COMPETITION RULES AND REGULATIONS
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Entry Deadline
All entries MUST be made online through Dance Comp Genie. Please click the “Register Here” link on our website to register for competition. Registration is on a first come, first served basis and will remain open until all openings are filled. Many shows have been selling out. If the show is “sold out”, the DCG system will automatically put you on a “waiting list”. Which means if we can work you into the competition, we will do so. Registrations are not considered complete until payment has been made in full. Payments are required to be paid in full 30 days prior to competition. Registrations received after the 30 day prior to competition date will be accessed a $15 late fee per entry. Also, please note that if we accept late entries they will not be listed in the program. Any changes made to an entry after the deadline will incur a $30 administration fee. And no changes will be allowed within 7 days prior to competition. If you register and pay 45 days early for a Regional Competition, you can save $5 per entry fee for the Early Bird Special. Early Bird Discounts are not valid on Nationals entries due to the increased cost we incur. *However, if you attend 2 or more Regional Competitions within the same season, discounts may be available, restrictions apply. Please contact us directly for more information.
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Entry Fees
Solos - $
*National Solos - $
Duets/Trios - $
*National Duet/Trio - $
Groups - $/per person
*National Group - $/per person
Motivational Title - $30/per entry
Photogenic Contest - $25 ($15 additional entry)
Most Moving Costume - $25 ($15 for each additional entry)
Payments can be made during registration by credit card or you may choose to mail a studio check. If paying by studio check, your check must be received by The Dance Effect 30 days prior to competition. There is a $40 fee on all returned checks. All entries are non-refundable and all payments are final. Under no circumstances will we give cash back, unless we cancel a show.
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Types of Entries
Solo (the number of solos may be limited and may NOT compete against themselves in same category)
Duet/Trio
Small Group: 4-9 dancers
Large Group: 10-19 dancers
Production/Line: 20+ dancers
Motivational Solo Title
Photogenic
Most Moving Costume
Age Groups Mini’s: 5 and under
Teen: 13-15 years old
Petite: 6-8 years old
Senior: 16-19 years old
Junior: 9-12 years old
Adult: 20+
The Age Group is determined by averaging all of the ages of performers in a dance. The age to be used is the age of the dancer on January 1 of current year. The average is figured by adding all of the dancers’ ages and dividing by the number of dancers in the dance. For example, if there are 6 dancers at ages 6, 6, 7, 8, 8, and 9, the equation would be 6+6+7+8+8+9= 44/6 = 7.3, meaning this dance would be entered into the petite age group. For all numbers ending in a decimal, please drop the decimal. All dancers are registered through Dance Comp Genie, which automatically determines the age group your dancers will compete in. Must be able to verify age if asked to do so. TDE has the right to adjust age groups as needed.
*Dancers 20 years and older must compete in the adult division. Those ages cannot be included in the average dance age. Adult division is not eligible for Solo Motivational Title.
Entry Levels
DESIRE: The DESIRE, entry level 1, is for beginner dancers. The desire level dancer is in their first or second year of dance training and has little to no competition experience, with maybe 1-3 hours of dance training per week. This level is designed to let beginner dancers adapt to the competition scene and become comfortable dancing on stage. These level definitions are only guidelines. Teachers should take their student’s technical ability into consideration when registering.
AMBITION: The AMBITION, level 2, is for intermediate dancers. The ambition level dancer has taken two to three years of dance lessons and has some competition experience. This level is designed to prepare dancers for the next competitive level. These level definitions are only guidelines. Teachers should take their student’s technical ability into consideration when registering.
LEGACY: The LEGACY, level 3, is for experienced dancers. The legacy level dancer has taken 4+ years of dance and has had ample amount of competition experience. These level definitions are only guidelines. Teachers should take their student’s technical ability into consideration when registering.
ADAPTIVE DANCE: The ADAPTIVE DANCE level is for those dancers and/or adults with intellectual and physical disabilities. This level will receive adjudicated and special awards in the form of trophies, street signs, pins, ribbons, plaques, medals, and/or other prizes.
If 50% or more of the dancers are in a higher dance level than the rest, it will need to move to the higher level. When registering, please use your best judgment for level placement. The Dance Effect has no way to know a dancer’s abilities prior to performance and trust that they are registered in the correct level. However, The Dance Effect has the right to change a dancers entry level if our qualified judges feel the need to do so.
Time Limits
Solos: 3:00
Large Group: 4:00
Duets/Trios: 3:00 Line: 4:00
Small Group: 3:00 Production: 7:00
*Five seconds over the time limit will be allowed, however, anything
more and you will need to purchase additional for $15 per entry.
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Dance Category/Style
Jazz*: A jazz dance incorporates technique such as kicks, turns, and leaps in a rhythmic fashion.
Tap: A tap dance must use tap shoes and basic tap technique and rhythm. Recorded tap sounds is not permitted.
Ballet: A ballet dance must be performed in proper ballet shoes and include classical ballet technique.
Hip Hop*: A hip hop routine can include any hip-hop technique ranging from street dance, break dance, pop & lock, free style, funk, and stepping.
Lyrical*: A lyrical dance combines jazz and ballet techniques to show balance, flexibility, and emotion that will compliment the tone of the music selected.
Contemporary*: A contemporary dance is a combination of jazz, modern, and lyrical movements. The dance technique demonstrates control, balance, and flexibility.
Modern: A modern dance is an interpretive dance that executes the principles of fall and recovery and contract and release to express emotions related to the song choice.
Musical Theatre*: A music theatre dance uses music from a Broadway or movie musical.
Pointe: A pointe dance uses classical ballet technique. Pointe shoes are required for female dancers.
Pom*: A pom dance demonstrates the execution of sharp, uniformed movements. Pompons must be used for this type of dance. Jumps, kicks, and cheers may be performed during the routine.
Acrobatics/Gymnastics*: An acrobatic or gymnastic routine contains controlled gymnastics movements, such as walkovers, handstands, chest rolls, etc. Gymnastic passes are allowed, however, a mat must be present for advanced gymnastic skills, such as a Full and an Arabian. Dance choreography must be incorporated into the piece to blend dance, acrobatics, and gymnastics.
Clogging: A clogging dance uses proper clogging shoes and clogging technique.
Production*: A production performance incorporates any style of dance and/or acrobatics. The performance should incorporate full use of the stage and transitions on and off stage. Solo or small group performances can be incorporated during the production piece.
Character*: A character dance portrays an easily recognizable character from a play, movie, musical, or television. You may also portray a character such as an animal, policeman, farmer, etc
Open*: An open dance can be any of the listed categories or a combination of the listed categories/styles of dance.
Variety*: A variety dance is a style that does not fit into any of the categories or styles of dance listed.
Vocal: A vocal performance is considered to be singing only. Recorded voices or lip-syncing is not permitted. Not eligible for Title Entry. Song & Dance: A song and dance performance includes both vocals and dance technique. Recorded voices or lip-syncing is not permitted. Not eligible for Title Entry.
Student Choreography*: Routine choreographed by a student and performed by the student or another student.
Folkloric: A traditional, cultural and belief styled dance that emphasizes dance from a particular region. Expresses life and spirit through movements
* These categories may include acrobatic and gymnastic tricks. Advanced gymnastic tricks must be performed on a gymnastics mat (provided by the studio). Advanced gymnastic tricks include, but are not limited, to twisting rotations (Full or Arabian), double rotations, and passes with 3 or more tricks. Round-offs and cartwheels are not included as a trick in a pass.
Music
The Dance Effect requires that all music be uploaded to Dance Comp Genie during the online registration process. Music must be uploaded by 14 days prior to competition. If this is not possible, please contact The Dance Effect directly immediately. Your account will be billed for the $30 administrative fee if the music is not in registration prior to the 14 days before competition, without prior arrangements from TDE.
Even though you have uploaded your music to Dance Genie, please bring a thumb drive or an electronic device as a backup. The Dance Effect is not responsible for your music left at event.
All music must be cut and set to the proper tempo. The Dance Effect will not change the speed of music manually and is not responsible for improper playback of music.
Also, if you need to convert your type of file, please see below. The music upload feature only supports mp3 files. If the music you are using is in another audio format, you will need to convert using an online mp3 converter such http://audio.online-convert.com/convert-to-mp3 before uploading your music.
You will not need to re-upload music for Nationals if you already uploaded it prior to Regionals. It is a good idea to check your music before you complete registration!
Music must be age appropriate without foul language.
Props & More
If your routine involves props, you MUST list the props on Dance Comp Genie when entering routines!!! This alerts the TDE Staff and prepares us for space and time needed for props. Please be mindful of size, time and space of your prop.
All props must be brought backstage and checked in with the stage manager prior to the session. All props must be clearly marked with the studio name and studio owner. Check with the Backstage Manager when the best time to load out your prop would be. Each studio is responsible for setting and striking their own props. Each studio will have two minutes to set props before the act and two minutes to strike props following the act. Points will be deducted from that entry number for exceeding the time limit.
The following list of props, but not limited to, are prohibited:
Weapons/Guns/Knives
Fire/pyrotechnics/Fog/Smoke
Back drops/special lighting
Anything released from the performers hands that cannot be cleared off the stage as the dancers are exiting (glitter, confetti, liquids, baby powder, etc.)
Release of balloons
Live Animals
The Dance Effect reserves the right to refuse any props that are unsafe or which do not comply. The Dance Effect is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged props or any injuries related from your props. Any
prop that causes any kind of damage to the venue in anyway will be the responsibility of the Studio Owner. The Dance Effect will not be held liable.
No jumping off the stage. You will be disqualified. Anyone on stage in a routine MUST be registered to be in the performance.
Score Sheets
Score sheets will be available on Dance Comp Genie approximately 72 hours after the event. In addition to score sheets, each routine will receive a complimentary voice-recorded critique from each judge along with a complimentary video feed of their routine. TDE is not responsible for 3rd party technology issues but will do our best to resolve it.
Scoring Breakdown
The judges will be judging the following things:
TECHNIQUE 35 (Skill of Style/Steps, Flexibility, Strength and Body Line)
SHOWMANSHIP 25 (Stage Presence, Expression, Energy, Emotion of Movement)
CHOREOGRAPHY 20 (Difficulty and Creativity, Intricacy and Pace of Movement, Transitions)
OVERALL APPEAL 20 (Consistency and Timing, Age Appropriateness of Routine, Music, Costume) ____
TOTAL 100
*In the event of a tie, the Technique score will be the tie breaker. In the event that the Technique score is also tied, then the Showmanship score will break the tie. All scores are final.
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Judges Choice Awards
Each judge will present 3 choice awards for the 3 entry levels.
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Adjudicated Awards
Solo, Duet, Trio and Group entries will receive an award. Everyone in the routine will receive a TDE pin.
Regionals:
Platinum 285-300
High Gold 280-284.99
Gold 270-279.99
Silver 240-269.99
Bronze 225-239.99
Nationals:
Diamond 295-300
Platinum 285-294.99
High Gold 280-284.99
Gold 270-279.99
Silver 240.269.99
Bronze 225-239.99
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Other Awards
Top 3/5/10
The Top 3/5/10 in each level and age group will be awarded a medal. The 1st place champion will also receive an award and The Dance Effect Dollars, which are good for any of the TDE Regional Competition or Intensive. Please note that the number of entries may change Top 3 to a Top 5 or a Top 10, TDE discretion. Must be 3 or more entries within the level and age to qualify for TDE$.
a) Everyone in the entry receives a medal
b) 1st Place Champions in each line up will also receive The Dance Effect Dollars in the following amounts:
1) Solos, Duets/Trios - $50 *Nationals - $100
2) Small Groups - $75 *Nationals - $150
3) Large Groups, Lines/Productions - $100
*Nationals - $200
Category Cup
The Highest Score in each category/style within the age group will receive a category cup trophy; all levels are combined. Must be 3 or more entries within the category/style in each age group.
Choreography Award
The Choreography Award will be awarded to the routine with the highest choreography score in each entry level.
Solo High Point Award
Soloist that perform 2 or more solo acts will automatically be entered into the Solo High Point. The top 2 individual scores are averaged together to determine the winner. Winners receive a High Point Trophy and $50 in TDE Dollars.
Solo Motivational Title Award
We encourage soloist to add the optional Solo Motivational Title, as it is one of the dancers favorites! The Solo Motivational Title entries will be judged during their regular solo performance, but will be entered into a second (separate) award category. Only the top 1st place in each age group and entry level will be awarded and all dance styles will be combined for the Solo Motivational Title Award. The 1st place winner will receive an award, a tiara and $50 in The Dance Effect Dollars for this prestigious award. If a male dancer enters for the title and wins the 1st place position, the tiara will be replaced with a hat. Only 3 solos per person can be entered into this title division. Adults are not eligible. You may enter this during registration or at the Front Sales Table at the show but it MUST be done prior to that session beginning. The fee is $30 per entry.
Photogenic Contest
Any participant can enter the Photogenic Contest. The fee to enter this contest is $25 and must be paid at the merchandise table1 hour prior to the start of the session for the participant’s age group. You will also turn in the photo and the entry form at that time. The 1st place winner will win $50 in The Dance Effect Dollars. There must be at least 3 different contestants entered into each age group to make a valid
contest. Contestants may enter up to 2 photos, the additional photo entry fee is $15.
It is your responsibility to pick up your photo at the merchandise table after the awards ceremony. We are not responsible for damaged, unclaimed or lost photos. We also will not mail the photo if not picked up the day of the competition.
a) Photo – 5x7 or 8x10 (color or black and white)
b) Individual photos only, no group photos
c) Information to be placed on back on photo – name, age and studio
d) Age groups – Mini, Petite, Junior, Teen and Senior; if not 3 in that age then we will award by 11 & Under and 12 & Over
Most Moving Costume
Any act can enter the Most Moving Costume contest. The fee to enter this contest is $25 and must be paid at the merchandise table 1 hour prior to the start of the session for the participant’s age group. You will also turn in the entry form at this time. The 1st place winner will win $50 in the Dance Effect Dollars. There must be at least 3 different acts entered into each age group to make a valid contest. Contestants may enter up to 3 different costumes, the cost is an additional $15 fee per entry.
a) Solos, Duets, Trios, Groups or Line/Productions are all eligible
b) Age groups – Mini, Petite & Juniors and Teen & Seniors
Sportsmanship Award
The Sportsmanship Award is the most prestigious award. This award will be given to the studio that shows the most sportsmanship and charisma. The winner will receive a 5’0” tall trophy to take home to their studio.
ADCC Studio of Excellence Award (Association of Dance Competitions & Conventions)
This award is given to one studio at each event that best exemplifies the mission and purpose of The ADCC: working together and striving for excellence. The winner will receive a SOE award and you will be listed on the ADCC website and in The Competitive Advantage magazine! If you receive this award, be sure to follow the directions on the back of the award.
Competition General Info & Guidelines
The doors will open to the venue 1 hour prior to the first act to allow access to lobby and dressing rooms. The doors to the performance hall and backstage will open 30 minutes prior to the first act. The best time to find a seat in the auditorium is in between acts. Please be courteous and wait until the dancer(s) leave the stage before you walk through to find your seat or get up to leave the auditorium.
Please note that the competition may run ahead of time or behind time. Please be prepared for this possibility. There is no “set” schedule format. The number of entries, entry types and sometimes certain request can cause us to put a certain age group at a certain time or day that may vary in another city. So please don’t plan around a certain schedule format until we release it.
Please secure personal items. The Dance Effect is not responsible for any damaged, lost or stolen items.
No soliciting or advertising allowed.
No food or drink in the performance hall. Please follow the venue rules and take care of the facility. ALWAYS clean up after yourself.
The use of tobacco, marijuana or alcoholic products is prohibited in the performance facility.
We may use flashing lights, strobe lights, laser lights, loud music, fog and amongst other things that could cause harm to some. Please be aware that all of these things could be in use and take precautions if you need to. Let the DJ or Backstage Manager know if you have any concerns.
Video recording and picture taking are prohibited inside the performance hall during competition and dressing rooms at ALL times! Points could be deducted for violating these rules and you could be asked to leave. We will have a professional photographer and videographer from Express Yourself Video Productions for you to purchase routine videos and pictures from. This protects our dancers, teachers and choreographers. However, you may take photos during the award ceremonies and Move Across the Floor.
Some events may have live streaming available. However, some venues do not allow it due to hackers. We must follow the rules provided by the venues. With that being said, we offer this is a complimentary service. We are not responsible for 3rd party vendors and we will not hold up the show for it.
We encourage applause and cheering for each act, but please refrain from screaming or shouting. And be sure to clap for all dancers during the Awards. Unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated and you may be asked to leave.
Backstage Regulations
All routines must check in backstage with the stage manager 1 hour prior to their performance. One representative from the routine may check in with the stage manager. The Dance Effect Stage Manager will line routines up in the correct order.
At the time of check-in, please notify the Stage Manager of any use of props or microphones.
Teachers and performers are only allowed backstage for their performances or when directed by a staff member. Nobody is allowed to be backstage during awards except for TDE Staff.
Due to space constraints at most venues, you may be lined up outside the backstage area. Please line up and stay where we ask you to be as we may jump to your number and if you are not there it will cause us to take time from the show to find you. We do this for the safety of our dancers. Please respect this decision.
We do NOT allow anyone backstage during productions, other than the dancers in the routine and /or teachers and parents that are required in assisting the production on stage! This is a major safety issue and MUST be adhered to. TDE has the right to take action when this very important safety rule is not followed.
No food or drink is allowed in the backstage area, on stage, or dressing rooms. All dancers and studio teachers are responsible for cleaning up after themselves. Any damage to venue or dressing rooms will be the responsibility of the Studio Owner. The Dance Effect will not be held liable.
Only same gender parents and studio owners will be allowed in the dressing rooms with dancers.
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Competing Out of Order
Each entry is expected to compete at the time in which it is scheduled. However, The Dance Effect Stage Manager may ask routines to compete out of order to avoid delay, due to costume changes. Please be prepared to perform 1 hour earlier than your scheduled time as The Dance Effect Competition could run ahead of scheduled time. We shouldn’t come searching for you and cause a delay in the competition.
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Other Rules and Disclaimers
The Dance Effect reserves the right to:
Cancel any competition at any time
Add/change competition days
Move competition location
These changes may be due to weather or number of entries or pandemic.
The Dance Effect reserves the right to limit the number of entries at each competiton. We also reserve the right to change the number of entries at any given time.
If you have received The Dance Effect Dollars it is YOUR responsibility to keep them until you are ready to use them. The Dance Effect will not take the time to go back and see what your studio was awarded. TDE Dollars may be used towards any Regional entry or Intensive entry, not valid for cash, merchandise or National entries. You must contact us directly by email or phone for us to apply the TDE $. They will not work until we enable them on this end.
The Dance Effect Competitions are a kid-friendly environment. We will not tolerate music, choreography, costumes, and content that is inappropriate for the age division or audience members.
Family ~ Friendly ~ Fair ~ Fun ~ Fabulous
Risk of Injury
It should be known to all performers that by competing in dance competition you are at risk of injury such as; sprains, muscle strains, bruises, and broken bones. By entering into this competition it is agreed to release, exonerate, indemnify, and hold The Dance Effect, LLC and their entities harmless of any liabilities and/or injuries that occur as a result of participation at a The Dance Effect, LLC event. Furthermore, I agree to release The Dance Effect, LLC and their entities from responsibility of any and all losses, damages, and court, legal, and/or medical fees.
If an injury does occur please report it to a staff member immediately and complete an Accident Injury Form.
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Media Release
By entering into this competition, I also agree to allow The Dance Effect, LLC and their agents, including Express Yourself Video Productions, to use any pictures or video that my child or myself may be in and/or for the choreography for promotional use, including social media.
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Judges
The Dance Effect will have 3-5 judges throughout the competition. Different judges will judge different sessions. The judges will be given an iPad for scoring. All Judges scores are FINAL and are not open for discussion. However, if you feel you need to dispute a score, you MUST do so in writing within 2 days of competition in detail. We will NOT discuss it at the competition.
Please do not crowd the judge’s table or communicate with the Judges during the competition in anyway!
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Nationals
At the current time, National Entries are open. Meaning you do NOT have to attend a Regional Competition to qualify. However, those that have competed in a TDE Regional Competition and have paid their National Registration will take priority. The number of entries will determine entry allowance for Nationals.
We will have a TDE Finale Showcase at Nationals for all levels of dance. If chosen by the Judges, you will be invited to come back and perform again at the TDE Finale Showcase! All levels will be represented!
Additional Competition Information:
Master Classes
The Master Classes are offered for FREE to any dancer that is registered in the competition! (may not be able to offer in some cities)
Charity Dance Off
Anyone who purchases a $5 cash ticket from the TDE Front Merchandise Sales Table will be eligible to participate in the Charity Dance Off. All of the proceeds will go to the Shriners Children's. To find out more or to donate in addition to the $5 cash donation, please see the TDE Front Sales Table. (may not be able to offer in some cities)
Move Across the Floor
Move Across the Floor is where we allow dancers to “freestyle” across the TDE stage. We do allow audience members and dance families to participate sometimes too. Our DJ will announce participation guidelines prior to the start of it. Dancers will line up backstage on stage left, where they will be directed how to line up properly. This can vary by venue. Once we are ready to begin, the dancers will move across the stage from stage left to stage right from one section of curtains. More details will be explained at the show. (may not be able to offer in some cities)
Drawings
Be sure the Dance Moms, Dance Dads, Dancers and Dance Teachers stop by our Merchandise Sales Table to get a ticket to enter our drawings. It is completely free! There is a separate drawing for Dance Moms, Dance Dads, Dancers and Dance Teachers. Prizes may vary. You don’t need to be present to win if someone from your studio will pick it up for you. If nobody from your studio is there to pick it up then we will draw again and award someone that is there and able to pick up the prize. We will not mail or hold any prizes for you. This is just something we do for extra fun. You just need to print your name and studio name on the ticket and hang on to the other half until the drawing. All drawings stay in the container until the end of the show. You may only enter once. We have the right to change this at any given time as needed.
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Social Media
We are on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook! You can find us @thedanceeffect. We encourage you to post and tag us in your post from competition! We also love to hashtag! Here are a few of our favorites: #TDENationals #TDEDanceFamily #TDEFamilyLove #TDECompetiton #TDEWichita #TDEKC #TDELiberty #TDEOKC #TDEFortSmith #TDETyler #TDEDallas #TDEOmaha #TDEHouston #TDEIntensive We look forward to seeing all of your posts!
Please follow all rules listed, failure to do so could result in point deductions or disqualification from the event and/or future.