This is our premier solo title competition for dancers in the Mini, Junior, Teen, and Senior age divisions, Male & Female.

Each dancer will begin by performing a solo in the Artist of the Year Solo Competition, in any style of their choice. This solo will count for 50% of their Round 1 score.

Dancers will then participate in a Jazz & Ballet audition class, where they'll be evaluated on versatility, technique, and overall performance quality. This class score will make up the remaining 50% of the Round 1 score.

Solo and Class scores are then combined to determine the Top 10 dancers in each division who will advance to Round 2: The Callback.

This is the start of our dance-off but with an elevated, exhilarating twist: an improvisational round performed live on a full Broadway-style set, accompanied by a professional band—and joined by a surprise dance icon.

No choreography. No second chances. Just instinct, artistry and adrenaline.

The improv scores are combined with each dancer's previous Solo and Class scores to determine the Top 3 who will advance to Round 3: The Final Cut.

But wait… plot twist.

In the Teen & Senior divisions, we're introducing a Wild Card.

If the highest-scoring dancer from the Improv Round doesn't land in the Top 3 overall, they won't be left behind. Instead, they'll be added as a Wild Card finalist—expanding the group to a Top 4 and earning their spot in The Final Cut.

Because when the moment calls… real artists rise.

(Please note: For added suspense—and to keep everyone pushing their limits—we'll keep the identity of the Wild Card Finalist under wraps.)

During the Dance-Off, the Top 3 (or 4) dancers will perform their Artist of the Year solo once again—this time in front of the full Press Play faculty, offering a final chance to leave a lasting impression before the final round.

We'll then bring all the finalists onstage for a lighthearted, group-style interview, giving the audience and judges a chance to experience their personalities, presence, and how they shine beyond the choreography.

The morning after The Final Cut, our Top 3 (or 4) finalists will return to class, participating in their assigned classrooms as usual. But this time, they'll be under the close watch of our faculty panel, observing not just their dancing, but their attitude, work ethic, and how they carry themselves among their peers.

Throughout the week, these dancers will have shown us their technique, artistry, personality, and improvisation. This final day gives us a complete picture.

In making their final decision, the faculty will also review a report from the Gala Opening & Closing choreographers, noting how each dancer showed up in rehearsal - their effort, etiquette, professionalism, and overall presence.

Then, before the Gala, the faculty will come together to determine who truly embodies what it means to be Artist of the Year.