2012 Dance Champs Rules and Regulations
Read the following rules, regulations and information very carefully.
Failure to comply could result in point deductions, extra fees, and disqualifications.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
DANCE CHAMPS is open to performers of all ages. Performers may enter as many routines as they wish. A SEPARATE ENTRY FORM must be submitted for each routine. Studio Summary Sheet, Entry Forms and Dancers Release Forms need to be filled out completely and clearly and returned by the deadline date. Names and ages of all participants must appear on the official entry form or it will not be accepted. Independent entries are accepted; however, multiple entries from the same studio must be entered together and submitted in one packet with full payment.
Entries may be mailed in with payment in the form of studio check, cashiers check, money order or credit card or submitted on line by credit card payment only. NO personal check accepted. Absolutely NO refunds after the deadline date. Cancellation due to injury will be given a partial credit for future Dance Champs competitions. Entries are due in our office 30 days prior to the competition date. Entries are accepted on a “First Come, First Served” basis and will be limited based on available venue times. Entries received without payment will not be accepted until payment is received. If the maximum number of entries has been received by the deadline date, additional entries will not be accepted. DC reserves the right to change competition dates and locations due to unforeseen circumstances, add additional competition days, or cancel a competition that does not receive the minimum entries required. Entries are reviewed and processed. Confirmation packets will be emailed to your studio, informing you of your studio code, and approximate competition schedule at least seven days prior to the competition or teachers may access “DC Connection” to access their studio information.
10% STUDIO REBATES
The Studio Rebates are offered to qualifying studios with (1) entries exceeding $2,000, and (2) entries received 45 days prior to the first day of selected competition, (3) entry fees paid in full, (4) a completed DC Rebate Form (download from our website), Studio Summary Sheet, and Dancers’ Release Form. Rebates will be mailed to the studio two weeks after the competition. If payment is returned as “unpaid”, no rebate will be given.
RELEASE FORMS
Each performer’s parent/legal guardian must sign the Official Dance Champs Release Form completely. The signed release form must accompany completed studio entries by the deadline date. By performing on stage, each performer and guardian accepts the terms of the release form no matter of age. Our complete rules and regulations are on our web site: www.dancechampsevents.com
Age is based on the dancer’s age as of January 1, 2012. Duet/trios, small groups, large groups, and production numbers are based on the average age of dancers. DECIMALS ARE DROPPED WHEN DETERMINING AGE. If protests arise, dancers must be prepared to present proof of age. (birth certificate, drivers license, etc.) Protests must be in writing, signed, and presented to the DC Director one/half hour prior to the incident. If there is a dancer 18 years old or older and the average age is 12 years and under, the group routine must compete in the 13 / Over Division. The youngest group dancer must remain on the stage 50% of the routine.
RISING CHAMPION
This level is designed for dancers, 19 years of age or younger, who attends 2 hours or less of dance classes/rehearsals per week and has limited or no competition experience. High point awards will be presented. No cash awards at this level.
ROYAL CHAMPION
This level is designated for dancers 19 years of age or younger, attends 4.5 hours or less of dance classes/rehearsals per week and has limited competition experience. These routines are eligible for High Point Awards. High Point Solo, Duet/Trio, Small Groups, Large Groups, and Production in Petites, Juniors, Teens, and Senior Division will be awarded $50. At least 5 routines required for cash awards.
GRAND CHAMPION
This level is designated for dancers, 19 years of age and younger, who attend more than 4.5 hours of dance classes/rehearsals a week and have extensive competition experience. The GRAND CHAMPION level is open to all performers. High Point Awards and Cash Awards awarded as designated. At least 8 routines required for cash awards. Less than 8 routines but more than 5 routines, in a category, high point routines will be awarded $50.
A dancer must compete all of their solos in the same selected Champion Division. Group routines may compete in the different Champion Divisions as selected. Group Champion levels are determined by the majority of dancers dance skill. If a performance level is not selected, your routine will be placed in the GRAND CHAMPION level. DC asks that you use fair judgment when placing groups into performance levels. The various levels are designed to give dancers an equal competitive level.
PERFORMANCE CATEGORIES
Consists of BALLET, POINTE, LYRICAL, TAP, CLOGGING, SONG AND DANCE, POM PON, JAZZ, HIP HOP, ACROBATS, CHARACTER, OPEN, PRODUCTION, MODERN, MUSICAL THEATRE, ADULT, AND PARENT. Routines containing three or more tricks, competes in the Acrobat, Character or Open categories. A gymnastic pass is considered one trick. Lifts are permissible.
SINGING is allowed in SONG/ DANCE, CHARACTER, OPEN, PRODUCTION, MUSICAL THEATRE, and PARENT DIVISON. Additional sound equipment/microphones may NOT be used/connected to the DC sound system. Request use of microphones one week prior to competition.
PARENT CATEGORY -Parents must be at least 22 years of age and compete in group routines only. Parent routines include parents and/or parents with dancers and are adjudicated only. Routines are not eligible for High Point/Cash Awards.
ADULT CATEGORY Dancers, age 20 or over must compete in the ADULT CATEGORY. This includes any studio director, full time instructor, student instructor, choreographer and or working performer who is 20 years old and over. These routines are adjudicated only and compete for the adult award.
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
Dance Champs does not have a general format for our regional competitions. When all entries are received, a breakdown of routines are evaluated. A time schedule is confirmed and listed on our WEB SITE. Each regional schedule may vary. Dance Champs strives to obtain high quality theatres with stages, at least 40 feet wide and 30 feet deep, covered by Marley floors. Rosin is permitted but must be provided by your studio.
PROPS are permissible and must be essential to the routine. We encourage you to use discretion in the size and quantity of props, keeping in mind that venue space is limited. Props must be in place within 2 minutes and cleared from the stage within 2 minutes. A deduction of 2 points will be taken for each 30 seconds over the time limit. Backdrops, hanging pieces or special lights are prohibited. Props that damage the venue in any way due to dragging, weight, sharp points, etc. will result in point deductions. These safety measures must be adhered. Props are such things as ropes, balls, chairs, benches, and free standing scenery. If you have questions concerning props, please call our office. The use of fire, smoke, fog machines, knives, electricity and live animals are prohibited. Liquids of any kind, gel, aerosol, helium balloons and throwing of glitter is prohibited. Props cannot exceed 10 feet high and performers cannot stand above 6’ on the prop. . Free standing props need to be carried on and off the stage. Props need to have buffers/wheels at the bottom. Mats are permitted, but adhere to the same rules. Performers must completely clear off the stage in the event of loose feathers, streamers, hairpieces, etc. or points will be deducted. No items may be thrown or shot into the audience. Dancers need to perform within the provided stage area. Dancing in the aisles, jumping off the stage, or dancing near the judges or audience is strictly prohibited. Deductions will result and routines may not qualify for high point awards Studio owners/teachers will be held liable for any damage to the stage, (as a result of props damaging the stage), dressing rooms, or any part of the venue as a result of the action of your studio. If props need to be assembled with the use of a drill, please reconsider your prop.
MR. and MISS DANCE CHAMPS TITLE –All solos qualify for Mr/Miss Petite, Junior, Teen and Senior Dance ChampTitle at NO EXTRA ENTRY FEE. High Point Platinum or High Gold score is awarded this title, along with a crown, and cash award.
AWARDS
Thousands of dollars in cash, scholarships and trophies will be awarded at each of our Regional competitions. One “trophy” will be awarded to each performance. Duet/trios, groups and production performances will also be awarded placement ribbons.
All performances are eligible for HIGH POINT awards within their “Champion” Level ( excluding Parent, Adults, 20 years and older routines) HIGH POINT PERFORMANCES (achieving Platinum, High Gold or Gold) in PETITES, JUNIORS, TEENS, and SENIOR DIVISION WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN EACH CATEGORY (Solo, duet/trio, small group, large group, and production routines.) Cash Awards will be presented to the Royal Champion and Grand Champion Division as designated. *A minimum of eight routines in each category is required for cash awards in the Grand Champion. Fifty ($50) will be awarded to the High Point First Place performance if less than eight routines, but more than five routines competing in the Grand Champion Level. High Point First Place performances in the Royal Champion Division will be awarded $50 for Solos, Duet/Trios and Groups routines. The same performers cannot place more than once in the High Point Awards or compete against themselves in the same performance or age category. In case of a time, the cash award will be divided. 2011/2012 Regional High Point First Place recipients may not enter the same routine at another Dance Champ Regional Competition in the same year. Cash awards will be sent to the Dance Studio Director.
DC DANCE CHALLENGE
Join DC for a “Simulated Audition”. Three to five - eight counts will be taught. Dancers will perform on stage until the judges, by elimination, have chosen the top three winners from the Junior Division (11 years of age and younger) and the Senior Division (12 years of age and older). Winners will be awarded $25, $15, $10 in DC Cash. Tickets may be purchased at the DC Boutique for $10. Dancers compete at the age they are the day of the competition. DC reserves the right to offer a Petite Challenge.
MUSIC
Each routine must be recorded and cut on a single CD. CDs must be in a protective sleeve /case. DC is not responsible for damaged CDs. CD holders/briefcases are not accepted. CD and CD sleeves needs to be clearly labeled. CD labels will be available the day of the competition. Do not place label on CD, but indicate your studio code, name of the routines and routine number on the CD. We recommend music is professionally duplicated as DC cannot be responsible for unreadable CDs. We no longer accept audio tapes. We accept MP3 Files via Ipod and USB Flash Drives. We will accept Ipods if Ipod is clearly labeled with the studio’s name and studio code All music must be on 1 playlist in the numerical order established by DC competition. The playlist should be the studio’s name and studio code in parenthesis. The filename should be: the entry number, followed by a hyphen, followed by the dance title followed by the studio code.
An accessible backup for all acts is required to be in your possession during the competition. Music is to be turned in at the Registration table One Hour prior to the start of the competition. Music can be picked up at the end of each competition day by the Studio director. Studio name cannot be used as song title, name of routine, worn as costume apparel or appear on a prop or deductions will be taken. Sound Systems vary at each location. Our MC will not adjust the speed of the music or make cuts in the music. DC is not responsible for lost, stolen or unclaimed music.
JUDGING
Our panel of well-qualified judges critique each performance against a pre-set point system. (50 points per judge) Our scoring system allows for multiples of PLATINUM, HIGH GOLD, GOLD, HIGH SILVER, and SILVER. Judges decisions are final and represent their professional opinions, not necessarily those of the DC Management Staff. If the judges feel that a performance’s choreography, costume, or song lyrics are inappropriate, points will be deducted and they will not be eligible for high point awards. Routines may be stopped and disqualified. DEDUCTIONS: time limit (1 pt); routines not completed (5 pts); routines, music, and costumes not suited for family viewing (1-6 pts); entered in the wrong category (1 pt); time delays (5 pts) per judge.
AUDIO/VIDEO SCORE SHEETS
May be accessed by teachers by clicking the link “DC Connection” on our Dance Champs website. Teachers will be able to access their scores, audio and video critiques (from each judge) following the competition through our website. Visit “DC Connection” for your studio information regarding competition schedules, facility directions, music labels, confirmation of your routines, and any other pertinent information.
**Any performer competing in a dance competition takes certain inherent risks. These include but are not limited to sprains, bruises, pulled muscles, and broken bones. Dance Champs Participants indicate the acceptance of such risks. Therefore by virtue of entering and performing on stage, it is agreed that participants will not hold Dance Champs, its officers, directors, staff, employees or hosting facility responsible for injuries sustained or illnesses contracted by them while in attendance and/or participating in any activity related to a Dance Champs competition. Dance Champs and the hosting facility are not responsible for personal injury to contestants, spectators, or property loss.
**All participants, teachers, dancers, spectators grant permission/consent to the directors of Dance Champs the use of their photographs, videos, or other electronic media to appear in advertising, news coverage, DC website, or any other commercial use of our event to promote Dance Champs.
** DC is a family-oriented dance competition that is dedicated to providing a safe, positive environment for our dancers and audience.
Failure to comply could result in point deductions, extra fees, and disqualifications.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
DANCE CHAMPS is open to performers of all ages. Performers may enter as many routines as they wish. A SEPARATE ENTRY FORM must be submitted for each routine. Studio Summary Sheet, Entry Forms and Dancers Release Forms need to be filled out completely and clearly and returned by the deadline date. Names and ages of all participants must appear on the official entry form or it will not be accepted. Independent entries are accepted; however, multiple entries from the same studio must be entered together and submitted in one packet with full payment.
Entries may be mailed in with payment in the form of studio check, cashiers check, money order or credit card or submitted on line by credit card payment only. NO personal check accepted. Absolutely NO refunds after the deadline date. Cancellation due to injury will be given a partial credit for future Dance Champs competitions. Entries are due in our office 30 days prior to the competition date. Entries are accepted on a “First Come, First Served” basis and will be limited based on available venue times. Entries received without payment will not be accepted until payment is received. If the maximum number of entries has been received by the deadline date, additional entries will not be accepted. DC reserves the right to change competition dates and locations due to unforeseen circumstances, add additional competition days, or cancel a competition that does not receive the minimum entries required. Entries are reviewed and processed. Confirmation packets will be emailed to your studio, informing you of your studio code, and approximate competition schedule at least seven days prior to the competition or teachers may access “DC Connection” to access their studio information.
10% STUDIO REBATES
The Studio Rebates are offered to qualifying studios with (1) entries exceeding $2,000, and (2) entries received 45 days prior to the first day of selected competition, (3) entry fees paid in full, (4) a completed DC Rebate Form (download from our website), Studio Summary Sheet, and Dancers’ Release Form. Rebates will be mailed to the studio two weeks after the competition. If payment is returned as “unpaid”, no rebate will be given.
RELEASE FORMS
Each performer’s parent/legal guardian must sign the Official Dance Champs Release Form completely. The signed release form must accompany completed studio entries by the deadline date. By performing on stage, each performer and guardian accepts the terms of the release form no matter of age. Our complete rules and regulations are on our web site: www.dancechampsevents.com
| AGE CATEGORY | PETITES – 8 years of age and younger | JUNIORS – 9 – 11 years of age |
| TEENS – 12-14 years of age | SENIORS – 15 -19 years of age |
Age is based on the dancer’s age as of January 1, 2012. Duet/trios, small groups, large groups, and production numbers are based on the average age of dancers. DECIMALS ARE DROPPED WHEN DETERMINING AGE. If protests arise, dancers must be prepared to present proof of age. (birth certificate, drivers license, etc.) Protests must be in writing, signed, and presented to the DC Director one/half hour prior to the incident. If there is a dancer 18 years old or older and the average age is 12 years and under, the group routine must compete in the 13 / Over Division. The youngest group dancer must remain on the stage 50% of the routine.
Three Levels of Competition
RISING CHAMPION
This level is designed for dancers, 19 years of age or younger, who attends 2 hours or less of dance classes/rehearsals per week and has limited or no competition experience. High point awards will be presented. No cash awards at this level.
ROYAL CHAMPION
This level is designated for dancers 19 years of age or younger, attends 4.5 hours or less of dance classes/rehearsals per week and has limited competition experience. These routines are eligible for High Point Awards. High Point Solo, Duet/Trio, Small Groups, Large Groups, and Production in Petites, Juniors, Teens, and Senior Division will be awarded $50. At least 5 routines required for cash awards.
GRAND CHAMPION
This level is designated for dancers, 19 years of age and younger, who attend more than 4.5 hours of dance classes/rehearsals a week and have extensive competition experience. The GRAND CHAMPION level is open to all performers. High Point Awards and Cash Awards awarded as designated. At least 8 routines required for cash awards. Less than 8 routines but more than 5 routines, in a category, high point routines will be awarded $50.
A dancer must compete all of their solos in the same selected Champion Division. Group routines may compete in the different Champion Divisions as selected. Group Champion levels are determined by the majority of dancers dance skill. If a performance level is not selected, your routine will be placed in the GRAND CHAMPION level. DC asks that you use fair judgment when placing groups into performance levels. The various levels are designed to give dancers an equal competitive level.
PERFORMANCE CATEGORIES
Consists of BALLET, POINTE, LYRICAL, TAP, CLOGGING, SONG AND DANCE, POM PON, JAZZ, HIP HOP, ACROBATS, CHARACTER, OPEN, PRODUCTION, MODERN, MUSICAL THEATRE, ADULT, AND PARENT. Routines containing three or more tricks, competes in the Acrobat, Character or Open categories. A gymnastic pass is considered one trick. Lifts are permissible.
SINGING is allowed in SONG/ DANCE, CHARACTER, OPEN, PRODUCTION, MUSICAL THEATRE, and PARENT DIVISON. Additional sound equipment/microphones may NOT be used/connected to the DC sound system. Request use of microphones one week prior to competition.
PARENT CATEGORY -Parents must be at least 22 years of age and compete in group routines only. Parent routines include parents and/or parents with dancers and are adjudicated only. Routines are not eligible for High Point/Cash Awards.
ADULT CATEGORY Dancers, age 20 or over must compete in the ADULT CATEGORY. This includes any studio director, full time instructor, student instructor, choreographer and or working performer who is 20 years old and over. These routines are adjudicated only and compete for the adult award.
| ENTRY FEES | SOLOS | $75 |
| DUETS | $90 | |
| TRIOS | $100 | |
| SMALL GROUPS (4-9 Dancers) | $28 EACH | |
| LARGE GROUPS (10-19 Dancers) | $28 EACH | |
| PRODUCTIONS (20 or More Dancers) | $28 EACH |
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
Dance Champs does not have a general format for our regional competitions. When all entries are received, a breakdown of routines are evaluated. A time schedule is confirmed and listed on our WEB SITE. Each regional schedule may vary. Dance Champs strives to obtain high quality theatres with stages, at least 40 feet wide and 30 feet deep, covered by Marley floors. Rosin is permitted but must be provided by your studio.
PROPS are permissible and must be essential to the routine. We encourage you to use discretion in the size and quantity of props, keeping in mind that venue space is limited. Props must be in place within 2 minutes and cleared from the stage within 2 minutes. A deduction of 2 points will be taken for each 30 seconds over the time limit. Backdrops, hanging pieces or special lights are prohibited. Props that damage the venue in any way due to dragging, weight, sharp points, etc. will result in point deductions. These safety measures must be adhered. Props are such things as ropes, balls, chairs, benches, and free standing scenery. If you have questions concerning props, please call our office. The use of fire, smoke, fog machines, knives, electricity and live animals are prohibited. Liquids of any kind, gel, aerosol, helium balloons and throwing of glitter is prohibited. Props cannot exceed 10 feet high and performers cannot stand above 6’ on the prop. . Free standing props need to be carried on and off the stage. Props need to have buffers/wheels at the bottom. Mats are permitted, but adhere to the same rules. Performers must completely clear off the stage in the event of loose feathers, streamers, hairpieces, etc. or points will be deducted. No items may be thrown or shot into the audience. Dancers need to perform within the provided stage area. Dancing in the aisles, jumping off the stage, or dancing near the judges or audience is strictly prohibited. Deductions will result and routines may not qualify for high point awards Studio owners/teachers will be held liable for any damage to the stage, (as a result of props damaging the stage), dressing rooms, or any part of the venue as a result of the action of your studio. If props need to be assembled with the use of a drill, please reconsider your prop.
MR. and MISS DANCE CHAMPS TITLE –All solos qualify for Mr/Miss Petite, Junior, Teen and Senior Dance ChampTitle at NO EXTRA ENTRY FEE. High Point Platinum or High Gold score is awarded this title, along with a crown, and cash award.
AWARDS
Thousands of dollars in cash, scholarships and trophies will be awarded at each of our Regional competitions. One “trophy” will be awarded to each performance. Duet/trios, groups and production performances will also be awarded placement ribbons.
All performances are eligible for HIGH POINT awards within their “Champion” Level ( excluding Parent, Adults, 20 years and older routines) HIGH POINT PERFORMANCES (achieving Platinum, High Gold or Gold) in PETITES, JUNIORS, TEENS, and SENIOR DIVISION WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN EACH CATEGORY (Solo, duet/trio, small group, large group, and production routines.) Cash Awards will be presented to the Royal Champion and Grand Champion Division as designated. *A minimum of eight routines in each category is required for cash awards in the Grand Champion. Fifty ($50) will be awarded to the High Point First Place performance if less than eight routines, but more than five routines competing in the Grand Champion Level. High Point First Place performances in the Royal Champion Division will be awarded $50 for Solos, Duet/Trios and Groups routines. The same performers cannot place more than once in the High Point Awards or compete against themselves in the same performance or age category. In case of a time, the cash award will be divided. 2011/2012 Regional High Point First Place recipients may not enter the same routine at another Dance Champ Regional Competition in the same year. Cash awards will be sent to the Dance Studio Director.
DC DANCE CHALLENGE
Join DC for a “Simulated Audition”. Three to five - eight counts will be taught. Dancers will perform on stage until the judges, by elimination, have chosen the top three winners from the Junior Division (11 years of age and younger) and the Senior Division (12 years of age and older). Winners will be awarded $25, $15, $10 in DC Cash. Tickets may be purchased at the DC Boutique for $10. Dancers compete at the age they are the day of the competition. DC reserves the right to offer a Petite Challenge.
TIME LIMITS - Solo, Duet, Trio and Group Routines are limited to 3 minutes. Productions are limited to 7 minutes. Extended time limits may be purchased to accommodate longer routines.
MUSIC
Each routine must be recorded and cut on a single CD. CDs must be in a protective sleeve /case. DC is not responsible for damaged CDs. CD holders/briefcases are not accepted. CD and CD sleeves needs to be clearly labeled. CD labels will be available the day of the competition. Do not place label on CD, but indicate your studio code, name of the routines and routine number on the CD. We recommend music is professionally duplicated as DC cannot be responsible for unreadable CDs. We no longer accept audio tapes. We accept MP3 Files via Ipod and USB Flash Drives. We will accept Ipods if Ipod is clearly labeled with the studio’s name and studio code All music must be on 1 playlist in the numerical order established by DC competition. The playlist should be the studio’s name and studio code in parenthesis. The filename should be: the entry number, followed by a hyphen, followed by the dance title followed by the studio code.
| Example: For an Ipod: | Playlist name: Dance Gallery (103) | Filename: 003-Steam Heat (103).mp3 |
| For Flash Drive | Filename: 003 Steam Heat (103).mp3 |
An accessible backup for all acts is required to be in your possession during the competition. Music is to be turned in at the Registration table One Hour prior to the start of the competition. Music can be picked up at the end of each competition day by the Studio director. Studio name cannot be used as song title, name of routine, worn as costume apparel or appear on a prop or deductions will be taken. Sound Systems vary at each location. Our MC will not adjust the speed of the music or make cuts in the music. DC is not responsible for lost, stolen or unclaimed music.
JUDGING
Our panel of well-qualified judges critique each performance against a pre-set point system. (50 points per judge) Our scoring system allows for multiples of PLATINUM, HIGH GOLD, GOLD, HIGH SILVER, and SILVER. Judges decisions are final and represent their professional opinions, not necessarily those of the DC Management Staff. If the judges feel that a performance’s choreography, costume, or song lyrics are inappropriate, points will be deducted and they will not be eligible for high point awards. Routines may be stopped and disqualified. DEDUCTIONS: time limit (1 pt); routines not completed (5 pts); routines, music, and costumes not suited for family viewing (1-6 pts); entered in the wrong category (1 pt); time delays (5 pts) per judge.
AUDIO/VIDEO SCORE SHEETS
May be accessed by teachers by clicking the link “DC Connection” on our Dance Champs website. Teachers will be able to access their scores, audio and video critiques (from each judge) following the competition through our website. Visit “DC Connection” for your studio information regarding competition schedules, facility directions, music labels, confirmation of your routines, and any other pertinent information.
**Any performer competing in a dance competition takes certain inherent risks. These include but are not limited to sprains, bruises, pulled muscles, and broken bones. Dance Champs Participants indicate the acceptance of such risks. Therefore by virtue of entering and performing on stage, it is agreed that participants will not hold Dance Champs, its officers, directors, staff, employees or hosting facility responsible for injuries sustained or illnesses contracted by them while in attendance and/or participating in any activity related to a Dance Champs competition. Dance Champs and the hosting facility are not responsible for personal injury to contestants, spectators, or property loss.
**All participants, teachers, dancers, spectators grant permission/consent to the directors of Dance Champs the use of their photographs, videos, or other electronic media to appear in advertising, news coverage, DC website, or any other commercial use of our event to promote Dance Champs.
** DC is a family-oriented dance competition that is dedicated to providing a safe, positive environment for our dancers and audience.