The Highest Honors of the ZENITH Tour

THE INTENTION

These honors go beyond traditional competition results

They are designed to recognize dancers who:

Fully step into the experience
Take risks and push beyond their comfort zone
Support and uplift those around them
Embody the values and energy of the ZENITH Tour

THE MOMENT

GROUP & LINE/PRODUCTION SHOWCASE & GALA AWARDS CEREMONY

The most iconic and high-energy closing moment of the week.

This is where the full journey of the event comes together, and where the highest honors are awarded.

THE STANDARD

Being an AOY and DOY Award Recipient means

elevating the collective

It is a reflection of a dancer who is:

Prepared
Present
Versatile
And fully stepping into their artistry

THE DIFFERENCE

Artist of the Year and Dancer of the Year are not just ID Title Holders, They are MORE!

AOY and DOY Award Recipients receive mentorship opportunities to continue to elevate their training and experience

Title Division recognizes competitive performance, Dancer of the Year & Artist of the Year recognize the complete artist

**NEW Award added for 2026**

Mini, Petite, Junior, and Teen

Focused on emerging artists across
the full Nationals experience

Senior only

Expanded language around artistry, leadership, and industry readiness

The most prestigious inidividual recognition at ID

**NEW for 2026**

(Senior Only)

includes specific evaluation criteria:

Speed of learning and retention
Adaptability to choreography and direction
Confidence and performance under pressure
Professionalism within an audition environment
On Camera performance quality

This is a key moment for Senior dancers to be seen in a
real-time, industry-style setting.

NEW AOY & DOY

Eligibility Requirements

Must be enrolled in the Full Artist Package

Includes:

Convention Classes
Improv Showcase Participation
Opening Number Audition
Senior Artist Audition Experience (Senior Division Only)

This ensures each dancer is fully immersed in the ZENITH experience, allowing our faculty and adjudication team to observe them across the entire event.

HOW DANCERS ARE EVALUATED

Dancer of the Year and Artist of the Year are not based on a single routine or score.

Dancers are evaluated holistically throughout the event by ID Faculty and Adjudicators, with consideration given to:

Performance Quality – stage presence, storytelling, and execution
Training & Technique – class engagement, retention, and adaptability
Versatility – ability to move across styles and environments
Live Performance Ability – including participation in the Nationals Improv Showcase
Audition Performance – including the Opening Number Audition (all ages) and the ZENITH Artist Audition Experience (Senior only)
Work Ethic & Professionalism – focus, attitude, and commitment
Leadership & Presence – how a dancer carries themselves and impacts the space