SCORING 
Each performance will receive up to 100 points per judge based on the following criteria:

Technique	40 Points
Performance/Showmanship	30 Points
Costume/Appearance	10 Points
Choreography/Staging	10 Points
Overall Impression	10 Points

The adjudication scale will be as follows:

Deductions of up to 10 points will be taken from the total score for material that is deemed unsuitable for family viewing (costume, choreography, music) and a up to a 5 point deduction will be incurred for exceeding stated time limits or other rule infractions. All deductions will be issued by one designated CTC staff member, judge, and/or the director(s). All decisions are final.

JUDGING 
Each Celebration Talent competition will include a panel of 3 judges.  The panel includes teachers, choreographers and working professionals.  Judges will verbally critique and score each routine.  The judges’ scores will be added together to determine adjudication placement. 

Each routine will receive one CD with all critiques as well as score sheets.  Score sheets will contain scores only; all critiques will be on audio CD. Score sheets will include judges’ scores, any deductions, the total score and adjudication placement. Judges’ decisions on scoring are final.

Score sheets and critique CDs will be released to teachers or studio directors only at the end of the competition or after your studio’s final awards ceremony. CTC is not responsible for score sheets and critiques that are left behind.

SOLO/TITLE COMPETITION 
Each contestant may compete a maximum of two solos at each CTC regional. All solos in both levels will be considered for our Dancer of the Year Finalist selections (title winners) at no additional charge. Students that compete two solos must perform in two different categories and must choose the solo that should be considered for title selections. Title selections may not be changed the day of competition. Solos in the adult age class are not eligible for title selections.

Selections will be made in both the 12 & under and 13 & over age classes.  There are no predetermined criteria for selections; Finalists are chosen by the judges based on a variety of factors – performance, technique, choreography or any combination thereof. No minimum or maximum number of Finalist selections is set per regional.

AGE CLASSES 
All dancers are grouped by age for classification purposes. The following age classes will be used:

Petite: 8 & Under
Junior: 9-12
Teen: 13-15
Senior: 16-19
Adult: 20 & Over

The age classification for routines is determined as of January 1, 2012. This includes solos and groups. To determine the average age for a duo/trio, group, etc., add all the ages of the performers in the routine together, then divide by the total number of dancers. Drop all decimal points. Please do not round up.

Bump Rule: Duos, Trios, Groups and Lines that include dancers from different age classes may not dance 2 levels below the oldest dancer, regardless of the average age. For example, if the average age of a group is 12 (Junior) but the group contains a 16 year old (Senior), the routine must be "bumped" to the higher age class, Teen.

Any age protests must be submitted in writing to a competition director or staff member within one hour of performance and be signed by at least one registered teacher or studio owner. In the event of a protest, all contestants must be prepared to provide proof of age upon request by CTC staff or director(s).

PERFORMANCE LEVELS 
CTC offers 2 levels of competition to incorporate different skill levels and groups among contestants.

Rising Star: Dancers whose weekly class time is less than 5 hours. This level is for beginner to intermediate level dancers with limited competition experience.

Shining Star: Dancers whose weekly class time is 5 hours or more. This level is for advanced dancers with more competition experience.

Guidelines for performance levels:

• Class time includes any and all rehearsal time as well as scheduled weekly classes.
• Both levels are eligible for cash prizes, high score awards and Dancer of the Year selections.
• Any entry that contains 50% or more of advanced dancers must be entered in the Shining Star level.
• Any dancer that is in 8 or more routines is considered an advanced dancer.
• Critiques and scoring will be geared toward the appropriate level.
• All vocal and parent entries will be judged at the Rising Star level.
• The Rising Star level is designed to give less experienced dancers a chance to compete against dancers of a similar skill level.
• We must rely on teacher judgment in placing students and routines in the appropriate level.
• CTC judges, directors or staff may elevate routines clearly placed in the wrong level. All decisions are final.
• Please check levels carefully as no changes will be allowed on competition day.

TIME LIMITS & ENTRY FEES 

Please enter Productions in the Line division and the Production category (8 minute time limit). Performances at events will be randomly timed. Deductions will be taken for overages.

ENTRY ACCEPTANCE 
CTC does not accept independent entries.  All entries must be registered with a studio.  A minimum of 5 entries or 10 participating dancers is required to compete at CTC. The director(s) reserves the right to grant studios exceptions to this rule on an extremely limited basis.

Entries are accepted on a first come, first served basis and must be postmarked or submitted online by the entry deadline.  Entries will be accepted until allotted competition time (Fri/Sat/Sun or Sat/Sun) is filled. Entries will not be added to the schedule until full payment and complete entry forms are received in the CTC office. Entry fees may be paid via studio check, credit card, money order, certified checks or CTC award certificates. If using CTC award certificate as form of payment, the original certificate must be presented; photocopies will not be honored. No personal checks will be accepted. Checks returned for any reason will be assessed a $30 fee. Entries submitted via our online registration system and paid via check must be postmarked no more than 3 business days after entries are submitted. Award certificates credited against entry fees via online system must also be postmarked no more than 3 business days after entries are submitted.

Any entry fees paid after the 30 day deadline must be paid by credit card, certified check or money order only. Entries or fees received after the 30 day deadline will be assessed an additional $10 per entry.  A $10 change fee will be assessed to make changes to an entry for any reason within 10 days of an event.  Award certificates credited against entry fees but not received in our office by stated deadline are deemed invalid and any amounts previously credited will become due immediately. Award certificates (including dollar value of certificates to be applied) not submitted with entries will not be honored. Under no circumstances will refunds be issued for submitted entries.  In the event a child is unable to perform due to a documented injury or illness, CTC may issue an award certificate to be used at the 2012 CTC National Finals or a 2013 regional competition.  The decision to issue an award certificate for unused entry fees is solely at the discretion of the CTC director(s).

CTC reserves the right to expand an event, move a location, or cancel an event as necessary.  In the event that it becomes necessary for CTC to cancel a regional due to low participation, weather conditions or other unforeseen reasons, a full refund for entry fees paid, less any rebates received, will be issued within 10 business days of the cancellation.  Refunds will be issued in the same form as payment.  Studios may, at their discretion, choose to apply any refunds due to another CTC regional, a rescheduled CTC regional or our National Finals.  

PHOTOGENIC CATEGORY 
Photogenic entries and fees will only be accepted at the competition.  Parents or studios may submit photo(s) and entry fees to the registration table at the beginning of the competition.   Fees may be paid via cash, studio check, certified check or credit card only.  No personal checks will be accepted for photogenic entries. Entries will be judged in the 12 & under and 13 & over age categories.  Judged photos will be returned in the studio packets given to teachers or studio owners at the end of the competition or may be picked up by parents after the photogenic competition is complete. 

STUDIO REBATES 
Studios who submit entries on or before the rebate deadline (45 days before competition) for their respective regional will receive a 5% studio rebate. Any studio that submits 20 or more small groups, large groups or lines before the rebate deadline will be eligible for a 10% studio rebate. Completed entries, including all forms, releases, fees etc. must be postmarked or submitted via online registration by the rebate deadline in order to be eligible for the rebate. Rebates should be deducted from entry fees - additional information is provided on entry forms or through the online registration system. All terms must be met in order to receive rebate.

PERFORMANCE CATEGORY DESCRIPTIONS 

Jazz - routine containing jazz technique, steps and choreography.

Tap - routine consisting of primarily tap work. No prerecorded tap sounds allowed.

Hip-Hop - routine contains hip-hop technique and street dance styles performed to hip-hop/R&B music.

Ballet - routine containing classical ballet movements and steps.

Pointe - routine must be performed in Pointe shoes. Includes classical ballet choreography and movement performed on Pointe.

Lyrical - routine consisting of ballet and jazz techniques. Movement should be used to interpret meaning and express emotion.

Contemporary - routine contains modern dance techniques that depict strength and flexibility with an emphasis on performance.

Modern - routine contains modern dance elements and choreography.

Musical Theater - routine that incorporates "Broadway" dance style or music from plays, musicals and films.

Character - routine that depicts a recognizable character. May incorporate any style of dance.

Novelty - routine should include the use of a prop. May incorporate any style of dance.

Production (Lines Only) - routines that contain scenic pieces and/or center around a particular theme. Time limit for productions is 8 minutes and must contain a minimum of 20 performers. May incorporate any style of dance.

Acro-Dance - routine that consists of acrobatic tricks as well as dance moves and choreography. May contain tumbling passes.

Gymnastics - routine made up of gymnastic tumbling passes, dance elements not required.

Pom-Pom - routine that includes the use of pom-poms. Should contain sharp, precise movements. No stunts or tosses allowed. Tumbling passes, vocal cheering and hand props are allowed.

Cheer-Dance - routine consisting of cheerleading or dance team technique. May incorporate the use of hand props.

Baton - routine that includes the use of baton(s) and baton technique.

Song & Dance - must contain singing and any style of dance listed. Prerecorded vocals not permitted. A handheld wireless microphone will be available.

Vocal - routine must contain vocals. No lead prerecorded vocals allowed. Backup recorded vocals are allowed. A handheld wireless microphone will be available. Not eligible for title awards.

Clogging - routine that utilizes clogging technique (either traditional or contemporary). Partnering skills and stunts that do not contain releases are allowed.

Folk/Ethnic - routine consisting of an ethnic style of dance: African, Hawaiian, etc.

Pro-Am - routine that contains professionals or a combination of amateurs and professionals. May incorporate any style of dance. Not eligible for cash, overall, or title awards.

Parent - routine that contains parents and relatives of students performed in any style of dance. May include teachers and students but is ineligible for cash, overall, or title awards.

Open - routine that incorporates movement from any of the listed categories or combination thereof.

Photogenic - contestants may submit up to 3 recent photos (5x7s or 8x10s). A winner will be chosen in the 12 & under and 13 & over age classes. Photos may be color or black and white.

Acrobatic Tricks - Ballet and Pointe may not contain any acrobatic tricks. The following categories may contain a maximum of 2 acrobatic tricks: jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary, modern and clogging. All other categories may contain unlimited acrobatic tricks. A trick is defined as an acrobatic or gymnastic element where the feet pass entirely over the head. A gymnastic pass is considered one trick.

MUSIC 
Music may be submitted on individual CDs (one entry per CD) or on a USB/Flash drive. Each song on the USB drive should be titled with the entry number and entry name. The USB drive should be properly labeled with your studio name and code and should be turned in at the beginning of competition to the registration table.  Due to playback quality, we will only accept iPodâ mobile digital devices for backup purposes. 

Music on CD should be turned in to the registration table at the beginning of competition. You may turn in a binder, CD case or individual CDs. CDs should be labeled with your studio name and the name of the music.  CTC will place your music in prelabeled CD envelopes on the day of the competition. We will return your CDs to you in these envelopes (along with your case or binder). The music speed will not be adjusted by emcee. Please be sure to have a backup for all music (CD or iPod).  A compilation CD is acceptable for backup purposes.  iPod is a registered trademark of Apple Inc.

GENERAL RULES 

1. To prevent performers from competing against themselves, no more than 50% of any duo/trio or group may compete in the same age class and performance category as another duo/trio or group from the same studio.
2. Any regional entry may compete in more than one city but will only be eligible for overall placement at the first regional attended.
3. Performers must compete on designated day, time, and in scheduled order. Routines that compete outside of their scheduled day, time, or order will be eligible for adjudication only.
4. All costumes, choreography and music lyrics should be suitable for family viewing and listening. Routines containing inappropriate or suggestive material will receive point deductions. Decisions will be made by one designated CTC staff member, judge, or director. All decisions will be final. In extreme cases, an entry may be removed from overall high score eligibility and receive adjudication placement only.
5. For the safety of the dancers and the protection of choreography, no video cameras or photo/still cameras may be used during performances. Each studio will be given both a "photographer pass" and "videographer pass" to be used during the competition. The pass will allow one person from each studio to video and photograph routines from your studio only. All passes must be attached to cameras at all times and be set up in designated areas only. Photos and videos should only be taken from the designated area. Flash photography is not allowed during performances. Failure to adhere to any of these rules may deem a routine ineligible for overall awards. CTC reserves the right to inspect cameras brought into the theater at any time to verify that footage contains only one studio's performances. The audience is welcome to shoot photos (including flash) during our awards ceremony. Additional information as well as photo and video passes will be included in the registration packets sent to studio directors 10-14 days before each regional. Passes will be distributed to studio directors during registration at the event. In select regional cities, CTC will offer the services of a photographer and/or videographer. If a professional videographer is present, studios will not receive a "videographer pass" as no other video cameras will be allowed in the theater. Regardless of vendors present, all studios will still receive one "photography pass" to take still photos from the designated area. CTC receives no revenue from sales of these items and contracts these services as a convenience to parents, teachers and studio directors.
6. Coaching from the wings is prohibited.
7. General props are permitted; no dangerous props (weapons, fire, etc) are allowed. Helium balloons are only permitted if secured to a prop or a person and if allowed by the venue. Scenery is not allowed. The prop must be an integral part of the performance and must be actively used throughout. Other than dancers, no person may remain on stage during performances.
8. Props should be set up and assembled in 2 minutes or less. Please notify us as soon as possible if you expect a particular prop's setup to take longer.
9. Props must not damage dance floor in any way and should stand no higher than 10 feet. Performers should not stand above 6 feet.
10. No liquid, gel, aerosol, glitter or other substance that could effect the dance floor may be used.
11. Unless permission is posted by the theater, no food or drinks are to be brought into the auditorium, dressing or backstage areas.
12. CTC assigns dressing space to each studio based on the number of performers per studio. More than one studio may be assigned to a single dressing room on an as needed basis.
13. Good sportsmanship is expected from performers, students, parents and the general audience at all times. Horns, whistles and other noisemakers are not allowed in the theater. Failure to adhere to these rules may result in point deduction and/or disqualification in extreme instances.
14. Contestants competing in a dance competition take certain inherent risks including but not limited to sprains, bruises, pulled and sore muscles and broken bones. Participants agree not to hold Celebration Talent Competition LLC, its officers or staff responsible for injuries, illnesses or damages sustained while participating in any activity related to a Celebration Talent Competition LLC event.
15. All contestants consent to the use of photos and videos for marketing and advertising purposes including but not limited to print, web and other media outlets.