General Dance Competition Policies

Minimum Costume Requirement: Entries must include at least a head, hand paws, and a tail. Exposed skin is Allowed

Dress Code: All clothing worn during the performance must comply with the PAC Dress Code as outlined in the PAC Code of Conduct. 

Music Guidelines: All submitted music must be PG-13 or Or censored/edited to be PG-13 if the original song is explicit and fall under “radio-friendly”, and must also align with the PAC Code of Conduct.

Age Policy: Minors are welcome and permitted to participate. 

Genre Flexibility: A wide range of music genres and dance styles are acceptable, provided they adhere to the PG-13 and radio-friendly standards outlined above. 

Props: Props are welcome as long as they are under 24 inches in size and under a pound in weight

even if you are planning to tryout in person you must still apply-ahead of time and upload the audio that you will be dancing to 

Virtual Audition Guidelines
You will have until January 10th 2027 11:59 EST to submit your video.

You must provide a video submission ranging from 30-60 seconds long of your performance in Partial or Fullsuit.

Please note that you do have to dance to the same track you have submitted for the main dance competition. but the submission can highlight any portion of your dance, doesn’t have to be the beginning 

Any VFX, editing cuts, or transitions or covers of a pre-existing dance pieces are strictly prohibited and will result in immediate disqualification 

Film your performance in a well-lit area with minimal background noise. Submissions where the dancer are not clearly visible or the music is not audible may lead to disqualification if a replacement video is not emailed to programming staff at events@palmettoanthrocollective.org by January 10th 2027

Please submit your video as high quality as possible and submit your video in a  MP4/MOV/AVI format or upload your video via youtube

We prefer that video are in a filmed horizontally, or “landscape’

Please make sure that your video is accessible as inaccessible videos may lead to disqualification if a replacement video is not emailed to programming staff at events@palmettoanthrocollective.org by January 10th 2027

Music files should be a max of 2:00 minutes

The use of AI generated music is strictly prohibited. Any submission found to contain AI generated music will result in immediate disqualification. 

Disclaimer Notice

By submitting your audition video, you acknowledge and agree that photography and videography of your performance may be captured by both attendees and PAC staff.

You consent to the recording and potential public display of your performance 

Conduct and Safety Rules

1. By participating, performers acknowledge that they are dancing at their own risk. The convention, event staff, and venue are not responsible for any injuries or damage that may occur during a performance. A liability waiver is required to be signed off onsite before an attendee is allowed to participate in any PAC dance-related events including try-outs

2. Good sportsmanship is expected from everyone, regardless of if you get into the competition or not. Repeated or intentional disrespectful, demeaning, disruptive, or uncooperative behavior toward competitors, judges, hosts, or staff may result in removal from the competition. 

3. Anyone who knowingly violates Palmetto Anthro Collective inc. Code of Conduct, especially if a warning has already been issued, may be prohibited from performing in any dance-related events. 

4. We recognize that many dancers within the dance community know one another, and every effort will be made to ensure judging remains fair and impartial. If you genuinely believe you were treated or judged unfairly, receive information suggesting possible bias from a judge or staff, or have any other serious concern regarding anyone involved in the event, save any relevant documentation and contact safety@PalmettoAnthroCollective.org  

Performer Guidelines and Instructions

1. Make sure you’re well hydrated and have eaten a solid meal before any extraneous activity, whether it be tryouts or during the main event. Your safety and wellbeing is our number one priority, and it should be yours as well! Water will be available backstage during the main competitions and tryouts 

2. Arrive at least 30 minutes before doors open for the main event and be fully prepared to perform. The first roll call will take place 25 minutes before doors open, followed by another at 15 minutes before. If you miss both, your name will be called one final time. Anyone who is still absent after the third call may lose their spot to someone on the waitlist (if applicable). 

3. Pay attention to the performance schedule and know where you are in the lineup. 

You’re welcome to stay backstage or watch from the audience, however you are responsible for keeping track of when your turn is approaching. Once the third performer ahead of you finishes their routine, report backstage and begin getting into suit. Staff will place you in position and can assist you with any last minute adjustments you may need. If you plan to enter the stage from somewhere other than the normal entrance, or plan on using a prop  (Safety is mixed on the prop clause and is currently voting   That requires setting up before your performance begins, it is your responsibility to discuss this with the staff prior to the start of the event. 

4. If your routine begins offstage rather than onstage, inform a staff member before the competition begins so the AV team knows when to cue your music.

5. Once your performance has begun, remain within the designated stage area for the safety of yourself and the audience. 

6. Remember to perform primarily for the judges rather than directing your entire routine towards the judges, especially if the judges table is not front and center. You’re here to entertain the audience, not the judges! 

7. Do not come into contact with the judges or anything located on the judges table during your routine, for the safety of all involved. 

8. If an incorrect song begins playing at the beginning of your routine, do not begin dancing to it, as it may belong to another competitor. Instead, make an “X” motion with your arms while facing the AV booth, so they understand to stop the track and correct the issue. 

1. Remember to breathe, relax, and have fun! You’ve got this!