COMPETITION DETAIL

We’ve attended several ID competitions over the years, and this was our second time at Nationals. Sadly, this experience was beyond disappointing. From the start, it was clear that the competition favored a certain “look” and type of dancer. Every major award—whether it was overall placement, photogenic, or runway—went to the same kind of dancers. There was little to no diversity represented in the winners, and it was disheartening to realize our team may have been the only one that reflected any real diversity. It was also clear that we weren’t welcomed and didn’t fit the image this competition values. What hurt the most was how our kids were treated. On the last day, our dancers were left devastated. During our production number, the group ahead of us wasn’t ready, so they skipped over them and abruptly called our team to the stage without any warning. Our girls weren’t all in position yet, and the number fell apart. They ran off stage in tears, and not a single staff member showed concern or took responsibility. It was unprofessional and completely unacceptable. Between the 5-hour drive, the high competition fees, travel expenses, and time commitment, the treatment we received was not only disappointing—it felt discriminatory. We were good enough to help fund the competition, but not good enough to be treated fairly. Dance should be about unity, empowerment, and growth—not favoritism, exclusion, and discrimination. After a long, hardworking season, this is not how any child should feel walking away from Nationals. We truly hope changes are made, and honestly, we hope our studio is done with ID for good.

This is by far our favorite competition! Their judges give feedback that’s positive yet constructive. The energy when you first walk in the venue is next to none and my daughter immediately feeds off of it. Their judges awards are original and iconic. The announcers give the crowd life and keep the enthusiasm consistent from the first competitor to the last. Our studio has already booked our third nationals and 8th regional. My daughter begs to go to their comps and I couldn’t give it a high enough rating. Go to this comp! It will not disappoint.

This was our 3rd year attending ID and we love it! It is definitely not your typical comp but that is the best part. They like routines that are different, unique and trendsetting. This is not your cookie cutter kind of competition. The "buzzer" which is called the ID Icon Award makes the whole experience more exciting. They try to spread them out as much as they can. My youngest daughter got first overall and title but did not get the buzzer. But my oldest took 6th overall in her level and did get the buzzer. All around it is just a different experience. ID might not be for every studio but we love it and look forward to it each year. I only gave them a 4 because they are still a young competition and have some kinks to work out.

This competition has a huge problem and it is called the BUZZER. It adds pressure to the girls and the studio owners. Quite frankly the vast majority of the dances getting the buzzer do not deserve it. If you’re a good dancer but you go right after a dance they like for the buzzer then you know you will not be getting that buzzer. The judges in this comp let you know clearly when they have a favorite dancer and when you are very disliked. When they have a favorite dancer they post this person everywhere on social media, give them the buzzer, first in category, special awards, etc and then for someone who danced great and didn’t get the buzzer then tough luck you get nothing versus regular competitions where others get a chance to shine with at least a special judges award and a top overall. It’s very disappointing, these girls train so hard everyday, parents pay so much to go to a competition where the judges are so unreasonable and biased.

Fun and exciting comp! Loved it!

It has been a couple of years, but we attended this in one of the early seasons. It was a nicely run and enjoyable event.