Rules & Regulations

Backstage

No extra persons will be permitted backstage except for the M.C., stage manager, and medal assistants. Teachers must bring their own students backstage from the changing or rehearsal areas and are responsible for all of their dancers at all times while at the competition. Teachers need to check in with the M.C. prior to the session starting. Dancers, please be ready 30 min. prior to the scheduled time. We reserve the right to run up to ½ hour ahead and will do so when needed.

Cameras &  Video Equipment

No cameras, film, video equipment or any other recording devices will be allowed in the Theatre during the competition. Any person found using such equipment may be subject to disqualification of their child/student/studio –  at the discretion of the Standing Ovation Committee.

Complaints

All decisions by the Adjudicators and Timers are FINAL. NO ONE WILL BE PERMITTED TO TALK TO THE ADJUDICATORS, TIMERS, OR WRITERS DURING THE COMPETITION. If there is a complaint of any nature, it must be submitted in WRITING to a Standing Ovation representative by the close of the competition. All matters will be dealt with within two weeks of the current year.

Condition of Stage and Rehearsal Area

No body or hair glitter or use of any substances that will change the condition of stage and make it dangerous for following performers will be permitted.

Content

We are a family competition, and all content, music, choreography, and costumes must be appropriate.

Disqualifications

Standing Ovation reserves the right to disqualify any competitor infringing on the rules. No refunds.

Fees

Fees from canceled entries cannot be transferred to new entries. All fees must be submitted by the applicable deadlines or dancers will not be allowed to perform.

Good Sportsmanship

Good sportsmanship and proper conduct are mandatory. Rudeness and improper language will not be tolerated and is grounds for being expelled from the competition. Swearing will not be allowed by teachers, parents or competitors. Swearing will not be allowed in the lyrics of a song.

Late Entries

Late entries will be accepted only if space permits and will incur a nominal late fee. If entries are received after the Final Program has been sent to studios, those late entries will dance for mark and medals but will not be up for Encore Dance Offs, Special Awards, or Scholarships in the genre.

Limits

There is no limit to the amount of entries a dancer may enter.

Lost Articles

Standing Ovation will not be responsible for lost or stolen articles. Please leave all valuables at home.

Missing Dancers

All participants missing from a dance can be announced by the M.C. in regular competition, not in Encore Dance Offs! Teachers, please inform the M.C. fifteen minutes prior to the category start time. Dancers may fill in for missing participants if it does not change the age or level of the entered number and only in the group category. This must be approved by the competition committee ahead of time.

Medal Standing

All dancers will receive a medal for their performance in every category:

Music & Mics

Teachers will be responsible for playing their own music. Please have your music cued properly. No use of stage mics in any discipline.

Prompting

Absolutely no prompting by any persons backstage or in the audience, except for future stars category. This will result in the competitor’s disqualification.

Props

All props must be listed (please note size and amounts). Props must be placed on and taken off within 2 minutes and may be subject to a $50 fine if a delay in the competition occurs.

Re-Dances

Re-dances will be allowed at the discretion of the adjudicator, only if the performance was less than 50% complete and if time permits. Medals will be awarded according to the mark given, but dancers will not be able to qualify for special awards or scholarships in that category.

Refunds

Dancers that cannot dance due to an illness or injury will be given a credit (minus a 15% admin fee) for the following competition year (solo and duet entries only). It will be made out to the studio after a Doctor’s note has been received.

Rehearsal

No competitor will be permitted to rehearse on the competition stage during the competition. This will result in disqualification.

Size of Groups

Duet: 2 Dancers

Trios: 3 Dancers

Small Groups: 4-5 Dancers

Medium Groups: 6-9 Dancers

Large Groups: 10-14 Dancers

Extra Large: 15+ Dancers

Productions: 15+ Dancers

Taps

Tap shoes are only permitted ON THE STAGE. They must be carried at all other times.

Time Limits

Adv & AA Solos and Duets: 3 minutes 

All Other Solos and Duets: 2 ½ minutes 

Trios: 3 minutes 

Small and Medium Groups: 3 minutes 

Large Groups: 4 minutes 

Extra Large Groups (15+ dancers): 5 minutes 

Productions: 5 – 10 minutes 

Withdrawal:

Standing Ovation acknowledges a teacher’s right to withdraw any of their entires. NO REFUNDS will be given for withdrawals.