RULES & AWARDS

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• Create An Account, Username & Password

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• Select Event
• Enter ESTIMATE number of routines
• Payment Deposit- Minimum of $500 required to hold your place
• Checkout

• Entries MUST be accompanied by credit card information.
• Cashier’s Check (45 days prior to the event)
• Check (45 days prior to the event)

Entries will not be processed until check or credit card payment is received.

• Paid IN FULL 30 days prior to the event.
• ENTRY FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. NO EXCEPTIONS

• Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover (No Additional Charge)
• Money Order
• Cashier’s Check
• Check

• Entries received after deadline will be subject to a 10% late fee

• ODC must have a Consent Form signed before students will be allowed to compete.
• Representatives and parents must sign the Consent Form on behalf of all competing students.
• Consent Form found in your Online Account must be completed by the entry deadline date.
• Include Consent Form with registration

• To Qualify
  • Payments must be made IN FULL 60 days prior to the deadline.
  • Entries submitted must total a minimum of $1,000

  Discount Applies to regional competitions ONLY and CANNOT be combined with any other offer.

• To be eligible:
  • Must register a minimum of 10 GROUP Entries

  (Production routine counts as 2 groups)

• Create an account to view competition fees.
• Discounts are available to Studio Directors, with qualifying registrations.

• Dance Studios
• Independent Competitors

• Email us at info@ovationdance.com

ODC reserves the right to:

• limit the number of entries at events.
• close an event once we have reached capacity.

Prior to the competition:

• Schedules will be emailed FIRST to the directors and then will be available online. (ONLINE Schedule will be available ONE week prior to the event.)

All Participants:

• must be available on ALL days of competition. ODC events start at 8am and end no later than 10pm on a Sunday. (Time frame for each event will vary by city and venue availability)

• must be ready to perform 2 hours prior to scheduled time. (In the event, the competition is ahead of schedule or re-ordering has occurred.)

• must perform on his/her designated day and in the order stated in the program. (Unless officials of ODC change the line-up)

• Requested NO LATER than 2 weeks prior to the competition date.
• No entry changes will be accepted after final schedule is released.
• Performers level CANNOT be changed after the final schedule is released.

1. There is no limit to the number of regional competitions a studio and/or independent dancer may compete in.

2. All contestants must conduct themselves in a professional manner. Any unsportsmanlike conduct will result in disqualification.

3. A solo performer may NOT compete against his/herself in each GENRE.

FOR EXAMPLE: Mary cannot compete in Jazz with both of her solos, she must register one in Jazz and one in Open.

*In a duet/trio, at least one dancer must be different when competing in same category/genre.

*It IS permissible to compete against yourself in Groups and Lines

4. LIABILITY: ODC, its’ staff, its’ sponsors, the hotel, the theatre, or site of convention/competition will not be held responsible for any accident or injury that may occur to anyone participating or attending these events. ODC cannot be held responsible for unforeseen flaws in theatre stages that may inadvertently lend to the causing of an accident. Persons entering the competition and/or participating as a spectator or in any other aspect MUST assume the responsibility for any unforeseen injury. It is the responsibility of the dance teacher and/or person in charge of a participating group to educate all entrants, their parents and attendees on the rules and policies of ODC.

5. Upon entering and competing in ODC, all teachers/dancers give permission and consent to ODC to use any photographs or videos/film take for promotional advertising or other commercial use.

6. Personal videotaping and photography is strictly prohibited during performances. Any persons caught videotaping or photographing could risk having their associated studio’s routine disqualified from the competition.

Photos and videos MAY be taken during the awards ceremonies for all divisions.

7. Choreography, costuming, music lyrics and/or dance themes must be appropriate for our family audience.

8. ODC will conduct business with Account holders ONLY. No parents should call the ODC office for any reason, all inquiries must be directed to the participating studio.

9. ODC reserves the right to cancel a competition if a minimum number of entries are not received.

In the event of a cancellation, all monies paid to ODC will be refunded.

10. ODC is not responsible for any trophies, costume pieces, etc. not picked up by the end of the competition weekend. Studios will be required to pay shipping & handling for any trophies or awards not picked up by the end of the competition weekend. Personal items will be left at the venue. Trophies and awards will only be sent out by ODC if contacted by the studio and payment of shipping is settled.

• • Average the age of all dancers as of January 1st of the CURRENT Competition Tour Year
  • For duo/trios & groups, please round down or drop the decimal.
  • 19 year old dancers must be in High School. The system will Automatically put dancer into the Adult Division. Studio Owner must contact competition to validate dancer is still in High School.

  Dance Comp Genie will automatically update ages.

  • The youngest dancer in any group must perform a minimum of 75% of the entire routine.

  Failure to do so will result in a 3-point deduction from your total score.

  Age divisions are detailed in the chart below.

  AGE DIVISIONS	AGE
  Minis	8 years and under
  Junior	9 to 11 years old
  Teens	12 to 14 years old
  Seniors	15 to 19** years old
  Adult	20 years and over
  Pro-Am	Teachers and Professionals

   

   

Novice Dancers should:

• Display an understanding of
  • Technical Skills
  • Stage Presence
  • Movement
  • Timing and Precision

FOR EXAMPLE: A dancer that can execute a Single pirouette, basic leaps, has a consistent expression on stage, basic dance vocabulary, working on flexibility, and have an understanding of single count rhythms.

Intermediate Dancers should:

• Demonstrate Consistency
  • Technical Skills & Flexibility
  • Emotions and Performance Qualities
  • Transitions into Movements
  • Rhythm and Timing

FOR EXAMPLE: A seasoned dancer that is able to execute a double pirouette, smooth transitions into leaps, has the ability to change their expression based on the song, have the knowledge of incorporating basic syncopated rhythms.

Elite Dancers should:

• Exhibit Advanced Qualities
  • Technical Skills
  • Able to tell a story through their Performance.
  • Adds Difficulty to their Connectivity of Movement
  • Dynamic and Stylistic Quality Choreography

FOR EXAMPLE: A trained dancer that can execute triple+ turns and incorporate difficult variations of pirouettes, ability to showcase their flexibility through strength and control, can tell a story through on stage, and able to showcase variability in their musicality.

• Trains NO MORE than 3 hours of dance per week (includes, but is not limited to, dance class, rehearsal time, drill team, cheerleading, gymnastics, etc.).
• Competed less than 2 years.
• No more than 5 routines per contest
• Permitted to only 1 solo entry.
• Not eligible for Ovation Title Winner
• No cash awards will be awarded in this division.

• Trains NO MORE than 6 hours of dance per week (includes, but is not limited to, dance class, rehearsal time, drill team, cheerleading, gymnastics, etc.).
• Limited to 9 routines per contest.
• Permitted to only 3 solo entries (must be different genres)

Only highest score will be eligible for Overall Top Score Awards

• Eligible for Ovation Title Winner

• Trains MORE THAN 6 hours of dance per week (includes, but is not limited to, dance class, rehearsal time, drill team, cheerleading, gymnastics, etc.).
• Dancers competing in 10 or more routines.

Any dancer competing in this division may not compete in the Novice Division

• Permitted to only 3 solo entries (must be different genres)

Only highest score will be eligible for Overall Top Score Awards

• Eligible for Ovation Title Winner

• At least one professional dancer or teacher over the age of 18 dancing with or without students.

Professional- 50% of their income comes from teaching, performing, and/or choreography.

• Not Eligible for Overall Top Score Awards
• No cash awards will be awarded in this division.

All level placements are the sole discretion of the studio owner/competition team director.

All entries are eligible to compete “up” in age & division at the discretion of their competition director, however, at no time is any entry ever allowed to compete “down” in age or division.

• A mixed Level Trio or Group routine, at least 51% of the dancers must be from the Division they are competing in.
• If a mixed level Duet or Group equates to 50% then they must compete in the higher level.
• Elite Division Dancers cannot compete in the Novice Division.
• Violation of these rules will result in disqualification from Overall Top Score Awards

ODC or the studio may move a routine to the proper Division prior to the performance of the routine to correct a placement error.

If category changes must be made due to unforeseen circumstances (i.e.: injury, death in the family):

PRIOR TO THE EVENT:

The studio owner must send an email immediately to info@ovationdance.com . If you have not received confirmation within 24hrs of the event, please notify registration desk the 1^st day of the event.

DURING THE EVENT:

The studio owner must report immediately to the backstage manager and fill out an Entry Adjustment Form with changes in level, age or number of participating dancers.

Eligibility for Overall Top Score Awards will be based on IF their Category Award session has NOT yet been completed.

FOR EXAMPLE:  Entry #220 is a small group with 4 dancers competing, and one dancer is unable to compete. The studio owner must report to the backstage manager that their small group “Baby I’m a Star” #220 in the age 11 intermediate category will now compete as a trio.  IF and only IF the Award session for Duo/Trios has not been completed, the trio may compete for Overalls. If the Award session has been completed, they will be allowed to perform for an adjudication.

A routine that demonstrates Jazz Technique, which may include classical, contemporary, hip-hop, funk, pop or lock. Routines must consist primarily of jazz technique.

A routine that demonstrates Tap Technique and basic tap floor work. No Tap sounds on recorded performance music. Routines displaying clogging technique should be considered for the clogging category.

A routine that demonstrates ballet technique, which should incorporate classical movements but may include some contemporary and interpretive movement. (Ballet Shoes only.)

A routine that demonstrates ballet done en Pointe, containing classical technique.

A routine consisting of contemporary modern movement, which demonstrates control and balance throughout and utilizes modern-specific technique such as contractions, tilts, etc.

A routine that combines jazz and ballet techniques in fluid, controlled movement. Often has a story element that relates to the lyrics and emotion of the song.

A routine that consists of fundamental Hip hop technique, and/or a routine that utilizes “trendy” styles of dance including, but not limited to: funk, pop, lock, jazz and break dancing.

A routine in which the dancer(s) portrays a character or interprets a song from a Broadway or Theatrical Production while incorporating dance technique and movement.

A routine incorporating clogging technique and movement.

A routine consisting of sharp, clean movements, kicks and jumps in drill team fashion. If poms are used they should be used consistently throughout the routine.

A routine that utilizes any combination of dance techniques listed above or any dance style not previously listed.

A routine that incorporates modern vocabulary while also incorporating ballet technique.

Any routine containing 3 or more tumbling passes will be automatically reclassified and considered for the Acro category unless already registered in the Open category.

• The use of Props is allowed in all genres & categories.
• Live animals, liquids, gels, glitters, dangerous props and weapons are not allowed.
• Simulated weapons with dull safe edges are acceptable with the approval of ODC.
• The act of throwing or shooting anything off the front of the stage is not allowed.
• The use of fire in any form is PROHIBITED.
• Fog, smoke, helium balloons or special lighting is not allowed unless approved by ODC.
• Cannot have a prop that puts dancers above 6ft. Based on Venue (please contact our office for props that are above our limit)

• The use of special microphones or sound equipment (other than that which is provided by ODC) is prohibited.
• Studios are responsible for providing batteries and power sources.

• Props must be carried on by performer or studio representative and must be in place and/or removed within their given time frame (see Music Guidelines) FOR EXAMPLE: Productions are allotted 8 min. If entry #558 Frozen has submitted a 6 minute song. Prop time will allow for 2 min. (1 minute on, 1 minute off), totaling 8 MINUTES

• If stage is “littered” during a routine, you must COMPLETELY CLEAN & CLEAR THE STAGE following completion of the routine. Failure to do so will result in a 3 point deduction from your total score

All entries are judged and scored by a panel of professional industry performers who have over 10 years of experience. The method of judging is solely within the discretion of ODC. All judges’ scores are final and are unchangeable.

Dancers will be judged by a panel of 3 judges with a maximum score of 100 points per judge. Each act is evaluated based on the following:

• Every entry will receive a video/audio critique and score sheet from each judge.
• Studios will receive a Link within 24hrs of the end of the event, which will contain all video/audio critiques and score sheets.

• Overall scoring is achieved by totaling all three judges’ given points for each dance routine entry. (maximum of 100 points per judge). All entries will receive one of the following placement awards detailed below:

Ties for Overall Top Scores will be broken by technique scores. In the event of a technique score tie, judges will make the final decision.

• The youngest dancer in any group must perform a minimum of 75% of the entire routine.
• If stage is “littered” during a routine, you must COMPLETELY CLEAN & CLEAR THE STAGE following completion of the routine

• Walk off or Incomplete Routine

• Entries exceeding the maximum time limits

ALL TIME LIMITS INCLUDES SET-UP/STRIKE

All deductions will be issued by one designated ODC staff member, judge, and/or the director(s). All decisions are final.

1. Upload all music in advanced through your Online Portal

Formats Accepted

— Mp3

— M4a

2. ODC will accept music at registration on USB drives. If you are turning music in using a USB drive, we ask that you please make sure your files are named, and that the flash drive contain no additional content.

            Entry Number – Studio Code – Routine Name

3. ODC is not responsible for unedited music. Please have all music edited and cued for a professional quality performance.

4. Music speed will NOT be adjusted.

5. ODC is not responsible for the quality of your music.

6. A 9-point deduction will apply for all entries exceeding the maximum time limits.

7. Teachers must use professional judgment with music selection. Music containing lyrics of an explicit or sexual nature is prohibited and the entry will be disqualified. This also applies to Choreography ODC or its’ judges finds age-inappropriate.

8. It is the responsibility of the studio to obtain music copyrights and pay fees to the appropriate organizations such as ASCAP, BMI or SESCOM.

Back Up Music – We highly recommend bringing a Master Backup USB.

All time limits include Set Up & Strike

May be purchased:

• at the time of registration at the event
• $5 per dancer for 1 minute
• $10 per dancer for 2 minutes

Music

• CANNOT be Uploaded Online
• A studio Representative will need to hand deliver music to the DJ (must be on USB) 1 hour prior to the scheduled act time.

• Solo- 1 Trophy
• Duo/Trio- 1 Trophy for EACH dancer
• Groups- 1 Trophy per group and Pins for all participants

• ODC Recognizes
  • The top 1/3 of entries in a category (max: Top 15)

  FOR EXAMPLE: If there are 9 Junior Soloists, ODC recognizes the TOP 3 for that category. If there are only 3 Junior Soloists, ODC recognizes the TOP 1 for that category.

• Awards for creative or original costumes
  • Handed out at Group Award Sessions
  • Mini, Junior, Teen & Senior

• Awards for artistic and inventive choreography
• Mini, Junior, Teen & Senior

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

Stand out awards created by the judges, rewarding creativity, technique, style and a variety of other factors.

• Handed out EVERY Award Session.
• All Levels Eligible

ODC is proud to offer a title competition at no additional cost to dancers. We believe in rewarding well rounded dancers who display excellence in technique, performance, and execution of routines in multiple genres.

Eligibility

• Must perform at least 2 solos in different genres.
• Must be registered in a group routine.
• Solos registered in the Open category MUST be in a noticeably different genre than the other solo performed.

FOR EXAMPLE: A dancer cannot perform a lyrical solo in both the Lyrical & Open categories.  There needs to be a visible difference in the style of the two solos entered. 

Ovation reserves the right to disqualify any solo for title consideration if it is registered in Open and does not demonstrate a difference in style.

• Both solos must score a Platinum and have a combined score of at least 574  for Elite dancers and 570 for Intermediate dancers to be awarded the Ovation title.

Dancers who perform 3 or more solos will have their two highest scoring routines (of different genres) used to obtain a cumulative score.

• Must be registered as an Intermediate or Elite dancer.

Novice dancers are not eligible for title awards

All Title Awards will be given out during Group Awards, as all dancers will need to be registered in a group dance to be eligible for Title.

FOR EXAMPLE: Mini soloists during Mini Large Group Award Session, Junior soloists during Junior Large Group Award Session, Teen soloists during Teen Large Group Award Session, Senior soloists during Senior Large Group Award Session. 

Each studio will be awarded a Top Overall Score Winner for the routine that scored the highest of the weekend from THEIR studio. All routines are eligible; solo, duo/trio & groups. This award will be handed out at the last Award Session each studio participates in. Must have at least 5 routines entered in the competition.

Mini/Junior- Award during last Award Session

Teen/Senior-Award during last Award Session

All Top Overall Teen & Senior Soloists in the Elite Solo Division that score a minimum of 284 will be invited to be a part of our Nationals Opening Number choreographed by one/few of our Judge’s.

• ODC uses a 40’x30’ Marley Stage.
• Doors to the venue Open 1 hour prior to the start of competition, unless venue or school accommodations must take place (studio owner will be emailed prior to event). Participants and spectators are able to access the lobby, dressing rooms, and the ODC Merchandise Booth
• The doors to the auditorium will open 30 minutes prior to the first performance.
• ODC does not change the start time of its events after scheduling, routines may end up running one hour or more ahead of schedule. Please be prepared for this possibility.
• Professional videos and photographs will be available after entry # has performed https://ovationdance.smugmug.com. DISCLAIMER: Based on WIFI connection at the event.
• ODC will set up a reserved seating section for all studio representatives. This section is reserved for their use ONLY and is not open to students or parents.
• No coaching from anywhere by anyone during performance. This will be enforced and points will be deducted.

• • It is suggested that all dancers wear a cover-up while in the theater or any other public area of the venue.
  • Restricted areas are for ODC Staff access only. DO NOT ENTER.
  • Applause and cheering are welcomed and encouraged. However, screaming will not be tolerated. Please be respectful and supportive of all performers and understand that any excessively loud talking or cheering can distract the performers and/or judges from the performances.
  • Spectator and participant ticketing/admission is included with your registration and cover fees as paid by your studio/group. Seating is considered GA (general admission) and is first come, first serve. We ask that you do not hold seats for spectators that are not present. Theater/venue ushers and house crowd management teams may enforce their seating policies.
  • Only same gender parents and teachers are allowed in the corresponding dressing rooms.
    • Please enter and exit between performances only.
    • Food and drink are not allowed in the theaters.
    • Baby powder, rosin, or any other forms of powders are strictly prohibited in the entire facility. Failure to comply with this regulation will be grounds for immediate disqualification.
    • Smoking is not prohibited inside the building. Please check for specific rules on smoking with the individual venue.

• ALL ROUTINES MUST CHECK IN WITH THE STAGE MANAGER 5 ROUTINES PRIOR TO THEIR PERFORMANCE.
• Please let ODC Backstage Manager know if the dancers starts on or off stage, what color for their background, and if there is a prop that needs to be set before the performance.
• Please send one representative to check in with the ODC Stage Manager.
• Routines will not be considered checked in and ready for performance until all performers are in the backstage area.
• Teachers and performers are allowed backstage only during their routine or when directed by the ODC Stage Manager. Due to limited space backstage, spectators and supporting of friends by watching from backstage is prohibited.
• No food or drinks will be allowed in the backstage area or in the dressing rooms.
• ODC is not responsible for any items left in the theater or dressing rooms.
• When possible, lost items will be left with the venue’s lost & found.

• Any routine that is not completed or experiences a walk-off will not be eligible for a re-score.
• The performer may be allowed to re-perform the routine at the competition director’s discretion for any number of factors such as age, time, or overall competition experience.
• A 6-point deduction will be incurred for exiting the stage before the completion of a routine (unless due to technical difficulties), or other rule infractions.

• Routines are expected to perform in the order they are scheduled in.
• In all cases, routines must be performed before or during the awards session in which they are scheduled.
• If the routine cannot be performed during the awards session in which it is scheduled for any reason (unless permissible by the competition), it can be performed for judges’ comments and adjudication only.
• Each ODC Competition is run in numerical order. However, you may be asked to compete out of sequence to avoid a delay.
• Please be prepared to perform at least 2 hours earlier than your scheduled performance time as ODC Events tend to run ahead of schedule.