Dance Festival for a Cause
Rules and Regulations
Registration for the 2026 Festival will open in early August 2025
Deadline for Registration:
January 15, 2026​
A schedule will be sent to participating groups 15 days before the festival.
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Groups may choose which day to schedule dances to perform.
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Students may take classes, perform, or both. Students are eligible to be awarded scholarships and concert tickets from both master classes and performances. Teachers and Adjudicators will nominate students for scholarships and tickets.
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Financial need scholarships are available upon request. Contact sara@mcvdance.com.
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Adjudicator's video critiques will be emailed to studio owners/directors within two days after the Festival.
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Professional photography of each dance will be shared via Google Drive after the event.
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Entry Fees are non-refundable.
Festival Divisions:
Solos, Duets-Trios, Groups
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Festival Levels:
Junior, Teen, Senior, Professional, Recreational
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Age Categories:
Junior: 11 and under
Teen: 12-15
Senior: 16+
Professional: 19+ (graduated from high school)
Recreational: All Ages
Master Classes:
Master classes are planned on the mornings of Saturday and Sunday, 9 am - 12 pm. The cost is $25 per class. For ages 7 through adult professionals.
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Saturday and Sunday:
Each day will include:
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2 Junior Masterclasses - Suggested Ages 7-11
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2 Teen Masterclasses - Suggested Ages 12-15
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2 Senior & Pro Masterclasses - Suggested Age 16 +
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Directors will choose what classes to place students in based on age and level.
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Master Class registration will stay open until classes fill.
Be Safe
Any performer competing in dance Festivals takes certain inherent risks. These include, but are not limited to, sprains, bruises, pulled muscles, and broken bones. Participation in this Festival indicates the acceptance of such risks by performers. Therefore by virtue of entering this event, it is agreed that participants will not hold Madison Contemporary Dance liable for injuries sustained or illnesses contracted by them while in attendance and/or participating in any activity related to Dance Festival for a Cause hosted by Madison Contemporary Dance.
Madison Contemporary Dance and the hosting facilities are not responsible for personal injury to any contestants or spectators or for lost or stolen property. Do not leave your property and valuables unattended in the event center, theater, or dressing rooms.
Adjudication:
Adjudicating is about providing positive and constructive feedback to students and teachers. No awards will be given.
Each number will receive a video with four audio tracks: one music track, one with an adjudicator's notes for teachers and choreographers, and two adjudicator's tracks with notes for students. ​
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Time Limits:
The time limits are 3:00 minutes for all Solos and Duet-Trios, 4:00 minutes for Groups, and 6:00 minutes for Large Groups, 10:00 minutes for Professional Groups. Contact to ask about a longer piece.
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Props:
Props are allowed. You are responsible for setting up the prop and taking it down after each piece.
Family Friendly & Appropriate:
Please make sure dance movements, music lyrics, and costumes are family-friendly and appropriate.
Networking Fair
Opens each day at 12 pm ​
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College Dance Departments
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College Dance Teams
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Professional Dance Companies
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Dancer Health and Rehabilitation Resources
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Artist Resources
Scholarships and Concert Tickets
Will be awarded at the end of each day to encourage and inspire dancers. Students are eligible to be awarded scholarships and concert tickets from both master classes and performances. Teachers and Adjudicators will nominate students for scholarships and tickets. Scholarships and Concert tickets are donated by professional companies and college dance programs. ​​​
Participation Fees:
Master Classes $25 for each class
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Performances $115 for solos, $60 per dancer for duet/trio
$38 per dancer for group dances
*NO cost for professional groups and college dance programs
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Venmo @MCDance-wi
PayPal @MCDance608
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Checks can be made out to
Madison Contemporary Dance
549 Zor Shrine Pl, Madison, WI 53719
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Student Participation Fee Includes
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Performance
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No cost for audience
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Networking Fair
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Digital program for mobile phones
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Professional Photos of each number from Painted Turtle Productions
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Videography with optional supportive adjudication notes by professionals
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Positive feedback for students to grow as technicians and artists
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Positive feedback for choreographers and teachers to guide and inspire
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Growth in character by using art to give back to the community
All proceeds from the event will go to support the Madison Contemporary Dance Outreach Program, which provides year-round training for local children who have no access to dance arts classes. ​MCD is currently Serving 64 Families with weekly classes and performance opportunities year round.
​Questions?
Please contact Artistic Director Sara Rohs at sara@mcvdance.com