GRACE IN MOTION RULES & GUIDELINES
(Registration Form Below)

Praise Team Rules and Guidelines:

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1. Eligibility

1.1. Open to all church-based praise dance teams and individual dancers.

1.2. Teams must represent a church or faith-based organization.

2. Registration

2.1. All teams must complete the registration form by March 28, 2026.

2.2. Registration fee: $25

2.3. Late entries will not be accepted.

3. Performance Guidelines

3.1. Time limit: 4–7 minutes per routine.

3.2. Music must be Christian/gospel and submitted for approval at least 2 weeks before the event.

3.3. No explicit or secular content allowed.

3.4. Modest attire is required — no revealing clothing, sheer fabrics without lining, or attire that distracts from worship.

3.5. Props are permitted only if pre-approved and must not damage the stage or cause delays (participants/ teams will be given 5 minutes to set up and 5 minutes to break down).

4. Judging Criteria

4.1. Performances will be evaluated on the following criteria:

• Technique & Synchronization Execution of moves, timing, and unity within the group (30%).

• Creativity & Choreography – Originality, meaningful movements, and connection to music/lyrics (25%).

• Stage Presence Performance Quality – Confidence, engagement, facial expressions, and stage presence (25%).

• Spiritual Impact & Worship Expression – Does the dance glorify God and minister to the audience (10%)

• Appropriate Attire & Music Choice – Fits church standards and event theme (“Grace in Motion”) (10%).

4.2. Judges’ decisions are final and cannot be appealed.

4.3. Score sheets will be provided to competitors or their coaches after the event.

5. Conduct & Respect

5.1. This is a worship experience — not a secular talent show. Please maintain a spirit of unity and respect.

5.2. All dancers, instructors, and audience members must conduct themselves with respect toward judges, staff, and fellow participants.

5.3. Unsportsmanlike behavior, verbal abuse, or disruption may result in disqualification.

6. Awards & Recognition

6.1. All participants must remain until the event’s conclusion for fellowship and award presentation.

6.2. Awards will be presented based on final scores.

6.3. Awards will be given for the Best Overall Praise Dance Teams

6.4. In the event of a tie, the higher technique score will determine placement.
 

7. Technical Requirements

7.1. Teams must arrive 1 hour before the event for check-in and stage run-through. 

7.2. All music must be submitted in MP3 or USB format (no streaming from phones or mobile devices) by April 4, 2026.

8. Safety & Liability

8.1. Participants dance at their own risk.

8.2. The hosting church is not responsible for injuries or lost/stolen items.

8.3. A signed participation and liability waiver is required for all participants

8.4. No dangerous stunts or acrobatics without proper technique and training.

8.5. No loose glitter, powder, confetti, liquids, or any substance that may create a slipping hazard.

8.6. Dancers must enter and exit the stage promptly

8.7. All equipment and props must be removed immediately after the performance. (will provide stage specification soon)