General Information for Regional Events

~A tentative time schedule and directions to the competition location will be sent by email to all entered studios approximately one week before the competition. Star Talent Productions does not have a general format in which we follow at our competitions. Every schedule is set up based solely on the breakdown of solos, duo/duet/trios, groups, and production routines for that particular event. We do not have this breakdown in numbers until all of the entries have been processed and at that time we set up a schedule in which will best accommodate all of the dancers in regards to costume changes and rest periods.

~Always BE PREPARED TO PERFORM ONE (1) HOUR AHEAD OF YOUR SCHEDULED TIME. This may mean awards and categories will run ahead of schedule.

~Contestants give their permission to Star Talent Productions to use their photographs or video of any routine in connection with advertising, promotions or news coverage of our competition.

~Absolutely, no smoking, eating or drinking will be allowed in the competition area, unless otherwise noted.

~Music. All contestants must furnish their own music on a high quality CD.  No other songs should be on the CD. Audio must be labeled with act number, song title and studio name or code. We would also like to request the length of time of the track be written on the CD. This will help eliminate any sound read error.

Entry Fees and Time Limits

Entries must be postmarked thirty (30) days before the competition date. Late entries will be assessed a late fee of $15.00 per routine and will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis only if time permits. Entries are limited to the amount of performance time available. Studio Checks, Money Orders, and Bank Checks will be accepted for payment. Make Payable to: Star Talent Productions.

Send Entries to 1589 Skeet Club Road Ste 102 Box 105 High Point NC 27265

*Teacher Incentive* Entries postmarked prior to forty five (45) days before the competition are eligible to receive a 5% rebate of total entry fee amount. A check will be mailed to the studio director the week following the competition. Entry Fees must total $500.00 for a rebate to be given.

Entries are non refundable with the exception that an event in canceled. Star Talent Productions reserves the right to cancel any competition. At that time, all entry fees for that event will be .

Solo (1 dancer)                                3:00                             $55.00
Duo/Duet/Trio (2-3dancers)               3:00                             $32.00 per performer
Groups                                           4:00                             $22.00 per performer

Groups will be divided in to Small Groups (4-9 dancers), Large Groups (9-19 dancers) and Line (19+ dancers)
*Production                                     9:00                             $22.00 per performer
Photogenic                                      N/A                              $25.00 each

*Production-A routine which is a minimum of 5 and not more than 9 minutes and which encompasses any of our other categories, or a combination thereof, or any style of dance. THERE MUST BE AT LEAST 18 PERFORMERS IN THIS CATEGORY. Time limit includes set up and removal of all on stage props.

The director of Star Talent Productions reserves the right to add or combine categories and divisions, to extend or shorten the length of a competition based on the received entries for a specific event. Group entries will be divided into small and large groups based on number of entries received.

Age Groups

Contestants may enter as many categories as desired but each routine must be different. The same contestants cannot compete more than once in the same category and age group in solo, duet/trio, or group routine.
ALL AGES ARE AS OF JANUARY 1st. For duet/ trios, groups, and lines the average age determines the age division into which you compete. Add all of the ages of the contestants in the routine and then divide by the number of contestants. THIS AVERAGE MUST INCLUDE ALL PERSONS APPEARING ON STAGE AT ANY TIME DURING A NUMBER. Drop the decimal point when averaging ages (an average age of 15.9 would compete in the Teen (ages 13-15) division. You must compete in the average age of which your routine falls. Additionally if a protest regarding age arises all competitors must be prepared to provide proof of age. All protests must be presented in writing within 30 minutes of the incident and presented to the Director or Host of Star Talent Productions. All protests must be signed. In

the event a protest regarding age occurs, we will require this proof. Please make sure to bring proof of age with you to the competition.
 Names along with ages and birth dates must appear on the entry form. A group dance routine may move up in age division in order to avoid competition against itself within a category, but never lower age level. No solo performer will be allowed to compete in more than one age group.

In Group Divisions, if half of the group is more than 2 years older than the category age average, the group must move up to the next age division. (A groups of 10 dancers ages are 5, 5, 5, 3, 4, 15, 15, 14. 16, 15 ~ The average is 9.7 (drop the decimal = 9) This group may not compete in Petite because 5 of the dancers are over the Petite age level. This group may compete in Junior) . Any child 2 years or younger than the average age, must perform in 50% of the routine. (In the group of dancers above the 3-5 years olds must dance in at least half of the routine) This is to eliminate groups using younger students to pull down the overall age.

Age Divisions:
                                    Mini: 4-6 Years Old
                                    Petite: 7-9 Years Old
                                    Junior: 10-12 Years Old
                                    Teen: 13-15 Years Old
                                    Senior: 16-19 Years Old
                                    Adult: 20 + Years Old

This is a student based competition. There is no teacher or professional division. Teachers may compete in the production category of the average age division. Teachers, however, may compete in other groups with students in the Adult Division only. We still want to see you dance. With time permitting teachers may perform a solo, duo/duet trio for our entertainment. Please email us for more information.

Categories

Contestants may enter as many categories as desired but each routine must be different. The same contestant cannot compete more than once in an identical combination of age group, category and division.

Acro-Routine must demonstrate gymnastic moves incorporated with rhythm of music. The routine must be mostly (at least 50%) Acrobatic moves.

Ballet-Routine must consist of Ballet technique movements. No Tricks Allowed

Character-A routine portraying an easily recognizable character throughout; with music, costume, and dance. Must incorporate some form of DANCE. No straight vocal performances in this category. Two Tricks Allowed

Clogging-A routine incorporating "Clogging" technique and style. Two Tricks Allowed

Ethnic-A routine using movement native to particular culture or nationality. Two Tricks Allowed

Hip-Hop- A routine consisting of funk, street style or pop lock moves. Two Tricks Allowed

Jazz-Routine must consist of primarily Jazz technique. Two Tricks Allowed

Liturgical – Routine encompassing expression of  prayer or worship through body movement

Lyrical-Routine should demonstrate balance, extension, isolations and control using contemporary lyrical styles. The dance should somewhat tell the story of the music. Two Tricks Allowed

Modern-An interpretation of idea, use of isolations, contractions, demonstrate a feel for music. Two Tricks Allowed

Musical Theater-A form of dance or vocalization featuring interpretation of a song from a Broadway-style show or movie musical. Two Tricks Allowed

Novelty-A routine that incorporates a gimmick with dance styles. (Song and Dance, Baton, Pom) Two Tricks Allowed

Open-Any type of routine can be entered in this category. This is also the place to put your second Tap, Jazz, Clogging, etc. number; but the number must be different from your original category number. Up to 49% of routine
may include tricks.

Photogenic-Photos should be brought on the day of competition 8x10. Labeled with Name, Studio and Entry number.

Pointe-Same as Ballet, but must be performed in hard toe pointe shoes. No Tricks Allowed

Tap-Routine must contain Tap technique and primarily Tap work. No Tap sounds on audio. Two Tricks Allowed

Tricks, are allowed in most categories (see above) with a limit of 2. A tumbling pass (i.e., round off back handspring) will counted as  one trick. If your whole group is doing an acrobatic trick in unison, it will be counted as one trick.

A trick is defined by Star Talent Productions as any movement where the hips pass above the head. Illusions, leaps, lifts and splits are not counted as tricks.

Competitive Divisions

Star Talent Productions has three (3) competitive levels: Excel (beginner), Extreme (intermediate) and Elite (advanced).

Please be honest and use your teacher discretion when entering competitive levels. We strive to run a fair competition and need your assistance in being fair with entries. Please look at the level of a routine when entering, Triple Pirouettes, Group Switch Seconds, and advanced Fuettes combinations do not belong in the Excel Division. A student of this caliber should bump up to at least the next competitive level to dance with dancers of like ability.

Competitive Divisions should be entered based on the total time a student spends in a learning environment, not only on the amount of time spent on the entered routine. This includes all class time and private lessons.

Excel: This level is for recreational students, those who only take class or practice in an instructional situation less than three (3) hours per week. This includes all solo*, duo/duet/ trio times, as well as weekly practice time in addition to classes. If 50% of the group dances more than three (3) hours a week, then the entire group should be entered into a higher division.

Extreme: This level is for students who take class or practice in an instructional situation less than five (5) but more than three (3) hours per week. This includes all solo, duo/duet/ trio times, as well as weekly practice time in addition to classes. If 50% of the group dances more than five (5) hours a week, then the entire group should be entered as Elite.

Elite: This level is open to any and all participants. It is designed for dancers who take more than 5 hours of instruction per week. This includes solo, duo/duet/trio, and weekly practice time in addition to classes.

*Soloist, Duo/Duet's and Trio's whom have ever competed at the Elite level should not compete in the Excel division. These dancers should compete at a minimum level of Extreme. Example ~ A Elite ranked student who has graduated and returned to the studio for less than three (3) hours of instruction per week.

Judging and Awards

Contestants will be judged by a panel of competent judges, and all entrants agree that the time, manner, and method of judging the contest shall be solely within the discretion of the director of Star Talent Productions and that all decisions of the judges are final.

Every Dancer will receive a Trophy at Star Talent Productions!
Each soloist and member of a Duo/Duet/Trio will receive their own trophy. Group routines will be awarded a group trophy for the studio. Each student who participates in a group routine will receive one trophy to commemorate their Star Talent Accomplishments. Overall Recognition will be awarded in solo, duo/duet/trio, groups and production** divisions, within each overall age division. The top scoring group routine in each overall age division will be awarded a studio trophy.

A High Score Trophy will be awarded to the routine with the competition high score. (2 awards; 12 and under and 13 and up)

Other judges and director awards may be given at the competition.
**Production Awards~Productions will not be part of the overall high score of the day awards for an age division. Productions will have their own overall awards.

 Penalties and Deductions

 Please read carefully! Failure to comply with these rules can result in point deductions or disqualification. It is the responsibility of the studio owner/teacher to review the rules and regulations with both the participants and their parents.

The director of Star Talent Productions has the right to disqualify or give point deductions to any act that, in their opinion, is deemed distasteful or not family appropriate.

There will be a service charge of $35.00 for all checks returned by the bank. After a check has been returned by the bank, all future entries or purchases must be made by a money order or a cashier's check. If payment has not been received on a returned check by the competition date, the contestant will not be allowed to perform. NO CHECKS WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR ENTRY FEES THAT ARE TO BE PAID AT THE COMPETITION VENUE!

Any discrepancy in score sheets must be brought to the attention of the Star Talent Productions director on the day of competition by the teacher or studio director only. No protest of score or age will be accepted after the day of the contest.

There will be a $10.00 fee for each change (category, age group or music) made at the door. This can be avoided by double-checking the confirmation information that is mailed to you. THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS!

Run-Off (any act is not completed for any reason) The performer will have the chance to reperform with a 15 point deduction.

Coaching during a performance (this must be brought to the attention of a Star Talent staff member while it is happening) 20 point deduction

Overtime limit 5 points for every 15 seconds over

Late arrival (all acts are to be ready to perform one (1) hour before scheduled) if we pass your act (an arrangements have not been made with a member of the backstage staff), you are considered late)10 points

More tricks than allotted in category 2 points per trick

Changes on competition day to division or category $10.00

Please remember this is a family atmosphere. Deductions or disqualification will result if music, routines, or costumes are not family friendly.

Videotaping and movie cameras are prohibited. Anyone caught videotaping faces potential disqualification and the videotape will be confiscated.

Star Talent Performance Team

We will select dancers from each Regional Dance Competition to be on our Star Talent Performance Team. These dancers will do an opening and/or closing show at our Nationals.

General Information for National Events

~A tentative time schedule and directions to the competition location will be sent by email to all entered studios approximately one week before the competition date if not sooner. Star Talent Productions does not have a general format in which we follow at our competitions. Every schedule is set up based solely on the breakdown of solos, duo/duet/trios, groups, and production routines for that particular event. We do not have this breakdown in numbers until all of the entries have been processed and at that time we set up a schedule in which will best accommodate all of the dancers in regards to costume changes and rest periods.

~Always BE PREPARED TO PERFORM ONE (1) HOUR AHEAD OF YOUR SCHEDULED TIME. This may mean awards and categories will run ahead of schedule.

~Contestants give their permission to Star Talent Productions to use their photographs or video of any routine in connection with advertising, promotions or news coverage of our competition.

~Absolutely, no smoking, eating or drinking will be allowed in the competition area, unless otherwise noted.

~Music. All contestants must furnish their own music on a high quality CD.  No other songs should be on the CD. Audio must be labeled with act number, song title and studio name or code. We would also like to request the length of time of the track be written on the CD. This will help eliminate any sound read error.

Entry Fees and Time Limits

Entries must be postmarked thirty (30) days before the competition date. Late entries will be assessed a late fee of $15.00 per routine and will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis only if time permits. Entries are limited to the amount of performance time available. Studio Checks, Money Orders, and Bank Checks will be accepted for payment. Make Payable to: Star Talent Productions.

Send Entries to 1589 Skeet Club Road Ste 102 Box 105 High Point NC 27265

*Teacher Incentive* Entries postmarked prior to forty five (45) days before the competition are eligible to receive a 5% rebate of total entry fee amount. A check will be mailed to the studio director the week following the competition. Entry Fees must total $500.00 for a rebate to be given.

Entries are non refundable with the exception that an event in canceled. Star Talent Productions reserves the right to cancel any competition. At that time, all entry fees for that event will be .

Solo (1 dancer)              Time Limit 3:00              Entry Fee $70.00
Duo/Duet/Trio (2-3dancers)              3:00                             $40.00 per performer
Groups                                           4:00                             $30.00 per performer

Groups will be divided in to Small Groups (4-9 dancers), Large Groups (9-19 dancers) and Line (19+ dancers)
*Production                                    9:00                             $25.00 per performer
Photogenic                                     N/A                              $25.00 each

*Production-A routine which is a minimum of 5 and not more than 9 minutes and which encompasses any of our other categories, or a combination thereof, or any style of dance. THERE MUST BE AT LEAST 18 PERFORMERS IN THIS CATEGORY. Time limit includes set up and removal of all on stage props.

The director of Star Talent Productions reserves the right to add or combine categories and divisions, to extend or shorten the length of a competition based on the received entries for a specific event. Group entries will be divided into small and large groups based on number of entries received.

Age Groups

Contestants may enter as many categories as desired but each routine must be different. The same contestants cannot compete more than once in the same category and age group in solo, duet/trio, or group routine.
ALL AGES ARE AS OF JANUARY 1st. For duet/ trios, groups, and lines the average age determines the age division into which you compete. Add all of the ages of the contestants in the routine and then divide by the number of contestants. THIS AVERAGE MUST INCLUDE ALL PERSONS APPEARING ON STAGE AT ANY TIME DURING A NUMBER. Drop the decimal point when averaging ages (an average age of 15.9 would compete in the Teen (ages 13-15) division. You must compete in the average age of which your routine falls. Additionally if a protest regarding age arises all competitors must be prepared to provide proof of age. All protests must be presented in writing within 30 minutes of the incident and presented to the Director or Host of Star Talent Productions. All protests must be signed. In

the event a protest regarding age occurs, we will require this proof. Please make sure to bring proof of age with you to the competition.
 Names along with ages and birth dates must appear on the entry form. A group dance routine may move up in age division in order to avoid competition against itself within a category, but never lower age level. No solo performer will be allowed to compete in more than one age group.

In Group Divisions, if half of the group is more than 2 years older than the category age average, the group must move up to the next age division. (A groups of 10 dancers ages are 5, 5, 5, 3, 4, 15, 15, 14. 16, 15 ~ The average is 9.7 (drop the decimal = 9) This group may not compete in Petite because 5 of the dancers are over the Petite age level. This group may compete in Junior) . Any child 2 years or younger than the average age, must perform in 50% of the routine. (In the group of dancers above the 3-5 years olds must dance in at least half of the routine) This is to eliminate groups using younger students to pull down the overall age.

Age Divisions:
                                    Mini: 4-6 Years Old
                                    Petite: 7-9 Years Old
                                    Junior: 10-12 Years Old
                                    Teen: 13-15 Years Old
                                    Senior: 16-19 Years Old
                                    Adult: 20 + Years Old

This is a student based competition. There is no teacher or professional division. Teachers may compete in the production category of the average age division. Teachers, however, may compete in other groups with students in the Adult Division only. We still want to see you dance. With time permitting teachers may perform a solo, duo/duet trio for our entertainment. Please email us for more information.

Categories

Contestants may enter as many categories as desired but each routine must be different. The same contestant cannot compete more than once in an identical combination of age group, category and division.

Acro-Routine must demonstrate gymnastic moves incorporated with rhythm of music. The routine must be mostly (at least 50%) Acrobatic moves.

Ballet-Routine must consist of Ballet technique movements. No Tricks Allowed

Character-A routine portraying an easily recognizable character throughout; with music, costume, and dance. Must incorporate some form of DANCE. No straight vocal performances in this category. Two Tricks Allowed

Clogging-A routine incorporating "Clogging" technique and style. Two Tricks Allowed

Ethnic-A routine using movement native to particular culture or nationality. Two Tricks Allowed

Hip-Hop- A routine consisting of funk, street style or pop lock moves. Two Tricks Allowed

Jazz-Routine must consist of primarily Jazz technique. Two Tricks Allowed

Liturgical – Routine encompassing expression or prayer or worship through body movement

Lyrical-Routine should demonstrate balance, extension, isolations and control using contemporary lyrical styles. The dance should somewhat tell the story of the music. Two Tricks Allowed

Modern-An interpretation of idea, use of isolations, contractions, demonstrate a feel for music. Two Tricks Allowed

Musical Theater-A form of dance or vocalization featuring interpretation of a song from a Broadway-style show or movie musical. Two Tricks Allowed

Novelty-A routine that incorporates a gimmick with dance styles. (Song and Dance, Baton, Pom) Two Tricks Allowed

Open-Any type of routine can be entered in this category. This is also the place to put your second Tap, Jazz, Clogging, etc. number; but the number must be different from your original category number. Up to 49% of routine
may include tricks.

Photogenic-Photos should be brought on the day of competition 8x10. Labeled with Name, Studio and Entry number.

Pointe-Same as Ballet, but must be performed in hard toe pointe shoes. No Tricks Allowed

Tap-Routine must contain Tap technique and primarily Tap work. No Tap Sounds on audio. Two Tricks Allowed

Tricks, are allowed in most categories (see above) with a limit of 2. A tumbling pass (i.e., round off back handspring) will counted as  one trick. If your whole group is doing an acrobatic trick in unison, it will be counted as one trick.

A trick is defined by Star Talent Productions as any movement where the hips pass above the head. Illusions, leaps, lifts and splits are not counted as tricks.

Competitive Divisions

Dancers must compete in the same level at Regional and National Events

Star Talent Productions has three (3) competitive levels: Excel (beginner), Extreme (intermediate) and Elite (advanced).

Please be honest and use your teacher discretion when entering competitive levels. We strive to run a fair competition and need your assistance in being fair with entries. Please look at the level of a routine when entering, Triple Pirouettes, Group Switch Seconds, and advanced Fuettes combinations do not belong in the Excel Division. A student of this caliber should bump up to at least the next competitive level to dance with dancers of like ability.

Competitive Divisions should be entered based on the total time a students spends in a learning environment, not only on the amount of time spent on the entered routine. This includes all class time and private lessons.

Excel: This level is for recreational students, those who only take class or practice in an instructional situation less than three (3) hours per week. This includes all solo*, duo/duet/ trio times, as well as weekly practice time in addition to classes. If 50% of the group dances more than three (3) hours a week, then the entire group should be entered into a higher division.

Extreme: This level is for students who take class or practice in an instructional situation less than five (5) but more than three (3) hours per week. This includes all solo, duo/duet/ trio times, as well as weekly practice time in addition to classes. If 50% of the group dances more than five (5) hours a week, then the entire group should be entered as Elite.

Elite: This level is open to any and all participants. It is designed for dancers who take more than 5 hours of instruction per week. This includes solo, duo/duet/trio, and weekly practice time in addition to classes.

*Soloist, Duo/Duet's and Trio's whom have ever competed at the Elite level should not compete in the Excel division. These dancers should compete at a minimum level of Extreme. Example ~ A Elite ranked student who has graduated and returned to the studio for less than three (3) hours of instruction per week.

Judging and Awards

Contestants will be judged by a panel of competent judges, and all entrants agree that the time, manner, and method of judging the contest shall be solely within the discretion of the director of Star Talent Productions and that all decisions of the judges are final.

Every Dancer will receive a Trophy at Star Talent Productions!
Each soloist and member of a Duo/Duet/Trio will receive their own trophy. Group routines will be awarded a group trophy for the studio. Each student who participates in a group routine will receive one trophy to commemorate their Star Talent Accomplishments. Overall Recognition will be awarded in solo, duo/duet/trio, groups and production** divisions, within each overall age division. The top scoring group routine in each overall age division* will be awarded a studio trophy. Other judges and director awards may be given at the competition.
*Each age division must have at least 5 entries for an overall high score of the day trophy to be awarded.
**Production Awards~Productions will not be part of the overall high score of the day awards for an age division. Productions will have their own overall awards.

These are the minimal of the awards, for our National’s we will have more surprise awards!

Penalties and Deductions

Please read carefully! Failure to comply with these rules can result in point deductions or disqualification. It is the responsibility of the studio owner/teacher to review the rules and regulations with both the participants and their parents.

The director of Star Talent Productions has the right to disqualify or give point deductions to any act that, in their opinion, is deemed distasteful or not family appropriate.

There will be a service charge of $35.00 for all checks returned by the bank. After a check has been returned by the bank, all future entries or purchases must be made by a money order or a cashier's check. If payment has not been received on a returned check by the competition date, the contestant will not be allowed to perform. NO CHECKS WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR ENTRY FEES THAT ARE TO BE PAID AT THE COMPETITION VENUE!

Any discrepancy in score sheets must be brought to the attention of the Star Talent Productions director on the day of competition by the teacher or studio director only. No protest of score or age will be accepted after the day of the contest.

There will be a $15.00 fee for each change (category, age group or music) made at the door. This can be avoided by double-checking the confirmation information that is mailed to you. THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS!

Run-Off (any act is not completed for any reason) The performer will have the chance to reperform with a 15 point deduction.

Coaching during a performance (this must be brought to the attention of a Star Talent staff member while it is happening) 20 point deduction

Overtime limit 5 points for every 15 seconds over

Late arrival (all acts are to be ready to perform one (1) hour before scheduled) if we pass your act (an arrangements have not been made with a member of the backstage staff), you are considered late)10 points

More tricks than allotted in category 2 points per trick

Changes on competition day to division or category $10.00

Please remember this is a family atmosphere. Deductions or disqualification will result if music, routines, or costumes are not family friendly.

Videotaping and movie cameras are prohibited. Anyone caught videotaping faces potential disqualification and the videotape will be confiscated.