RULES & REGULATIONS
Entries
To ensure a smooth and organized process, new studios can secure their spot in our competition by reserving it on a first-come, first-served basis. This helps us avoid any last-minute surprises like reaching full capacity and being unable to accommodate studios. After accommodating returning studios, we’ll open the remaining spots to new studios without requiring deposits. It’s worth noting that studios who withdraw after being added to the participant list may face consequences in future years, such as not being invited back to the competition. We will be using an online registration platform for the competition, with the registration period beginning on October 20th, 2024 for returning studios, November 1st, 2024 for new studios, and deadline for entries set for December 1st, 2024. Please note that late registration starts November 15th, 2024 and will be subject to an additional fee per routine and will not be accepted beyond January 1st, 2025. All fees or arrangements must be made by January 15th, 2025, to ensure that everything is in order for the competition.
Divisions & Age Categories
There is no differentiation in levels for dancers, all participants will compete at the same level. However, we do offer a Novice category specifically designed for students who are in their first year of competitive dance. This year, our new 19-99 category welcomes individuals of all ages, including pre-professionals, teacher features, and even those who simply enjoy attending an adult tap class. Dancers’ age categories will be determined by their average age as of December 31, 2024. Birthdays between January 1, 2025, and the competition date will be ignored. Age categories may be combined, with a maximum of two age groups per category. If there are 12 or more contestants in a single age group, we will split them by age. For instance, if there are 18 contemporary solos in the 15-16 age range, we will split them into separate age groups for 15-year-olds and 16-year-olds. If there are 12 routines in the 15-year-old age group, we will announce the Top 5 placements.
style Categories
TAP
No pre-recorded tap sounds.
LYRICAL
Routine utilizing primarily jazz technique to express emotion or conveying the lyrics of the music. Balance, control and extension should be demonstrated.
CONTEMPORARY/ MODERN
Routine that pushes traditional boundaries, fusing fluidity, strength, and emotion. Rooted in pioneers like Graham and Cunningham, it combines diverse movement styles and individual interpretation. Exploring identity, relationships, and social issues, it uses the body as a powerful tool for self-expression.
*STUDENT CHOREOGRAPHY
This is for any routine that has been choreographed by a student. These are eligible for placements and adjudication, Awards not eligible.
POINTE
A routine where 50% or more of the dancers are on pointe or 50% or more of the routine is performed on pointe.
ACRO
Routines that prominently feature acrobatic techniques and tricks. This category is suitable for routines that include more than three acro tricks. Acro can be seamlessly blended with various styles like lyrical, jazz, or modern, allowing for a diverse range of creative possibilities.
CLASSICAL BALLET
Routine 100% classical ballet technique.
DEMI /CHARACTER BALLET
Routine using ballet technique (syllabus use not necessary) to portray a story. Examples of this would be Nutcraker, Sleeping Beauty,Little Red Riding Hood, etc… or representing an element. Such as the Sea, Spring, Fire, etc…
*PRODUCTION
Performances can consist of any number and combination of dance and variety disciplines. A five minute set-up and five minute take down period will be scheduled for each production. Productions requiring more than 10 minutes total time for stage set up will be charged $50. There are no age or division categories for productions.
JAZZ
Routine incorporating over 50% of jazz technique.
HIPHOP/STREET
Routines consisting primarily of hip-hop and street dance technique.
MUSICAL THEATRE
A routine that uses theatrical performance and includes the use of LIVE VOCALS, spoken dialogue, acting, and dance. Anything containing more than 16ct of the mentioned above should be placed in this category.
VARIETY
A routine that uses theatrical performance and includes the use of LIP-SYNCING, acting, and dance. Anything containing more than 16ct of the mentioned above should be placed in this category.
OPEN
This category is for any routine that does not seem appropriate in any of the above listed categories. Ie) Improv, National, ect. These are eligible for placements, adjudication and awards with the exception of improv winning overall choreography award.
*These numbers do not quality for cash prizes.
Routines
Dance City Promotions reserves the right to refuse entries. Entries are received on a first-come-first-served basis. Please enter early to avoid being turned away. Late entries will be accepted only if scheduling permits and at the late entry pricing/admin charge.
Refund Policy
Entry fees are non-refundable. A credit will be issued for solos and duos/trios only minus a $10 admin fee per entry. They will be issued for medical reasons only. A letter listing the competitor’s name, solos and a doctor’s note must be received by Feb 1st. There are no refunds for cancellation of entries.
GROUP CATEGORIES
GROUP CATEGORY
SOLOS
DUETS
TRIOS
SMALL GROUP
LARGE GROUP
LINE GROUP
PRODUCTIONS
NUMBER OF DANCERS
1
2
3
4-9
10-20
21 +
UNLIMITED
TIME ALLOTTED
2.5 MIN
2.5 MIN
2.5 MIN
4 MIN
4 MIN
5 MIN
25 MIN
SOLOS
1 dancer
2.5 MIN
DUETS
2 dancers
2.5 MIN
TRIOS
3 dancers
2.5 MIN
SMALL GROUP
4-9 dancers
4 MIN
LARGE GROUP
10-20 dancers
4 MIN
LINE GROUP
21 +
5 MIN
PRODUCTIONS
UNLIMITED dancers
25 MIN
Repeating/Addition of Dancers
If there is a group competing against itself with more than 50% of the dancers in both groups they must dance out of category or in open. If the number of dancers in a routine happens to change from the time of entry, to the event, you must contact our office to inform us of the changes immediately. We will do our best to accommodate the change if it moves you out of category.
Additional Terms
- Reserves the right to video record events.
- Will not be responsible for lost or stolen articles.
- Will not be responsible for any personal injuries occurring during the competition.
- Will accept written concerns, which have been signed and submitted to a Dance City director.
- A practice room will be provided with a music system. This music system will be Electronic Device compatible.
- Dance City is NOT assuming responsibility for dancers who miss their performance BE EARLY. We reserve the right to run up to 30
minutes ahead of schedule. Performers must wait in the backstage area until their category is called and remain there once finished to return for sessional adjudication. Be ready for your performance or you could miss your time slot. - No parents or siblings are allowed backstage (schools please remind your parents of this) – Dance city employees, venue staff/ Instructors and Performers ONLY.
- NO CAMERAS AND NO VIDEOS / ALL CELLULAR PHONES ARE TO BE SWITCHED OFF IN THE AUDITORIUM.
- Any damage done to the venue will be billed to the appropriate school (i.e. damage done to the floor by use of props, etc.)
- Students and Teachers must refrain from wearing school insignias on stage. This includes taking props on and off stage.
- Please notify the backstage manager of any props used in routines, ensuring they are placed on and removed from the stage within 1 minute. Note that exceeding the time limit may incur a fee. You may purchase addition prop time on the portal when registering.
- Placement and removal of props is the responsibility of the studio. Props may be brought into the holding area prior to the beginning of the day or scheduled breaks that they are needed in. (Arrangements can be made to use the back loading doors).
- Please note that unsportsmanlike behavior or bullying of any kind will result in immediate disqualification
from the competition and removal of awards. We strive to maintain a positive and respectful environment for all participants.