The ultimate dance madness preliminary day is run like a Star Dance Alliance regional event.

Small Groups, Large Groups and Lines. Large groups and Lines may be combined if there is not enough to fill any one bracket.

Seeding is found by the Average score of your two highest scoring groups in any particular age division and group size during the regular competition. Top Four Studios will move on to the Main Event. The Main Event will be held during the final day of the competition.

The Highest Average Studio will be the #1 Seed
The Second Highest Average Studio will be the #2 Seed
The Third Highest Average Studio will be the #3 Seed
The Fourth Highest Average Studio will be the #4 Seed

The #1 Seed will compete against the #4 Seed, and the #2 Seed will compete against the #4 Seed. Lowest Seed will perform first (1st).

The Winner of the #1 vs #4 will compete against the Winner of the #2 vs #3 in the Championship Round. Lowest Seed will perform first (1st).

The remaining studios from round one will move to the Placement Bracket to find 3rd & 4th place. The lowest seed will perform first. The Placement Bracket will compete before the Championship Bracket.

★ Although each competition is run in its own way, all of the SDA competitions provide a quality competition arena to our customers in every aspect.

 

★ A combined registration system that allows studios to enter/update their roster one time a year, and easily transfer routines from competition to competition.

  

★ Streamlined Rules and Regulations that make it easier for studios to keep age divisions, group sizes and competition levels the same for each competition.

  

★ Routines may qualify at any SDA Regional Competition for all of the Star Dance Alliance National Championships.

  

★ SDA Star Dollars are awarded to Advanced Level Champions.

★ Regional winnings may be redeemed for any SDA 2020 National Championship or for a 2021 Regional Competition from the issuing competition.

★ National winnings may be redeemed for a 2021 Regional Competition from the issuing competition.

★ Star Dollars may NOT be used for the World Dance Championships, World Dance Pageant, Power Pak or Wild Dance Intensive

  

★ SDA Power Rankings – www.stardancealliance.com

Every routine that competes at a SDA Regional Competition, and is awardedas the ‘Regional Champion’ in their division, is automatically entered into the Power Rankings. Routines are entered into the rankings with the score that their routine was given at that regional event. You can track the Power Rankings weekly at www.stardancealliance.com

    

★ Power Pak – www.powerpakdance.com

Invitations & Scholarships are awarded at all of the SDA Regional Competitions.

   

  ★ Wild Dance Intensive – www.wildaboutdance.com

Scholarships are awarded at all of the SDA Regional Competitions.

   

  ★ World Dance Championships – www.worlddancechampionship.com

Golden Ticket Invitations to the World Dance Championship are awarded at all SDA Regional and National Competitions to top scoring routines.

    

★ World Dance Pageant – www.worlddancepageant.com

Scholarships are awarded at all of the SDA Regional Competitions.

 

Entries will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis and will be limited to the amount of performance time available.  

NO entries will be processed until they are PAID IN FULL.

  

 

NO PHONE, FAXED or MAILED entries will be accepted.

  

 

All entries must include the correct names and ages of all contestants.

  

 

The name of a routine may NOT be the same name as the dance studio.

  

 

It is IMPERATIVE that your roster be entered/updated with the the CORRECT PERFORMANCE LEVEL and CORRECT DATE OF BIRTH when inputting your registration data. This WILL NOT be able to be changed after the schedule is completed.

  

 

All fees MUST be paid by credit card or e-check. No personal/studio checks, cashiers checks or money orders will be accepted.

IMPORTANT:  IMPORTANT: Any person who is actively participating in a routine for ANY amount of time is counted as a performer and must be registered as such. This includes any person who can be seen by the judges for any amount of time, and any person who may be in a costume that covers their face.

Solo – (1) Performer

Time Limit - 2:45 minutes

Fashion Modeling & Compulsory Time Limit – 1:30 minutes

• Solos MUST compete in the competition level in which the dancer is registered originally on the studio’s roster. (The only exception is Compulsory, Fashion Modeling & Vocal Solos, which must compete in the Advanced Level).
• Soloists are limited to entering a maximum of three (3) solo performance categories and may not compete against themselves in any category. (Soloists may compete in the Compulsory, Fashion Modeling and Vocal Category in addition to the dance categories).
• A contestant cannot place more than once for high score in the Solo division.

 

Duet/Trio - 2-3 Performers 

Time Limit - 2:45 minutes

• No Duet/Trio may compete against themselves in the same performance category with the same performers. There must be a 50% difference in performers to be in the same age group of the same category.

 

Small Group – 4-9 Performers

Time Limit - 3:00 minutes

 

Large Group – 10-19 Performers

Time Limit - 4:00 minutes

 

Line - 20 or more Performers

Time Limit - 4:30 minutes

*A Maximum of 6:00 minutes extended time may be purchased. Any line over 6 minutes MUST be entered in the Grand Line Division.

 

Addendum – 10.2.19 - Due to the late date of this rule change, Lines may purchase extended time over 6 minutes without having to move to the Grand Line category for the 2020 competition season ONLY. 

 

 

Grand Line – 20 or more Performers

Time Limit – 7:00 minutes

• Grand Lines compete in the ADVANCED LEVEL ONLY, and have NO specific performance category (Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, etc.).
• Average age will determine the age at which this routine competes.This division allows age 20 & over performers to compete and not be placed in the Adult Division.

 

EXTENDED TIMES: Solos, Duet/Trios, Groups & Lines may purchase an extended time of 30 seconds at $3/per performer. Grand Lines may purchase an extended time of 1 minute at $3/performer. To register for extended time, please check the box on the routine that indicates “Request Extended Time” on your online studio account.

 

Note:Routines that are over the time limit, that have not registered extended time, will result in automatic point deduction of one point or a fraction thereof for every 5 seconds of overtime if extended time has not been registered for that routine.

AGES ARE DETERMINED BASED ON THE DANCERS AGE ON JANUARY 1ST, 2020.

 

DIVISIONS: 4 & Under; 5-6 Yrs; 7-8 yrs; 9-11yrs; 12-14 yrs; 15-16 yrs; 17-19 yrs; 20-29 yrs; 30-39 yrs; 40-49 yrs; 50 yrs and over. NOTE: JAZZ, TAP, LYRICAL, CONTEMPORARY AND OPEN CATEGORY CONTESTANTS WILL ENTER THE FOLLOWING SINGLE AGE DIVISIONS: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19.

 

DETERMINING AGE DIVISION: Duets/Trios, Groups and Lines will compete at the average age division determined by averaging the age of all members of the group. Do not use decimals or round up. Example: If the average comes to 11.8, they will compete in the 11-year old age division. NOTE: If there are any substitutions of any performers for National Championships, the ages must then be re-averaged and the group must then compete at the age division that the average is as of the first day of championships they are attending.

 

ADULT AGE DIVISION: Any routine with a performer 20 years or older will compete in the Adult Division (with the exception of the Grand Lines). All adult performers MUST compete in the Advanced performance level and are not eligible for High Score Awards. If enough routines are entered in the Adult Category, a special High Score Award may be awarded at that regional. Adult dancers may include Teachers, Professionals, Parents, etc.

 

PROOF OF AGE: All performers are required to have proof of ages on hand at every SDA competition. Failure to provide a birth certificate or driver’s license if an age division is challenged will result in disqualification of that routine.

 

HIGH SCORE AGE DIVISIONS: High Score Awards will be given out in the Petite (8 & Under), Junior (9-11), Teen (12-14) and Senior (15-19) age divisions.

 

*Age Bump Rule (Duets, Trios & Small Groups only) – The oldest performer in a duet, trio or small group may only compete (1) age division lower than his/her age. Example: A routine with a 15 year old performer may only compete in the Teen (age 12-14) or Senior (age 15-19) divisions regardless of the average age. Example: A 15 year old small group performer may never compete in the Petite (8 & Under) or Junior (9-11) age division.

Studios are required to assign a competition level for EACH performer when they are entering their roster in the registration system. Please be certain that you are entering your performers in the CORRECT PERFORMANCE LEVEL. NOTE: DANCERS MAY ONLY BE REGISTERED AT ONE LEVEL…Any dancer found to be registered in more than one level may be disqualified.

 

Dancer’s levels WILL NOT be able to be changed by the studio once entered.

 

SOLOS and DUET/TRIOS MUST COMPETE AT THE LEVEL IN WHICH THEY ARE REGISTERED ON YOUR ROSTER.

 

**IMPORTANT** - It is at the judges discretion to move any routine that they feel is placed in a level below their ability to the level in which they feel is necessary. All judges decisions are FINAL. If the judges determine that a routine should be moved to a different level, and that level has already competed, the routine will then be eligible for adjudication only.

 

ANY ROUTINE THAT IS BUMPED TO A HIGHER COMPETITION LEVEL AT ANY SDA COMPETITION FOR ANY REASON WILL REMAIN IN THAT HIGHER LEVEL FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE SEASON THROUGHOUT ALL STAR DANCE ALLIANCE COMPETITIONS.

The following guidelines are suggestions to be used in determining the appropriate level placement of each competitor. Because no competition can possibly know how many hours a child dances or for how many years they have danced, it is left to the teachers own sound judgement when entering level placement for their students.

LEVEL ASSIGNMENT GUIDELINES

ADVANCED Level: This competition level is for top-level competitive dancers who perform at an advanced technical level. All entries will be adjudicated, and will receive High Score Awards. ***This is the ONLY level that is eligible to compete for Title and receive Prize Monies. In addition, only advanced dancers are eligible to receive the Highest Level Adjudication.

 

INTERMEDIATE Level: This competition level is for the intermediate or ‘on the rise’ dancers, and is recommended for dancers who have had approximately 2-5 years experience. Entries will be adjudicated, and will receive High Score Awards within this level. NOVICE Level: This competition level division is for beginning dancers who have little or no experience competing. Dancers may only be considered ‘novice’ dancers for a maximum of 3 years.. Entries will be adjudicated, and will receive High Score Awards within this level.

 

Small Groups and Duet/Trios - The highest level of dancer in a routine will determine the level of the routine. Example: 1 Advanced Dancer and 8 Intermediate Dancers will determine the routine to be in the Advanced Level. One Intermediate Level dancer and 8 novice dancers will determine the routine to be in the Intermediate Level.

 

Large Groups and Lines - No more than 1/3 of the dancers in a routine may be a higher performance level than the level that the routine is entered. Example: If a routine has 12 dancers - 4 advanced, 4 intermediate & 4 novice, the routine will be placed in the ‘advanced’ level because 1/3 or more of the dancers are advanced.

 

IMPORTANT NOTES ON COMPETITION LEVELS  *No dancer that is registered in the ‘advanced’ level will be permitted to dance in ANY ‘novice’ level routine.

*No level changes may be made at the door.

*No Solo may be bumped to a higher competition level than the level in which the performer is entered on the 2020 studio roster.

*Groups/Lines may be placed in a higher competition level than the average of the participants, but never a lower level. This must be done PRIOR to the competition. Note: Any routine that is bumped to a higher level at any SDA competition will remain in that higher level for the remainder of the season throughout ALL Star Dance Alliance Competitions.

• PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO RECORDING from any electronic device is STRICTLY PROHIBITED. Failure to abide by this rule can result in Disqualification for the studio. If anyone is found photographing or video recording in the competition auditorium, we reserve the right to

delete the video footage. Teachers… it is your responsibility to inform your contestants and parents of this rule.

• NO SMOKING is permitted in any of our venues.

• All dance divisions are permitted to have up to 25% acro/gymnastics tricks in them. NOTE: The Cheer & Character divisions may contain up to 50% acro/gymnastics.

• Special stage or house lighting will not be provided or changed for any performance.

• A panel of well-qualified judges will score contestants. All decisions of the judges are final.

• All contestants grant permission to the Star Dance Alliance to use their photographs and/or videos for promotional reasons.

• Sportsmanlike behavior is expected from all contestants, teachers and families at all times. Failure to display proper decorum could result in immediate disqualification. This includes attempting to recruit students from other studios to attend yours at one of our events.

• The Star Dance Alliance and the hosting venue are not responsible for personal injury or property loss.

• Please note that every venue is unique and has its own set of rules concerning outside food & beverage, use of helium balloons, etc.

Acro/Gymnastics - A routine that contains primarily gymnastic tricks, including, but not limited to walkover, front/back limbers, handstands, headstands, cartwheels, etc. There should be a blend of gymnastics and dance together.

 

Ballet - A routine consisting of classical steps & ballet technique. Ballet shoes must be worn.

 

Baton - Routine using baton(s) and baton technique.

 

Character - A routine that portrays a character that is easily recognizable.

 

Cheerleading - A routine that has a combination of strong, sharp movements, vocal cheering and dance. May contain up to 50% acro/gymnastics.

 

Clogging - A routine which uses clogging technique.

 

Compulsory – (Advanced Level/Solos Only) A performance of pre-determined, specified dance techniques. (Please see details listed on next page)

 

Contemporary – A routine that combines both lyrical and modern movements.

 

Drill Team - A group performing military type moves with precision marching and may incorporate any type of dance.

 

Fashion Modeling – (Advanced Level/Solos Only) Must include Runway "T-style” Modeling Technique

• FORMAL- Any party dress or "After 5" attire.

• SPORTSWEAR- Casual skirts, pants, etc., select sport, skiing, tennis, horseback riding, etc.

• SWIMWEAR - Any swimwear or swimsuit & cover-up.

 

Folkloric - Routine incorporating ethnic styles of dance such as polkas, Hawaiian, Spanish, etc.

 

Hip Hop - A dance that consists of the latest street dance style, as seen in current dance videos.

 

Jazz - A routine that utilizes jazz technique such as splits, isolation, leaps, etc.

 

Lip Sync - A routine that utilizes pantomime techniques and mimics voices on pre-recorded music.

 

Lyrical - A routine that is performed to the lyrics or mood of the music.

 

Modern - A routine containing a contemporary style of dance.  

Musical Theater - A routine performed to the music of a Broadway musical or a movie musical.

 

Open - A routine that is a combination of any of the other categories; a routine that does not exactly fit any of the definitions of any other category. (No Vocals permitted)

 

Photogenic Contest - Contestants should submit a 5x7 or larger photograph the FIRST DAY OF COMPETITION to the registration desk. The photo must be of only one person. Photogenic contestants must be a registered competitor in that competition and may register more than one photo.

  Pointe - A routine that consists of ballet/pointe technique. Pointe shoes must be worn.

 

Pom Pon - A routine combining dance with the use of pom pons for at least 80% of the routine.

 

Production - This category may be entered ONLY in Line division and must have a minimum of 20 performers. The time limit for this category is 6 minutes.

 

Song and Dance – A routine that combines dancing and singing. This is a vocal routine…lead vocals may not be lip synched and may have back up vocal accompaniment only. We will provide two handheld, wireless microphones. No personal/studio microphones, headsets, etc. will be permitted.

 

Tap - A routine utilizing tap technique and must be performed with tap shoes only.

 

Vocal – (Advanced Level Only) A performance of any type of vocal presentation. Accompaniment must be pre-recorded. (No lead vocals may be recorded; backup voices only will be permitted). We will provide two handheld, wireless microphones. No personal/studio microphones, headsets, etc. will be permitted to be hooked into the sound system.

 

COMPULSORY SOLO REQUIREMENTS

This is a solo performance of specific dance techniques set forth by the list below. Dancers will be judged on the quality of execution regardless of the difficulty level. Choreography and/or transitional movements between each required technical element will not be judged, but is permitted.

 

Scoring Breakdown: Turns - 30 points, Control/Balance/Flexibility – 30 points,

Leaps/Jumps - 30 points Bonus Section – 10 points

 

ATTIRE: Contestants MUST wear black, form-fitting dance apparel (NO Costumes). Hair must be pulled back away from

face. No socks may be worn unless they are worn with shoes. Shoes are optional (must wear two).

MUSIC: Technical elements must be executed in time with the music of your choice (any genre may be used).

 

REQUIREMENTS: All 4 technical elements MUST be executed in each category IN THE ORDER in which they are listed below.

 

11 & Under REQUIREMENTS:

1. FLEXIBILITY/CONTROL/BALANCE

• • • Split (any side or center)

      Leg Stretch (balance holding leg in any way you choose) ex: heel stretch or scorpion

      Grande Battement (front or side)

      Extension/Dévloppé (front, side or arabesque)

2. TURNS

• • • Right OR Left double pirouette turned out en Dehors (outside)

      Piqué turn (turned out with coupé back en Dedans)

      3 Chaîné turns (in relevé)

      Right or Left Inside Pirouette (in plié with parallel passé)

3. LEAPS/JUMPS (Leaps may be executed Right OR Left)

• • • Échappé sauté (from 5th to 2nd)

      Sauté arabesque

      Grand Jeté (brushing front leg, straight jeté)

      Saut de chat (grand jeté with front leg développé)

4. BONUS SECTION (2-3 of your own technical elements to showcase)

• Examples: Acro passes or tricks (walkovers, valdez, back handsprings, chin/chest stands)

  Advanced and exciting turn sections featuring multiple turns

  Switch leaps, Turning Jeté, Men - Double tours

 

12 & Over REQUIREMENTS:

1. FLEXIBILITY/CONTROL/BALANCE

• Split (any side or center)

  Leg Stretch (balance holding leg in any way you choose) ex: heel stretch or scorpion

  Choose TWO of the following extensions:

  Penché arabesque

  Écarté side extension

  Tilt (side extension, tilting back laterally)

  Forward layout - parallel side extension with flat back in forward position

 

2. TURNS

• Double en Dehors (outside) - Right AND Left pirouette with passé turned out (Not into fouette turns)

  Double inside - Pirouette en Dedans turned out with high passé

  Attitude turn (front or back attitude) - Can be piqué attitude turn or plié relevé en Dehors, en Dedans

  Females - (4) fouetté turns / Males - (4) turns in second (Pirouettes into our out of fouette turns do not count as

  double pirouettes en Dehors as stated above)

 

3. LEAPS/JUMPS (Leaps may be executed Right OR Left)

• Sauté arabesque

  Grand Jeté (brushing front leg, straight jeté)

  Saut de chat (développé, passé to straight front leg grand jeté)

  Leap in 2nd or Side jeté (développé or brush straight leg)

 

4. BONUS SECTION (2-3 of your own technical elements to showcase)

• Examples: Acro passes or tricks (walkovers, valdez, back handsprings, chin/chest stands)

  Advanced and exciting turn sections featuring multiple turns

  Switch leaps, Turning Jeté, Men - Double tours