REGISTRATION
• Entries will be processed on a first-come, first served basis and will be limited to the amount of performance time available at each event.
• Entries must be entered through the Registration System. NO PHONE, FAXED, MAILED or EMAILED entries will be accepted.
• All entries must include the correct names and ages of all contestants. It is IMPERATIVE that each studio roster be entered/updated with the CORRECT PERFORMANCE LEVEL. This WILL NOT be permitted to be changed after the schedule is complete.
• The name of a routine may NOT be the same name as the studio.
• No dancer may compete as an independent entry if their studio is registered for that event.
• If a dancer would like to compete at an event with two separate studios, that dancer MUST have written permission from BOTH studios prior to the event.
• Reserving a space in a particular event without a deposit does NOT guarantee your reservation. Reservations are on a first come, first served basis WITH a deposit that has been submitted to your account. Studios who have a reservation without a deposit will be contacted as a show fills to give the opportunity to put a deposit immediately to hold the spots.
• All Entries MUST be PAID IN FULL before they will be processed.
• Invoiced fees are based on your ‘Paid in Full’ date. The Star Dance Alliance operates on a tiered pricing scale:
• Tier 1 – < 45 days prior to the event – 75+ days prior to the event
• Tier 2 – < 45-74 days prior to the event
• Tier 3 – < 44 days prior to the event
• Payments must be made by Credit Card or E-Check. Please note… when paying by E-Check, all payments must be received no later than 45 days prior to the first day of the event. NO CERTIFIED CHECKS, PERSONAL CHECKS, or MONEY ORDERS will be accepted. NOTE: There will be a phone payment processing fee of 5% for multiple payment transactions made through the office. To avoid this fee, please utilize our partial payment option online.
• NO CASH REFUNDS WILL BE ISSUED FOR ANY REASON
• Once payment is made, studios will receive a summary via email of all registered routines. It is the responsibility of the studio to review this information, including birth date and age division, and reply IMMEDIATELY with any corrections. Registrations must be CHECKED & FINALIZED no less than 45 days prior to the event. Any changes made less than 45 days prior to the event will incur the following change fees:
• < 45 days prior to the event – $10 per change
• < 30 days prior to the event – $25 per change
• < 10 days prior to the event – $50 per change
• All ‘Change Fees’ must be paid by credit card at the time the change is made.
• When making changes to a specific routine, it is imperative that you do so by logging in to your studio portal (through www.dancebug.com) to make the change. Do NOT enter through any competition registration site, as this will not transfer any changes that have previously been made.
• No entries will be accepted at the competition for any studio who is not already registered.
• With the exception of Title, Photogenic and Costume entries, registered studios may add an entry ONLY if the show’s director approves it. Added routines may not be eligible for High Score Awards.
• VIDEO ENTRIES can qualify for our National Championships by submitting a video and a regional entry fee no later than June 1, 2024. Video entries will be adjudicated only.
• Each competition reserves the right to limit solos to two 1-2 per dancer, depending on venue capability and space.
• Each competition reserves the right to add additional competition days/times, if deemed necessary, and also reserves the right to move the competition location if it becomes necessary due to circumstances beyond its control.
• By completing your registration for a Star Dance Alliance event, all registered contestants do hereby grant permission to the Star Dance Alliance to publish their photographs and/or videos for promotional reasons. This includes social media, local television, national television, promotional videos, the web or in any other publication to promote its competitions. Furthermore, you hereby release all directors, officers or representatives of this competition from any and all claims for damages or injuries sustained while participating in any activity related to this competition. In addition, the Star Dance the right to communicate one on one, or through our mailing list, with each studio using the email provided in the registration system.
SCHEDULING & PERFORMANCE TIMES
A time schedule will be e-mailed to email address provided by the studio on your registration no later than seven (7) days before the competition date to all entrants. In order to receive a detailed schedule, your account must be paid in full.
There is NO general format. Every regional schedule is based solely on the breakdown of entries by solos, duet/trios, groups and lines in each age division for that particular city. This breakdown is not available until all of the entries have been processed. At that time, a schedule will be set to best accommodate the entrants at that competition. No time requests will
be accepted.
ALL ENTRIES MUST COMPETE ON THE DAY AND TIME ASSIGNED. We understand that there are sometimes unforeseen events that can arise. Any entry, which is not able to compete at their assigned day and time, may request an alteration to the routine’s performance time. If this is approved, this routine may be permitted to compete for ADJUDICATION ONLY and may not be eligible for high score awards. Any change in competition days and/or times is at the sole discretion of the Director and will be determined by the time allowance at each Regional Competition.
The number in which each routine is assigned is for reference and identification purposes. Routines are expected to perform in numerical order unless granted special permission by the Competition Director. If the backstage manager sees potential delays due to costume changes, you may be asked to compete out of sequence in order. Please be prepared to compete when we call your number, even though it may be a few numbers earlier than you anticipated.
• Unauthorized delay of a performance may result in point deduction and/or disqualification.
• Any routine not performed within 10 entries of their scheduled order may not be eligible for overall high score awards
unless pre-approved by the Competition Director.
Performers MUST be checked in with the Backstage Manager 1 HOUR prior to their scheduled performance time.
Failure to do so may result in your routine being disqualified.
**NOTE** If you determine that you do not have enough time between numbers to change costumes, it is imperative that you advise the backstage manager. If the backstage manager has not been notified of any problem, and you are not ready to compete when called, your routine may be disqualified.
GENERAL DIVISIONS / TIME LIMITS
IMPORTANT: Any person who is actively participating in a routine for ANY amount of time is counted as a performer and must be registered as such. This includes any person who can be seen by the judges for any amount of time, and any person who may be in a costume that covers their face.
DANCER COUNT
The number of performers on the stage during a routine MUST match the number of names listed in the registration/ tabulation system. In the event that there are more performers on stage during a routine than are registered, that routine may be disqualified and will not receive a refund. In addition, the studio will be charged the Tier 3 entry fee plus a $50 change fee.
SUBSTITUTIONS
In the event that a dancer is unable to compete, and another dancer takes their ‘spot’ for that routine, the routine must be recalcuated based on the age and competition level of the substitute dancer. This must be reported to the competition staff BEFORE the scheduled performance.
Solo – (1) Performer
Time Limit – 2:00 minutes – All Petite (8 & Under) Levels / All Level 1 Age Divisions
Time Limit – 2:45 minutes – Level 2 & 3 – Juniors (9-11), Teens (12-14), Seniors (15-19)
Fashion Modeling Time Limit – 1:30 minutes
• Solos MUST compete in the competition level in which the dancer is registered originally on the studio’s roster.
• Level 1 Soloists are limited to entering a maximum of two (2) solo performance categories,
• Level 2 & 3 Soloists are limited to entering a maximum of three (3) solo performance categories.
• Soloists may compete in the Fashion Modeling and Vocal Category in addition to the dance categories.
• Soloists may not compete against themselves in any category.
• A contestant may not place more than once for high score in the Solo division.
• Each competition reserves the right to limit dancers to 1-2 solos based on time, space and the number of entries.
Duet/Trio – 2-3 Performers
Time Limit – 2:45 minutes
• No Duet/Trio may compete against themselves in the same performance category with the same performers. There must be a 50% difference in performers to place in overalls in the same age division..
Small Group – 4-9 Performers
Time Limit – 3:00 minutes
Large Group – 10-19 Performers
Time Limit – 4:00 minutes
No more than 10% of the dancers in a large group may be of a higher performance level than the level that the routine is
entered. Example: If a Level 2 Large Group has 10 dancers – 1 may be Level 3 and the remainder must be Level 2 or 1.
Line – 20 or more Performers
Time Limit – 4:30 minutes
*Extended time may be purchased up to a MAXIMUM of 6:00 minutes.
Any line over 6 minutes MUST be entered in the Production or Grand Line Divisions.
No more than 10% of the dancers in a line may be of a higher performance level than the level that the routine is entered.
Example: If a Level 2 Line has 30 dancers – 3 may be Level 3 and the remainder must be Level 2 or 1.
NEW! Production – 20 or more Performers
Level 1 & 2 Time Limit – 5:00 minutes
Level 3 Time Limit – 6:00 minutes
*Extended time may be purchased up to a MAXIMUM of 7:00 minutes.
Any production over 7 minutes MUST be entered in the Grand Line Division.
• Productions compete in ALL Levels and have NO specific performance category (jazz, tap, lyrical, etc.)
• To register for the Production Division, select the ‘Line’ division and then select the ‘Production’ category.
• Production age divisions are 11 & Under or 12 & Over. Average age will determine the age at which this routine competes. *No one over the age of 19 may compete in a production.
Grand Line – 20 or more Performers
Time Limit – 7:00 minutes
• Grand Lines compete in the LEVEL 3 ONLY, and have NO specific performance category (Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, etc.).
• Average age will determine the age at which this routine competes, however, Grand Lines with performers age 20 & over must compete in the 12 & Over division, regardless of the average age.
If any act drops below the minimum number of performers required in the group they registered for, the act will be adjudicated, however, the act will not be eligible for High Score Awards. EXAMPLE: A group of 10 performers registered as a Large Group… if 1 performer is unable to perform, this will then drop the number in the group to 9. The routine can still be judged as a Large Group, but they will not be eligible for the High Score Awards. If the routine changes to a Small Group, and that Small Group division has not yet competed, then they will be eligible for High Scores.
EXTENDED TIMES: Solos, Duet/Trios, Groups & Lines may purchase extended time at the rate of $3 per performer per 30 second increments (Lines are limited to a maximum of 6 minutes, Productions are limited to a maximum of 7 minutes). Grand Lines may purchase extended time at the rate of $3/performer for 2 minute increments. To register for extended time, please check the box on the routine that indicates “Request Extended Time” on your online studio account.
Note: Routines that are over the time limit will result in automatic point deduction of one point or a fraction thereof for every 5 seconds of overtime if extended time has not been registered for that routine.
**Productions and Grand Lines will compete against one another for the Victory Cup at National Championships in the 11 & Under and 12 & Over divisions.
AGE DIVISIONS
AGES ARE DETERMINED BASED ON THE DANCERS AGE ON DECEMBER 31ST, 2023.
DIVISIONS: 4 & Under; 5-6 Yrs; 7-8 yrs; 9-11yrs; 12-14 yrs; 15-16 yrs; 17-19 yrs; 20-29 yrs; 30-39 yrs; 40-49 yrs; 50 yrs and over. NOTE: JAZZ, TAP, LYRICAL, CONTEMPORARY AND OPEN CATEGORY CONTESTANTS WILL ENTER THE FOLLOWING SINGLE AGE DIVISIONS: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19.
DETERMINING AGE DIVISION: Duets/Trios, Groups and Lines will compete at the average age division determined by averaging the age of all members of the group. Do not use decimals or round up. Example: If the average comes to 11.8, they will compete in the 11-year old age division.
ADULT AGE DIVISION: Any routine with a performer 20 years or older will compete in the Adult Division (with the exception of the 12 & Over Grand Line Division). All adult performers MUST compete in the Advanced performance level and are not eligible for High Score Awards. If enough routines are entered in the Adult Category, a special High Score Award may be awarded at that regional. Adult dancers may include Teachers, Professionals, Parents, etc.
PROOF OF AGE: All performers are required to have proof of ages on hand at every SDA competition. Failure to provide a birth certificate or drivers license if an age division is challenged will result in disqualification of that routine. HIGH SCORE AGE DIVISIONS: High Score Awards will be given out in the Petite (8 & Under), Junior (9-11), Teen (12-14) and Senior (15-19) age divisions.
*AGE BUMP RULE – The oldest performer in a duet/trio, small group, large group or line may only compete (1) age division lower than his/her age. Example: A routine with a 15 year old performer may only compete in the Teen (age 12-14) or Senior (age 15-19) divisions regardless of the average age. A 15 year old performer may never compete in the Petite (8 & Under) or Junior (9-11) age division.
GRAND LINES – The oldest performer in an 11 & Under Grand Line may not be more than 19 years of age.
COMPETITION LEVELS
Studios are required to assign a competition level for EACH performer when they are entering their roster in the registration system. Please be certain that you are entering your performers in the
CORRECT PERFORMANCE LEVEL. NOTE: DANCERS MAY ONLY BE REGISTERED AT ONE LEVEL…Any dancer found to be registered in more than one level may be disqualified (This includes if a dancer’s name has been entered into the system with a ‘slight difference’ in spelling, but is actually the same dancer). Dancer’s levels WILL NOT be able to be changed once entered.
SOLOS MUST COMPETE AT THE LEVEL IN WHICH THEY ARE REGISTERED ON THE STUDIO ROSTER.
ASSIGNING LEVELS
The following guidelines are suggestions to be used in determining the appropriate level placement of each competitor. Because no competition can possibly know how many hours a child dances or for how many years they have danced, it is left to the teachers own sound judgement when entering level placement for their students. In an effort to protect the integrity of each level, some limitations have been put into place.
• LEVEL 1: This competition level division is for pre-competitive dancers who have little or no experience competing. and have a basic understanding of dance terminology. Dancers may only be considered ‘Level 1’ dancers for a maximum of 3 years. *Level 1 Dancers are limited to (2) Solos with a time limit of 2:00 minutes each, and a TOTAL of (5) routines in the solo, duet/trio, small group and large group divisions combined. There is no limit on the number of lines, productions or grand lines. A Level 1 dancer may NOT compete in more than 3 routines in Level 2 (with the exception of lines, productions and grand lines). Entries will be adjudicated, and will receive High Score Awards within this level.
• LEVEL 2: This competition level is for the ‘on the rise’ dancers, and is recommended for dancers who have had approximately 2-5 years of competition experience. Entries will be adjudicated, and will receive High Score Awards within this level. **Level 3 dancers are limited to compete in a total of (2) Level 2 Large Groups or Lines.
• LEVEL 3: This competition level is for top-level competitive dancers who perform at an advanced technical level. All entries will be adjudicated, and will receive High Score Awards. ***This is the ONLY level that is eligible to receive Prize Monies. In addition, only Level 3 dancers are eligible to receive the Highest Level Adjudication. **Level 3 dancers are limited to compete in a total of two Level 2 Large Groups or Lines.
• EXTRAORDINARY ABILITY LEVEL – The Star Dance Alliance has created a level at all of our competitions designed for dancers who have different abilities and may face develepomental or physical challenges. We want these inspirational dancers have a place to flourish and shine like the stars that they are. This level is intended to give dancers that may have certain obstacles the ability to be judged fairly within their own level. Focus is placed on spotlighting these dancers in their unique abilities in an uplifting, respectful and loving way. Scoring will focus on showmanship, memorization and musicality. Dancers registered in this division may not compete in any other level other than lines or grand lines. Entries will be adjudicated and will receive High Score Awards within this level.
**IMPORTANT** – It is at the judges discretion to move any routine that they feel is placed in a level below their ability to the level in which they feel is necessary. All judges decisions are FINAL. If the judges determine that a routine should be moved to a different level, and that level has already competed, the routine will then be eligible for adjudication only.
IF ANY ROUTINE IS BUMPED TO A HIGHER COMPETITION LEVEL BY THE JUDGING PANEL AT ANY SDA COMPETITION, IT MUST COMPETE AT THE HIGHER LEVEL AT ANY SDA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AND THE WORLD DANCE CHAMPIONSHIP.
Small Groups and Duet/Trios – The highest level of dancer in a routine will determine the level of the routine. Example: One Level 3 Dancer and 8 Level 2 Dancers will determine the routine to be placed in Level 3. One Level 2 dancer and 8 Level 1 dancers will determine the routine to be placed in Level 2.
Large Groups and Lines – No more than 10% of the dancers in a routine may be a higher performance level than the level that the routine is entered. Example: If a Level 2 Line has 30 dancers – 3 may be Level 3 and the remainder must
be Level 2 or 1.
IMPORTANT NOTES ON COMPETITION LEVELS –
• No dancer that is registered in ‘Level 3’ will be permitted to perform in ANY ‘Level 1’ routines.
• No level changes may be made at the door.
• NO LEVELING UP of any routine in Duet/Trios, Small Groups or Large Groups. These routines must compete at the level that the performers are placed in (determined by the rules above). Example: A large group contains (10) Level 2 dancers and (1) Level 3 dancer, the rules above will place them in the Level 2 division, and they MAY NOT ‘Level Up’ to Level 3. (Lines and Grand Lines may Level Up).
PROTESTS
A protest may only be initiated by a Studio Director/Teacher, and must be signed and submitted in writing to the director of the show within 30 minutes of the incident involved. Protests may not be submitted after an awards ceremony.
MUSIC
• ALL Music should be uploaded though our registration system, and must be done at least 7 days prior to the competition.
• Contestants are required to provide their own music that must be recorded at the proper speed
• As a backup, we will accept the following:
• CD’S – There must be only ONE routine per CD. A back up of all music must be accessible in the event that it is needed. CD’s must be labeled with the routine name, number and studio name.
• IPODS – These will ONLY be accepted if it is clearly labeled with the studio name, address and phone #. Each routine must be it’s own separate playlist. The playlist must be labeled with the entry number (four digits) and routine title in the following format: “0384- Party in the USA”. It is also important to make sure that the repeat function is not enabled. The device MUST be fully charged, and it is the responsibility of the studio to provide a charger. This example is clearly labeled as entry number 384, Party in the USA.
• FLASH DRIVES – These must be labeled with the studio name. Each routine must be labeled with the entry number and routine title in the following format: “384 – Party in the USA”.
MUSIC CONTENT – Any music which contains profanity or racial slurs may result in a SCORE DEDUCTION. Note: If you are questioning if your music is ok, please send us your music in advance and we will check it.
All Star Dance Alliance events reserve the right to stop any music that contains vulgar or derogatory language or content. If this occurs, the routine may be adjudicated only based on the portion of the performance that they judges viewed, and may not be eligible for overall high score awards.