Official Rules and Regulations

Refund Policy – We will refund 100% of your funds if you choose not to compete 30 days prior to competition, within 30 days of competition there will be no refunds.

 

Official online entries must be completed in their entirety. Studio owners / directors / independents must complete the release clause on every Official Entry submitted. All entries must be submitted online through the “REGISTRATION PAGE”, or via US Mail prior to the competition date. Entries will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis and will be limited to the amount of performance time available. There will be a late fee per act after the deadline date. No entries will be processed without full payment. Only Visa, Master Card, Studio checks, money orders or cashier checks will be accepted. Individual personal checks will not be honored. All returned checks are subject to a $25 service fee. Payment of entries sent after the deadline date must be in the form of a Cashier’s Check or Money Order. CDC reserves the right to add additional competition days or move the competition location due to unforeseen circumstances. CDC also reserves the right to cancel any event that does not meet the minimal number of acceptable entries. In the event this should occur; all entry fees will be refunded. There will be NO refunds on entries after the minimum numbers of entries have been received and the competition has been confirmed.

 

By submitting entry information, you agree to comply with all policies and procedures, rules and regulations as set forth by Curtainline Dance Competition. Any person competing in a dance competition takes certain incumbent risks. These include but are not limited to sprains, pulled muscles, & broken bones. Participation in this competition affiliates. Therefore, the attendees will not hold CDC or any of its Directors, officials or staff liable or responsible for injuries or damages sustained while participating in any activity related to CDC… We hereby release the Directors of CDC from any and all claims for damages or for injuries which might be sustained while participating in any activity connected with this competition. The insurance policy of the competitor will be the only source of reimbursement. Contestants give permission for CDC to use their photos, electronic video images and to appear on t.v./internet or print advertisement in connection with publicizing a CDC competition without compensation.

 

Admission is free and the general public is welcomed. Doors will open exactly 60 minutes prior to the first performance time. The use of ANY electronic devices for Photography & Videography is STRICTLY PROHIBITED during any performance, unless authorized by CDC. Failure to comply with this rule may result in a 1-point per judge deduction to the act being recorded and/or photographed as well as confiscation of the recordings and/or photographs. It is the responsibility of the studio owner/ director/independent entry to inform their students and parents of the NO Photo/Video rule. No food, drinks or smoking is allowed in the competition performance area or inside the contracted venue. All participating teachers, dancers and spectators are expected to display good sportsmanship. Failure to comply could result in immediate disqualification and loss of privileges to participate in future CDC Competitions.

 

TYPES OF ENTRIES

Types of Entries: Solos, Duet/Trios (duets and trios will compete against each other), Small Groups (4-8 performers), Large Groups (9-15 performers), Lines (16 or more performers), Productions (15 or more performers-may include performers of all levels). Productions MUST portray a theme or storyline.

 

TIME LIMITS

Time Limits: All Solos, Duet/Trios must be limited to 2:45 minutes. Small Groups must be limited to 3:00 minutes. All Large Groups & Lines must be limited to 4:00 minutes. Production performances have an 8:00 minute time limit for performance and a total of 5:00 minutes for set-up and removal of props. Extended time is available (up to 1:00 minute for a fee of $3.00 per performer) for Small Groups, Large Groups, Lines and Productions. Timing begins when the first dancer enters the stage area and ends when the last dancer exits. Entrances and exits without music and bows must be included in the timing of the performance. One point per judge will be deducted for every 15 seconds that a routine is over the time limit. It begins at 3:00 for Solos & Duet/Trios, 3:15 for Small Groups & 4:15 for Large Groups & Lines, and 8:15 for productions, unless additional time was requested and paid for in advance. Dancers are expected to perform in the order published, unless the Competition Director grants special permission or it has been pre-approved and documented by the office administration prior to the competition. Unauthorized delays of the performance schedule may result in a 1-point per judge deduction and/or disqualification. Dances not performing within 10 acts after their scheduled performance time may not be eligible for Overall High Point Awards, unless it has been pre-approved by the office administration or by the Competition Director. Acts not completed may also receive a 1-point per judge deduction. An act that re-performs will only be re-adjudicated if it experiences a technical error on CDC’s behalf. A tentative schedule with the performance time of each act will be available on our website one week prior to the competition. Contestants in the first 10 acts competing should arrive in full costume including hair and make-up and be ready to perform. All other competing dancers must be ready to perform one hour prior to their scheduled performance time. **If the competition is running ahead of schedule, dancers are expected to perform in order of the program and/or when called upon backstage.

 

MUSIC

 

All music must be uploaded to DanceBUG or be emailed (with a correctly labeled music file with the routine name) to info@curtainlinedance.com within 7 days of competition. Music may also be mailed on USB or CD (with correctly labeled music files with the routine name, number, style and age for USB, and on a separate sheet attached with CD’s) to our offices no later than 7 days before the competition performance date. It is highly recommended that contestants bring backup music in the event of a malfunction of the original music submitted. Music can be picked up at the registration table at the conclusion of each awards if backup music is submitted. USB’s or CD’s that are not claimed at the end of the competition will be discarded unless previous arrangements were made with CDC office.

 

DIVISIONS 

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• SOLO 

• DUET/TRIO (2-3 performers) 

• SMALL GROUP (4-9 performers) 

• LARGE GROUP (10-15 performers) 

• LINE (16+ performers) 

• PRODUCTION (15+ performers and a routine of 5-8 minutes in length) Maximum of 30 dancers performing on stage at one time. 

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AGE DIVISIONS:  NEW

 

Age Divisions are as follows: Mini (6 & under only in NOVICE and PRIMARY), Petite (7-8 NOVICE and PRIMARY, 8 & under in INTERMEDIATE AND ELITE), Junior (9-11), Teen (12-14), Senior(15+) and Adult. AGE DIVISION SHOULD BE DETERMINED AS OF THE JANUARY 1st CUT OFF DATE. The average age will determine the age division for Duet/Trios, Groups, and Lines. When determining the average age of an act, always drop the decimal. Contestants will be responsible for showing proof of age to the Competition Director should a question arise.

 

LEVELS AND GUIDELINES

 

The level of performance (NOVICE, PRIMARY, INTERMEDIATE, ELITE, AND ADULT) should be determined at the discretion of the studio owner / director / independent entry using the given guidelines below. Only count years of competition experience from the age of 6 and above. In the placement of Duets, Trios, Groups and Lines, competition experience must be averaged. Age and technical ability must also be considered. A Soloist may only compete in different levels with routines consisting of non-related dance disciplines. A dancer may only compete in the maximum of two levels. These levels also must be consecutive; therefore, skipping a level is not allowed. For example, an Intermediate level dancer may also compete in either the Primary or Elite level, but can never compete in the Novice, Primary and Intermediate levels (competing in 3 levels is not allowed). A Primary dancer may never compete in the Elite level because this would be skipping a level, which is not allowed. The only exception to this rule is in the Line and Production categories, which are non-leveled performance categories.

 

If there is a Small Group, Large group or Line with a mixture of different dancers and level abilities, this act may only compete one level lower than the highest leveled dancer. For example, if an Elite dancer is in a mixed-leveled group or line, this performance can only compete in the Intermediate Level and not in the Primary Level. Remember – a dancer can only compete in a maximum of two consecutive level abilities and may never skip a level. In mixed-level routines, at least 50% of the dancers must be from the level that they are competing in, with the exception of Duets. Duets must compete in the highest (age-appropriate) level ability of the two dancers. Since a dancer cannot skip a level and a Duet must compete in the higher of the two levels, a Novice dancer MAY NOT compete a duet with an Intermediate or Elite dancer. If 50% of dancers in a group are in one level and 50% in another, the group must compete in the highest level. Please contact our office if you need further clarification of our levels and guidelines. Any infractions of the rules & regulations will result in a 1-point deduction per judge and/or disqualification.

 

• NOVICE LEVEL– Dancers who take no more than 3 hours of dance class per week. This level is for novice and non-competitive dancers. NOVICE dancers can only perform a maximum of 3 NOVICE performances. NOVICE dancers cannot compete in the INTERMEDIATE or ELITE levels.
  but may perform in the non-leveled Line and Production categories. All NOVICE LEVEL acts are ineligible for Top Studio Awards or Cash Prizes. Overall High Scores will be presented in all 5 Age Groups (6 and Under, 7-8, 9-11, 12-14, and 15+) in the Solo, Duet/Trio, Small Group, Large Group, Line and Production categories.

• PRIMARY LEVEL - Dancers with 0-2 years of competition experience. This level is designated for the younger, less experienced dancer. Overall High Scores will be presented in all 5 Age Groups (6 and Under, 7-8, 9-11, 12-14, and 15+) in the Solo, Duet/Trio, Small Group and Large Group categories.

• INTERMEDIATE LEVEL - Dancers with 2 to 6 years of competition experience. If a dancer has 7 or more years of competition experience and is age 15 and above, then the ELITE LEVEL should be considered. Overall High Scores will be presented in all 4 Age Groups (8 and Under, 9-11, 12-14 and 15+) in the Solo, Duet/Trio, Small Gro, Large Group, Line and Production categories.

• ELITE LEVEL – Dancers with at least 7 years of competition experience and generally 14 years of age or older. Dancers in the ELITE LEVEL should display higher technical skills and abilities than the INTERMEDIATE LEVEL dancers. Overall High Scores will be presented in 4 Age Groups (8 and Under, 9-11, 12-14 and 15+) in the Solo, Duet/Trio, Small Group, Large Group, Line and Production categories.

• ADULT LEVEL – Any act which consists of an average age 20+. ADULT LEVEL performances are ineligible for Top Studio Awards or Cash prizes. Overall High Scores will be awarded.

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SUBJECTS/STYLES

 

• Each routine is choreographed for one predominant style (subject).

• Please select only one subject for each routine from the descriptions below.

• New or combination subjects may not be created.

• Acrobatic/Gymnastic passes/movements are unlimited in Acro, Hip Hop & Open. However, all other subjects are limited to 25% acrobatic/gymnastic movements or passes.

 

** No vocal performances are permitted at any CDC competition. Musical Theatre performances may incorporate lip sync or vocals however the use of any active / live microphone is prohibited.

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1. ACROBATIC: Acrobatic dance is defined for our competition as: controlled acrobatic or rhythmic gymnastics movements that involve balance and flexibility, as well as tumbling tricks. The routine must include 50% dance technique, choreography and fluid movement. If the routine requires the use of mats, the studio must provide the mats as well as promptly set-up and dismantle them.

2. BALLET: All dancers must execute ballet technique in either a classical or neo-classical form and execute the choreography in a classical manner.

3. CONTEMPORARY: This subject is defined by expressive dance routines, combining several dance genres, including modern, jazz, ballet, and lyrical. Contemporary features fluid movements and floor work, along with facial and body emotions, and is usually danced barefoot. Music may or may not have lyrics.

4. JAZZ: All dancers execute free-form movement and styling characteristic of American Jazz Dance.

5. LYRICAL: All dancers interpret the lyrics or mood (intent) of a song emotionally. Music contains lyrics. Dancers and choreography feature ballet-based techniques and can use aspects of jazz and/or modern technique. Dancers perform barefoot or wear ballet, jazz, or lyrical shoes.

6. MUSICAL THEATRE / CHARACTER: A routine interpreting a song from Broadway or a movie musical, or portraying a character from a play, movie, TV show or a stereotype (policeman, doctor, etc.) through any style of dance.

7. OPEN: A combination of any two or more styles or a routine that does not fit any subject listed. Open is not a catchall for routines that should be placed in other listed subjects.

8. POINTE: Dancers wear pointe shoes. Dancers execute pointe technique in either classical or neo-classical character form.

9. TAP: All dancers wear tap shoes and execute tap technique. This can include soft-shoe, buck & wing and/or street tap as a melodic accompaniment to music or acapella.

10. HIP HOP: A routine where dancers replicate a style of street dance. Movement can include the elements of popping, locking, footwork and freezes. Breakdancing and some replications of “video” choreography can be included in this category.

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PERFORMANCE RULES

 

Dancers must perform in their scheduled order unless special permission is given for costume changes. Points may be deducted from acts that do not comply. Dancers who do not perform within 10 acts of their given scheduled time may be ineligible for Overall High Point awards. The only exception to this rule is if the CDC office administration has prior notification or the Competition Director has pre-approved the delay. If the stage is littered during an act, please be ready to clean it up immediately following the performance. In addition, dancers must perform their ENTIRE act on the stage. Performer may not enter or exit the stage from anywhere other than the wings. Starting the performance from the audience or ending in the audience is also not permitted. Jumping off the front of the stage is not permitted. Running in front of the judges’ table or approaching the panel of judges is also not allowed. No gifts can be presented to the judges in conjunction with a performance. For safety purposes, props and performers should never come within 1 foot from the edge of the stage. Special stage or house lighting will not be provided for any performance. Rehearsing on stage prior to the start of a competition or after the completion of a competition day is strictly prohibited. At no time are teachers, parents or dancers allowed to practice, rehearse or meet on stage. By not abiding by the previously stated rules, this may result in a 1-point deduction from each judge.

 

PROP RULES

 

For safety measures, all props (free-standing or handheld) are restricted to a maximum height of 15 feet. The use of safety railings is recommended. Hanging backdrops and special lighting may not be used. Fire, swords, knives, weapons, and use of live animals are prohibited. Helium balloons are only allowed if they are weighted and if permitted by the venue. If the weight of a prop exceeds the maximum weight limit for a built stage, or the Competition Director feels the weight of the prop is a safety hazard, the dancers will not be allowed to use the prop. When sliding props or moving scenery, please be careful not to damage the dance floor. If floor is damaged beyond repair, the studio owner/director will be responsible for its replacement. Props must be loaded in and out of the venue on the same day they will be used. Storing props in the wings or backstage is not allowed. CDC will not be responsible for props left overnight or unattended. Any special request for the assembling of props must be discussed with the Competition Director upon arrival to the venue. All props backstage MUST be labeled with the studio name for identification purposes. Production performances are given a maximum of 5:00 minutes total for setup and removal of props.

 

IMPORTANT FLOOR SAFETY INFORMATION 

 

No form of liquid, gel, aerosol, glitter, powder or paint may be used that will physically alter the surface of the Marley floor. (For more details on what is allowed please contact our office). *Note: Rosin must be self-contained and cannot be applied on shoes on the Marley floor. If a dance is requesting to use rosin, CDC must know upon registration so that schedule adjustments can be made to clean up the Marley residue post-performance. There will be a point deduction if CDC is not notified about the rosin usage and the Marley floor is affected during the act. If the stage is littered during a performance, dancers are expected to clean the stage completely of all debris in ONE MINUTE or less. A 1-point deduction will be given to any act that does not clean up the stage within the one-minute time limit. A 1-point deduction will also be given to an act that uses a substance that is not permitted and creates a safety hazard on the Marley floor.

 

JUDGING

 

Contestants will be judged by a pre-determined panel of judges, and all entrants agree that all decisions of the judges are final. All entrants agree that the time, manner and method of judging the competition will be solely within the discretion of the Directors and Producers of Curtainline Dance Competition. All score sheets will be available to studio owners/directors/independent entry only.

Each performance will be evaluated on the following elements:

 

• Technique 

• Choreography

• Execution of Performance 

• Overall Appearance

 

There is a maximum of 100 points per judge. If a dance, costume or music is deemed inappropriate for family viewing by the CDC Directors or Staff it will not be eligible for Overall High Points awards. And CDC reserves the right to immediately disqualify any performance at any time per our discretion. Ties will not be broken for the general competition awards. However, all ties will be broken for Special and Overall High Point Awards.

AWARDS

Overall Highpoint Awards will be given in each level for each age division. Special awards such as Best Costume, Top Studio, Most Entertaining, Most Creative Choreography, etc. will be given in each level for each age division. Our cash prizes will be as follows:

 

• Overall Petite Highpoint Champion:  $75

• Overall Junior Highpoint Champion:  $100

• Overall Teen Highpoint Champion:  $150

• Overall Senior Highpoint Champion:  $200

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CURTAINLINE TITLE COMPETITION

Open to soloists only. All title entries are scored separately from general adjudication on a scale of 1-100 points per judge. Titles will be awarded for each age and level division. Registration for Title will not be available after routine has been performed. Multiple title entries are permitted.

 

CURTAINLINE DANCE COMPETITION FINALS

Coming Soon!