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Rules & Regulations

MINI: 6 & UNDER
PETITE: 7-9
JUNIOR: 10-12

TEEN: 13-15
SENIOR: 16-19
20 & OVER: 20 & UP

All dancers must be able to provide proof of age on site at all regional and national events. Failure to do so may result in disqualification if challenged. When determining average age, Dancers Inc. drops the ending decimal. For example, an average age of 12.8 would compete at the Junior Average age of 12.

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NEW!!

The oldest performer in a duo/trio, small group or large group (lines and productions excluded) may only compete one age division lower than the oldest dancers current age division. For example, if the oldest performer is 16 years of age (senior division) they may only compete in the teen (13-15) or senior (16-19) divisions, regardless of the average age. A senior dancer may never compete in the mini (6 & under) petite (7-9) or junior (10-12) age division.

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NEW!!

BEGINNER

(Recommended up to 5 routines registered per dancer)

These dancers have limited technical training and a new understanding to the fundamentals of dance. Basic foundation dance movements include but are not limited to the following: Beginner Turns such single pirouettes, chaines, piques/Leaps such as side leaps, grand jetes/Acro Skills that require two hands to be placed on the ground/Walking and Moving

Patterns such as grapevines, three step turns, pivot turns/Flexibility such as front/side battements and assisted extensions/Tap Steps such as shuffles, flaps, heel drops, heel toes, dig heels, that follow a consistent tempo and rhythm. This dancer demonstrates an overall understanding of their routine from choreography, musicality and technical steps but have not quite mastered those skills and can use more time improving in the classroom.

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There are no cash awards in this division. There are scholarships available for beginner dancers. Soloists in this division cannot be entered for The Next Generation Regional title at regional events. There will be a presentation of top overall scores only. Beginner entries will not be qualified to participate in our National "Best of the Best" Showcase performance at nationals.

INTERMEDIATE

(Recommended up to 9 routines registered per dancer)

These dancers have an understanding of the fundamentals of dance, body lines and how to execute skills given. Dancers in this level should be adding advancements to the basic foundation movements mentioned above. Those dance movements include but are not limited to the following: Intermediate Turns such as double pirouettes, connection turns, short sequence of multiple turns/Leaps such as switch leaps, traveling jumps/Acro Skills that involve only one hand or no hands to execute, demonstrating stalls on the floor, connection of multiple acro skills/Walking and Movement Patterns that require different levels and experimenting weight changes/Flexibility such as front, side and back battements illusions, developes, tilts/Tap Steps such as cramp rolls, tap turns, maxi fords, buffalos, single time steps, pull backs, steps that begin to demonstrate different rhythmic timing and involving weight changes.

 

This dancer demonstrates an overall understanding of their routine from choreography, musicality and technical steps while displaying control of dancers body with minor inconsistencies in presentation of skills.

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Entries in this level will be able to receive scholarship awards. Soloists in this division can be entered for The Next Generation Regional title at regional events. Intermediate entries can qualify to participate in our National Divisional Showcase performance at nationals. There will be a "Judges Choice Battle" for dancers in this category if chosen to recompete.

ADVANCED

These dancers have a full understanding of the fundamentals of dance, body placement, stage performance, while executing skills at an advanced level. Advanced turns such as multiple pirouettes, a la second turns, sequence of turns, changing of spots/Leaps that include switching leg placement and directional changes, tilt jumps, traveling leap sequences/Acro Skills such as multiple connected tumbling passes, execution of skills without use of hands, held stalls/Walking and Movement patterns that require the dancer to use full use of the stage through traveling, weight changing/Flexibility such leg turns, unassisted leg holds with stability and proper leg placement/Tap Steps such as single/double pull backs, single wings, shiggy bops, turns, and changing shuffles that demonstrate different rhythmic timing and weight changes while providing clear and precise sounds.

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Soloists in this division can be entered for The Next Generation Regional title at regional events. The scores in this division will be considered for gift certificates, scholarships or cash prizes. Advanced entries will be qualified to participate in our National "Best of the Best" Showcase performance at nationals.

SOLOISTS

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Teacher and Adjudication Only performance divisions are allowed to enter as well

 

Competition entries including a participant who is listed as a teacher will be placed in the "Teacher" category. Neither teacher nor 20 & over entries are eligible for top awards or cash prizes unless more than 5 teacher/20 & over dances are registered in the competition.

 

Teacher is defined as anyone 18+ who makes 50% of their income teaching dance annually

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  • Advanced soloists are limited to 4 solo entries and must be in different categories of the competition.

    • Their top 2 scoring solos are eligible for the top 10

  • Intermediate soloists are limited to 3 solo entries and must be in different categories of the competition.

    • Their top scoring solo is eligible for the top 10

  • Beginner soloists are limited to 2 solo entries and must be in different categories of the competition.

    • Their top scoring solo is eligible for the top 10

  • When determining the competitive level of a dancer, please keep in mind you can only choose one of our levels. In other words, a dancer cannot be Intermediate in one dance style and Advanced in another. The level you place a dancer on your student roster in our online system will carry through every dance they are in.

MIXED LEVEL ROUTINE  NEW!

    • ​Studio directors should place their dancers at the level they feel is most accurate based on our performance levels and guidelines. However, judges reserve the right to advance a routine if they feel that is was purposely placed at a lower division in order to win. Please choose carefully so that your dancers will be challenged, but will compete against others at their developmental level.

    • 50% of the dancers in a mixed level routine must be from the division they are competing in.

      • Routines can`t drop down more than one performance division from highest dancers registered division.

    • If it's split halfway between levels in dancers, the routine must compete in the higher division

      • For example, if there are 2 dancers in the intermediate division and 2 dancers in the advanced division in a small group, the routine must be placed in the advanced division.

    • For duo/trios, the highest level dancer will determine the division of the routine

      • For example, if a trio were to have one beginner, one intermediate and one advanced dancer; the trio would be advanced to the advanced division.

    • Dancers Inc., in consultation with the studio director, may move a routine to the proper division in case of an entry error on site prior to their performance

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Entry Type
# of Dancers
Time Limit
SOLO
1
2:45 MIN
DUO / TRIO
2-3
3 MIN
SMALL GROUP
4-9
3 MIN
LARGE GROUP
10-18
4 MIN
LINE
15+
5 MIN
PRODUCTION
15+
UP TO 8 MIN
VOCAL
ENTRY CONSISTING OF A STRICTLY VOCAL PERFORMANCE
-
PHOTOGENIC
JUDGES' CHOICE OF SUBMITTED PHOTOGRAPH
-

  • Entrances and exits are included in the allotted time. Deductions will be made for exceeding time limits at the judges' discretion

  • Contestants may not compete against themselves in the same routine style.

    • For example, a soloist can not compete in two ballet solos.

  • Vocal entries are only eligible for top awards when more than 5 entries in the vocal category are registered in the competition

  • Any time overage for a routine will result in a fee of $10.00 per additional minute.

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  • ACRO: a routine consisting of controlled acrobatic or rhythmic gymnastics movements involving balance and flexibility. The routine must maintain a level of choreographed movement such as bridging tricks and/or passes in a fluid style. The use of mats is allowed. Any entry containing more than 3 acro passes must be listed in this or the “open” category.

  • BALLET: a routine where all dancers wear ballet slippers or pointe shoes and execute ballet techniques. This includes classical as well as modern interpretations.

  • CHARACTER: a routine where the dancers portray an easily recognizable character, such as a clown, scarecrow, Betty Boop, etc. Movements are stylized and tailored in an attempt to mimic a character.

  • CLOGGING: a routine where dancers perform clogging techniques in clogging shoes.

  • CONTEMPORARY: a routine where the dancers exhibit movement using the body’s natural lines and energy. Techniques include contraction, release, fall and recovery.

  • FOLKLORIC: a routine consisting of dance styles of a particular ethnic group. This includes but is not limited to National dances.

  • HIP HOP: a routine where dancers replicate a style of street dance and jazz funk routines. Movement is to include the elements of popping, locking, footwork and freezes. Break dancing may be included in this category.

  • JAZZ: a routine where all dancers execute free form movement and style characteristics of American jazz dance.  Jaxx shoes and character shoes are permitted under this category.

  • LYRICAL: a routine where all dancers interpret the lyrics or mood of a song (with or without words) using a combination of ballet and/or jazz and/or modern technique. This form includes the use of legwork, balance, facial and body emotion.

  • MODERN: a routine of modern and/or abstract movement with or without a prescribed vocabulary. Modern dance can borrow from other disciplines and is based on modern technique, i.e. Graham or Ailey, or abstract movement done to abstract music.

  • MUSICAL THEATRE: a routine interpreting a song from a “Broadway” or movie musical with costuming and choreography indicative of the original piece. Lip syncing is permitted in this category

  • OPEN: any routine combining multiple styles of dance. Also, any routine which does not fit in any category previously listed. The open division may also be used for dancers who have a routine in the same age division, level and category as another routine.

  • POINTE: a routine where a majority of the dancers wear pointe shoes and execute pointe technique to classical music with classical costumes.

  • SONG & DANCE: a routine consisting of a vocal and dance performance. Routines must include at least 50% dance technique. Music may only include back-up vocals.

  • TAP: a routine where all dancers wear tap shoes and execute tap technique. This may include but is not limited to soft-shoe, buck and wing, street tap as a melodic accompaniment to music or acapella.

  • VOCAL: a vocal performance. Music may only include back-up vocals. Vocal routines are not adjudicated alongside dance categories.

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Entries are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis and are limited to available performance time. All entries must be submitted by a school. Independent entries will only be accepted if approved by a studio director. Entries must be received by our office 15 days prior to the event. Entries received less than 15 days prior to the event will be considered late entries and are subject to a service fee. Late registrations will only be accepted upon approval of management and are subject to available time and space. A complete confirmation of competition registrations is available upon submission of entries.

Finalized competition schedules will be sent to the studio director no less than 10 days prior to the event. Dancers Inc. does not follow a general format when scheduling routines as each regional registration differs from city to city. *Dancers Inc. will not be accepting schedule requests at this time.*

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Acceptable forms of payment include a single studio check, money order, or certified check. Individual checks will not be accepted. Digital payment is available via Square or credit card. All credit cards are subject to a service fee via a third-party vendor. Gift vouchers and certificates redeemed as a part of payment must be mailed directly to the office or email a digital picture to office@dancersinccomp.com. All available discounts must be deducted prior to payment; no refunds or rebates will be issued. All registrations must be paid in full prior to the start of the show. No onsite payments will be accepted. No refunds will be made under any circumstances. 

Credits for future competitions will be issued only for medically excused dancers or at the discretion of Dancers Inc. management. Service fees and late fees are ineligible for refund or cancellation. Please note that additional fees may apply in certain situations:
Bank fee/returned check fee: $75 per bounced check
Last-minute registration fee: $50 administrative fee per studio once the schedule has been finalized.
Manual entry fee: $30 administrative fee for registrations sent in via e-email or letter.

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Dancers Inc. prefers digital upload through our online registration system. If you are unable to use this system please contact the office no later than 7 days BEFORE the competition to arrange another option. Music uploads MUST BE IN by 7 days BEFORE the event. A late fee of $100 will be added onto accounts if music is not uploaded by deadline. All studios must bring a backup for their music files. For backup music ONLY we will accept iPod/Smartphone or a flash drive. All files must be labeled with the routine name reflected in the registration. Dancers Inc. is not responsible for lost or damaged equipment. 

Similarly, Dancers Inc. is not responsible for the loss of quality of sound due to file upload or damage. Music choices should be age-appropriate and not contain any explicit material such as foul language or overt sexual references. Competitions are performed in public spaces with an audience present and must be "family-friendly" For any routines that go over the allotted time limit, that routine will be subjected to a $10 overage fee that will automatically be placed on their DCG account.

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Freestanding props are allowed; no knives, swords, glitter/confetti, or fire are permitted. Any routine including props must be properly notated at the time of entry in order to ensure preparation time. The placement of the prop must be completed within 1 minute. The timing of the act will begin after the 1 minute prep time. If the stage is "littered" during a routine, you must be prepared to completely clean and clear the stage immediately following the completion of the routine. Failure to do so will result in a 1-point deduction from your total score.

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Awards
Advanced
Intermediate
Beginner
PRESTIGE ELITE
300-297
NOT ELIGIBLE
NOT ELIGIBLE
ELITE
296-291
300-294
300-294
HIGH GOLD
290-282
293-285
293-285
GOLD
281-273
284-276
284-276
HIGH SILVER
272 & LOWER
275 & LOWER
275 & LOWER

Each entry is adjudicated by 3 judges according to the competition level, performer's age, and dance category at our regional events. At our national events, 4 judges will be adjudicating and the lowest score will be dropped from the total overall score. Judges score performers according to a 100-point scale. Points are awarded for technique, execution/musicality, choreography/showmanship, and overall appearance.

Technique - 50%
Execution/Musicality - 25%
Choreography/Showmanship- 15%
Overall Appearance- 10%

All judges will participate in group commentary which will be recorded for each entry. Judges' critiques and scores are uploaded to the studio's Dance Comp Genie account within 2-3 days of completion of the event. Should there be a technical difficulty with the recording of a routine, the studio owner will be notified and handwritten critiques will be provided.

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High Score Awards are based upon placement within the beginner, intermediate, and advanced divisions. On-stage announcements for overall award winners will be determined by the number of entries in each division and level. Awards are based on a composite score and are not affected by placement within an age group. In recognition of the talents of the choreographer and teachers, we proudly bestow the following special awards to deserving groups at each regional event. Judges choose winners for the following awards on the next page:

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INTERMEDIATE DIVISION

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ENTERTAINMENT AWARD: Awarded to a routine that encompasses outstanding performance quality in their emotional commitment, musicality, presentation and staging. It is awarded to a routine in the 12 and under age division and the 13 and over age division.

CHOREOGRAPHY AWARD: Awarded to a routine that shows an innovative and creative point of view that incorporates new and unique characteristics in the choreography. It is awarded to a routine in the 12 and under age division and the 13 and over age division.

ADVANCED DIVISION​

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ENTERTAINMENT AWARD: Awarded to a routine that encompasses outstanding performance quality in their emotional commitment, musicality, presentation and staging. It is awarded to a routine in the 12 and under age division and the 13 and over age division.

CHOREOGRAPHY AWARD: Awarded to a routine that shows an innovative and creative point of view that incorporates new and unique characteristics in the choreography. It is awarded to a routine in the 12 and under age division and the 13 and over age division.

TECHNIQUE AWARD: Awarded to a studio that demonstrated dancers excellence in dance training and conditioning. It is awarded to one studio in both the 12 and under age division and the 13 and over age division.

TOP SCORING STUDIO: For this award, a studio must have at least five routines registered to qualify. Dancers Inc. will take the top five routines from each studio, add them up and find the average to determine who the top scoring studio is. This award is awarded to one studio at each regional event.

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NEXT GENERATION TITLE WINNER: 

 

The Next Generation Title Winner is Dancers Inc.'s version of a Regional title. For an additional non-refundable fee, we accept solo entries from the advanced and intermediate divisions at each age division (Mini, Petite, Junior, Teen, Senior). Beginner solo entries are not eligible for the Next Generation Regional title winner. Solo dancers registered in the Intermediate and Advanced divisions must score a high gold or above to be eligible for the Next Generation Regional title.

Studio Directors will notate one solo per dancer for consideration at the time of registration. These solos are still eligible for overall placement. A soloist can only win Next Generation Regional title once per season, however, they may re-compete as many times as they desire. Next Generation Regional title winners receive recognition as well as an award onstage during the awards ceremony. In addition, dancers will be listed on the Dancers Inc. website and social media sites with a dancers spotlight. In the event of a tie, all ties will be broken by the discretion of the judges with an overall impression score.

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Title entries compete at the age group of the participant as of January 1st of the current competition year.

 

Solo dancers registered in the advanced division who have received a high gold or higher at Dancers Inc. regional or pre-qualifying event are eligible for entry in the National Title Program. All title contestants must compete at the advanced division in all of their registered routines.

 

Title contestants are l limited to 1 solo entry which must be prequalified prior to our national competition. Title solo time limit is 2:45 minutes. The same solo may not be performed for both Titleist competition and National competition.

All title contestants will be judged on classwork, impromptu professional conversations, pageant (both in rehearsals and on title night), and title solo performance.

 

Title contestants must be available for the entire week of Dancers Inc. nationals.

 

Title winners will be asked to perform at regional events throughout the upcoming Dancers Inc. season. Based on their age, Titleists will be required to work a specified amount of Dancer Inc. regional events. They also MUST be available for the following season's nationals to give up their title at our Nationals event.

 

Titleists solos will be adjudication only at regionals during their reigning year. You may not hold the same age division title twice (i.e Petite Miss 2021 may not be Petite Miss 2022).

 

Titleists will be monitored on social media and will be held accountable to uphold a good standing in their everyday lives and with their studios. 

 

Violation of any Dancers Inc. said rules will result in disciplinary action up to and including disqualification. In all cases, Dancers Inc. reserves the right to determine the definition of a violation and a suitable disciplinary action.

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Video and photography during competition are prohibited at all Dancers Inc. events. This includes inside spaces designated as dressing rooms. Videos and photos will be made available via the Dakiki app available for both Apple and Andriod one week after event end date.

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Any person displaying unsportsmanlike conduct, rude or unacceptable behavior will be asked to leave the premises immediately. No refunds will be issued and dancers are subject to disqualification. This includes dancers, dance studio staff, and family or friends of dancers. This applies to all Dancers Inc. sponsored events.

 

During competition, a minimum of 9 minutes are scheduled for costume changes between a given performer's entries. In situations where it is impossible to provide this minimum, exceptions will be made and no points will be deducted.

Each entry is required to perform as scheduled. Changes to the schedule must be arranged with the Stage Manager or disqualification may result. Please note: If a dancer performs outside of their adjudicated session, they risk eligibility for overall placement.

 

Dancers should be in costume, warmed up, and ready to perform at least one hour prior to their scheduled time.

 

Cash prizes are awarded to the dance studio director (when available). We reserve the right to substitute gift certificates for cash awards on a needed basis.

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In the event that Dancers Inc. is forced to cancel any or part of an event, Dancers Inc. will either continue the event at a later date that is the majority vote of participating studios or provide studio credits for any other regional or national event in the same season or the one immediately following.

 

All preceding rules are applicable to each and every Dancer Inc. event and subject to change.

We thank you for choosing Dancers Inc. Competition and Conventions The Next Generation

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