Spotlight Dance Cup 2010

Regular Category Guidelines

Categories Guidelines - Gymnastic/Acro moves are limited to 3 in all categories except in Acro Dance, Student Choreography, Open, Pom/Drill & Production which allow unlimited moves. A round-off is considered an Acro move unless used as a preparation for a pass. Any Acro move performed in unison by two or more dancers is considered to be a total of one Acro move. Consecutive moves by different dancers are counted separately. Lip sync and vocalization are permitted in all categories.

ACRO DANCE - Acrobatic moves incorporating dance choreography.

BALLET - Classical ballet technique.

FOLKLORIC - Ethnic styles - Clogging, Hawaiian, Irish, Spanish, etc.

HIP-HOP - Street dance, free-style, funk, pop n lock, etc.

JAZZ - Traditional jazz technique.

LYRICAL - Contemporary dance that expresses the lyrics of the music.

MODERN - Emphasis on modern movement and technique.

NOVELTY - Novelty or theme-based in nature.

OPEN - Any style or combination of dance forms. Anything goes!

POINTE - Classical Pointe technique.

POM - DRILL - Drill team style, with or without poms.

SONG and DANCE - Contains live singing & dance choreography throughout the piece. No pre-recorded vocal melody line is permitted in the music. However, backup vocalizations are allowed. Two hands-free or handheld wireless microphones will be provided.

STUDENT CHOREOGRAPHY - The student must choreograph the entire routine of any style with no assistance from an instructor. No repetition of music or major dance combinations from other routines entered by your studio. May be performed as a solo, duo/trio, or group. Performance by the choreographer is at his/her discretion.

TAP - Any style of tap work and technique.

Specialty Category Guidelines

VOCAL - Vocal performance of any genre. May include limited choreography but must be at least 75% vocal. No pre-recorded vocal melody is permitted on the music. However backup vocalizations are allowed. Two hands-free or handheld wireless microphones will be provided. Vocal category entries will not be competing with dance entries for overall awards. In order to tie outside audio equipment in to the Spotlight Dance Cup sound system, 2 weeks advance approval must be obtained from our Technical Director and viability and quality is not guaranteed.

INTERPRETIVE -

Overall winnder will be awarded in all Divisions! Music will be assigned (approximately one minute) based on the dancer's choice of dance style (tap, jazz, lyrical or hip-hop). The dancer will listen to the music approximately 15 minutes prior to the performance time.

TEACHER - PRO - Any teacher or professional dancer may perform in this category. A teacher/pro is defined as one receiving payment for their choreography, performance, and/or instruction, but not student teachers ages 19 years or less. All dance styles are permitted, and may be performed by a solo, duo/ trio, group, or line, and may include students. Teachers or professionals are not permitted to dance in the regular categories, with the exception of Adult Division, wherein 1 teacher is permitted to perform in a Small Group, Large Group, or Line. The Teacher/Pro entries will be scored separately and will not be grouped with other Adult Division entries for overall awards.

PRODUCTION - This category is for your show spectacular and must be theme-based. It may contain multiple ages, levels, dance forms, props, stage sets, or special effects. 20 dancer minimum.

Divisions, Age Groups, Group Sizes

Novice Gems Division - Dancers ages 19 years or under who meet at least 2 of the following criteria: 1) Train 2 hours a week or less; 2) Have had a total of 2 years or less of dance training in any one or combination of dance forms; or 3) First year competitors (1 year is considered a season of 9 months or more.) The skill level of a Novice Gems dancer is modest. Dancers with more advanced skills should enter the Future Gems or Spotlight Gems Division; advanced skills include but are not limited to fouettes, switch leaps to center, triple pirouettes, pull-backs, wings, etc.

Future Gems Division - This division is for recreational dancers (ages 19 years or under) that no longer qualify for Novice Division, but currently train and have trained 4 hours or less per week over the past three years. All dancers in any group size must meet these criteria by 100%. The skill level of a typical "Future Gems" dancer is moderate. Dancers with more advanced competitive skills should enter the regular divisions. These entries are based on the honor system. Please be fair and honest with your dancers' placement. Any routines found to be ineligible may be disqualified or bumped to the proper division at the Show Director's and/or Judges' discretion.

Spotlight Gems Divisions - Petite - 8 years and under; Junior - ages 9-11; Teen - ages 12-14; Senior - ages 15-19; Adult Division - ages 20 & up. Any performer 20 years or older dancing in a solo, duo/trio, group or line must compete in the Adult Division only. They are NOT eligible to compete in the regular divisions of Novice Gems, Future Gems, Petite, Junior, Teen and Senior.

Age Groups - 4 and under, 5-6, 7-8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17-19, 20-28, and 29+. Enter dancers according to their age as of January 1, 2010. For duos/trios and groups, average the dancers' ages to determine the age group. All decimals are dropped when determining age group. If protest arises, all dancers must be prepared to provide proof of age.

Bump Rule - Duos/trios, groups, and lines, including dancers of different age divisions, will compete no more than one age division younger than the oldest dancer, regardless of average age. For example, if a group includes a dancer age 16 (Senior) and the average age is 11 (Junior), the group must compete as Teen. This rule does NOT apply to Productions.

Group Sizes - Solo, Duo/Trio, Small Group (4-9 dancers), Large Group (10-19 dancers), and Line (20+ dancers).

Time Limits

Time Limits - Solos and Duos/Trios: 2 minutes 45 seconds (2:45), Small Groups: 3 minutes (3:00), Large Groups & Lines: 4 minutes (4:00), Productions: 6 minutes (6:00). Enter and exit the stage within 10 seconds with or without tag. Over time limit penalty, 10 points. Any time limit, including set up and tear down of sets or props, may be extended without penalty for an additional fee of $20 per 30 seconds or portion thereof based on the following extensions: Solos and

Photogenic

PHOTOGENIC - Submit one recent 5x7 or 8x10 photograph taken within the past 12 months. The Photogenic award will be presented during each division's solo awards. Therefore, all photos must be submitted 1 hour prior to the award ceremony. Do not mail photos to the Spotlight office. If 3 or more entries are received from male competitors, a Mr. Photogenic will be awarded. Head or full body shots, in color or black and white are allowed. Portraits only! No Landscape please. Avoid decorations or borders around the photo. The individual should be reasonably centered both vertically and horizontally within the photo. Any number of additional photos may be submitted. Print your name, age, studio name and phone number on the back of each photo. Winning photos from each Regional will be retained and automatically qualify to be entered in our Championship Finals for the National Photogenic Title. Winners may be featured in Spotlight Event's Future brochures, ads and programs. It is the responsibility of the entrant to retrieve any non-winning photos from the Spotlight Boutique prior to the end of the Regional event. Spotlight Events, Inc. is not responsible for the return of any photos or for any photo that is misplaced, lost or damaged.

Studio Achievement

STUDIO ACHIEVEMENT - NEW & IMPROVED! Simplified requirements so more routines are eligible to participate! A prestigious award designed to showcase your studio's most outstanding performances. Simply choose 3 of your studio's best routines from the same group size and from any category, as follows: (NOTE: Novice Gems, Future Gems, Specialty & Adult Divisions are not eligible.) SOLOS - Enter 3 solos from the same or different dancer(s) within the SAME DIVISON - Petite, Junior, Teen or Senior. Awards presented in each Division. DUOS/TRIOS - Select 3 duos/trios from any category, but from DIFFERENT DIVISIONS - Petite, Junior, Teen, or Senior. GROUPS - Select 3 groups of any size, (small, large, or line) from any category, but from DIFFERENT DIVISIONS - Petite, Junior, Teen, or Senior. EXAMPLE: Junior Small Group, Teen Large Group, Senior Small Group. Studios are encouraged to enter multiple combinations. The highest scoring combination of duos/trios and the highest scoring combination of groups will be recognized as the best of the best with the coveted Studio Achievement Award.

Spotlight Title Competition

Regional Eligibility - Novice Gems or Future Gems dancers are not eligible to compete for Title. 2009 Titleholders are ineligible to compete in 2010 unless moving to a new age Division, but may compete in subsequent years or in another city or event. The same person cannot hold the title in more than one city or event in the same year.

National Finals Eligibility - Regardless of whether or not a contestant won Title at a regional competition, they must have received a ruby or diamond on their Title solo in order to qualify to compete for the National Title as well as to be a member of the Elite Performance Team. (Minimum age for Elite Performance Team is 8 years old). A Title Winner from 2009 may compete at Nationals 2010 without re-qualifying the Spotlight Title portion if they did not compete at Nationals 2009; however, they must qualify their solo. First solo upgrades to Title will not be permitted at the event for National Finals, but will be permitted at a Regional event.

Scoring - The total solo score of 300 points possible is added to the Title score of 150 points possible to determine the overall winners. When multiple solos are upgraded for Title, the highest scoring solo score is used. Contestants must adhere to the following guidelines. Non-compliance in any way will result in a 5-point penalty per infraction.

Solo Dance Routine - This solo is one competed in any regular category/ division of our current competition except specialty categories and Novice or Future Gems Divisions. Multiple solos by the same dancer may be entered for Title for an additional fee.

Biography - Each contestant will give a bio that includes only name, age, city, state, studio, and teacher. The bio can be phrased in any fashion; however, only the specified information can be given. No singing permitted.

Questions - Each contestant will be asked a question on stage. The questions are designed to show the contestants� personality and are age appropriate. Contestants may retrieve a copy of their questions from the Stage Manager or Show Director no more than one hour prior to the Title Competition for their division.

Dance Combo - The dancer will move downstage, perform their best dance combo in 15 seconds or less, and then return to the line-up. Over time limit penalties will be assessed.

Attire - Basic active dancewear must be worn and any type of dance shoe is permitted. I.e. Leotard and tights, jazz pants or dance shorts and simple top, etc. No costumes permitted and no embellishments of any kind are allowed on the attire including but not limited to sequins, rhinestones, nail heads, glitter, etc. No props allowed. Rhinestone jewelry is permitted.

Dance Down

DANCE DOWN - This category simulates an audition wherein all entered dancers will be taught a short jazz combination by our dance down instructor. The dancers will perform the combination in groups. Through the judges process of elimination, the top 4 dancers will qualify as members of the Elite Performance Team at our 2010 National Finals. Dancers will be divided into two age brackets for the Dance Down 8-12 & 13-19. Dancers must enter based on their age AS OF THE DAY the Dance Down is held. Tickets may be purchased at the Spotlight Boutique at the event. Regional tickets are $10 and National tickets are $15. Regional winner must purchase a ticket to participate at Nationals. This is an invaluable experience to all dancers!

Elite Performance Team

Elite Performance Team - Be a part of the "Elite Performance Team" during the National Championship Extravaganza. Regional Dance Down winners, National Title Competitors and Regional "Top 10" soloists are eligible to participate in this prestigious group. NOTE: All National Title Competitors and Regional "Top 10" soloists must earn a diamond or ruby for their performance to be eligible. (Dancers must be 8 years of age or older to participate.) Members will perform outstanding choreography with the finest dancers from around the country and taught by leading dance professionals! $95 Costume and Rehearsal Fee for Dance Down Winners and "Top 10" soloists. Fee is already included in the registration fee for all National Title Competitors.

Sharing the Spotlight Scholarship Program

Sharing the Spotlight Scholarship Program -

Spotlight Dance Cup would like to recognize individuals (age 19 and under) that excel both on and off stage through our new "Sharing the Spotlight" Scholarship Program. The purpose of this award is to honor students that generously donate their time and talents to make a positive impact within their community. Whether it�s their uplifting presence within the studio, dedication to a local charity, or exemplary performance in school, these students exhibit the highest level of work ethic, motivation, and kindness. Most importantly, they serve as an inspiration through their ability to make everyone around them shine. Winners will receive scholarships, prizes, and Spotlight Credit for their studio. Studio Directors, teachers, or fellow dancers can submit FREE nominations by the closing date of the competition their studio will attend.

Regional and National Rates

Regional Rates - Solo, $80; Spotlight Title Solo, $105; Interpretive Solo, $55; Duo/Trio, $93; Small Group, Large Group, Line, Production, $32 per dancer; Studio Achievement Award upgrade, $10 per routine; Photogenic, $25; each additional photo, $15; Dance Down, $10; Workshop, $70; extended time, $20 per 30 seconds; late fee, change fee, and special performance time requests, $20 per routine. Spotlight Title Upgrade at events, $45; Photogenic entries at event, $30 first photo & $15 each additional photo; workshop at event, $80 for 3- class pass, $30 for 1-class pass, and $20 for observer pass.

National Rates - Solos, $95; Spotlight Title Solo, (first solo) $230; Spotlight Title Solo (subsequent solo) $120; Interpretive Solos, $60; Duos/Trios, $108; Small Groups, Large Groups, Lines and Productions, $40 per dancer; Convention, $99; Studio Achievement, $12; Photogenic, $25; each additional photo, $15; Elite Performance Team, $95; extended time, $20 per 30 seconds; late fee, change fee, and special performance time requests, $20 per routine. Second Solo Title Upgrade at event, $45 per routine; Photogenic entries at event, $30 first photo & $15 each additional photo; Convention at event, $119 full-day, $35 one-class pass, $25 observer pass.

Nationals Video Qualification Rates - Solos, $60; Spotlight Title Solos, $75; Duos/Trios, $75; Small Groups, Large Groups, Lines & Productions, $25 per dancer. Extended time, $15 per 30 seconds.

Royalty Rewards Program

Royalty Rewards Program -

Spotlight is proud to present our new �Royalty Rewards Program�. In addition to providing you the opportunity to receive a rebate with your registration as we�ve offered in the past, you now have the chance to earn even greater discounts for every year you participate in Spotlight Dance Cup! Consider it a token of appreciation for your loyalty and support. Your studio is automatically registered for this fabulous program so you can begin enjoying the benefits immediately!

As you reach the milestones of competing for 5, 10 and 15 years at Spotlight, your Royalty Reward Rebate increases, and you will be presented with your very own personalized gift! Please see scale below for breakdown.

Years Attending	Membership Level	Pay By Credit Card By Rebate Date	Pay Check By Rebate Date
1-4	Sapphire	3%	5%
5-9	Emerald	3%	6%
10-14	Ruby	3%	7%
15-20	Diamond	3%	8%

Studios must spend a minimum of $1,000 and register online to be eligible for the rebate.

**IMPORTANT: All payment must be postmarked by the rebate date. Please be aware that if paying by credit card, regardless of level, you will receive a 3% rebate only. You receive the highest possible rebate amount by paying with a certified check by the rebate date. If payment is postmarked after the rebate date, no rebate will be given regardless of level.**

Royalty Rewards Gifts and Recognition:

To commemorate your progression into each subsequent Royalty Rewards level, (Emerald, Ruby & Diamond) you will be awarded your very own personalized soft briefcase. Once you reach the Ruby and Diamond levels, look for a commemorative decal on your group plaque and a special recognition by our Show Directors. You will see each year as your Royalty Rewards status grows!

In order to continue moving up to each level, the client must attend the competition in sequential years. However, all studios are allowed a 2 year grace period of non-attendance. Once this grace period has expired, studios and their directors will be automatically re-enrolled in the Royalty Rewards program as a Sapphire member and receive benefits as such.

General Information

National Finals Qualification - Dancers receiving the Diamond, Ruby, or Emerald award qualify for National Finals. If a regional dancer qualifies for Nationals, he/she must enter at Nationals under the same studio name, be released by the original studio, or re-qualify by video under the new studio/independent. Substitutions of dancers from the original qualifying entry are permitted in all divisions except solos, as long as 50% of the content remains the same. 2009 National Finals High Score Overall winners must enter new routines in 2010 in the Regional and National Finals competitions.

Video Qualification - Studios may qualify additional routines for the National Championship Finals by submitting the routine on videotape with the appropriate entry form and applicable entry fees prior to the deadline. A verbal critique, score sheet, and awards will be mailed upon completion of the evaluation.

Music - CD or USB Flash Drive are both acceptable options when turning in music. If using a USB Flash Drive, each routine must be labeled as follows: #_routine name_studio code (example:145_Fever_C). Additionally, music must be in mp3 format and a minimum bit rate of 128. If using CDs, music must be recorded on a single cut CD in a protective case or sleeve. We are not responsible for damaged CDs as a result of their not being in individual protective sleeves. Record one routine per CD only and at the appropriate speed, as the sound technician is not responsible for adjusting tempo. CD binders or briefcases will not be accepted. The volume level of the music is at the sole discretion of the sound technician. Each CD must be labeled on the protective sleeve or case with the provided labels, or with routine number, routine name, and studio name and letter. DO NOT place provided labels on the actual CD, as they can cause damage to the CD players. Each routine should have a backup CD available, even if original music is on a USB Flash Drive. Backup music on iPod is also acceptable. Music is to be turned in at registration or at the music table at least 5 routines in advance of the performance time to avoid a 5-point penalty. Music may also be turned in the evening preceding subsequent competition days. Music will be available for pickup at the music table following the awards ceremony at the completion of the division, once the entire studio is finished competing. Music may be picked up by the Studio Director or appointed designee and must be checked out from a Spotlight staff member. Spotlight Events is not responsible for music not picked up. A minimum fee of $15 will be charged for shipping and handling to return music by mail.

Props - Props and/or stage sets are allowed in all categories if used as a part of the dance - no fire, knives, weapons, or animals. Motor vehicles cannot be started. Props involving electricity, including colored lights and fog must be UL approved, portable, and self-contained. Special lighting requests are not permitted. All props and stage sets must be set up and removed in their entirety within 1-minute total time, except Productions, which are allowed 3 minutes. Extended time may be purchased for set-up and tear-down of props per our extended time guidelines. Curtains cannot be closed for set-up, except for Productions. Props can be delivered backstage up to 2 hours prior to a performance and must be removed within 1 hour following the performance. Spotlight Events cannot guarantee storage space for props at the facility and the storage location must be approved by the Stage Manager.

Safety - The safety of competition dancers is paramount at all Spotlight Dance Cup events. A backstage manager, Marley floor and first aid kit will be provided. Spotlight Dance Cup stresses the importance of safety and executing only those skills, techniques and practices that will not cause undue harm or injury to performers, spectators, or the stage. Do not use or throw props on or off stage that might cause damage or leave a residue, such as liquids, gels, aerosols, glitters, etc. Stage must be returned to its original pre-performance condition within 30 seconds. All props must be free standing and may not be attached to any apparatus or stage rigging. Choreography that allows any dancer to be physically placed more than 6 feet off the ground of any scenic piece or prop could be considered hazardous. Routines in violation of these noted safety standards will be penalized at the Show Director and/or Judges' discretion. Performance Areas - We strive to secure high quality theatres and stages of no less than 40 ft. wide by 30 ft. deep. Stages will be covered with a protective Marley surface. For further information about a particular facility, please call our office at 208.939.2015.

Photography and Video Taping - Cameras of any kind are strictly prohibited, as in any professional performance venue, in order to abide by copyright law and due to the prevalence of people of questionable nature. Your cooperation with this guideline is appreciated to protect the dancers and the work of the choreographers. As a convenience to participants, a professional videographer and photographer will be at the event and their products will be available for purchase. It is the studio's responsibility to inform their participants of such. No cameras of any type are allowed in the dressing rooms. We have the exclusive right to deny any person(s) or studio(s) access to the competition in any way or anytime due to misconduct, misuse, or otherwise. If cameras are found on the premise, Spotlight Events reserves the right to take the media being used, excuse the user from the event, and/or adjudicate the performance only. Further, failure to comply with these guidelines could result in disqualification of the dancer(s) and/or studio. Additionally, we urge all studio owners, teachers, and especially parents, to help keep our performers photographically safe.

Entry Guidelines

Absolutely no refunds or credits will be issued.

**To obtain printable forms for fax or mail-in registration click here. Required forms include: Official Entry Form, Master Studio Worksheet, and Studio Roster. NOTE: Independent entries will be accepted; however, multiple entries from the same studio must be entered together and submitted as one packet.

Entry Guidelines - To ensure accuracy, timeliness, and eligibility for rebates, it is recommended that you register online at www.spotlightevents.com. If registering by mail or fax, complete the Master Studio Worksheet, Official Entry Form, and Studio Roster or a photocopy thereof. Type or print legibly. Each entry is to be submitted on a separate form and completed in its entirety, including the liability waiver and dancer roster. Incomplete entry forms will not be accepted. Please make a copy of your entries prior to mailing for your reference.

Fees and Charges - Payment in full, completed entries forms, studio roster, and a signed Master Studio Worksheet must be submitted for entries to be accepted (US$ only) either online or via mail. Issue 1 check per studio (no individual checks from parents). Please send payment to Spotlight Events, Inc., PO Box 1697 Eagle, ID 83616. We accept business checks, cashier's checks, money orders, and credit cards. Entry fees paid by credit card are subject to a 3% maximum rebate.NO REFUNDS OR CREDITS will be issued. All returned checks will be assessed a $25.00 fee and no rebate will be given.Entries are accepted once payment is received. Any payments made after the closing date MUST be made by credit card or certified funds. IMPORTANT: Payment not postmarked by the closing date will be considered delinquent and will be subject to a 5% delinquency charge of total amount due ($20 minimum).

Entry Deadline and Closing Date - All entries must be submitted online and payment in full postmarked by the rebate date and be in excess of $1000 to qualify for any discounts or rebates. All others will pay the regular rate and must be postmarked by the closing date. Only online registration will qualify for a rebate. Entries that are mailed in are no longer eligible to receive rebates of any kind. In the event that more entries are received than can be accommodated, entries will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Entries will be accepted based on the actual receipt date of entries and payment in full rather than the postmark date. Therefore, it is highly recommended that entries and payment be sent via overnight delivery. In addition, if more entries are received than time allows, dancers may be limited to one solo each.

Late or Changed Entries - Late or changed entries made after the closing date will be charged an additional $20 each. Late entries will be accepted up to and including the competition day only if time permits, will be charged a $20 late entry fee per routine, and must be paid by credit card, certified funds, or cash. Any late entries or changes made to existing entries will not be reflected in the souvenir program or studio group plaques.

Special Performance Time Requests - Special performance time requests will be subject to a $20 per routine special request fee and will be assessed at the time the request is made - either prior to or at the event. Routines with a special time request may be subject to adjudication only.

Time Schedule and Registration - Registration Confirmation packets will be emailed and available online approximately 14 days prior to the event with a time schedule, entry numbers, facility directions, invoice and any additional information needed. Studio Packets will be emailed to the email address provided on the master studio worksheet. All Directors (or designees) are required to check in either, 1) 30-minutes prior to the start of the event or, 2) at least 1-hour prior to the scheduled performance time.

For your convenience, a music label file will be emailed to you approximately 3 days prior to the event so you can print and affix your music labels at your convenience. Labels will also be available at studio check-in.

Judging

Judging - Spotlight judges are comprised of championship caliber studio directors, professional dance center instructors, and performing dance professionals. Our judges are well trained in multiple genres of dance and are sensitive to the various skill levels represented by the dancers' differing ages. This mixture of age, breadth of dance experience, and extensive background in performing arts contributes to the diverse range of feedback judges can offer competitors. Every effort is made to provide feedback in five main areas: Technique, Choreography, Age/Skill level, Appropriateness and Performance Skills. A panel of three or more judges will score each routine based on a system of 100 points per judge. The score sheet includes Technique: 30 points; Execution: 25 points; Presentation: 25 points; Choreography: 10 points; and Difficulty: 10 points. Ties will be broken based on 1) highest technique score, 2) highest presentation score 3) judges' decision. An oral critique of each routine will be provided.

Video Critiques -

One Video Critique for each routine will be available on our website. You may access these files by logging in to your studio center. Score sheets and audio critiques will be provided at the event. All critiques and score sheets are confidential to the dancer and teacher and may be picked up by a studio representative immediately following your studio's last awards ceremony. Judges' decisions are final.

Point Deductions and Disqualification - Over-time limit: 10 points; Entered in wrong category: 10 points; Routines not completed: 10 points; Prop height or littering rule violation: 5 points; Original or backup music not turned in on time: 5 points; Out of order performances: 5 points (unless Show Director or Stage Manager approved.); Spotlight Titleholder rule infraction: 5 points; Family Friendly rule violations: 5- 30 points; Other rule infraction: 5-25 points; Videography or photography rule infraction may result in adjudication only or disqualification of dancer(s) and/or studio.

Family Friendly Policy - Spotlight Dance Cup is dedicated to providing an environment that is family friendly. We realize that dance is an art form and crosses a broad range of styles and tastes. However, routines, costumes, and music must be age appropriate and suitable for family viewing and we are determined to set a standard and ensure that inappropriate routines are appropriately penalized or disqualified. Choreography, costuming, and/or the use of dance themes such as rape, suicide, murder, sex, domestic violence, anorexia, or other dark undertones chosen and/or presented to competition audiences with a lack of "artistic discretion" is considered inappropriate. Spotlight Dance Cup appreciates the art form, creativity and desire to heighten world awareness of these themes through dance, but deem it inappropriate to present them to audiences that include children of every age. We recognize that this is extremely subjective and sensitive. Therefore, Spotlight judges and personnel will use their utmost professional judgment to ensure appropriateness while still encouraging appropriate artistic creativity. To ensure that these guidelines are followed, each of our judges has the option of assessing a penalty on any routine they deem not "family friendly." Please be aware that the routine may be stopped, if necessary. Spotlight Dance Cup urges all studio owners, teachers, and especially parents to keep performances thematically and choreographically appropriate. While there is no perfect solution to this issue because personal discretion and opinions are involved, we are dedicated to take action as we see fit.

Scoring, Awards, and Cash Prizes

Adjudicated and Competitive Awards - Each routine will receive a Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, or Sapphire award based on the following adjudicated point system:

Level	Gems: Novice, Future, Petite	Junior Specialty Adult	Teen	Senior
Diamond	264-300	267-300	270-300	273-300
Ruby	255-263	258-266	261-269	264-272
Emerald	237-254	240-257	243-260	246-263
Sapphire	200-236	200-239	200-242	200-245

(Subject to adjustment if deemed necessary by Spotlight Events) There may be multiple Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, or Sapphire awards in any category. A competitive 1st place award will be given in each category to the winner with the highest score. Each dancer in a duo/trio or group will also receive a recognition award. Each photogenic entry will receive a recognition award with an overall award being presented to the photogenic winner.

High Score Overall Awards - High Score Overall awards* will be given for 1st through 10th place in each division and group size. The same contestant cannot place more than once in the top 10 solo awards. *Minimum numbers of routines are required in each division to award all 10 places. When the minimum requirement is not met a reduction in awards and/or combining of divisions/ group sizes may occur. A representative from the studio must be present on stage during awards to be eligible for Overall Awards. Dancers must be in costume or team uniform during award ceremonies.

National Championship Extravaganza - The top four scoring routines in each group size/division will be required to recomplete in the Championship Extravaganza on the final day of the national competition. If unable to do so, the routine will automatically be awarded the Overall Sapphire Award.

Cash Awards - Cash awards and/or gift certificates* will be given for 1st-4th place in the Petite, Junior, Teen, and Senior Divisions for each group size as follows: Solo, Duo/Trio, Small Group, Large Group, Line, and Overall Production. Receive up to DOUBLE THE CASH AWARD when used toward registration for National Championship Finals 2009! Title winners and overall solo and duo/trio winners will receive convention scholarships for the 2009 National Finals. Cash prizes may also be presented for Novice, Future Gems, and Adult Divisions at National Championship Finals only.

Spotlight Awards - Spotlight Awards will be given in the Novice, Petite, Junior, Teen and Senior Divisions in the following areas: Outstanding Costume, Outstanding Showmanship, Outstanding Technical Skill, Outstanding Choreography, and Outstanding Entertainment. Spotlight Events will award an undetermined number of Special Awards at the Director and/or Judges� discretion, including the Sweepstakes and Sportsmanship Awards.

NOTE: Cash awards will be given to the Studio. It is the Director�s decision as to the distribution of such. *A minimum number of competition routines are required in each group size/division to award cash prizes as listed. Cash prizes subject to adjustment based on the overall number of entries received.

Workshop Information and Guidelines

Class Levels - One class will be held at Regional events for all dancers ages 10 & up unless pre-registration warrants a division based on age levels (10-13 and 14 & up). NOTE: Age groups for the Nationals Workshop and master classes held in Anchorage, AK are 8-12 years & 13 & up. (Workshops are required in Anchorage, AK for participation in the competition). Classes may be offered in jazz, lyrical, hip hop, tap, and/or musical theatre. Classes are subject to time availability, minimum and maximum participation requirements, and any other changes deemed necessary. Registration will be permitted the day of the workshop, space permitting, and at the "after closing date" rates. Registration fees are nonrefundable.

Observers & Chaperones - Observers must purchase an observer band, be accompanied by a convention attendee and may not participate in class or take notes at any time. No children allowed unless registered for the convention. Students under the age of 15 must be accompanied by a chaperone. However, admittance into the workshop by the chaperone requires an observer pass.

Regional Workshop Fees - Students, Teachers, Owners, $70 by closing date; $80 at event; Observer 3-Class Pass at event, $20; 1-class pass at event, $30.

National Workshop Fees - Students, Teachers, Owners, $99 by closing date; $119 at event; Observer 4-Class Pass at event, $25; 1-class pass at event, $35. NOTE: Studios will receive 1 FREE teacher or student admission for every 12 paid students at Regional & National Workshops.

ID Bracelets & Admittance - ID bracelets must be worn at all times and intact for the duration of the workshops. In the case of a lost bracelet, workshop admission will need to be re-purchased. If you need to replace your wristband, your old wristband must be turned in at that time. Spotlight Events, Inc. reserves the right to refuse admittance or to have removed from workshop any person displaying unacceptable behavior as determined by Spotlight Management.

Miscellaneous

• Spotlight Events, Inc. is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items, and is not responsible for injury, damage or loss to any person or property during participation in any event, nor is their promoters, directors, principals, agents and employees. They are not liable for injury, damage, or loss that may be caused by any act or omission of any of them.

• Photographs, recordings, taping or filming of participants by any and all Spotlight Events staff members or members of the press become the property of Spotlight Events and may be used for future publicity.

• Food, beverage, or gum is not allowed in the performing areas, dressing rooms, workshop areas or audience. Dressing rooms, performing areas, workshop areas and audience areas are to be left in the same condition after the competition as before. If food/drink is found on the premise, Spotlight Events reserves the right to excuse spectators and competitors from the event. Failure to comply with these guidelines could result in disqualification of the studio. Thank you for your consideration in this area.

• Good sportsmanship is expected from all participants, teachers, and spectators. Applause and cheering are encouraged. However, screaming, heckling, calling out of studio or dancer names will not be permitted. Poor conduct in this area may result in disqualification

• To help offset room rental costs, the hotel room rates listed may include a rebate or commission credited to the hotel master account of Spotlight Events, Inc.

• Warm up and practice in the dressing areas or backstage, as no rehearsing is allowed in the public areas of the facility.

• Admission is free of charge. Concessions, merchandise, programs, souvenirs, trophies, and awards will be available for purchase.

• Spotlight Dance Cup welcomes dancers both Nationally and Internationally, and will not discriminate based on age, gender, or ethnic origin.

• In accordance with the American Disabilities Act, all disabled patrons are to notify Spotlight Events, Inc., one week in advance if reasonable accommodations are needed.

You will find Spotlight Dance Cup a well-organized, fun, and professional competition. We look forward to your attendance!