Oh goodness—a lot. ID is all about innovation and thoughtful enhancement, and this season we’ve elevated multiple elements of the experience. Because of that, we highly recommend a full review of our Rules Page for all the important details.
That said, here’s a quick snapshot of what’s new for add-on experiences below ✨
Title Competition:
NEW for the 2026 Season: Dancer Bio Introductions
Beginning in 2026, ID Dance Competition is proud to introduce Dancer Bio Introductions as part of the Title Division performance experience. Prior to taking the stage, Title soloists will have a brief, intentional bio read by the Emcee, offering insight into what inspires them, what they value, or what dance means to them.
This initiative is designed to showcase the artist beyond movement, allowing leadership, presence, and impact to be more fully expressed and evaluated. These introductions add depth, connection, and intention to each Title performance, and we are excited to incorporate this distinctive element into the ID Title experience.
Virtual Bio Submission (fill out immediately after purchasing this product): ID Dance Competition – Title Division Dancer Bio Submission (2026)
NEW for the 2026 Season: Title Winner Mentorship
Beginning in 2026, ID Dance is thrilled to introduce an exclusive mentorship opportunity for the Top 3 Title placements in each Title division. First Place Titleholders will receive two 30-minute mentorship sessions: one individual mentorship with a certified ID adjudicator of their choice, and one group mentorship session led by the ID Artist of the Year, offering personalized artistic feedback, leadership insight, and industry perspective beyond the competition stage.
Second and Third Place Title recipients will participate in a 30-minute group mentorship session with the ID Artist of the Year, designed to inspire growth, confidence, and artistic development in a collaborative setting. This new initiative reflects our commitment to investing in the long-term growth, leadership, and artistry of our Title finalists — because at ID, earning a Title is only the beginning.
NEW for the 2026 Season: ID Title Community
Beginning in 2026, all Regional ID Dance Title Winners will be invited into an exclusive ID Dance Title Community hosted through a private group chat on the ID Dance Competition Instagram account. This space is designed to foster connection, encouragement, and inspiration, giving Titleholders the opportunity to motivate one another, share successes, and grow together as artists and leaders.
This community extends the Title experience beyond the stage, creating a supportive network where dancers can celebrate milestones, build confidence, and stay connected throughout the season. Dancers will be added to the group chat within five days of winning their Title, and we are thrilled to launch this new initiative as part of our continued commitment to elevating the ID Title experience in 2026.
NEW for the 2026 Season: Enhanced Photogenic Parent Portal
For the 2026 season, ID Dance Competition is proud to introduce a brand-new Photogenic registration and feedback system through our enhanced Parent Portal. Parents and legal guardians can create a dancer profile, register for Photogenic, and upload up to three photos directly from a mobile device or laptop, all in one streamlined experience. Following the event, in-depth Photogenic feedback is available immediately within the dancer’s profile, providing meaningful insight and constructive critique from our judges.
This new system is designed to be intuitive, efficient, and dancer-focused, making the Photogenic experience easier for families while delivering deeper value for artists. Studios registering dancers for Photogenic may also create dancer profiles and access registration, uploads, and feedback in the same way as a parent or legal guardian. This enhanced Parent Portal is a separate system from DanceBug, allowing ID to deliver more detailed scoring, richer feedback, and advanced features not currently supported within DanceBug’s platform. We are excited to launch this upgraded experience in 2026 and believe it will be a powerful tool for dancers, families, and studios alike.
NEW for the 2026 Season: Photogenic Feedback Access
Beginning in 2026, Photogenic feedback will be available immediately following the event through the Parent Portal under each dancer’s Profile. Parents can log in to view in-depth critiques provided directly by the Photogenic Judge, including both positive observations and constructive feedback designed to support artistic growth.
This new feature offers greater insight into the judging process, and we are excited to provide dancers with meaningful, accessible feedback as part of the enhanced ID Photogenic experience.
ID Improv Showcase:
The Improv Showcase is a fundamental experience offered at ID Events. Improv is foundational to artistic growth - strengthening musicality, building confidence, and allowing dancers to showcase who they are beyond choreography. This commitment to cultivating artistry is why the Improv Showcase is a core and signature part of the ID experience.
Dancers improv to music selected by ID Dance and may register at the event registration desk or online prior to the showcase, including pre-registration through the Parent Portal. The Improv Showcase is offered in (Mini-Petite), (Junior), (Teen-Senior) Age Divisions with a $40 participation fee at Regionals and a varying fee at Nationals.
Winners receive the Title of Showcase Winner for one full season, a banner and a $50 custom Mastercard, with runner-ups also recognized and awarded scholarships. Scholarship partners may include Millennium Dance Complex LA, Broadway Dance Center NY, 88 Studios LA, ID Dance Competition, and more. Age divisions may vary by event based on participation levels, early sell-outs, or multi-stage formats. The typical Regional age division breakdown is (Mini-Petite), (Junior), (Teen-Senior).
Music:
Music on the Improv Showcase playlist are trending songs. You can find our public playlist on the ID Spotify.
Improv Showcase Format (Regionals):
Junior, Teen & Senior Divisions
Round One: Group Improv
Dancers are divided by age division and assigned a color. Each color group performs twice — once to a high-tempo song and once to a low-tempo song. Dancers perform approximately 60 seconds per song.
Round Two: Featured Group Improv
After all color groups have completed Round One, adjudicators select dancers to advance to Round Two. Advancing dancers return to the stage as a group and perform two additional improv rounds to a high-tempo and low-tempo song for approximately 30 seconds.
Round Three: Final Individual Improv
From Round Two, adjudicators select five dancers total to advance to the Final Individual Improv Round. These dancers perform twice — once to a high-tempo pre-made mix and once to a low-tempo pre-made mix. Each mix will cue dancers by voice when it is their turn, with dancers performing consecutively. Each dancer performs for 30 seconds per round. After all performances conclude, runner-ups are announced first, followed by the Improv Showcase Winner.
Mini & Petite Divisions
The Mini & Petite Improv Showcase consists of: Round One Group Improv and Round Two Group Improv. Mini and Petite dancers will participate together and remain in a group-based format only. Dancers are divided by color groups and will perform twice with their color — once to a high-tempo song and once to a low-tempo song. Following these group performances, adjudicators will select dancers to advance to Round Two, where the advancing dancers will perform together as a group twice. After the final group performances, winners and recognitions are announced. There is no individual improv round for Mini and Petite divisions.
