What is ALVA?

At-Large Virtual Adjudication (ALVA)— is an inclusive adjudication program open to both ACDA members and non-members. This platform provides a unique opportunity for faculty, students, and individuals to submit dance works for evaluation and recognition.

 

ACDA offers two distinct avenues for adjudication: the first involves in-person evaluations at regional conferences, and the second utilizes the virtual platform ALVA. Both avenues serve as valuable mechanisms for receiving feedback on choreography and performance. Whether you choose to participate in an in-person regional conference or opt for the virtual platform, ACDA's adjudication process is thoughtfully designed to provide educational insights crucial for the growth and development of choreographers and artists alike.

Who Can Participate

  • Faculty, Graduate Students, Undergraduate Students, and Individuals
    • There is no submission limit per school or participant
  • You do not need to be an ACDA Member to participate in ALVA
  • All forms of dance are welcomed
  • Performance does not have to take place on a proscenium stage.
  • You can submit works from any year, including works submitted to a 2026 regional conference

What to Expect

  • All submitted works will receive written feedback, delivered via email to the submitting school or individual. Minimum of 250 words.
  • Each adjudicator will have the opportunity to grant an Adjudicator's Award for Choreographic Excellence, with the submitting member being notified of their selection. 
    • This award is for ACDA Members ONLY. 

Submission Details

  • Submission Limits:
    • There is no limit on the number of submissions per person or school.
    • You can submit works from any year, including works submitted to a 2026 regional conference
  • Recording Details:
    • Each virtual adjudication submission must be a one-take recording of live dance performances with minimal edits.  Video or other technology or scenic elements may be used during the live performance of the recorded dance.
    • File Format: Mp4 at a resolution of 720p or higher
      • No Vimeo, Flicker, YouTube or similar platform links are allowed for uploading files to FilmFreeway.
    • The maximum time for each work presented for adjudication is 24 minutes.
    • Submissions may not include program or production credits of any kind.

Adjudication Fees

  • Adjudication Fees: Based on the length of the video uploaded.
    • Member Pricing:
      • 0-12 minutes = $150
      • 12.01-16 minutes = $200
      • 16.01-20 minutes = $250
      • 20.01-24 minutes = $300

    • Non-Member Pricing:
      • 0-12 minutes = $200
      • 12.01-16 minutes = $250
      • 16.01-20 minutes = $300
      • 20.01-24 minutes = $350

Registration Process

Registration for At-Large Virtual Adjudication is a two (2) step process:   

  • Step 1. Initial Registration in Cvent 
  • Step 2: Uploading Your Recording(s) and Program Information to FilmFreeway
    • You will receive instructions for Step 2 in your registration confirmation email.
      • Create a FilmFreeway account
      • Upload dance & to account
      • Submit dance & program information to ACDA's FilmFreeway page

ALVA Timeline

  • Wednesday, February 4, 2026: Registration opens.
  • Two weeks after registering: Payment or proof of intention to pay is required to hold adjudication spots and gain access to FilmFreeway.
  • Wednesday, May 6, 2026: Deadline to Register for ALVA. Full payment is due.
  • Wednesday, May 13, 2026: Deadline for video submissions on FilmFreeway. (This deadline is firm)
  • Thursday, May 14, 2026: Submissions sent to Adjudicators
  • Wednesday, August 12, 2026: Written feedback returned to Choreographers on ACDA letterhead

Explore the At-Large Virtual Adjudication Guidelines page for comprehensive information on virtual adjudication policies, guidelines, timelines, fees, and more.

For any questions or concerns, please contact the ACDA National Office. We are excited to witness your creativity in the virtual realm!

Sincerely,

Mattie Fenton and Brittany Ray
ACDA National Office

ACDA ALVA Planning Committee

Carisa Armstrong, Darryl Clark, Brittany Ray