DANCE
SHOWCASE
USA 2010

15th Anniversary
  

2010 DANCE SHOWCASE USA GUIDELINES

All entries must be postmarked 21 days prior to the competition date which is also the deadline date for all entries. There will be a $15 late fee per entry for any entries not paid by the deadline date which is 21 days prior to the competition except costume entries. We are offering a 5% rebate toward all Regional and National entry fees postmarked 30 days prior to the competition date. This incentive is for studios only (minimum 5 entries); independent entries do not qualify. To receive this rebate, your entries and payment must be postmarked 30 days prior to the competition and paid in full. *NEW* If payment is by credit card, the charge must be for the full amount as one charge to receive the rebate and if any transaction denials occur, the rebate will not be given. Please do not take the rebate out when payment is submitted. The rebate will be mailed after the competition is completed. Please send one studio check or credit card for all studio entries. Entries may be faxed or emailed. No entries will be accepted by phone. All entries will be processed once payment is received. Mastercard, Visa, and Discover are accepted. No Personal Checks accepted at any time. Studio checks will only be accepted when received by the deadline date. *NEW* Gift certificates must accompany the entries for credit. *Late entries will be accepted as competition space permits.

All entries received after the deadline date must be paid for by cashier’s check, money order or credit card. No Studio Checks will be accepted after the deadline date. There will be a fee of $15 per entry for any changes made after the schedule has been posted including adding/substitutions/removal of dancers or requests to dance in another session for adjudication only. In order to avoid this fee, studios should identify any possible conflicts when the entries are sent in and we will attempt to work around those conflicts when the schedule is being done, especially if there are drill  team, prom, or other school conflicts. There will be a $25.00 charge on all returned checks and all future payments will be required by cashier’s check, money order or credit card. Schedules will be mailed to each studio or independent entry 1 week prior to the competition. *All entrants grant DANCE SHOWCASE USA permission to use their photographs/videos for promotional and advertising purposes. Admission is free. You may e-mail DANCE SHOWCASE USA at info@danceshowcaseusa.com . When emailing or faxing us, please be sure that we respond within 72 hours to your email or fax confirming we received it. If we have not responded, please call us to verify we have received your emailed or faxed entries. For emails, please be sure to provide a subject. If no subject is sent, we will not open the email.

Regional Entry Fees – Solo - $75, Duet/Trio - $85, Small Group, Large Group, and Line - $30 per dancer and Outstanding Costume/Photogenic - $25.

Performance Levels - Each division will be divided into three levels: The Star Level (Competition) is open to anyone. The Diamond Level (Intermediate) is only open to contestants currently taking 8 hours or less of dance per week. The Crystal Level (Recreational) is only open to contestants currently taking 4 hours or less of dance per week. Hours of dance per week are all practices including class time, private lessons, and rehearsal time. Overalls will be awarded to all three levels, however, no cash awards will be available for the Crystal Level (Recreational) (only gift certificates). A routine with dancers of different levels should be entered in the Performance Level that applies to more than 50%of the dancers. For the Petite Age Division, only the Crystal and Diamond Level will be allowed (There will be no Star Level for Petites). All Lines will compete only in the Star Level.

Division – Solo, Duet/Trio, Small Group (4-9 dancers), Large Group (10-17 dancers), and Line (18 or more dancers). Should a routine drop below the minimum number of performers for the group or line sizes during the competition, the routine will be awarded their adjudication award based on points, however, the routine will not be eligible for Overall Awards.

Age Division – Minis (4 & under), Petite (5-6, 7-8), Juniors (9-10, 11-12), Teens (13-14), Seniors (15-16, 17-19), Adults (20-29, 30 & over). For Solos & Duet/Trios, if more than three dances are entered in a combined age division in any category, the division will be split into single age groups. For Groups, if more than five dances are entered in a combined age division in any category, the division will be split into single age groups. For Duet/Trio, Small Group, Large Group and Line, the average age determines the age division into which you compete. To determine the average age: Add the age of each dancer together, then divide the total by the number of dancers. Drop the decimal point after the average age has been determined, i.e. average age 12.99 will compete in age 11-12. ALL AGES FOR REGIONAL & NATIONAL COMPETITIONS WILL BE BASED ON THE DANCER’S AGE ON JANUARY 1, 2010. FOR NATIONALS, IF ANY ADDITIONS/SUBSTITUTIONS/DELETIONS ARE MADE TO THE ORIGINAL LIST OF DANCERS, THEN THE AVERAGE AGE WILL BE RE-COMPUTED. The instructor/parents will be responsible for providing proof of age, if requested. Duet/Trio, Small Group, and Large Group entries cannot compete in an age division more than one age division younger than the oldest dancer, regardless of the average age. An example would be a performer age 15 (Senior) dancing in a duet/trio or group with an average age of 10 (Junior), would be moved into the Teen Age Division and put into the lowest age group of the Teen Age Division (age 13). If a performer’s age is 20 or older, the Duet/Trio or Group must compete in the Adult Age Division and the above rule does not apply. The Line Division is the only exception to these rules.

 Categories

Acrobatic/Gymnastics – a routine using at least 50% gymnastic passes/moves and incorporates dance technique with definite choreography.
Auxiliary/Drill Team – a routine consisting of precision marching, jazz run or dance style. May use hoops, flags and/or hand props. Gymnastic/acrobatic passes should not consist of more than 50% of the dance.
Ballet – a routine consisting of ballet technique and classical steps. (Ballet shoes required. *NEW* Non-compliance will result in a 5 point deduction from the total score).
Baton – a routine using baton(s) and baton technique. Will be judged on both baton technique and dance.
Character – a routine choreographed to portray a character. The characters may be from movies, theater, TV, etc. Tap sounds are not permitted on tapes/CDs.
Clogging – a routine consisting of clogging technique.
Contemporary – a routine choreographed to interpret and portray emotions, consisting of a combination of lyrical, jazz, or modern techniques.
Folkloric – a routine consisting of ethnic styles of dance, such as African, Hawaiian, Polka, Spanish, etc.
Hip-Hop – a routine consisting of hip-hop or street style dance. Gymnastic/acrobatic passes should not consist of more than 50% of the dance.
Jazz – a routine consisting of jazz technique utilizing up-tempo music.
Lyrical – a routine utilizing the lyrics of the music incorporating balance, flexibility and control.
Modern – a routine of interpretive dance using balance and control; must be of modern technique, movement, and choreography.
Musical Theatre – a routine interpreting a song from a "Broadway" or movie musical through any style of dance. Tap sounds are not permitted on tapes/CDs.
Open – a routine consisting of a combination of different dance styles, or one that does not fall under any other DANCE SHOWCASE USA category. Gymnastic/acrobatic passes should not consist of more than 50% of the dance. Tap sounds are not permitted on tapes/CDs.
Pointe – a routine consisting of pointe technique. (Pointe shoes required for all female contestants. *NEW* Non-compliance will result in a 5 point deduction from the total score). If rosin is used, an automatic 5 point deduction will be applied to the total score.
Pom Pon – a routine consisting of precise and definite dance technique with the use of pom pons. Pom pons must be used at least 50% of the dance. Gymnastic/acrobatic passes should not consist of more than 50% of the dance.
Production – (line only; 19 or more dancers) A routine which allows any dance performance category or combination of dance performance categories or dance styles. Tap sounds are not permitted on tapes/CDs.
Song & Dance – a routine consisting of both singing and any category of dance. Dance must be 50% of the routine. Accompaniment must be on tape/CD and back up voices only will be permitted. Personal (lavaliere type) microphones or sound equipment may not be hooked up. Only microphones furnished by DANCE SHOWCASE USA will be allowed.
Tap – a routine consisting of tap technique and primarily tap work. Tap sounds are not permitted on tapes/CDs.

*Gymnastic/acrobatic passes are defined as any movement(s) where the dancer is completely inverted without one foot on the stage. The only exceptions are forward, backward, and shoulder rolls which can be performed in any category. Lifts, leaps and splits are also permissible. A pass consists of any number of gymnastics/acrobatic tricks across the stage at one time. *NEW* No more than three gymnastic/acrobatic passes are permissible in any category except Acrobatic/Gymnastics, Auxiliary/Drill Team, Hip Hop, Open, Pom Pon, & Production. If more than three passes occur, an automatic 3 point deduction from the total score will occur.

Outstanding Costume – costumes will be judged for design, detail, appropriateness to dance, fit, etc. Entries will be judged during their performance. This award will be given as follows: Solo and Duet/Trio/Small Group/Large Group/Line in the 12 & under and 13 & over age divisions. Individual categories may be awarded depending upon the number of entries. Costumes will not be divided into the three levels.

Photogenic – All entrants in this category must submit a recent/current photo or snapshot. Only one photo per entry. Photogenic entries must be entered as a dance contestant. All entries must be turned in during the first two hours of the first competition day. Maximum size: 8X10 in black & white or color. Please include the following information on the back of each photo: name, age, phone number and studio name. This award will be given as follows: Solo and Duet/Trio/Small Group/Large Group/Line in the 12 & under and 13 & over age divisions. Individual categories may be awarded depending upon the number of entries. Photos must be picked up at the end of the awards presentation by the studio director or the parent of the independent entry. Photogenic will not be divided into the three levels.

Time Limits – *NEW* Solo and Duet/Trio –3 minutes, Small Group – 3 minutes, Large Group – 4 minutes, Line – 5 minutes and Production Category – minimum 5 minutes and maximum 8 minutes.

Music – Each entrant will furnish their own music on a CD or on a clean, quality cassette tape, cued, and ready to play (Only 1 routine song per CD or tape will be permitted). DANCE SHOWCASE USA will provide labels for each entry, which will be mailed with the competition schedule. CDs & tapes must be labeled with studio name, title of music, & entry number. We recommend that you bring a second CD or tape as a back up and be marked with studio name, title of music, & entry number. Studio name can not be used as a song title or the name of routine.

Entry Forms – Dance companies must use the front page of our entry form to insure all information is included for each entry. Dance companies may use a computerized listing in lieu of the back page of our entry form as long as all names, ages, & birthdates are included. Please type or print clearly to avoid misspelled names.

Judges –A panel of experienced judges will judge the dance routines, outstanding costumes and photogenic. All judges decisions are final. DANCE SHOWCASE USA expects all entries to be suitable for "family oriented entertainment." This means that all entries should not be suggestive, sexual or violent. This applies to costuming, lyrics, and choreography. Inappropriate dances will have 5 points per judge deducted and will not be eligible for any Overall Awards.

Score Sheets – Score sheets will ONLY be given to the studio director or the parent of the independent entries at the conclusion of each awards ceremony in the foyer unless the DANCE SHOWCASE USA office is notified in writing.

Refunds – There are no refunds for entry fees. Gift certificates will be issued only for documented injuries or illnesses. DANCE SHOWCASE USA has the right to cancel any event that does not qualify with a minimum number of entries. In the event of cancellation, all entry fees will be refunded in full.

$500 Senior Scholarship – Open to all graduating Seniors competing in Nationals. Submit in writing an essay (no more than 500 words) describing how dance has been a positive influence in your life. (Please DO NOT use your name or studio information in your essay.) Return your essay with the scholarship application (found on our website www.danceshowcaseusa.com ) by June 1, 2010.

General – DANCE SHOWCASE USA reserves the right to increase/decrease the number of competition dates and/or change locations as needed to meet our demands. All attempts are made in scheduling to avoid late night competition, and to allow the younger ages to compete earlier in the competition schedule. All entries are lined up in a random order to prevent any studio from always being first or last. However, once the random order is generated, then DANCE SHOWCASE USA reviews the order of dances to determine if any costume conflicts exist. If this occurs, the order will be re-arranged. Any apparent attempt to intentionally alter the scheduled order of the competition will result in a 5 point deduction from the total score.

*Entrants may not compete more than once in exactly the same division, category, and age group. If a routine has at least one different dancer, you may compete in the exact same division, category, and age group. If the contestant performs in more than one solo, the same contestant can only receive one overall cash award or trophy in the Solo division. Any Regional First Place Overall Winner may not compete the same routine at another Regional competition during the same season. Routines winning First Place Overall at the  2009 National Finals may not use the same routine at any  2010 DANCE SHOWCASE USA Regional competitions.

*If a dance routine does not perform during its applicable Division (Solo, Duet/Trio, Small Group, Large Group, or Line) and Age Division (Mini, Petite, Junior, Teen, Senior, or Adult), then it will not be eligible for any overall award or placement award and will be judged for adjudication only. If a dance routine competes during a different awards ceremony other than the one scheduled, they will not be eligible to receive an Overall. A Category Award will be given according to their adjudication score.

*Talking, lip sync, and singing are acceptable, however the dance will be the only criteria for judging, unless the category entered is Song & Dance. No coaching is allowed for any age groups.

*The following are not permitted: Fire, Swords, Knives, Special Sound, Water, Gel, Paint, Aerosol, Glitter, Fireworks, Props requiring electrical hook-ups, any type of Liquid, Fog, or Smoke equipment and live animals on stage. No items are allowed to be thrown off the stage toward the audience or the judges. No entry or exits from locations other than the stage wings. Scenery or backdrops requiring the use of theater fly system or special theater lighting may not be used. No Baby Powder or Rosin is allowed to be used for pointe or any other category.

*Props are allowed, however, they must be free standing. *NEW* All props must be carried & cannot be dragged across the floor before the routine starts or during the dance. All props must have the portion that touches the floor covered/padded to prevent damage to the marley floor. No names of the studio are allowed on props or on costumes nor shall be worn by those people assisting with the setup of the props. For safety measures, a dancer may not stand or dance above 6 feet from the stage floor on a prop.

*Costuming is not judged unless entered into the Outstanding Costume category or deemed to be inappropriate.

*Schedules will be mailed at least one week prior to the competition date. The schedule will be available on the DANCE SHOWCASE USA web site www.danceshowcaseusa.com .

*All protests must be made in writing and by the studio director prior to the awards ceremony for that age division. The instructor will be responsible for providing proof of age, if requested.

*DANCE SHOWCASE USA and the hosting facility are not responsible for personal injury or property loss to either contestants or spectators.

NO VIDEO OR STILL CAMERAS OF ANY TYPE ARE ALLOWED DURING ANY COMPETITION PERFORMANCE TIME. CAMERAS ARE ONLY ALLOWED DURING AWARD PRESENTATIONS. We no longer allow video taping or still photography for a number of reasons. In the past, it was always to protect the choreography of studio directors which still applies. However, in today’s world of the internet, it is probably more important to protect our children. Since we do not necessarily know who is from which studio, some one could video or take pictures of children for other purposes than just personal family use. We would hate for someone to put a video on YouTube, Facebook, or MySpace and represent those children in a demeaning manner. This has been a request of teachers and parents. Directors and teachers please explain this to your parents. *NEW* If any one is seen holding a camera in the air or any accidental flash occurs, the routine will have an automatic 5 point deduction applied to the total score.

*A National entrant must have competed in a DANCE SHOWCASE USA Regional competition during the 2010 competition season to qualify for Nationals. All regional entries are eligible to compete at the National Finals. An increase, reduction, or substitution from an original qualifying entry at Regionals is acceptable. Entries must remain in the same dance category which they qualified at Regionals.

A "LAST CALL" REGIONAL Competition is held at the start of the National Competition. Anyone not able to compete at one of the Regional Sites can qualify for Nationals at this preliminary "Last Call" competition.