Official Rules

• 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.

A time schedule will be e-mailed (provided that an email address was correctly provided 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.

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.

Solo – (1) Performer
Time Limit - 2:45 minutes
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. (The only exception is Fashion Modeling, Pointe & Vocal Solos, which must compete in Level 3).

• Soloists are limited to entering a maximum of three (3) solo performance categories and may not compete against themselves in any category. (Soloists may compete in the Fashion Modeling and Vocal Category in addition to the dance categories).

• A contestant may not place more than once for high score in the Solo division.

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

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 Grand Line Division.

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..

At any Regional competition, 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 for 30 second increments (Lines are limited to a maximum of 6 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

or that routine

AGES ARE DETERMINED BASED ON THE DANCERS AGE ON DECEMBER 31ST, 2022.

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.

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.

• LEVEL 1 (formerly Novice): This competition level division is for 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. *NEW - Level 1 Dancers are limited to 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 or grand lines. A Level 1 dancer may NOT compete in more than 3 routines in Level 2 (with the exception of lines and grand lines). Entries will be adjudicated, and will receive High Score Awards within this level.

• LEVEL 2 (formerly Intermediate): 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 (formerly Advanced): 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 advanced dancers are eligible to receive the Highest Level Adjudication.

• *NEW 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 AT ANY SDA COMPETITION, IT MUST COMPETE AT THE HIGHER LEVEL AT 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 1/3 of the dancers in a routine may be a higher performance level than the level that the routine is entered. Example: If a routine has 12 dancers - 4 Level 3, 4 Level 2 & 4 Level 1, the routine will be placed in ‘Level 3’ because 1/3 or more of the dancers are Level 3.

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.

• NEW - NO LEVELING UP of any routine in Duet/Trios, Small Groups or Large Groups. These routines must compete at the level that the performers average to. Example: A large group contains (10) Level 2 dancers and (2) Level 3 dancers, the average will place them in the Level 2 division, and they MAY NOT 'Level Up' to Level 3. (Lines and Grand Lines may Level Up)

Acro/Gymnastics - A routine that contains primarily gymnastic tricks, including, but not limited to walkover, front/back limbers, handstands, headstands, cartwheels, etc. There should be a blend of gymnastics and dance together. Ballet - A routine consisting of classical steps & ballet technique. Ballet shoes must be worn.

Ballroom - A routine utilizing Standard or Latin Ballroom technique and must be performed with ballroom heels or ballroom shoes only.

Baton - Routine using baton(s) and baton technique .
Character - A routine that portrays a character that is easily recognizable.

Cheerleading - A routine that has a combination of strong, sharp movements, vocal cheering and dance. May contain up to 50% acro/gymnastics.

Clogging - A routine which uses clogging technique.

Contemporary – A routine that combines both lyrical and modern movements.

Drill Team - A group performing military type moves with precision marching and may incorporate any type of dance.

Fashion Modeling – (Level 3 Solos Only) Must include Runway "T-style” Modeling Technique
• FORMAL- Any party dress or "After 5" attire.
• SPORTSWEAR- Casual skirts, pants, etc., select sport, skiing, tennis, horseback riding, etc.
• SWIMWEAR - Any swimwear or swimsuit & cover-up.

Folkloric - Routine incorporating ethnic styles of dance such as polkas, Hawaiian, Spanish, Bellydancing, etc.

Hip Hop - A dance that consists of the latest street dance style, as seen in current dance videos.

Jazz - A routine that utilizes jazz technique such as splits, isolation, leaps, etc.

Lip Sync - A routine that utilizes pantomime techniques and mimics voices on pre-recorded music.

Lyrical - A routine that is performed to the lyrics or mood of the music.

Modern - A routine containing a contemporary style of dance.

Musical Theater - A routine performed to the music of a Broadway musical or a movie musical.

Open - A routine that is a combination of any of the other categories; a routine that does not exactly fit any of the definitions of any other category. (No Vocals permitted)

Photogenic Contest - Contestants should submit a 5x7 or larger photograph on the FIRST DAY OF COMPETITION to the registration desk. The photo must be of only one person. Photogenic contestants must be a registered competitor in that competition and may register more than one photo.

Pointe - (Level 3 Only) A routine that consists of ballet/pointe technique. Pointe shoes must be worn.

Pom Pon - A routine combining dance with the use of pom pons for at least 80% of the routine.

Production - This category may be entered ONLY in Line division and must have a minimum of 20 performers.

Song and Dance – A routine that combines dancing and singing. Both genres are expected to be present in this routine. Lead vocals may not be lip synched and may have back up vocal accompaniment only. We will provide two handheld, wireless microphones. No personal/studio microphones, headsets, etc. will be permitted.

Tap - A routine utilizing tap technique and must be performed with tap shoes only.

Vocal – (Level 3 Only) A performance of any type of vocal presentation. Accompaniment must be pre-recorded. (No lead vocals may be recorded; backup voices only will be permitted). We will provide two handheld, wireless microphones. No personal/studio microphones, headsets, etc. will be permitted to be hooked into the sound system.