Awards & Marking Criteria

We aim to provide a positive and rewarding experience for all dancers taking part in our events.

All dancers will receive a bespoke OTB medal for taking part. These are provided to dance teachers on arrival at the competition.

Awards

Awards are presented to all finalists. This may vary slightly depending on the event, but is typically as follows:

Teams

• Large cup awarded to the winning team
• Smaller cups awarded to all other teams

Solos

• Trophies awarded for 1st–3rd/4th place
• Large bespoke medals awarded for all remaining finalists

Duos

• Trophies awarded for 1st–3rd place
• Large bespoke medals awarded for all remaining finalists

Presentation of Awards

Team awards are presented at the end of each team section and are presented in reverse order.

All other sections are also presented in reverse order following the final.

At our events, finals typically consist of the last 5–8 dancers in that section.

As we use an electronic adjudication system, results are processed immediately. Once the final has danced, results will be read by the compere straight away in reverse order.

Dancers will be invited forward to collect their awards at this point.

We allow one photographer per dancer at the front during presentations. We kindly ask that groups do not come forward, so that presentations can run smoothly and the next section can begin promptly.

Marking Criteria & Judging System

At OTB, all sections are judged using the Skating System.

Teams

Judges are asked to place each team in order. For example, if there are 5 teams, each team will be placed 1st–5th by each judge based on their overall performance.

Our scrutineer will then use the Skating System to analyse the judges’ placings and produce the final results.

Judges will also provide written feedback for each team. This will be combined and emailed to teachers within one week of the event.

This feedback is provided to the dance school teacher only. It is at the teacher’s discretion whether this is shared with dancers or parents.

In addition to placings, judges will rate each team across four key areas. These ratings are designed to give teachers a clearer indication of strengths and areas for improvement and do not directly affect the final result.

Each area will be rated as:

• Poor
• Average
• Good
• Very Good
• Excellent

Area 1 – Choreography

• Overall concept and creativity
• Transitions and formations
• Music choice and musicality

Area 2 – Performance

• Confidence
• Energy and group chemistry
• Synchronicity
• Presentation
• Cleanliness of lines and visual impact

Area 3 – Technique

• Execution of movements
• Dynamics and intention
• Body control
• Style-specific technique (e.g. grooves, Popping technique)

Area 4 – Foundation

• Understanding of street dance styles
• Use of 2–3 styles within a routine (quality over quantity)
• Recognised styles include Hip Hop, Locking, Popping, House, Breaking, Waacking, Voguing, Krump, Afro and Litefeet
• Correct use of movements within choreography

Penalties

Teams may receive a penalty for the following:

• Music exceeding the time limit (monitored by the DJ)
• Inappropriate language within music
• Costumes that are not age appropriate
• Movements or gestures that are not age appropriate

Solos, Duos & Other Sections

For all other sections, dancers may compete in preliminary rounds (depending on entry numbers) until a final is reached.

In the final, each judge will place the dancers. These placings are then used within the Skating System to determine the final results.

If teachers are not familiar with the Skating System and would like further information, please feel free to contact us and we can provide additional guidance.

Final Decisions

All judging decisions are final.