All entries MUST be postmarked no later than 30 days before the competition date! After 30 days there will be a $5.00 late penalty for each entry. Entries are taken on a first come first served basis, therefore, register as soon as possible in order to secure a spot. No entries will be accepted by phone or fax. All must be mailed in. Entries will only be processed if fully completed and accompanied by a certified check or money order paid in full. All checks or money orders should be made out to:

Turn it Up Dance Challenge
P.O Box 366
South Boston, MA 02127

Only one check per studio please! No checks will be accepted from individual parents or guardians. A packet will be sent to each studio approximately one week before competition containing all necessary details. Absolutely no refunds under any circumstances.

Categories

Ballet

Classical ballet style and technique with the use of ballet slippers.

Pointe

Classical ballet style and techniques with the use of Pointe shoes.

Tap

Creating syncopated rhythms with the use of tap shoes.

Jazz

Classical jazz style and techniques.

Hip-Hop/Funk

Street dance with isolated movements to contemporary music.

Lyrical

Movements should interpret the lyrics of the music.

Song and Dance

Must have both singing and dancing. No lip syncing.

Vocal

Majority of singing with minimal dancing. *Ineligible for high scores*

Musical Theatre

Any style of dance interpreting a song from broadway, movie, or musical.

Student Choreography

Any style of dance self choreographed by a student.

Character

Potraying any easily recognized character such as a doll or a clown etc.

Modern

Emphasis on the elements of movement such as centering, posture, spacial awareness, and imagery.

Open

Any category not pertaining to the above categories, (a maximum of 3 acrobatic tricks may be done in this category).

Acro

Any routine containing a combination of tumbling movements and passes incorporated with dance movementes.

Formal Modeling

Does not include dance. Contestants wear formal attire. Must excecute runway "T" formation.

Sportswear Modeling

Does not include dance. Contestants should wear fashon attire. Must execute runway "T" formation.

Photogenic

Contestants must submit a recent 5x7 or 8x10 colored or black and white photo. They will be entered in either 12 and under age division or 13 and over. Photos will not be returned.

A maximum of 4 acrobatic tricks may be done in any category except acro and open. For example, a pass of round off backhandspring, back tuck is 3 acrobatic tricks. Any routine that does not follow this rule will recieve a 5 point deduction.

Novice	3 years or less of formal dance training.
Intermediate	4-6 years of formal dance training.
Advanced	6 or more years of formal dance training.
Pro - Amateur	A teacher performing alone or with students. (Must have 1 teacher for every 5 students or routine is not considered Pro-AM)

Please note, we leave level placement up to the studio directors. However, we take level placement most seriously and if our judges feel a dance is obviously placed in an innapropriate level they will have the right to move that dance to what they feel would be an appropriate.

Mini	5-8 years
Junior	9-12 years
Teen	13-15 years
Senior Teen	16-18 years
Adult	19-30 years
Adult+	30+ years

Please note, we leave level placement up to the studio directors. However, we take level placement most seriously and if our judges feel a dance is obviously placed in an innapropriate level they will have the right to move that dance to what they feel would be an appropriate.

Solo	3min 50sec
Duo/Trio	3min 50sec
Small Groups	3min 50sec
Large Groups	3min 50sec
Line	3min 50sec
Production	6min 50sec
Extended (Excludes Solos/Duos/Trios)	7min 50sec - New!

One point will be deducted for every 5 Seconds over time limit. Timing will begin when music starts (if no music, once dancers take first step) and will stop when last performer is off the stage. This Does not include prop removal.

Each studio is required to bring their own music in the form of a CD or CASETTE TAPE (Note that stereo systems play cassette tapes at slightly different speeds). Each CD or Tape must contain only ONE song that is properly labeled.Turn it Up recommends that each entry have at least one backup CD or Tape. If music fails to work on the first try it is the responsibility of the studio to bring up the backup CD. That entry may be put on hold until music is found.

Each entry will be judged by a highly qualified panel of judges. All judges decisions will be final. Contacting or speaking to judges is strictly prohibited at all times in order to give a fair chance to all participants. Performances will be judged on the following criteria:

Technique	30
Stage Presence	20
Difficulty	10
Execution	20
Choreography	20
TOTAL	100 Points

Platinum	Total Score of 275-300
High Gold	Total Score of 255-274
Gold	Total Score of 235-254
Silver	Total Score of 200-234
Bronze	Total Score of less than 200

Novice and Pro-Amateur must attain slightly different scores to receive and award. This will give Novice dancers more confidence on the competitive stage and at the same time challenge Pro-Amateur dancers on their level.Teachers can pick up judges scores at the end of competition. Music must be picked up at the end of each awards for that section or at the end of the day. Turn it Up is not responsible for music that is not picked up after the event.

Platinum	Total Score of 255-300
High Gold	Total Score of 235-254
Gold	Total Score of 200-243
Silver	Total Score of 175-199
Bronze	Total Score of less than 175

Contestants are not allowed to compete against themselves in solos, duets, and trios. Also, students must be registered under one studio only. Students cannot compete for more than one studio. Students of judges may not compete in the city where judges are scoring.

After registration directors will recieve a Final Packet including a performance outline. When directors receive final packet it is their responsibility to inform Turn it Up of any necessary changes.This must be done by the final packt deadline.

Props are allowed on stage, however they must be moved on and off stage in a timely manner. If judges feel that removal of props take too long points may be deducted. No dangerous props are allowed. Dangerous props include knives or swords etc.

ROUTINES MUST BE APPROPRIATE FOR FAMILY VIEWING! This includes proper choreography, music, and costume. Any routine that a judge feels is not appropriate will receive a 5.0 overall point deduction or possibly be stopped and disqualified depending on judges discretion.

Turn it Up Dance Challenge is not responsible for any lost or stolen items during any competition. Therefore, please take extra precaution.

All participants are expected to demonstrate good sportsmanship and treat students with respect. We look forward to having a great competition!