87upcoming
Competitions · Independent entries
Dance Competitions That Accept Independent Entries
We checked every major North American dance competition. Here are the ones that welcome solo, duo, and unaffiliated dancers — with verbatim policy quotes you can verify yourself.
- 38Welcome independents
- 19Conditional acceptance
- 42States with a page
Source-checked. Policies change. Always confirm with the competition directly before registering. Source URLs last verified: April 2026.
What is an independent dance competition entry?
An independent entry is a solo, duo, or small-group routine a dancer registers without going through a dance studio. It’s the standard path for homeschool dancers, dancers between studios, and dancers whose studio doesn’t attend the competition they want to enter. Some dance competitions welcome independents outright, some require a studio owner to approve the registration, and some require full studio affiliation. The landscape is fragmented and hard to search — so we built this directory.
Each competition below has been classified with a verbatim quote from its own rules, FAQ, or policy page, plus a source URL you can open to verify yourself. Status: Accepts Independents means a dancer can register solo; Conditional means independents are accepted under specific conditions (studio approval, event type, regional vs. national, etc.); we list those conditions under each one.
Browsing for the upcoming season? Our companion post — The 2026-27 Competition Season — catalogues every 2026-27 competition event across the US and Canada (3,400+ stops, state-by-state browsing). Check there for the brands listed below before independent-entry policies apply.
Jump to your state
States with three or more independent-friendly competitions get a dedicated page listing every brand that will take a solo entry there.
Competitions that accept independent entries
38 companiesTheir exact wordingVerbatim policy · verified 2026-04-20
“Independents cannot compete at the same event if their studio is also registered to compete at the same event.”
View source ↗Website ↗Verified 2026-04-20
- 65upcoming
Their exact wordingVerbatim policy · verified 2026-10-08
“Independent performers may compete. Independents are subject to a one-time fee per registration.”
View source ↗Website ↗Verified 2026-10-08
- 63upcoming
Their exact wordingVerbatim policy · verified 2026-04-20
“Independents cannot compete at the same event if their studio is also registered to compete at the same event.”
View source ↗Website ↗Verified 2026-04-20
- 48upcoming
Their exact wordingVerbatim policy · verified 2026-04-19
“We do! Head to the DanceComp Genie registration page and register under the Independent/Solo area.”
View source ↗Website ↗Verified 2026-04-19
- 47upcoming
Their exact wordingVerbatim policy · verified 2026-04-20
“Independents cannot compete at the same event if their studio is also registered to compete at the same event.”
View source ↗Website ↗Verified 2026-04-20
- 28upcoming
Their exact wordingVerbatim policy · verified 2026-04-20
“Independents cannot compete at the same event if their studio is also registered to compete at the same event.”
View source ↗Website ↗Verified 2026-04-20
- 17upcoming
Their exact wordingVerbatim policy · verified 2026-04-20
“Independents cannot compete at the same event if their studio is also registered to compete at the same event.”
View source ↗Website ↗Verified 2026-04-20
- 14upcoming
Their exact wordingVerbatim policy · verified 2026-07-13
“Independent entries do not qualify for overalls.”
View source ↗Website ↗Verified 2026-07-13
- 13upcoming
Their exact wordingVerbatim policy · verified 2026-07-14
“ShowTime International is one of the few companies that allows independent solos to compete without their team being present.”
View source ↗Website ↗Verified 2026-07-14
- 11upcoming
Their exact wordingVerbatim policy · verified 2026-04-20
“Can I register for Nexus without my studio? Yes, for both competition or convention.”
View source ↗Website ↗Verified 2026-04-20
- 10upcoming
Their exact wordingVerbatim policy · verified 2026-04-20
“Independent entries are allowed to compete. Please create an 'Independent' account within the registration portal.”
View source ↗Website ↗Verified 2026-04-20
- 8upcoming
Their exact wordingVerbatim policy · verified 2026-05-18
“Independent registrations are allowed for both workshop and competition, but include added fees.”
View source ↗Verified 2026-05-18
- 6upcoming
Their exact wordingVerbatim policy · verified 2026-07-14
“Independent entries welcome! Independent entries cannot compete at the same competition their studio is attending.”
View source ↗Website ↗Verified 2026-07-14
- 6upcoming
Their exact wordingVerbatim policy · verified 2026-07-13
“Independent solos are those individuals not associated with a studio or school that is already entered into the contest.”
View source ↗Website ↗Verified 2026-07-13
- 5upcoming
Their exact wordingVerbatim policy · verified 2026-04-20
“No Minimum entry limit. Independent entries are welcome.”
View source ↗Website ↗Verified 2026-04-20
- 2upcoming
Their exact wordingVerbatim policy · verified 2026-04-19
“Independent Entries are welcome.”
View source ↗Website ↗Verified 2026-04-19
- 2upcoming
Their exact wordingVerbatim policy · verified 2026-07-14
“There is no limit to the number of entries a studio may enter. We do accept independent entries at this time as well.”
View source ↗Website ↗Verified 2026-07-14
- 2upcoming
Their exact wordingVerbatim policy · verified 2026-07-14
“You do not need to enter under a studio name, you may compete as an independent in any category (solo, duet/trio or group dance).”
View source ↗Website ↗Verified 2026-07-14
- 2upcoming
Their exact wordingVerbatim policy · verified 2026-07-14
“PARTICIPANT TYPE EARLY RATE (Studios only) REGULAR RATE Independent Participant”
View source ↗Website ↗Verified 2026-07-14
- 1upcoming
Their exact wordingVerbatim policy · verified 2026-07-13
“Yes! Independent dancers are always welcome.”
View source ↗Website ↗Verified 2026-07-13
- 1upcoming
Their exact wordingVerbatim policy · verified 2026-07-14
“Open to all registered convention attendees.”
View source ↗Website ↗Verified 2026-07-14
- 1upcoming
Their exact wordingVerbatim policy · verified 2026-08-20
“The competition provides separate entry/fee forms for "Independent Entries, only," in addition to studio-owner forms.”
View source ↗Website ↗Verified 2026-08-20
Ovation Dance Challenge
Accepts independentsLikelyTheir exact wordingVerbatim policy · verified 2026-04-20
“Dance Studios and Independent Competitors are listed as eligible registrants under the ELIGIBLE REGISTRANTS section.”
View source ↗Website ↗Verified 2026-04-20
FLEUR Dance Convention
Accepts independentsLikelyTheir exact wordingVerbatim policy · verified 2026-07-14
“The Rebate Program is only allowed for Studio registrations. Independent entries are not eligible.”
View source ↗Website ↗Verified 2026-07-14
Curtainline Dance
Accepts independentsTheir exact wordingVerbatim policy · verified 2026-04-21
“Studio owners / directors / independents must complete the release clause on every Official Entry submitted.”
View source ↗Website ↗Verified 2026-04-21
Elite Performance Challenge
Accepts independentsTheir exact wordingVerbatim policy · verified 2026-04-19
“We do accept independent entries; registration may also be completed online.”
View source ↗Website ↗Verified 2026-04-19
Gravit8 Dance Competition
Accepts independentsLikelyTheir exact wordingVerbatim policy · verified 2026-04-21
“It is the responsibility of the award recipient (studio or independent) to ensure the award is activated and applied prior to submitting payment.”
View source ↗Website ↗Verified 2026-04-21
Dance Champs Elite
Accepts independentsTheir exact wordingVerbatim policy · verified 2026-04-20
“Dance Champs Elite ACCEPTS independent entries. Independent performers are subject to a one-time fee per registration. Dancers are allowed to compete without their full studio present.”
View source ↗Website ↗Verified 2026-04-20
Northern Force Dance Challenge
Accepts independentsTheir exact wordingVerbatim policy · verified 2026-07-14
“only enter as Independent if the studio you belong to is NOT attending this competition”
View source ↗Website ↗Verified 2026-07-14
RUKUS Street Dance Competition
Accepts independentsLikelyTheir exact wordingVerbatim policy · verified 2026-07-14
“Company- For those dancers training in a company outside of studio.”
View source ↗Website ↗Verified 2026-07-14
Driven Talent Competition
Accepts independentsTheir exact wordingVerbatim policy · verified 2026-04-19
“Any performer that wishes to compete with multiple studios must submit written permission from each studio. Performers attending a particular event with a studio would not be permitted to compete as an Independent at that event. Independent entries will only be accepted if the city has space.”
View source ↗Website ↗Verified 2026-04-19
Artists Unite Collective
Accepts independentsTheir exact wordingVerbatim policy · verified 2026-07-13
“'Individual' refers to artists, parents/guardians, or teachers registering with no affiliation to a group attending the event.”
View source ↗Website ↗Verified 2026-07-13
Revolution National Talent Competition
Accepts independentsTheir exact wordingVerbatim policy · verified 2026-04-20
“Independents cannot compete at the same event if their studio is also registered to compete at the same event.”
View source ↗Website ↗Verified 2026-04-20
Breathe Dance Convention
Accepts independentsTheir exact wordingVerbatim policy · verified 2026-07-13
“We proudly accept independent registrations for our workshop.”
View source ↗Website ↗Verified 2026-07-13
CRU Dance Competition
Accepts independentsTheir exact wordingVerbatim policy · verified 2026-04-20
“We accept entries through studios and as independents.”
View source ↗Website ↗Verified 2026-04-20
Thunderstruck Dance Competition
Accepts independentsTheir exact wordingVerbatim policy · verified 2026-04-19
“Independent entries are accepted. An additional $50 flat fee (regardless of number of routines) is required for students entering independently of their studio, for single entries from a studio, or a studio that has multiple entries with just one performer.”
View source ↗Website ↗Verified 2026-04-19
Imagine National Dance Challenge
Accepts independentsTheir exact wordingVerbatim policy · verified 2026-04-20
“Independents cannot compete at the same event if their studio is also registered to compete at the same event.”
View source ↗Website ↗Verified 2026-04-20
Southern Elite Dance Challenge
Accepts independentsLikelyTheir exact wordingVerbatim policy · verified 2026-07-14
“Southern Elite Dance Challenge reserves the right to refuse participation to any individual or studio displaying inappropriate behavior.”
View source ↗Website ↗Verified 2026-07-14
Competitions with conditional acceptance
19 companiesThese competitions accept independents under specific conditions — for example, convention events but not competition rounds, or solos but not group routines, or with studio-owner approval. Read the quote in each card carefully before registering.
- 71upcoming
Their exact wordingVerbatim policy · verified 2026-04-19
“A minimum entry fee is required for live competitions; independents are not accepted. No minimums for virtual competitions, and independents are accepted. Independents are accepted (Regionals Only) [conventions].”
View source ↗Website ↗Verified 2026-04-19
- 58upcoming
Their exact wordingVerbatim policy · verified 2026-04-19
“Paper entry forms must be submitted for all INDEPENDENT entries.”
View source ↗Website ↗Verified 2026-04-19
- 48upcoming
Their exact wordingVerbatim policy · verified 2026-04-19
“Independent registration is not permitted. All dancers must be affiliated with a studio. [competition] / Independent registration is allowed [summits/conventions]”
View source ↗Website ↗Verified 2026-04-19
- 36upcoming
Their exact wordingVerbatim policy · verified 2026-04-19
“We do not accept independent dancers. All dancers must be registered under a studio name and we require a minimum of TWO participating students from each studio. [Rule] This rule does not apply to soloists that have qualified for Grand Finals and are attending without their studio.”
View source ↗Website ↗Verified 2026-04-19
- 30upcoming
Their exact wordingVerbatim policy · verified 2026-04-19
“All entries must be submitted by the studio; independent entries are not accepted. [Rules] / After your studio registers you for the convention (or you register yourself as an independent) you are ready to go! [FAQ, convention section]”
View source ↗Website ↗Verified 2026-04-19
- 27upcoming
Their exact wordingVerbatim policy · verified 2026-04-19
“Jump defines independent dancers as dancers not associated with a physical dance studio and not taking consistent classes in a structured program. Independent dancers are not eligible to compete in Jump's Competition. All competition routines must be entered under a studio name. Jump does not accept entries independently of a studio. This includes solos.”
View source ↗Website ↗Verified 2026-04-19
- 25upcoming
Their exact wordingVerbatim policy · verified 2026-04-19
“Competitors must represent only one studio in a single season. Independent competitors are not permitted at TRDC Competitions, however, are still permitted at TRDC Conventions.”
View source ↗Website ↗Verified 2026-04-19
- 22upcoming
Their exact wordingVerbatim policy · verified 2026-04-19
“Independent entries will be accepted only if you are not on a team with a dance studio. [Connected/Virtual] / Each studio can enter a maximum of 15 soloists, independent soloist not accepted. [Convention solos]”
View source ↗Website ↗Verified 2026-04-19
- 21upcoming
Their exact wordingVerbatim policy · verified 2026-04-20
“All entries must be submitted by a dance studio / director. Independent entries will only be accepted if approved by a studio director.”
View source ↗Website ↗Verified 2026-04-20
- 21upcoming
Their exact wordingVerbatim policy · verified 2026-04-20
“Independent Dancers are defined as dancer/s attending without a Registered Teacher. Independent Dancers must be registered by a Studio Owner/Teacher with a valid Studio Account.”
View source ↗Website ↗Verified 2026-04-20
- 20upcoming
Their exact wordingVerbatim policy · verified 2026-04-19
“A minimum entry fee is required for live competitions; independents are not accepted. No minimums for virtual competitions, and independents are accepted. Independents are accepted (Regionals Only)”
View source ↗Website ↗Verified 2026-04-19
- 17upcoming
Their exact wordingVerbatim policy · verified 2026-04-20
“Independent students are welcome to perform solos as exhibition. However, exhibition solos are not eligible for any other award including but not limited to overall awards, cash prizes, special awards, MP Finalist and/or Magic Honors.”
View source ↗Website ↗Verified 2026-04-20
- 10upcoming
Their exact wordingVerbatim policy · verified 2026-06-09
“Independent registrations are accepted on a case by case basis.”
View source ↗Website ↗Verified 2026-06-09
- 9upcoming
Their exact wordingVerbatim policy · verified 2026-04-21
“Independent competitors are not permitted at Royal Dance Alliance Competitions, however, are still permitted at Royal Dance Alliance’s Conventions.”
View source ↗Website ↗Verified 2026-04-21
- 7upcoming
Their exact wordingVerbatim policy · verified 2026-04-19
“CONVENTION: Independents may enter Convention workshop. COMPETITION: We accept solos from dance schools who are not registering groups. If your studio is not attending & you would like to perform, ask your Studio Owner to enter your solo or we can do that for you with your Dance Studio permission.”
View source ↗Website ↗Verified 2026-04-19
- 7upcoming
Their exact wordingVerbatim policy · verified 2026-10-18
“Independent dancers are welcome”
View source ↗Website ↗Verified 2026-10-18
Celebration Dance Festival
Conditional — see policyTheir exact wordingVerbatim policy · verified 2026-04-19
“A dancer not registering with their home studio and/or teacher is considered Independent. Independent dancers ARE eligible to register for Festival classes and audition for scholarships, as well as submit routines for the performance showcase and add on performance production routine. Independents must be enrolled with a studio and currently taking classes at time of Festival.”
View source ↗Website ↗Verified 2026-04-19
Prodigy Dance Convention
Conditional — see policyLikelyTheir exact wordingVerbatim policy · verified 2026-07-14
“created specifically for competitive studios and teams”
View source ↗Website ↗Verified 2026-07-14
Act 1 Talent
Conditional — see policyTheir exact wordingVerbatim policy · verified 2026-04-20
“Independent registrations are accepted with the approval of their studio, only.”
View source ↗Website ↗Verified 2026-04-20
Frequently asked questions
What counts as an independent dance competition entry?The definition, and the three ways competitions handle it.
An independent entry is a solo, duo, or small-group routine registered by a dancer (or dancer's family) without a studio submitting the registration. Requirements vary by competition — some welcome independents outright, some require a studio owner to approve the registration, and some require full studio affiliation with multiple routines.
Can I compete in a dance competition without a studio?Which brands say yes outright, and where to check the rest.
It depends on the competition. Some dance competitions like Nexus Dance Conventions, Fluid Dance Conventions, and Full Out Dance Production explicitly welcome independent registrations. Others require studio submission. DanceFinder has classified every major North American competition — see the YES and SOMETIMES lists on this page.
What if my studio doesn't attend a competition I want to enter?The Star Dance Alliance rule, and when it does not apply.
Some competitions (including the Star Dance Alliance family — Starpower, Nexstar, Revolution, and others) let you enter as an independent when your studio is NOT registered at that event. If your studio IS competing, you generally must compete under your studio's banner. Always check the specific competition's current rules.
Do independent dancers pay different fees than studio-affiliated dancers?Entry premiums, and which awards can be studio-only.
Some competitions charge the same fees for independents; others add a small independent-entry premium. A few reserve certain awards, scholarships, or overall titles for studio-affiliated dancers only. Check the specific competition's rules for fee structure and award eligibility.
How recent is this independent-entries data?When each classification was verified and how to re-check it.
All classifications were verified in April 2026 with verbatim quotes from each competition's own rules or FAQ page. Source URLs are recorded so you can re-check before registering. DanceFinder re-verifies policies periodically, but always confirm directly with the competition before entering.
Are duets, trios, and small groups eligible as independent entries?Which routine formats independents can usually enter.
Most competitions that accept independents allow solos, duos, and trios. Small groups and larger formats often require studio registration. The verbatim quote in each provider card explains the specific eligibility at each competition.
Why are some competitions marked 'Contact Directly' (unclear)?Why ~136 brands could not be classified from a public page.
About 136 competitions do not publish their independent-entry policy on a publicly accessible web page — their rules are behind studio-owner login portals or in registration-only PDFs. We excluded these from the featured list and recommend emailing the competition organizers directly.
Are you a competition organizer?
If your competition is missing, misclassified, or your policy has changed, submit an update. All submissions are reviewed before publishing.
Submit or update policyAlways verify before registering. Competition rules change between seasons. DanceFinder records the verbatim quote and source URL we verified on the date shown — always confirm directly with the competition before registering or paying any fees. We are not responsible for policy changes made after verification.