National Finals Rules

 Printable Rules

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). Up to a 5 point deduction will be incurred for exceeding stated time limits, exiting the stage before the completion of a routine (unless due to technical difficulties), 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 

The CTC National Finals 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 studio will receive one USB “flash” drive containing all critiques. Critiques will be audio, video or a combination of both. Studios will also receive an electronic copy of the score sheet for each routine. Score sheets will include judges’ scores, any deductions, the total score and adjudication placement. Judges’ decisions on scoring are final.

USB drives 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 USB drives that are left behind. USB drives that are left behind may be shipped per request for a fee of $15. 

SOLO COMPETITION 

Each contestant in the Rising or Shining Star levels may compete up to 3 solos in different performance categories at National Finals. Protostar level dancers may only compete 1 solo. As long as a student has performed a solo at a regional event, no additional prequalification is necessary. If a soloist did not previously perform a solo at a regional, they must prequalify 1 solo at our Last Chance Preliminary during National Finals. Prequalifying 1 solo will automatically allow a performer to enter up to 3. Soloists may not compete against themselves; those entering multiple solos must place them in different performance categories. 

DANCER OF THE YEAR 

Performers chosen as Finalists at regional events are invited to compete at National Finals for the title of Dancer of the Year (DOTY). The DOTY Competition requires three components – convention classes, solo semi-finals, and the Showdown Opening Number.
 
DOTY contestants will be evaluated and scored by the faculty in convention classes and during the solo semi-finals competition. Class scores will be based on the following:
 
Work Ethic (Energy/Enthusiasm): 40 Points Possible
Technique (Control/Placement): 30 Points Possible
Showmanship & Performance (Character/Personality): 30 Points Possible
Total: 100 Points Possible Per Class
 
The total scores from all classes will be added together to determine the convention class score component. Total: 800 Points Possible
 
The solo semi-finals will be held during National Finals competition. Each DOTY contestant will perform their title solo (chosen at regionals) and each judge will assign a score of up to 100 points. The three scores will be added together to determine the total solo score. Total: 300 Points Possible
 
The total class score will count for 60% of the overall score. The solo semi-finals score will count for 40% of the total score. The Top 5 12 & Under National Finalists and the Top 5 13 & over National Finalists will go on to compete in the Showdown on the last day of National Finals. For the Showdown, all previous scores will be dropped. The DOTY winner and runner up will be decided via the judges’ ranking.
 
DOTY participants must check in to receive their information packet and swag bag. Dancers will be required to wear audition numbers and DOTY apparel at all times during class. All contestants will compete for title (Junior vs. Senior) with their age calculated as of January 1st.  Regardless of actual age, all Junior (12 & Under) finalists will take class in the junior room. DOTY participants are also required to attend all rehearsals and participate in the Showdown Opening Number on the last day of competition. Scores from classes and the solo semi-finals will be distributed to teachers or parents before the Showdown.
 
A mandatory parent welcome meeting for Dancer of the Year Finalists will be held during National Finals. Attendance is required by a parent or other adult representative. DOTY contestants with no representative will be immediately disqualified from the competition.

All DOTY participants may only represent the dance studio with which they won the title. No participant will be allowed to compete under a different studio name or as an independent. Studio owners must grant permission for DOTYs to participate in the competition.

The National Finalists who will be competing for Dancer of the Year will be announced on stage at the final awards ceremony of the week. The Finalists will compete during the Showdown to crown the Dancer of the Year. One winner and one runner-up will be recognized in both the Junior (12 & Under) and Senior (13 & Over) age divisions.
 
Regional Finalists must compete the same solo during the DOTY solo semi-finals that was originally selected at the regional. Finalists chosen at regionals may compete a different solo during the National Finals solo competition.
 
Former Dancers of the Year will not be allowed to compete for a title previously held unless two competition seasons have passed since their crowning. If the dancer currently holds the Junior National Title, they may compete for Senior Title if they were chosen at a regional.

National Title winners are requested to return to National Finals and will be featured in the Opening Number and will be asked to perform their title winning solos. Returning DOTYs will also be invited to demonstrate/assist during convention classes, assist with the Improv competition and the DOTY Solo Semi-Finals  and assist during awards ceremonies, including the Showdown awards. Returning DOTYs may compete groups during National Finals but may only perform solos for adjudication. They may not compete in the Improv competition.
 
The DOTY registration fee is $300 and includes convention classes, solo semi-finals, DOTY commemorative jacket and class apparel, and the opening number costume.

PHOTOGENIC COMPETITION 

Photogenic entries and fees will only be accepted online in advance of the competition. Visit our website to register for the photogenic competition – parents or studios may register dancers for photogenic. Up to 3 photos (color or black and white) may be submitted per contestant. Entry fee is $35 per photo, fees will be collected during the online registration process. Entries will be judged in the 12 & under and 13 & over age categories. Winners will be featured in the program book. Winners will be announced on stage at final awards for each age group. A minimum number of entries is required in each age level to host the photogenic competition.

PRELIMINARY COMPETITION 

CTC will have a Last Chance Preliminary Competition during National Finals. Any routines that did not previously compete at a regional must be prequalified during this preliminary competition. The preliminary competition will be conducted according to our regional rules and regulations. Preliminary entries should be submitted as both a Preliminary Entry and a National Finals entry through the online registration system. 

CELEBRATION SHOWDOWN 

The last day of National Finals will include a dance-off to select the Rising and Shining Star level top groups of the entire week. A total of 20 groups or lines will be invited to perform again during the dance-off. The top 5 scoring 12 & Under groups or lines from each performance level and the top 5 scoring 13 & Over groups or lines from each performance level will recompete in the dance-off for additional cash prizes. Each studio may have a maximum of 2 routines in each age division and performance level. At the end of the dance-off, the judges will rank each group to determine final placement (1st through 5th). During the Showdown, Judge Choice Cup picks will also perform for the judges to award Judge Choice Cup winner. The Top Duo or Trio in the Rising and Shining Star levels will also re-perform.



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 as of January 1st of the event year. 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.

For National Finals, routines that add, delete or substitute a dancer must recalculate the average age.

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. Other than bump rule age class changes, all routines must compete in the average age class that is calculated. 

Any age protests must be submitted in writing to competition director or staff 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 3 levels of competition to incorporate different skill levels and groups among contestants.

Protostar: Dancers whose weekly class time is less than 3 hours. This level is for beginner dancers with little to no competition experience. No dancers in the Shining Star level may compete in a Protostar routine. Senior and Adult age class routines may not compete in the Protostar level. Protostar dancers may compete only one solo and may compete in a maximum of 4 routines.   

Rising Star: Dancers whose weekly class time is less than 5 hours. This level is for intermediate dancers with previous competition experience. Dancers may perform a maximum of 7 routines. 

Shining Star: Dancer whose weekly class time is 5 hours or more. This level is for advanced dancers. Dancers who perform in 8 or more routines must be entered in the Shining Star level. 

Guidelines for performance levels:

• Class time includes any and all rehearsal time as well as scheduled weekly classes.
• Additional structured dance activities/hours of dance (school dance classes, dance team, classes at a different studio, etc.) should be taken into consideration when determining a student’s level.
• Only the Rising and Shining Star levels are eligible for cash prizes, top duo/trio award, and group Showdown participation.
• Any entry that contains 50% or more of the next level of dancers must be entered into the higher level. For example, 2 Protostar dancers and 3 Rising Star dancers must be entered in Rising Star level.
• Any Senior age class dancer who has a solo entry may not be listed in the Protostar level. 
• Once a performer has been placed in a higher level, they must remain in that level for subsequent competitions. This includes level changes due to judge's elevations, dancer's number of performances, or solo participation.
• Critiques and scoring will be geared toward the appropriate level.
• Performance level between regional and national finals should be recalculated if any dancers are added, removed or substituted.
• Entries placed in the Pro-Am category must be in the Shining Star level.
• Routines that are entered in the Protostar and Rising Star levels but contain advanced skills may be elevated to the higher level. Examples of advanced skills include a la seconde turns, triple and quadruple pirouettes, advanced extensions, switching wings, turning riffs and alternating cramp rolls. Note that this is only a sample of skills and is not meant to be a complete list. CTC judges, directors or staff may elevate routines clearly placed in the wrong level. All decisions are final.
• We must rely on teacher judgement in placing students and routines in the appropriate level.
• Please check levels carefully as no changes will be allowed on competition day.
• Directors will be notified of level bumps after the awards ceremony for that routine is concluded.

TIME LIMITS 

 

 

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 FEES

Studio Owners & Teachers - please click here to log in to your studio account to access fee information.

REGISTRATION GUIDELINES

Regional entries can be duplicated through the online registration system. Dancer of the Year contestants must also be registered to compete for title through the registration link (available on our website).

ENTRY ACCEPTANCE 

CTC does not accept independent entries. All entries must be registered with a studio. All National Finals entries must have been previously qualified at a regional competition or the last chance preliminary. In order to compete at National Finals, routines must have earned, at a minimum, a High Silver adjudication. Routines that have not received the minimum adjudication may attempt to re-qualify during the Last Chance Preliminary competition. Entries are accepted on a first come, first served basis and must be submitted online by the entry deadline. Entries will be accepted until allotted competition time is filled. Entries will not be added to the schedule until online registration is submitted with full payment. Entry fees may be paid via ACH draft from bank account, credit card, or CTC award certificates & studio credits. Paper checks are not accepted. Bank drafts returned for any reason will be assessed a $30 fee.

Entries are accepted on a first come, first served basis and must be submitted online by the entry deadline.  Entries will be accepted until allotted competition time is filled. Entries will not be added to the schedule until online registration is submitted with full payment. Entry fees may be paid via ACH draft from bank account, credit card, or CTC award certificates & studio credits. Paper checks are not accepted. Bank drafts returned for any reason will be assessed a $30 fee. 

If using CTC award certificate(s) as form of payment, a photo of the original certificate must be emailed to the office prior to registering for an event. The amount of the certificate will be added to your account as a studio credit. Award certificates not sent in advance will not be credited against entry fees during the registration process. Studio credits may be applied to the total due during the registration process - you may view current studio credits by logging into the registration system. Certificates received after payment submitted will not be honored.  

REGISTRATION & ENTRY CHANGES

Entry changes are processed at no additional cost until the change deadline. The change deadline is 48 hours after an event schedule is distributed. A $10 change fee will be assessed to make changes to an entry for any reason after the change deadline. If an entry needs to be removed for any reason, under no circumstances will refunds be issued for submitted entries.  In the event a child is unable to perform due to a documented illness, CTC may issue an injured dancer studio credit in that child’s name to be used at a future regional competition. Requests for injured dancer credit must be submitted within 45 days of the competition that dancer was planning to attend. The decision to issue a studio credit for unused entry fees is solely at the discretion of the CTC director(s).

SCHEDULES 

Competition timetables will be posted online approximately two weeks before National Finals. Teacher packets containing detailed performance schedules will be posted to the Studio Account portal 14 days before the competition. 

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. No Protostar level dancer may perform a routine in the Pointe category.

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 lead 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. Eligible for adjudication only. May only compete in the Shining Star level.

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.

Acrobatic Tricks - Ballet and pointe may not contain any acrobatic tricks. The following categories may contain a maximum of 3 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. Shoulder rolls, non-aerial walkovers and cartwheels are considered exceptions and will not be counted as a trick. A gymnastic pass is considered one trick.

MUSIC 

All competition music must be uploaded via our Online Registration System by the deadline for your event, which will be provided during the registration process. Other than for backup purposes, no forms of music will be accepted on site.  
 
The music speed will not be adjusted by emcee. Please be sure to have a backup for all music (CD, iPod, iPad, or similar electronic device). A compilation CD is acceptable for backup purposes. iPod is a registered trademark of Apple Inc.
 

GENERAL RULES 

1. Performers must compete on designated day, time, and in scheduled order, unless a schedule change has been pre-arranged with the CTC office.  Routines that compete outside of their scheduled day, time, or order will be eligible for adjudication only. Schedule requests and changes due to costuming or props will not be accommodated.
2. 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.
3. For the safety of the dancers and the protection of choreography, no video cameras or photo/still cameras may be used during performances. CTC will offer the services of a professional photographer and videographer at National Finals. The audience is welcome to shoot photos (including flash) during our awards ceremonies.
4. Coaching from the wings is prohibited.
5. 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. Prop assistants may remain on stage as long as they are not at all visible to the judges/audience. Props must be set up and assembled in 2 minutes or less and should be labeled with your studio name.Props must not damage dance floor in any way and should stand no higher than 10 feet. Overnight storage of props is not allowed unless approved by the Director(s). CTC is not responsible for props stored overnight.
6. No liquid, gel, aerosol, glitter or other substance that could affect the dance floor may be used.
7. Unless permission is posted by the venue, no food or drinks are to be brought into the auditorium, dressing or backstage areas.
8. 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 or area on an as needed basis.
9. Good sportsmanship is expected from performers, students, studio staff/representatives, 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. CTC reserves the right to eject from the premises any spectator or participant deemed to be acting in an inappropriate or disruptive manner.
10. 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. 
11. By attending a CTC event, spectators acknowledge that inherent risks exist including but not limited to: exposure to illnesses, loud music, low lighting, strobe lighting and special effects. Spectators agree that by attending the competition you voluntarily assume all risks and agree not to hold Celebration Talent Competition LLC or any of its venues, affiliates, directors, officers, employees, agents, contractors or volunteers liable for any illness or injury. 
12. All contestants consent to their use of photos and videos for marketing and advertising purposes including but not limited to print, web and other media outlets.

 

ADJUDICATED AWARDS 

Each entry will receive an award for adjudication placement (Platinum, High Gold, etc.) and each performer will receive a custom enamel lapel pin. Studios, who have a minimum of 5 group entries, have the option to donate the cost of adjudication awards (for groups only) to CTC’s charity partner, Toys for Tots. Toys for Tots, a 75-year national charitable program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, provides happiness and hope to disadvantaged children during each Christmas holiday season.  The toys, books and other gifts collected and distributed by the Marines offer these children recognition, confidence and a positive memory for a lifetime.  It is such experiences that help children become responsible citizens and caring members of their community.  Last year, the Marine Corps fulfilled the holiday hopes and dreams of 7 million less fortunate children in over 800 communities nationwide.  Since 1947, over 265 million children have been assisted. For more information, visit www.toysfortots.org. Studios that choose to donate adjudicated award costs to charity will receive a plaque acknowledging the donation and special recognition in the program.

CATEGORY AWARDS

CTC will recognize the highest scoring routine in each age class, division, level and performance category (i.e. Junior Rising Star Small Group - Jazz Category). Winners will only be recognized and announced in those categories with a minimum of 3 entries in their respective division.

HIGH SCORE AWARDS

CTC will recognize up to 15 of the highest scoring routines in each division, level and age class.  Cash awards will be paid in the Rising and Shining Star levels and Award Certificates will be issued in the Protostar level. There are no cash prizes or award certificates in the Adult age class.  Cash awards and certificates will be issued according to the guidelines in the table below. If there are less than 400 entries competing at a National Finals event, certificates will be substituted for all cash awards. Award certificates may be substituted for cash awards at other times when deemed necessary by the director(s). Soloists competing more than one solo will only be allowed to place once (using their highest scoring solo) in the Overall High Score Solo awards.

 

Division High Score Cash Awards - Rising and Shining Star Levels

 

A minimum of 10 entries in any particular level, division and category (i.e. Senior Shining Star Solo) is required for any cash prizes to be awarded. Cash awards or award certificates awarded will be based on the number of entries:
 

Division High Score Cash Awards - Protostar Level

The overall high score in each protostar age class and division will receive an award certificate. A minimum of 5 entries are required in the age class and division to issue an award certificate. The following amounts will be issued for each division in the Protostar level:
 
Solo: $100
Duo/Trio: $100
Small Group: $125
Large Group: $125
Line: $150

TOP DUO/TRIO AWARD

The top scoring duo or trio in each age and level (for example, 12 & Under Rising Star Duo or Trio), will be recognized during their respective awards ceremony. The top scoring duo or trio will receive a custom award and be invited to re-perform the routine during the Showdown as a recognized top duo or trio. The Protostar level is ineligible for Top Duo or Trio award.

SPECIAL AWARDS

The following special awards will be given in the 12 & under and 13 & over age classes:

Costume Awards - awards for creative or original costumes.

Choreography Awards - awards for artistic and inventive choreography.

Performance Awards - awards are given in different categories (jazz, tap, clogging, etc.) for an exceptionally technical or outstanding performance in a category.

Showstopper Awards - awards for routines that are especially entertaining and deserving of additional recognition.

Judges' Choice Awards - awards created by the judges themselves to reward creativity, technique, style and a variety of other factors.

Photogenic Winner - the photogenic winner chosen in both the 12 & Under and 13 & Over age divisions will receive a $50 award certificate.

"Life of the Party" Award - goes to the studio with the best attitude and overall team spirit. The studio chosen for this award at National Finals will receive a $250 cash prize. If the there are less than 600 entries competing at a National Finals event, a $250 award certificate will be issued to the winning studio.

CELEBRATION SHOWDOWN AWARDS

Our dance-off Showdown will award the top groups and lines in the 12 & Under and 13 & Over age divisions and in the Rising Star and Shining Star performance levels. Different cash prizes will be awarded to all groups that participate in the Showdown.  The amount of each cash prize is determined by final placement in the dance-off. If there are less than 600 entries competing at a National Finals event, certificates will be substituted for all cash awards. Award certificates may be substituted for cash awards at other times when deemed necessary by the director(s).
 

JUDGE'S CHOICE CUP

Each judge will pick a routine from both the 12 & Under and 13 & Over divisions (Rising & Shining Star levels only). Solos are ineligible for Judge Choice Cup selections. These 6 routines will re-compete during the Showdown. One routine will be chosen as the winner of the Judge’s Choice cup from each division. The winning studios will each receive a $150 award certificate.

DANCER OF THE YEAR

Our Junior (12 & Under) and Senior (13 & Over) Dancers of the Year will be crowned at National Finals. Both the Junior and the Senior winner will receive a trophy, sash, tiara and a $600 cash award. The runner-up to each title winner will receive a trophy and a $150 cash award. Dancer of the Year winners are Celebration Talent Brand Ambassadors for the following year and will be featured in the following season's ad campaign and regional program. They may also be offered additional opportunities to represent Celebration Talent in various outlets throughout the year.

CASH AWARDS & AWARD CERTIFICATES

Checks will be sent via mail to the winning studios and award certificate amounts credited to studio accounts approximately two weeks after National Finals. Dancer of the Year checks will be issued payable to the students and will be sent to the address provided during the registration process. All other checks and award certificates will be issued directly to the studio and cannot be made payable to an individual. Award checks must be cashed within 90 days from date of issue. Checks not received must be reported to the CTC office within 30 days of the conclusion of an event. Lost checks will be reissued once the 90 day time frame has expired. Checks returned to our office but not reported lost will be converted to award certificates. Awards left behind will not be sent to studios; all awards must be picked up prior to the conclusion of competition. Award certificates earned at the National Finals may only be used at a CTC regional event held the following season.  Award certificates may only be used for entry fees at a regional competition and are not valid for merchandise. CTC reserves the right to alter amount of cash prizes or substitute award certificates at any time.