A Collective of South Asian Creatives
WHAT IS
NATIONAL DESI
DANCE LEAGUE?
National Desi Dance League exists to unite South Asian dancers through community, creativity, and belonging — providing a platform for artists to showcase their talents and celebrate their shared culture.
OUR MISSION
MERITOCRACY
Recognize and reward excellence fairly, with integrity and transparency.
ACCESSIBILITY
Opening doors for dancers to create, grow, and thrive in a supportive space.
SUSTAINABILITY
Build lasting foundations for community, collaboration, and cultural celebration.
ACCESSIBILITY
WHAT DOES THE SEASON LOOK LIKE?*
REGION 1
WHAT NDDL OFFER:
REGIONALS
REGION 2
REGION 3
REGION 4
SEMIFINALS
TOP 8 TEAMS FROM EACH REGION
TOP 8 TEAMS FROM EACH REGION
TOP 8 TEAMS FROM EACH SEMI
SEMIFINALS
CHAMPIONSHIPS
*Note: Certain elements of the competition structure — including semifinal allocations and regional distribution — may be adjusted based on the final number and distribution of team applications received. All updates will be communicated transparently to applicants. All information in this deck is also subject to change based on final attendees in the circuit.
ACCESSIBILITY
WHAT DOES THE SEASON LOOK LIKE?*
JUL
MAY
JUN
SEPT
AUG
NOV
OCT
Applications Due/Registration Phase 1
JAN
DEC
MAR
FEB
APR
NDDL Applications are live
OCT 31
PRE-SEASON
REGULAR SEASON
PC fees will increase with time, with earlier PC’s having to pay lower reg. fes
Competition Lineup Announced
DEC 21
Season Begins
JAN 20
ELO Ranked PC Regionals
CHAMPIONSHIPS
APRIL 18TH
*Subject to change based on multiple factors
Vendor Applications are live
All vendors must be NDDL vetted and certified. Your own vendors may also apply to be a NDDL Vendor during this period
Vendor Applications due
Early Mar
PC Reg. Phase 2 Due
Dec 1
PC Reg. Phase 3
Due Mar 1
Semi-Finals
Mar 21 and 28
Top 8 teams from each region go to Semis
PC Exit Reg
Due before Mar 28
THE NDDL STANDARD
ONE APPLICATION
Teams apply to NDDL with a one-time fee. This reduced application stress on partner competitions and streamlines for better organization.
NDDL VENDORS
All Judges will be NDDL-certified professionals adhering to one standard rubric. NDDL will also sanction DJs and Media for a cohesive, year-round experience
THE 5-MIN FORMAT
Each team will perform a 5-minute routine, which must include an introduction video. Stage Walkthrough replaces Tech Time.
SUSTAINABILITY
Standardized Guidelines
NDDL Standardized Guidelines ensure PC’s are able to provide the NDDL minimum with a lesser financial Burden. Gala Night, Show, Afterparty, and Workshops all adhere to the NDDL Standard.
Gala Night
Interactive Games
Teams participate in lively, interactive games to determine their show order, adding a layer of excitement and fairness that energizes the whole evening.
Professional Hosting
Skilled hosts guide the Gala with charisma, ensuring the night feels dynamic and engaging, keeping teams entertained and connected throughout
Judges Interactions
Judges actively mingle with dancers, fostering personal connections, answering questions, and providing a friendly atmosphere that reduces competition stress
Livestream Coverage
The Gala is broadcast live with behind-the-scenes moments, interviews, and real-time interactions, making remote audiences feel included in the excitement and community spirit.
Afterparty and Workshop
Afterparty
Optional but encouraged—an 18+ celebration with licensed drinks and reliable security to wrap up the weekend.
Workshops
Optional sessions led by judges, great for community-building and extra revenue—profits split 60% judges, 40% event.
Hospitality Standards
Meals Required
We ensure dancers stay energized by providing meals at key points throughout the weekend, including a Gala dinner, breakfast, lunch, and backstage snacks. Water stations keep everyone hydrated and comfortable.
Merch
Memorable, quality merchandise is provided primarily for winning teams, balancing cost with impact. Competitions can choose to expand offerings if it fits their budget.
Hotel Requirements
To simplify logistics, competitions coordinate hotel bookings, with up to four dancers per room. We recommend selecting hotels with convenient event spaces for Galas and workshops.
THE
FINANCIAL COSTS
$1,150
Total Cost: $45,058
Venues
Food Costs
Vendor + Misc
Costs
Teams
Costs
Mixer Costs
Show + AP Cost
$17,500
Total Venue Cost: $18,650
Lunch/Dinner
$5,800
Snacks/Water
$1,900
Total Food Cost: $7,700
Judges + Hosts
$3,650
Media + Reps + Misc
$8,438
Total Vendor Cost: $12,088
Prize Money
$1,000
Award + Transport
$300
Décor + Merch
$2,590
Total Team Cost: $3,890
Judges + Hosts
$600
Media + Reps + Misc
$6,808
Total Vendor Cost: $7,408
Prize Money
$1,500
Award + Transport
$3,800
Décor + Merch
$6,000
Total Team Cost: $11,300
Total Cost: $45,708
Gala Costs
$1,250
Show + AP Cost
$20,000
Total Venue Cost: $21,250
Lunch/Dinner
$6,400
Snacks/Water
$2,080
Total Food Cost: $8,480
Traditional*
NDDL
Will differ per Comp
SUSTAINABILITY
*An Approximation based on Feedback from various competitions
THE
FINANCIAL GAINS
$20,400
Total: $45, 500
Registration
Sales
Funding
Revenue Minimum
Dancer Reg Fees
Total App Fee: $20,400
Show Tix Sales
$5,000
AP Tix Sales
$5,000
Total Reg Fee: $10,000
SGA Funds
$10,000
Sponsors/Fundraising
$5,000
Total Funding: $6,250
Merch Sales
Leaguewide
Minimum
$24,500
Total Min: $24,500
SGA Funds
$10,000
Leaguewide
Total Funding: $15,000
Merch Sales
Sponsors/Fundraising
$5,000
Minimum
$20,000
Total Min: $20,000
Total: $53, 300
Dancer Reg Fees
$27,200
Total App Fee: $27,200
Show Tix Sales
$4,500
AP Tix Sales
$5,000
Total Reg Fee: $9,500
Traditional
NDDL
Full Breakdown on www.nddl.com
Could Vary from $0 - $5000
SUSTAINABILITY
Total Profit: $680
Total Profit: $4,830
Financial Management
Media and Branding Requirements
Compliance and Expectations
League-Level Standards
Professional hosts, DJs, and media trained to deliver a league-branded experience
How the Parent League Truly Supports PCs
Leaguewide Sponsorships
Unlocks national sponsors that benefit all PCs
Enabled by:�→ Centralized roster management�→ Automated budgeting tool built for nonprofits (tracks expenses, revenue, reimbursements — audit-ready!)
We don’t just hand you rules. We hand you systems, vendors, and tools that make your event better.
MERITOCRACY
SCORING RUBRIC
Balanced rubric judged by professionals, made by professionals
Choreography
Execution
Performance
Presentation
Staging & Blocking
Creativity,
Originality & Complexity
Musicality
Dynamic in Movement & Dance Style
Dance
Foundations
Synchronization
Technique
X-Factor
Facials
Stage Presence
Music Selection & Transitions
Costumes, Hair/Makeup
Staging, Backdrops, Props & Production
Theme &
Storytelling
50
1100 Total Points
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
100
100
100
100
100
100
Overall Impression: 100 Points
What’s Next?
APPLY TODAY!
Applications are NOW LIVE on NDDL.com
ASSOCIATION FEE
$250 – Association Fee opens you up to the NDDL League Benefits
@nddlofficial
@tokaboutnddl
directors@nddl.com