Regional Rules

SCORING 

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

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 

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 studio will receive one USB “flash” drive containing all critiques and scoresheets. 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/TITLE COMPETITION 

Each contestant in the Rising and Shining Star levels may compete a maximum of two solos at each CTC regional. All solos in these 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. Any changes to the title solo selections must be made 14 days before competition start date. Additional dancer solos registered less than 14 days before an event may not be considered for title. 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.

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 $30 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 and runners up 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.

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 1^st 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. 

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 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 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 and award certificate prizes, high score awards and Dancer of the Year selections.
• 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.
• 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 may 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.

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 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 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.  

CTC reserves the right to expand or move an event, move a location, or postpone/cancel an event as necessary. In the event that it becomes necessary for CTC to cancel a regional due to low participation or weather conditions, a full refund for entry fees paid will be issued within 10 business days of the cancellation. In the event that it becomes necessary for CTC to postpone a regional due to acts of nature, government restrictions or other unforseen conditions, CTC reserves the right to reschedule the affected event and offer studio credits or refunds. Refunds will be issued within 30 business days from the date of the rescheduled event. Studios may, at their discretion, choose to apply any refunds due to another CTC regional, a rescheduled CTC regional or our National Finals.

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 

General timetables are available on our website approximately 10 days before the event. Detailed performance schedules are available in the Studio Account portal. 

SCHEDULING REQUESTS 

CTC will do our best to honor scheduling requests submitted in accordance with our guidelines. All scheduling requests must be submitted through our online system 21 days before competition begins and may only be requested for routines that have been fully registered (submitted and paid for through the registration system). Scheduling requests submitted after the 21 day deadline will not be honored. A scheduling request is not guaranteed; we are not able to honor all requests due to time constraints, event days planned and other factors. No refunds will be issued for scheduling requests not met. Scheduling requests may only be submitted for milestone events (weddings, communions, etc.) or grade-dependent school functions. The scheduling request system may not be used for costume accommodations, prop accommodations, or conflicting recreational activities. 

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 have been granted a scheduling request will receive all awards during the ceremony that contains their peer routines. 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. The audience is welcome to shoot photos (including flash) during our awards ceremonies. In select regional cities, CTC will offer the services of a photographer and/or videographer. If media services are not present, arrangements will be made for studios to capture photo and/or video of their own routines.
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 effect the dance floor may be used.
7. Unless permission is posted by the theater, 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 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 the 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 over 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 an award 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. A minimum of 5 entries in any particular age class, level, and division (i.e. Senior Shining Star Solo) is required for cash prizes to be awarded. If there are less than the required 5 entries, award certificates will be substituted for cash prizes. If there are less than 100 entries in total competing at a regional event, award certificates will be substituted for all cash prizes. There are no cash prizes or award certificates in the Adult age class or Protostar level. CTC reserves the right to alter amount of cash prizes or substitute award certificates at any time.

No soloist may place more than once in the high score awards. Ties will be broken based on technique score. If technique score is tied, ties will be broken by performance score.  

The following cash awards will be paid to the top scoring Petite, Junior, Teen, & Senior routine in each division and performance level:

• Solo $100

• Duo/Trio $100

• Small Group $125

• Large Group $125

• Line $150

The Superstar Award goes to the group or line with the overall highest score in both the Rising Star and Shining Star Performance Levels. Solos, duos and trios are ineligible. If there are less than 150 entries competing at a regional event, certificates will be substituted for cash awards. Group routines in the Adult age class and the Protostar level are ineligible for Superstar Awards. A minimum number of groups in each age and level is required in order to award the Superstar.

Checks for cash awards will be sent via mail to the winning studios approximately two weeks after each regional event. Award certificate amounts won will be applied to the studio's CTC registration account for use at a future event. Checks and award certificates will be issued to the studio only and cannot be made payable to an individual. Studio 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.

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.

"Life of the Party" Award - goes to the studio with the best attitude and overall team spirit.

DANCER OF THE YEAR FINALISTS

Dancer of the Year Finalist selections at regional competitions will receive an award, title apparel, and an invitation to compete in the Dancer of the Year competition at National Finals.