NEXT LEVEL DANCE COMPETITION 2014 RULES

1. TOUR INFO
2013-2014 RULES & AWARDS
Silver
S
Gold
High Gold
G
Platinum
HG
P
Diamond
PINNACLE DIAMOND
(Perfect Score)
D
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GROUPINGS, FEES, TIME LIMITS
GROUPINGS
FEE PER DANCER
IMPROV SOLO
TIME LIMIT
1 MIN
TRIO
$40
Fees only
$90
viewable in
studio center
$50
by owners
$40
SMALL GROUP (4-9)
$40
3 MIN
LARGE GROUP (10-19)
$40
4 MIN
SUPER GROUP (20+)
$40
4 MIN
PRODUCTION (20+)
$50
8 MIN
SOLO
DUET
Entry fees are non-refundable. credit available with medical note from doctor.
3 MIN
3 MIN
“Grace Period” of 15 seconds will be given to each routine over time limit.
3 MIN
1 Point will be taken from total score For every 15 seconds past “grace period”.
extended time: Up to 1 minute extra (10% of routine cost added)
AGE DIVISIONS
AVERAGE AGE
MINI
6 & Below
All ages are as of January 1st of that COMPETITION YEAR.
JUNIOR
7-9
Online studio center AUTO CALCULATES AGE for you.
tWeen
10 - 12
AVG AGE: ADD all performers’ age and divide by total # of performers. no rounding, drop decimal.
TEEN
13 - 15
SENIOR
16 - 19
A MIXED age group can ONLY compete in an age division that is ONE LOWER than oldest performer.
Example: Group that has 6 minis and 1 senior can’t compete any lower than teen. Teen is 1 age
group lower than the oldest person (senior).
ADULT REC
20 +
PRO-AM
19 +
COLLEGE CREWS
18 - 25
DIFFICULTY LEVELS
3 COMPETITIVE LEVELS!
PREMIERE
BEGINNER
PRESTIGE
INTERMEDIATE
PINNACLE
ADVANCED
Depending on # of entries, multiple age groups may be in ADULT REC & PRO-AM.
ADULT REC - 20 yr. + dancers that wish to compete in a more recreational manner.
PRO-AM - 20 yr. + dancers that still have the drive to compete at an elite level. Routine with
teacher or professional dancer automatically will be classified in pro-am.
We hope studio owners use fair judgement when placing their students in difficulty levels as
there is no true way for us to monitor how many hours of class a student dances per week. If a
student is clearly misplaced we will move them accordingly.
-
The level of a kid should always first be gauged by their abilities for their AGE.
A student’s level at a different competition has nothing to do with next level and our levels.
Dancers and studios may choose higher levels to challenge themselves.
Studio Center auto calculates level for you!
A MIXED level group can ONLY compete in an level that is ONE LOWER than highest performer.
Example: Group that has 6 premiere & 1 pinnacle can’t compete any lower than prestige. prestige
is 1 level group lower than the highest leveled performer.
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2. PERFORMANCE CATEGORIES
If the judges feel that a routine has been placed in an inappropriate category,
they reserve the right to change the routine to a different category.
ACRO
LYRICAL
BALLET
MODERN
CHARACTER
MUS TH.
CLOGGING
OPEN
CONTEMPORARY
POINTE
Ballet & Pointe should almost always have no ACRO/AERIAL tricks or flips.
FOLKLORIC
PRODUCTION
HIP-HOP
TAP
Aside from the routines stated above, all routines should generall have 2-3
ACRO/AERIAL tricks in them. A routine that far surpasses this # will be issued
a 2 point deduction from their total score.
JAZZ
VOCAL
ACRO, CHARACTER, & OPEN may contain up to 50% Acrobatics/Gymnastics.
Routines comprised mainly of gymnastic passes must be entered into ACRO.
Protests must be brought up with director or owner AT THE EVENT.
PHOTOGENIC
- 1st Photo - $25 (Pre-Register) $30 (Day of event).
- Additional Photo(s) - $15 (Pre) $20 (Day of Event).
- Any number of additional photos may be submitted.
- Photo can be of any color, pose, or size (8x10).
- List Name, age, LeveL, email, phone number, studio
and city on the back of each photo
- Award will be presented during each division’s solo awards.
- All photo submissions must be turned in on the morning of
the applicable award ceremony.
- Non-winning photos can be retrieved from the Next LeveL
front desk after awards ceremonies.
TITLE
TITLE WINNER = SOLO SCORE + INTERVIEW SCORE
- Interview judging will be based on presentation, personality, and
confidence delivered in interview.
- Interviews will be on stage with MC right before their dance. Interview
will be simple, fun, and focused on pageantry.
- Regardless of how many Title solos a dancer has, their is only 1 interview.
- Title holder of one Regional is not eligible to win other Regional titles.
- Title holders may win NO MORE than 2 years in a row (at same Regional)
unless moving to another age division.
- For Soloists registering Title for multiple solos, their highest Solo score
will be used.
- Title does not apply to interpretive solos.
- Next LeveL Dance Competition is not responsible for any
photos that are misplaced, lost or damaged.
IMPROV SOLO
- When registering, Dancer must decide the STYLE for the interpretive solo (Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap, ETC.).
- Dancer will then be able to download the 4 song possibilities off of www.nextleveldance.com for that pertaining style.
- Prior to the solo, the dancer will NOT know which of the 4 songs is going to be played.
- Thus this ensures a true freestyle or interpretation of the musicality and dance.
- Please do not try to choreograph a routine for this Solo, as the purpose of this Group is for on-the-spot movement.
- IMPROV Soloists will NOT be judged on costume, but are encouraged to wear clothing that is comfortable & related to their dance style.
RULES
PERFORMANCE
- Studios may compete at more than 1 Regional.
- Independents are welcome.
- Due to competition sometimes running ahead of schedule, dancers should be ready 1 hour prior to their scheduled competition time.
- All Numbers must perform according to the Final Schedule unless authorized by a Competition Director.
- In the case of an Emergency or special circumstance, a Competition Director must be notified prior to performance. Failure to follow
these guidelines could lead to point deductions.
- If the equipment of a studio or performer fails (excluding music), show must go on. The only time a routine can start over or repeat
is if the competition itself makes a mistake or malfunction. Exceptions are only allowed by a Competition Director.
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3. PROPS
- Fire, real weapons, swords, liquids, gels, and knives on stage are not allowed. Simulated weapons with dull, safe edges are acceptable.
- Props must be freestanding. Scenery or backdrops requiring the use of theater fly bars, or special theater lighting may NOT be used.
- Special fog or smoke is not permitted unless specifically approved by competition.
- Please be prepared to clean up immediately after the routine is finished.
- Prop height should be no taller than 15 feet (exceptions may apply).
- It is the responsibility of the studio to ensure that props are taken on and off the stage within 60 seconds.
- Studios are responsible for ensuring that the stage is clean and undamaged by the prop after the routine.
- Studios are liable for any damage done to stage.
- Load in and Load out of Props must be done on same Competition day. Props CAN’T be left overnight.
- Next LeveL is not responsible for props left overnight and groups will be deducted points.
GENERAL
- Next LeveL Dance Competition reserves the right to add or remove competition days, or move locations due to circumstances.
Any change in competition days, activities, and times is at the sole discretion of Next LeveL Dance Competition and will be determined
on a case by case basis. Next Level Dance Competition also reserves the right to reschedule or cancel any competition due to weather,
number of entries, or any other circumstance deemed necessary.
- The Next LeveL dance competition event, kids, web content, and it’s information can’t be used in any way that’s beneficial to another
business or dance - related competitor without written and notarized permission from the Executive Director.
- Any person that intentionally and maliciously tries to steal or recruit other performers for their studio, business, or own self gain
will be escorted off the premises and be given a life time ban..
- All participants, spectators, and attendees of Next LeveL Dance Competition authorize the use of their image in any form of media,
all commercial use, and any other purposes that abide by basic law..
- Next Level Dance Competition and hosting event is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Do not leave your property unattended
in the theater or dressing rooms..
- Videotaping and photography during the competition is strictly prohibited. Anyone in violation of this rule will be escorted out by
security and the content will be confiscated. Depending on the relationship with that person, related studios or affiliates will be
deducted points or disqualified. This is done to protect the integrity of the choreographers, as well as the safety of the dancers.
At every event, Next LeveL offers professional video and photography for purchase.
- Photos and Videos may only be taken during award presentations.
SAFETY
- Next LeveL Dance Competition reserves the right to refuse entry or remove any spectator or other person at any time, for any reason.
- Anyone that has an un-safe history, criminal record, or even allegations of any type of abuse, misconduct, inappropriate relations, or
harassment with minors or adults are NOT welcome and will be escorted off the premises.
- Next Level Dance Competition and the hosting facility are not responsible for personal injury to either contestants or spectators.
- Contestants are understood to recognize the risks of physical injury inherent in dance and performances. Performers should be
willing to assume those risks. These risks include, but are not limited to, bruises, sprains, pulled muscles, and broken bones, etc.
It is agreed that participants will NOT hold Next LeveL Dance Competition, its directors, or staff liable for injuries and illnesses
sustained or contracted while in attendance and/or performing in any activity at a Next Level Dance Competition event.
- Any Participant, studio, or family member that invites outside guests or spectators are solely responsible for the guest’s safety and
informing the spectators and guests of all Next LeveL Dance Competition rules and regulations. Any injury or liability of spectators
that occurs,due to inadequate understanding of rules and regulations or any other reason, lies solely on the participant or group
that invited this spectator.
- Next LeveL Dance Competition is not responsible or liable for any of the expo booths, vendors, their products, actions, or statements.
Any Vendor or expo booth company that commits anything questionable or illegal must be reported to the front desk immediately. Next
LeveL Dance Competition will then handle the situation accordingly.
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4. PAYMENT
All Fees are NON-REFUNDABLE unless authorized by Next LeveL Owner.
- Payment MUST BE US FUND ONLY! (CASH / CREDIT / DEBIT / CHECK / CASHIER CHECK / BANK MONEY ORDER)
- CHECKS MADE OUT TO NEXT LEVEL DANCE COMPETITION LLC
- Payments can be made online / mail / email / phone
- All purchases made at Next LeveL Dance Competition are non-refundable (defective products must be returned at event).
- There will be an additional $35 processing fee for any returned checks, No Exceptions!
- All credit card reversals will incur an additional 2.5% charge of the original transaction.
- If sent to collection agencies, the outstanding invoice will incur a 25% penalty of the original invoice or MAX permitted by state law.
- Anyone that has 1 or more bounced checks / reversals will incur associated costs & only allowed to pay with cashier’s check / money
order.
REGISTRATION & REBATE
- Next LeveL Dance Competition reserves the right to refuse service or business to anyone at any time. Entries are received on a
first-come, first-serve basis and will be subject to the amount of performance time available.
- After creating a studio profile online, entries can be:
1. Created and registered Online
2. After choosing applicable regional, form of payment must be chosen.
*MAIL-Ins MUST GET Tracking # from post office & email Tracking # to info@nextleveldance.com to ensure delivery.
Mail TO:
Next LeveL Dance Competition LLC
3553 Atlantic Avenue Suite B #1317
Long Beach, CA 90807
EMAIL FORMS: INFO@NEXTLEVELDANCE.COM
- To Qualify for Rebate, Pay Online or Postmark 4 weeks prior to the 1st day of that competition or cut off date listed on nextleveldance.com
*Rebates DO NOT apply to master class sign ups, ONLY TO COMPETITION REGISTRATION
-Money Must be paid in full (Registration is not considered complete until total bill is paid)
5% Rebate for ONLINE PAYMENT / CERTIFIED CHECK / MONEY ORDER
3% Rebate for Studio Check
- Registration cut off dates vary per regional. All cut off dates will be listed on regional page at www.nextleveldance.com
- Late Fees May apply for late registrations. If Mailing in Payment late, payment must be made with money order / cashier’s check.
MUSIC
ONLINE:
- Follow instructions in your online studio center
- If submitted online, music MUST BE SENT BY THURSDAY NIGHT the week of the event. NO EXCEPTIONS.
AT EVENT:
- If dropping off music at the event, MUSIC MUST BE DELIVERED ON FRIDAY AT CHECK IN. NO EXCEPTIONS.
- FLASH DRIVES ARE PREFERRED BUT CDS ARE OK AS WELL.
*LABEL ALL MUSIC with STUDIO NAME, ACT NAME, & Dancer name if Solo.
- Dropped off music can be picked up at the END of competition on Sunday.
- Studios finishing before Sunday can request their music on Saturday.
- Next LeveL is NOT responsible for any Music left behind and any Music left behind will be discarded.
OPTIONAL MASTER CLASSES
At SELECT REGIONALS, Celebrity Judges will also teach OPTIONAL workshop classes!
- Register online $25/Class. Pay Online to Guarantee spot. $30 at door if room is available.
- Competing studios and their students receive first priority.
- Independents are welcome
- Non Competing studios may NOT attend class UNLESS they competed at a previous regional.
- Teachers and studio owners may sign up to take classes, as well.
- Workshop Teachers are subject to change.
*Teachers for each city can be seen at www.nextleveldance.com/regionals
- Scheduling will vary for each city. Classes usually fall on Friday or during the competition day of that age group.
- Class LeveLs are just recommendations. Dancer may choose the level that is most appropriate. Once again, these classes are Optional.
- LEVEL 1 WILL REPRESENT LOWER LEVEL WHILE LEVEL 2 WILL REPRESENT HIGHER
*REFUNDS ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR MASTER CLASS UNLESS CLASS IS CANCELLED (CREDIT AVAILABLE WITH DOCTOR’S NOTE)
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5. JUDGING & AWARDS
Silver
S
PINNACLE DIAMOND
Gold
High Gold
G
HG
(Perfect Score)
Diamond
Platinum
D
P
JUDGING
Critiques, scoresheets, audio, or video will be available to studios owners by:
A) DVD or USB drive given to studio owner at the end of competition
B) Available for download online at studio center
In the case that adjudication is not ready on Sunday, info
will be Mailed or Emailed to Studio the following morning.
SCORING SYSTEM
-
3 Judges scoring event
In the case there are 4 judges, the lowest score will be dropped.
There is absolutely no tampering with final scores and results.
At times, Celebrity Judges will only judge certain portions of the
competition weekend.
- Next Level Dance Competition is not responsible for critiques and
score sheets left behind after the event.
*Technique
Execution of Genre’s technique within the dance
- Judging how well competitor(s) used proper technique for dance
Judge 1
Judge 2
+
*Choreography
Choreographers utilization of talent, stage, rhythms, etc.
- Judging how Choreographer created, staged, organized
*Costuming and Sound
- Relation of Costume to dance piece and its presentation
- Smooth music cuts and musical storytelling
- Judging how costume and sound affected the piece and did it serve
its purpose
All of these categories will add up to 100 points, X 3 Judges equals
the TOTAL Score.
In the case of a tie, the winner will be determined by the highest
technique score. Critiques and score sheets will be provided.
+
=
3 JUDGES
FINAL SCORE
(300 Points)
PINNACLE (ADVANCED)
Pinnacle Diamond
(Perfect Score)
Diamond
Platinum
High Gold
Gold
Silver
300
*ADVANCED LEVEL ONLY
290-299
275-289
260-274
245-259
244 or lower
PRESTIGE (INTERMEDIATE)
Diamond
Platinum
High Gold
Gold
Silver
*Performance
Execution of the choreography given (musicality, rhythm)
- Judging how competitor(s) delivered the dance
Judge 3
285-299
270-284
255-269
240-254
239 or lower
PREMIERE (BEGINNER)
Diamond
Platinum
High Gold
Gold
Silver
280-299
260-279
240-259
220-239
219 or lower
*If a Premire/Prestige scores a perfect score,
they will automatically be moved to Pinnacle.
AWARDS
GENERAL AWARDS
- An award will be given to every performing act.
- Each member of a Duet/trios will receive the award won!
- Next Level Dance Competition will always recognize the
top scoring Soloists, Duet/Trio, Small Group, Large Group,
Super Group, & Production in Each Age Category & Difficulty LeveL.
RECOGNITION AWARDS
- given throughout the event at each ceremony that recognize a specific ability
or attribute. recognition awards may vary per event.
- Costume
- Musicality
- entertainment
- Choreography
- judges’ choice
- tWitch AWARD
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6. OVERALL AWARDS
- The number of Top overall spots will be determined by dividing the
total number of acts in half, but never exceeding a top 15.
Example: If there are 18 Senior solo Advanced acts, thus a top 9, etc.
1ST PLACE OVERALL
PAY UTS
- If soloist performs more than one solo, only their highest score will
be used in the overalls.
Example: If dancer’s two solo scores are receive the 4th and 5th highest
score, only the 4th will announced.
A MIN. of 3 competitors in that overall category to qualify.
PREMIERE (BEGINNER)
IMPROV SOLO
SOLO
DUET/TRIO
SMALL GROUP
LARGE GROUP
SUPER GROUP
- To have a minimum of a top 2, there must be at least 4 acts in that category.
- regardless of total competitors, one first overall will always be named.
*Although all 1st overall finishers are recognized, a MIN. of 3 competitors
in that overall cateogry are needed to qualify for payouts.
ESSAY AWARDS
- Mommy & Me Award: Participants must draw picture (Mini & Petite only) of
themselves & mother, as well as why their mom deserves this award. (Older
entrants may write a 1 Pg essay, no picture necessary) Award given to Mother &
daughter based on essay submitted by child. Picture & Essay posted on facebook
and website. Mother & daughter both win prizes and gifts. All other submissions
will get recognition as well.
- Giffin-Harrison Award (Teacher): Award given to teacher that shows excellence
in teaching and education in the arts. Particularly in motivating, inspiring, and
challenging students. Essay must be 1-2 pages double spaced and written by
student, parent, or studio owner.
- Teresa Puglisi Award (Studio Owner): Award given to studio owner that shows
exemplary leadership, kindness, sacrifice, and patience within their studio and
community. Winner determined by essay submitted by student, parent, teacher, or
community member. Must be 2 Pages with 1.5 spacing.
TOP SCORE CHAMPIONS
HIGHEST SCORE (12 & UNDER)
- IMPROV SOLO
- SOLO
- DUET/TRIO
- SMALL GROUP
- LARGE GROUP
- SUPER GROUP
STUDIO VERSATILITY AWARD
- Studio’s 6 highest group scores
(each score from a Diff. genre of dance)
TRIPL3 THR3AT AWARD
1 Free master class
Free Solo Credit for future event
1 Free master class each member
$75 OFF REG. AT FUTURE EVENT
$100 Check
$125 Check
PINNACLE (ADVANCED)
IMPROV SOLO
SOLO
DUET/TRIO
SMALL GROUP
LARGE GROUP
SUPER GROUP
1 Free master class
Free Solo Credit for future event
1 Free master class each member
$75 OFF REG. AT FUTURE EVENT
$100 Check
$125 Check
requirements to qualify
- must bring a minimum of 15 acts total
- of which 5 are groups
- 1 of them being a large or super group
of 10 routines (2 being groups) that are 13&UP
TOP STUDIO (12 & UNDER) - must have
Min. of 10 routines (2 being groups) that are
12 & Under.
TOP PINNACLE STUDIO - must have Min.
*SOLOIST
TOP 2 SOLO SCORES + TOP INTERP SOLO SCORE
1st Solo
Score
IMPROV SOLO
SOLO
DUET/TRIO
SMALL GROUP
LARGE GROUP
SUPER GROUP
TOP STUDIO (13 & UP) - must have Min.
VERSATILITY AWARD
+
PRESTIGE (INTERMEDIATE)
TOP STUDIO AWARDS
*OF THE ENTIRE EVENT
HIGHEST SCORE (13 & UP)
- IMPROV SOLO
- SOLO
- DUET/TRIO
- SMALL GROUP
- LARGE GROUP
- SUPER GROUP
1 Free master class
Free Solo Credit for future event
1 Free master class each member
$75 OFF REG. AT FUTURE EVENT
$100 Check
$125 Check
=
+
2nd Solo
Score
Interpretive
Solo Score
TRIPL3 THR3AT
SOLOIST
of 10 pinnacle routines (2 being groups)
TOP PRESTIGE STUDIO - must have Min.
of 10 prestige routines (2 being groups)
TOP PREMIERE STUDIO - must have Min.
of 10 premiere routines (2 being groups)
*STUDIO
TOP SCORING SMALL GRP + LARGE GRP + SUPER GRP
+
+
TOP OVERALL STUDIO
= TRIPL3 THR3AT
STUDIO
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