2025 Grand Finals Awards

At Encore DCS, we feel that EVERYONE should be recognized for their achievement in performing on stage. We also believe in the true spirit of competition by only recognizing one first place in each category. Each routine will receive an Encore DCS Pin recognizing their Gold, High Gold, Platinum, or Diamond Performance! Elite routines with a near perfect score are eligible to receive our prestigious "Mic Drop" Award. The following is an explanation of the scoring system used at our events based on a 100 Point Scale by a panel of 3 judges:

DivisionMic DropDiamondPlatinumHigh GoldGold
Shining Star300-282281.9-266265.9-251250.9-210
Recreational300-282281.9-266265.9-251250.9-210
Competitive300-284283.9-270269.9-255254.9-210
Elite300-294293.9-284283.9-270269.9-255254.9-210
Pro-Am300-284283.9-270269.9-255254.9-210
The following is a breakdown of awards that are given in each category for all division and age groups:

SOLOISTS:
1st PlaceStar Plaque and Medal
All OthersMedal
DUET/TRIOS:
1st Place1 Star Plaque, Medals for Each participant
All OthersMedals for Each Participant
GROUPS:
1st Place1 Star Plaque for Each Group, Pins for Each Participant
All OthersPins for Each Participant

Grand Finals Overall Awards

The following are presented during awards ceremonies or title awards throughout the week:

TOP SOLO:
1st Place OVERALLOverall Star Plaque, Cash Award/Gift Certificate for Competitive and Elite
2nd - 10th OVERALLStar Plaque
TOP SUPER SOLO:
1st Place OVERALLOverall Star Plaque, Jacket, Cash Award/Gift Certificate for Competitive and Elite
2nd - 10th OVERALLStar Plaque
(All Super Soloists are recognized on stage with a Special Gift)
Title Winners:
1st OVERALLPlaque, Crown or Hat, Cash Award/Gift Certificate for Competitive and Elite; Elite Level Title Winners are Invited to participate in our merchandise photo shoot at Encore Extreme in Columbia, SC
2nd-5th OVERALLStar Runner Up Plaque
TOP DUET/TRIO:
1st Place OVERALLOverall Star Plaque, Overall Pins, Cash Award/Gift Certificate for Competitive and Elite
2nd - 10th OVERALLOne Star Plaque, Overall Pins for All Participants
ALL GROUPS:
1st Place OVERALLPlaque, Overall Pins, Cash Award/Gift Certificate for Competitive and Elite
2nd - 3rd PlacePlaque, Overall Pins for All Participants
All OthersPins for All Participants
Top Showmanship:Plaque
Most Entertaining:Plaque and $100 Gift Certificate
Top Technique:Plaque and $100 Gift Certificate
Spirit of Encore:Plaque and $100 Gift Certificate
Discovery Spotlight:
Certificate for $1000 Scholarship to Model and Talent Expos
Top Production:Trophy
Top Parent Performance:Trophy & Entry Fees donated to charity of choice
Photogenic 1st OVERALL:Photo Frame and $50 Gift Certificate
Photogenic 2nd and 3rd OVERALL:Star Plaque
Cover Model Finalists:Invited to participate in our merchandise photo shoot at Columbia, SC Encore Extreme Event
The following scholarships and awards are presented during the recreational standing ovation and/or the Gala:
Boatwright-Kirkland Heart & Soul:Plaque & Free Entry Fees for competition at any 2026 Encore DCS Event
Naomi Calvert Scholarship Next Season:Plaque and Free Competition Entry Fees at any Encore DCS Event
Broadway Dance Center Scholarship:10 Class Card, Special Gift, and $500 Travel Stipend
Encore Artist Endowment Scholarship: $10,000 Scholarship for a graduating senior
Dream Team VIP Ticket:Plaque and Certificate for Free Convention Fee at next year's Encore Extreme Convention and invitation to Encore DCS Dream Team
Cover Model (s):Engraved Frame, Photo Shoot, Photo featured in Encore DCS advertising and social media campaigns
Top Studio Award:Trophy and $1000 Gift Certificate
Standing Ovation Award:Large Grand Champion Trophy and Cash Prize*
Standing Ovation Runner Up:Large Trophy
Best Choreography:Jacket and $100 Gift Certificate
Top Performance In Genre:Plaque and $100 Gift Certificate; recognizing the highest scoring SOLO/DUET/TRIO or GROUP in Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Musical Theatre, Contemporary, Hip Hop and Specialty

Grand Finals Cash Awards

Cash awards are awarded to top solos, duet/trios, and groups in the Elite Division. Competitive solos, duet/trios, and groups receive gift certificates or credits for a future event. The Following Cash awards are based on a minimum of 500 entries and a minimum of 5 entries per age/group division. All cash awards are subject to change based on the size of the event.

Top Solo -$100 Cash or Gift Certificate
Top Super Soloist -$100 Cash or Gift Certificate
Title Winners - $100 Cash or Gift Certificate.
Top Duet/Trio -$150 Cash or Gift Certificate
Top Small, Large, Super Groups and Productions - $200 Cash and/or Gift Certificate. Elite Division will receive $100 cash and $100 Gift Certificate)
Standing Ovation Champion - 2 winners in each level. - one age 11 & Under and one age 12 & Over!

$1000 Cash for Elite, $750 Cash or Competitive and $500 Cash for Recreational division. (A minimum of 850 entries is required to do three separate Championships. Cash awards are subject to change based on participation.)