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Dance Battle Rules

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⚠ Season 1 — Entries Are Limited and Expected to Fill Fast — Registration Opens May 15

Official Rules — Season 1 · 2026

Ikonik Studio
Dance Battle

The national title competition. One stage. One DJ. One winner takes the Golden Cup.

Runs the day before the NFL game  ·  New York City  ·  MetLife Stadium weekend

When & Where

Saturday — Day Before the Game
New York City
Ballroom Finale
Friday Night TBD

The Ikonik Difference

We Don’t Do Typical

IKONIK does not follow standard comp categories. Dancers are split by age only — not by style or category. You can blend two styles or all of them into one routine. The question judges are asking is simple: who is going to engage the crowd the most?

What You Enter

Categories, Ages & Styles

Entry Categories

  • Solo
  • Duet
  • Trio
  • Small Group  5–8 dancers only

Age Divisions

  • Ages 7–9
  • Ages 10–12
  • Ages 13–14
  • Ages 15–17
  • Ages 18+

Accepted Styles

  • Hip Hop
  • Breakdance
  • Jazz Funk
  • Popping
  • Locking
  • Hip Hop Contemporary
  • Acro — must combine with another style

Dancers may combine styles. Music must be submitted in advance and approved for all categories. Upbeat. High energy.

Entry Fees

What It Costs

$110

Solo

Per dancer

$80

Duet / Trio

Per dancer

$65

Small Group

Per dancer · 5–8 only

Competition Format

How the Battle Runs

Every dancer competes. The best advance. The final four go head to head — freestyle, no rehearsal, song chosen on the spot.

01
All Entries

Round One

Every registered dancer performs their prepared routine. Runs simultaneously with NFL dress rehearsal on Saturday. Scored by three judges across all six criteria.

02
Top 10 Per Age

The Finals

After Round One, the top 10 dancers in each age division advance. All NFL participants watch the opening number and cheer on the Top 10 as the field narrows.

03
Top 4 Only

The Battle

Top 4 from each age division battle for final placement. Freestyle only — no choreography. Dancers are given a song on the spot. When the DJ calls your name, you dance.

04
Judges + Crowd

The Decision

Judges and audience energy decide who receives Bronze, Silver, Gold — and who wins the National Golden Cup. The crowd is part of it.

05
All Dancers

Ballroom Finale

The Battle ends with all dancers together in the ballroom. Awards ceremony follows. Then — game day on the field.

06
Fri Night — TBD

Friday Option

IKONIK may add Friday night to accommodate entries. Final schedule released 7 days prior to the event. Check your registration confirmation for updates.

Judging Criteria

What the Judges Are Watching

Entertainment Value

The most weighted factor. Can you hold the room? This is what separates a performance from a routine.

🌟

Technique

Clean execution of your chosen style. Control, precision, and skill relative to your age division.

🔥

Showmanship

How you carry yourself on stage — from the first 8-count to your last moment before you walk off.

🌟

Stage Presence

Command the space. Use every inch. Make the judges look at you and only you.

💪

Confidence

Nerves are expected. Confidence is a choice. Judges can tell the difference and so can the crowd.

🌟

Creativity

Bring something they haven’t seen. Blend styles, use space differently, take a risk. Safe routines rarely win.

What You’re Dancing For

The Awards

Per age division. Top 4 in each division walk away with hardware. One studio takes the Cup.

🥉
Bronze Medal
🥈
Silver Medal
🥇
Gold Medal
🏆
National Golden Cup

Special Selection

The Ikonik Showcase

Throughout the season, dancers may be selected for the opening number based on choreography videos submitted via the app. Selection is by invitation — you don’t apply for it.

Showcase dancers open the Dance Battle in front of every NFL participant in attendance.

If Selected

What It Requires

  • Learn an additional 3-minute routine (provided by IKONIK)
  • $150 participation fee — includes the IKONIK Showcase costume shirt, paired with NFL show bottoms
  • Early morning Saturday rehearsal required — possibly Friday night if added
  • Stage formations, placements, and final choreography clean-up during rehearsal

Before You Register

Important Information

📅

Final Schedule

Released 7 days prior to the event. IKONIK may add Friday night depending on total entries. Watch your registration confirmation.

Limited Entries

Spots are expected to fill fast. Possible limits per dancer on number of entries. Register early — there are no waitlists.

📝

Season 1

This is the inaugural Dance Battle. IKONIK reserves the right to make adjustments based on registration numbers and event flow.

Season 1 — 2026

Enter the Battle

Registration opens May 15. Entries are limited and expected to sell out. Use the link below to get on the list now.

Questions? Reach out before spots are gone.