age division to compete in an independent Title. Example: 8 & Under (5 entries), 9 thru 12 (5 entries), Teen (11 entries), (Senior 45 entries) - 13 & Up will be separated to give a top 10 for each age division.
What if there are not enough registrants for Title in a specific age group or city?
- We will contact your director.
Do Title entries receive adjudicated placements?
- Yes, each title entry will receive their adjudicated placement. Please note, title scores are based on a separate score sheet - not the adjudicated score.
How is Title scored?
- Title has a different scoring sheet for each style of dance. Your director can provide more information about this scoring method.
Can a dancer that scored higher in adjudicated receive a lower Title placement?
- Yes, Title has a separate scoring system specific to the style of dance that the routine is registered for.
Who receives a crown?
- Every dancer in the top ten will receive a crown or beanie.
Can I register for Title at the event?
- No. We do not accept title registrations at the event as title entries are scheduled in a separate session.
My Title entry is unable to perform during their time slot, can they compete before in a different session?
- No, all Title entries must compete at their scheduled time.

"JUDGES' AWARDS"

These special awards are given by the judges for anything they feel needs extra recognition. They can be given to a group, soloists, or duo/ trio in any age division or competitive level.

"TOP 15"

The TOP 15 routines in the soloist, duo/ trio, small group, large group, and lines in each of the competitive levels - Advanced, Competitive, and Pre-Professional will be recognized. If there are less than 75 group routines in a session, small and large groups may be combined for overalls. Soloists may only place once in overalls. Ties will be given to the routine with the highest technique score.

"PAC Cash, LUX Bux, MXE Money, and KDO Kash"

PAC Cash, LUX Bux, MXE Money, and KDO Kash are awarded to the top overall in the Pre-Professional Category. Awards may only be applied towards registration fees. Awards are automatically applied to the studio's DanceBug account. PAC Cash, LUX Bux, MXE Money, and KDO Kash is awarded to studios, not individual dancers.

"TOP SOLO"

$50.00 PAC Cash, LUX Bux, MXE Money, or KDO Kash will be awarded to the Top Soloist in each age division in the Pre-Professional Category. (Mini, Petite, Junior, Pre-Teen, Teen, Senior)

"TOP DUO/TRIO"

$100.00 PAC Cash, LUX Bux, MXE Money, or KDO Kash will be awarded to the Top Duet/Trio in each age division in the Pre-Professional Category. (Mini, Petite, Junior, Pre-Teen, Teen, Senior)

"TOP GROUP"

$150 PAC Cash, LUX Bux, MXE Money, or KDO Kash will be awarded to the Top Group in each age division in the Pre-Professional Category. (Mini, Petite, Junior, Pre-Teen, Teen, Senior)

"TOP LINE/PRODUCTION"

$200 PAC Cash, LUX Bux, MXE Money, or KDO Kash will be awarded to the Top Line/Production in each age division in the Pre-Professional Category. (Mini, Petite, Junior, Pre-Teen, Teen, Senior)

"PRECISION, ELITE, XTREME, AND ENCORE PERFORMER"

These banners will be presented during the PAC Attack Call Back improv showcase.

"ARTIST OF THE YEAR FINALIST"

Soloists with three or more registered solos will be eligible to receive this invitation to participate in the Artist of the Year program at The PAC Collective Championships in Chicago, 2026.

"ADCC STUDIO OF EXCELLENCE AWARD"

Precision Arts is a proud member of the ADCC and is delighted to participate in the ADCC Studio of Excellence Awards. This award is given to a studio that exemplifies the mission and purpose of The ADCC, uniting to promote Quality, Integrity, and Opportunity within the dance competition and convention industry. Only awarded at Precision Arts.

"MOST CREATIVE CONCEPT"

This banner will be given during group award ceremonies only and is a judges' choice award.

"BEST EMOTIONAL EXECUTION"

This banner will be given during group award ceremonies only and is a judges' choice award.

"BEST IN SHOW"

This banner will be given during group award ceremonies only and is a judges' choice award. Routines nominated for our PAC Attack Challenge™ are eligible for this award.

"TOP STUDIO"

Top Studio Eligibility Requirements:

1. Must register a minimum of 3 Small Groups at the Pre-Professional Level

2. Must register a minimum of 2 Large Groups at the Pre-Professional Level

3. Must register a minimum of 1 Line/Production at the Pre-Professional Level

4. Any age group qualifies

5. Ties are automatically broken by technique score

6. Average score of the 6 highest scoring routines broken into the 3 routine types will provide the 3 top studios of

each regional competition

Average Age Rule: Duet/Trio and Group ages are configured by adding the ages of all the contestants as of January 1st and then dividing by the number of contestants. If there is a decimal, round down to the nearest whole number and drop the decimal. The names, ages, and birth dates of all dancers must appear on the entry form, or it will not be accepted. Bump Rule: No dancer can compete in more than 2 age groups below their age division.

Mini : 5 and under

Petite: 6-8 years

Junior: 9-10 years

Pre-Teen: 11-12 years

Teen : 13-15 years

Senior: 16-19 years

Adults: 20 or more years

All ages are as of January 1st.

Levels are assigned to each registered dancer by the studio based on the guidelines below. Group levels are auto-calculated off the dancers that compose the group routine. If 30% of the group's dancers are assigned the highest level individually, the group will dance in the highest level. Levels may not be changed the day of the event.

ADVANCED (Beginner)

This category is for a dance team, soloist, or duo/ trio that is considered a beginner/novice/recreational dancer/tumbler. Please understand that it is not mandatory that you enter the Advanced level, it is simply available to your studio. No monetary awards will be given to routines in this level. This level is for dancers being introduced into the competitive circuit who are working on mastering basic techniques.

COMPETITIVE (Intermediate)

This category is for a dance team, soloist, or duo/trio that is considered an intermediate/middle level dancer/tumbler. Please understand that it is not mandatory that you enter the Competitive level, it is simply available to your studio. No monetary awards/ gift certificates will be given to routines in this level. This level is for dancers who have mastered basic techniques and performance quality. These dancers would be considered aspiring performers working on improving more difficult skills, techniques, combinations, etc.

PRE-PROFESSIONAL (Elite)

This category is for a dance team, soloist, or duo/ trio that is considered an elite dancer/tumbler. This is the highest level you can compete at and may receive PAC Cash to use on future registration. PAC Cash certificates must be mailed to Precision Arts Inc in order to be redeemed. Dancers in this level should be completely confident in their technique, performance quality, artistry, and athleticism. Skills performed will be judged on the dancer's ability to perform effortlessly and with precision.

PREMIER (Specialty)

This category is for conceptual choreography, tribute routines, and artists that would simply like to perform for an audience. Routines have the option to receive critiques with no placement. All PREMIER category routines will receive a performer participation neck medal and be recognized on stage as a group. This is considered a performance category.

Every studio has the ability to place their dancers where they believe they belong, however The PAC Collective reserves the right to automatically bump entries to a higher level based on score. Directors, please refer to your scoring outline found in online registration. This will be automatic, without notification to the studio director. All studio assigned levels are taken as a suggestion. Precision Arts will actively bump levels throughout the weekend, therefore levels will not be listed in any event programs. All dancer levels must remain consistent across all PAC Collective brands throughout the regional season unless bumped up at a PAC Collective event.

HIP HOP:

Routine consisting primarily of Hip Hop musicality, rhythms and motions replicating that of the category's technique. The music must not contain inappropriate lyrics. The scores will reflect poor song choice.

MUSICAL THEATER:

Routine featuring any style of dance interpreting a song from a Broadway show or movie musical. Style of dance or portrayal of character should be dominant in this category.

JAZZ:

Routine must consist of primarily jazz technique. Judges will be looking at musicality of choreography. Three gymnastic/acrobatic tricks allowed.

TAP:

Routine must contain tap technique and primarily tap work. The focus of the category is on clarity of sounds and appropriate music choice that amplifies choreography. It is preferred that tap sounds not be on tape.

BALLET:

Routine must consist of ballet technique. Must include classical steps and movements. No pointe shoes allowed. No gymnastic/acrobatic tricks allowed.

POINTE:

Routine must consist of pointe technique. No gymnastic/acrobatic tricks allowed.

LYRICAL:

Routine should demonstrate balance, extension, isolations and control utilizing the lyrics or mood of the music. Three gymnastic/acrobatic tricks allowed.

ACRO:

This style must use mainly acro tricks accompanied by flexibility and control. Dance must be used throughout the entire routine.

POM POM:

A routine incorporating the use of Pom Poms. Should use precise and defined movement, acrobatics allowed, NO stunts or a pyramid taller than one person is allowed or a one point penalty per judge will be incurred. The routine will be judged on both Pom Pon technique and dance steps, moves, and choreography.

CLOGGING:

A routine utilizing either traditional or contemporary style clogging technique. Three gymnastic/acrobatic tricks allowed.

FOLKLORIC:

A routine using ethnic style of dance, such as Belly Dancing, Hawaiian, Bollywood, etc.

OPEN:

Any of our listed categories or combinations of listed category styles.

CONTEMPORARY:

Routine should utilize a pedestrian style of dance to show extension and balance. Can combine lyrical, modern, and concert style techniques. 3 acrobatic tricks are allowed in this category.

MODERN:

Interpretive routine in Modern Style. 3 acrobatic tricks are allowed in this category.

All music from your studio must be labeled and submitted online prior to event.

Backups are recommended. DO NOT turn backup music in to the WELCOME table in the lobby. Hold all backup music in the auditorium and bring to DJ if called for. Accepted forms of backup music include USBs or devices with an aux plugin. See proper format below.

USB: All songs must be an MP3 format with a label format of "Routine Number-Song Name-Studio Code.". Example: 22-Jump in Line-B.

If music lyrics are deemed to be too suggestive or otherwise inappropriate for our family audience, or if the music contains vulgar or inappropriate phrases, the scores will reflect poor choices in music and movement. A one-half (.5) point deduction per judge will be made for any violations.