Competition Overview
We value innovation and composition
in your choreography! Since we view
dance as an art form, we challenge our
dance teachers and directors to ASPIRE
to be different….
Our judges and faculty award the
technique you’ve worked so very hard
to adopt in your students.
While we hope that you will choose
to participate in BOTH our ASPIRE Dance Competition and ASPIRE Scholarship
Convention, participation in BOTH events is NOT REQUIRED. Not all cities will offer
the ASPIRE COMPETITION. ALL CITIES WILL OFFER A CONVENTION AND
SCHOLARSHIP AUDITION!!
ASPIRE is second to none in providing real opportunities for its talented dancers.
MR. and MISS ASPIRE Title Winners, Top High Point Soloists, Special Award
Winners, and Scholars are invited to work with a professional choreographer during
the following season AND to be a part of the "ASPIRE PERFORMING COMPANY."
The ASPIRE PERFORMING COMPANY will be invited to perform at ASPIRE events,
as well as other professional opportunities. Rehearsals are typically held during
an intensive weekend at The University of Iowa's Department of Dance.
in your choreography! Since we view
dance as an art form, we challenge our
dance teachers and directors to ASPIRE
to be different….
Our judges and faculty award the
technique you’ve worked so very hard
to adopt in your students.
While we hope that you will choose
to participate in BOTH our ASPIRE Dance Competition and ASPIRE Scholarship
Convention, participation in BOTH events is NOT REQUIRED. Not all cities will offer
the ASPIRE COMPETITION. ALL CITIES WILL OFFER A CONVENTION AND
SCHOLARSHIP AUDITION!!
ASPIRE is second to none in providing real opportunities for its talented dancers.
MR. and MISS ASPIRE Title Winners, Top High Point Soloists, Special Award
Winners, and Scholars are invited to work with a professional choreographer during
the following season AND to be a part of the "ASPIRE PERFORMING COMPANY."
The ASPIRE PERFORMING COMPANY will be invited to perform at ASPIRE events,
as well as other professional opportunities. Rehearsals are typically held during
an intensive weekend at The University of Iowa's Department of Dance.
2010 REGIONAL RULES & REGULATIONS TERMS AND CONDITIONS: THE
FOLLOWING RULES MUST BE READ AND THE RULES AND REGULATIONS
AGREEMENT NEEDS TO BE COMPLETED AND SUBMITTED WITH YOUR
ENTRIES ALONG WITH THE DANCERS RELEASE FORM. THESE FORMS ARE
AVAILABLE IN THE ENTRY FORM SECTION OF THE WEBSITE.
Please Read Carefully:
TYPES OF ENTRIES
Solo, Duet/Trio, Small Group (4-9 performers), Large Group (10-18 performers),
and Line (19+ performers). IN THE PRODUCTION CATEGORY ONLY, VOCAL IS
ALLOWED. ASPIRE will not provide a microphone. The Production category in the
Line division is limited to 8 MINUTES, and must have a minimum of 19 performers.
Should an act drop below the minimum number requirement for the group size
during the competition of the particular division, the act will be awarded their award
based on points, however, the act will not be eligible for Top 10 without the ASPIRE
director's approval.
AGE DIVISIONS
Petite ages are from the youngest age to 8 years
Junior ages are 9-10 years
Pre-Teen ages are 11-12 years
Teen ages are 13-14 years
Senior ages are 15-17 years
Adult ages are 18 years and older
ALL AGE DIVISIONS ARE DETERMINED AS OF JAN 1, 2010.
The average age will determine the age group for Duet/Trio and Groups. Example:
Average age 11.0 to 11.9 = 11. Full names and ages of all performers must appear
legibly on the Official Entry Form. Dancers must be responsible for proof of age at
the competition if necessary.
CATEGORIES OF COMPETITION
Gymnastic tricks are not counted in any dance categories (with the exception of Acro
Dance); however, the routine must be dominant to the related category and tricks
will not be considered in the score.
Arco Dance - acrobatic or gymnastic in nature, but must include choreography,
dance steps, and dance moves.
Ballet -routine must consist of ballet technique & include classical steps.
Character - routine portraying an easily recognizable character such as a character
from a Broadway show, movie, television, or stereotype.
Clogging - Clogging type shoes must be worn and routine consists of clogging
moves incorporated with the rhythm of the music.
Drill Team/Pom-Pon - precision moves in military or dance style (No Solos).
Hip Hop - street style, free-style, or funk-style dance.
Jazz - Classic jazz emphasizing traditional jazz technique.
Lyrical/Contemporary - interpretive dance that expresses the lyrics of the music with
an emphasis on extension, balance, and contemporary dance moves.
Modern - abstract style of dance that may be based on other disciplines and
principles of dance involving the freedom of movement.
Musical Theater - any style of dance with music taken from a Broadway Musical.
Open - any category or style of dance.
Pointe – classical ballet technique performed on pointe
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 - performed in tap shoes and containing tap technique and primarily
tap work. No tap sounds on tape/CD or act will have a 9-point deduction.
ASPIRING DANCER DIVISION
ASPIRING DANCERS are ages 19 years or under who meet at least one 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. (A year is considered a season of 9 months or more.) Solos, duos and
trios must be 100% ASPIRING DANCERS, and in the case of groups and lines, at
least 66% of the dancers must be ASPIRING DANCERS. An ASPIRING DANCER
routine may not include feature roles by non-ASPIRING dancers. ASPIRING
DANCER soloists may not enter multiple divisions. The skill level of a typical
ASPIRING DANCER is modest. Dancers with more advanced skills should enter
the regular divisions. Routines will be adjudicated on a lower point scale. High
Point ASPIRING DANCER awards will be presented. ASPIRING DANCER 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.
SPECIALTY CATEGORIES OF COMPETITION
Vocal* - Straight vocal performances of any variety. May include limited dance
choreography, but must be at least 66% vocal. No pre-recorded vocal melody line is
permitted on the music. However, backup vocalizations will be allowed.
Microphones will be provided. Vocal category entries will be judged and awarded
as a separate entity, and will not be competing with dance entries for overall
awards. In order to tie outside audio equipment into the ASPIRE sound system, 2
weeks advance approval must be obtained from our Director and viability and
quality is not guaranteed.
Parent* - (Groups Only) any group that consists of all parents or non-competitive
adult performers. Regardless of the ages, sizes of the group, or the style of dance
being performed, all parent groups will compete in one category.
Teacher* - A teacher is defined as a person age 20 years and older who receives
financial gain or compensation for classroom services of any type, such as
assisting, choreographing or instructing. The Teacher category is act that has a
teacher performing 20 years of age and over. Studio Directors and Instructors 20
years and over may NOT compete in any division of competition other than the
Teacher category. If discovered that a teacher 20 years or over is competing, the act
will automatically be moved to the Teacher category.
*The Vocal, Parent, and Teacher categories are not eligible for Top 10 Awards.
TIME LIMITS
Solo and Duet/Trio entries are limited to 3 minutes, Small and Large Group entries
are limited to 3 minutes, and the Line category is limited to 8 minutes. An automatic
5-point deduction per judge will be made for any act over the time limit without prior
consent of the ASPIRE director.
METHOD OF ADJUDICATION
Only top qualified judges will be selected. The scores and comments reflect the
opinions of the judges and not necessarily the opinions of the ASPIRE Directors
and Staff.
Judges will score on:
Technique (15-35 Points)
Execution (15-30 Points)
Showmanship (5-25 Points), and
Choreography (5-10 Points).
The adjudicated scoring system is as follows:
Platinum (291-300 total score)
High Gold (282-290 total score)
Gold (273-281 total score)
High Silver (264-272 total score)
Silver (250 - 263 total score)
Bronze (249 and below total score).
Each act will be judged from an adjudicated point system. With this scoring system,
there may be multiple Platinum, High Gold, Gold, High Silver, Silver, and Bronze
awards for each category.
ADJUDICATION CRITIQUES/SCORE SHEETS
Individual audio-cassette tapes with judges' critiques will be given to the Studio
Director. Each act will receive an individual cassette tape or CD per act per judge.
All efforts will be made to ensure audio critiques will be ready to be released, along
with the individual score sheets, at the end of each day. Judges score sheets and
audio critiques will be returned to the STUDIO DIRECTOR ONLY unless our office
is notified prior to the competition in writing.
ASPIRE TITLE COMPETITION
Age Groups for Male and Female Dancers (awarded separately)
Petite - age 7 – 8
Junior - age 9 – 10
Pre-Teen - age 11 – 12
Teen - age 13 – 14
Senior - age 15 – 17
Adult Miss - age18 – 19
ASPIRE TITLE SCORING
A solo dance routine is competed in any category/division of the competition.
Multiple solos by the same dancer may be entered for the ASPIRE Title for an
additional fee. The total solo scores of 300 points possible is added to the Title
score of 150 points possible (50 points per judge allocated such that 20 possible
points may be obtained for the biography and 30 possible points may be obtained
for the dance combination). When multiple solos are upgraded for the title, the
highest of the upgraded solo scores is used. During the Title portion of the
competition, each contestant will walk to the center stage and give a biographical
statement that includes ONLY their name, age, city, state, studio and teacher. The
dancer will then move downstage and perform their best dance combination in 15
seconds or less. No props are allowed for the dance combination. Upon
completion of the dance combination, the dancer will return to the line-up. ASPIRE
Title Competition Attire for the biographical statement and dance combination shall
consist of active dancewear and any type of dance shoe. NO COSTUMES are
permitted to be worn during the biographical statement and dance combination.
Attire such as leotard and tights, jazz pants, or dance shorts, etc. are appropriate.
Any infraction of the rules for attire, completing the biographical statement or the
dance combination will result in a 5-point deduction per infraction.
TOP 10 AWARDS
There must be a minimum of 5 acts in each Petite, Junior, Pre-Teen, Teen, Senior,
and Adult division to award the cash prizes. The same solo contestant cannot place
more than once in the Top 10 High Point awards.
REGIONAL PRIZES AND AWARDS
Special awards will be awarded to each Platinum, High Gold, Gold, High Silver,
Silver and Bronze solo and duet/trio winners. For all Small Groups, Large Groups
and Lines, each member of the performing team will receive an appropriate award.
All performers are automatically eligible for High Point with the exception of the
Teacher and Parent categories. Each Petite, Junior, Pre-Teen, Teen, Senior and
Adult Solo High Point winner will receive a CASH award. There must be a minimum
of 5 acts in each Petite, Junior, Pre-Teen, Teen, Senior, and Adult division of
competition to award the cash prizes. The Top Ten Finalists for each Petite, Junior,
Pre-Teen, Teen, Senior, and Adult division will be announced and will receive a
studio plaque. All CASH prizes are mailed to the studio director or teacher, unless
entered as an independent. In the case of a tie for the Top Ten Finalists, the auditor
will add the Technique scores together, followed by the Execution score. If the tie is
still not broken, score sheets will be returned to the judges for
a final decision. There are no ties for any High Point awards.
TRIPLE CROWN AWARDS
Compete for this prestigious title by upgrading 3 routines entered in three different
dance categories. Same soloists are required for Triple Crown Solo entries. Same
duo/trio dancers are required for Triple Crown
Duo/Trio entries. However, groups of any size can be combined for the Triple Crown
as long as 60% of the dancers in the smallest group are in the other two routines.
Lines are ineligible for the triple crown.
AWARDS CEREMONY
Dancers must be in costume or team uniform for the award ceremony.
Choreography awards will be presented at each regional event.
2010 ENTRY FEES
$75 per Solo
$97 per ASPIRE Title Solo
$87 per Duet/Trio act
$30 person for Small Groups, Large Groups, and Lines
Triple Crown upgrade is $7 per routine.
All entries and payments must be received in our office by the deadline listed on our
website. Payments received after the deadline may
be assessed a 10% late fee. If you have not paid your entry fees by the deadline
date, we require payment by credit card, certified funds, or cash. We cannot accept
checks for entries after the deadlines.
Entries are not guaranteed until full payment has been received.
NO CHANGES WILL BE ALLOWED ONCE THE SCHEDULE HAS BEEN POSTED
EXCEPT WITH A MEDICAL DOCUMENTED INJURY. Any approved changes to
entries after the schedule has been sent will be assessed a $10.00 per entry
charge.
ASPIRE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REFUSE ANY ENTRY.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
MISCELLANEOUS
Not more than 50% of any Duet/Trio or Group may be the same and compete
against themselves in the same age group of the same category.
Cassette Tapes and CDs should be turned in when you check-in at the dance
competition. It is asked that all music be recorded at the proper speed. Speed
control will NOT be adjusted at the competitions. ASPIRE will allow CDs, however
we do ask that backup tapes be available. If you choose to use CDs, they must be
labeled properly with the name of the CD performer for solos and the music title for
groups on the CD and the CD Case. It is also requested that you have one CD per
act. Soloists must have their name on the tape/cd label; Duet/Trio and Groups
should have the name of the music clearly marked on the tape label. All
performance tapes can be picked up with your score sheets. ASPIRE is not
responsible for any cassette tapes or CDs that are not picked up at the event.
Absolutely NO COACHING is allowed.
Video Taping with a video recording device, including digital cameras and/or
cellular phones, and Movie Cameras are strictly prohibited and may result in
disqualification.
Photography is ONLY ALLOWED during the awards ceremony portion of the
competition, not during the competition. Failure to comply with this regulation will
result in disqualification at the discretion of the Event Director.
One studio manger, teacher, or studio representative is required to check-in
backstage 3 acts prior to the scheduled performance. Failure to do so many result
in the number being skipped and/or penalized.
Out of respect for all dancers, spectators are expected to enter and exit the
theater in-between performances only.
Protests must be submitted in writing, signed, and delivered to the ASPIRE
event director within 30 minutes following the act in question.
No smoking or alcoholic beverages are allowed in any part of the competition
area or venue property.
By entering an ASPIRE Competition and/or Scholarship Convention, you
release your performance for video and photographic reproduction.
ASPIRE Dance Competition and Scholarship Convention, its directors, staff or
associates, shall in no way assume any responsibility for accidents or theft.
ASPIRE Dance Competition and Scholarship Convention reserves the right to
cancel any competition due to an insufficient number of entries. In the event of a
cancellation, all monies will be refunded.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
EACH STUDIO SCHEDULE WILL BE SENT VIA EMAIL!
A time schedule will be posted on the ASPIRE Web Page at
www.aspiredancecompetition.com. Schedules may vary from location to location,
depending on the number of acts that are registered. We suggest that you block all
days listed on the dates scheduled to guarantee your participation. Any act going
out of the scheduled order (other than approved delays) will be subject to a 9-point
total deduction.
PROPS
For safety measures, all props (free standing or hand held) are restricted to a
maximum height of 12 feet. In addition, a dancer may not stand above 6 feet. The
use of safety railings may be used, however, the total prop height with railings may
not exceed 12 feet. No live animals are permitted on the stage. No dangerous
props are allowed on stage. Examples include, but are not limited to: fire, swords,
knives, or any items having sharp points or edges. In addition, no form of liquid or
gel may be used that would affect the dancing surface. Absolutely no items may be
thrown or shot off the front of the stage. Any violation of the above rules may result
in the act not being eligible for the Top 10 and the awards will be announced for
adjudication scores only. Please contact our National Headquarters if you need
further clarification of prop guidelines. Props must be essential to the act and must
be carried on stage by the performer or your own staff (instructor, parent, coach,
etc.). The placement of props, mats, etc., must be completed within 2minutes. The
timing of the act will begin after the 2-minute prep time. Performers must be
prepared to completely clear the stage in the event of any loose items (feathers,
streamers, etc.) Absolutely no littering of the stage is allowed.
Dancers, teachers and studio directors throughout the United States know they can
depend on ASPIRE Dance Competitions and Scholarship Conventions for quality
and professionalism. In order to provide clean-cut entertainment for our audiences,
it is insisted that all ASPIRE entries are suitable for family viewing in theme,
costuming, lyrics and choreography. Suggestive, sexual or violent content is not
acceptable on the ASPIRE stage. At the discretion of the JUDGES, inappropriate
dances will, at minimum, have points deducted and will NOT be eligible for Top 10
Awards. Please contact our National Headquarters if you need further clarification of
our guidelines.
All rights reserved.
FOLLOWING RULES MUST BE READ AND THE RULES AND REGULATIONS
AGREEMENT NEEDS TO BE COMPLETED AND SUBMITTED WITH YOUR
ENTRIES ALONG WITH THE DANCERS RELEASE FORM. THESE FORMS ARE
AVAILABLE IN THE ENTRY FORM SECTION OF THE WEBSITE.
Please Read Carefully:
TYPES OF ENTRIES
Solo, Duet/Trio, Small Group (4-9 performers), Large Group (10-18 performers),
and Line (19+ performers). IN THE PRODUCTION CATEGORY ONLY, VOCAL IS
ALLOWED. ASPIRE will not provide a microphone. The Production category in the
Line division is limited to 8 MINUTES, and must have a minimum of 19 performers.
Should an act drop below the minimum number requirement for the group size
during the competition of the particular division, the act will be awarded their award
based on points, however, the act will not be eligible for Top 10 without the ASPIRE
director's approval.
AGE DIVISIONS
Petite ages are from the youngest age to 8 years
Junior ages are 9-10 years
Pre-Teen ages are 11-12 years
Teen ages are 13-14 years
Senior ages are 15-17 years
Adult ages are 18 years and older
ALL AGE DIVISIONS ARE DETERMINED AS OF JAN 1, 2010.
The average age will determine the age group for Duet/Trio and Groups. Example:
Average age 11.0 to 11.9 = 11. Full names and ages of all performers must appear
legibly on the Official Entry Form. Dancers must be responsible for proof of age at
the competition if necessary.
CATEGORIES OF COMPETITION
Gymnastic tricks are not counted in any dance categories (with the exception of Acro
Dance); however, the routine must be dominant to the related category and tricks
will not be considered in the score.
Arco Dance - acrobatic or gymnastic in nature, but must include choreography,
dance steps, and dance moves.
Ballet -routine must consist of ballet technique & include classical steps.
Character - routine portraying an easily recognizable character such as a character
from a Broadway show, movie, television, or stereotype.
Clogging - Clogging type shoes must be worn and routine consists of clogging
moves incorporated with the rhythm of the music.
Drill Team/Pom-Pon - precision moves in military or dance style (No Solos).
Hip Hop - street style, free-style, or funk-style dance.
Jazz - Classic jazz emphasizing traditional jazz technique.
Lyrical/Contemporary - interpretive dance that expresses the lyrics of the music with
an emphasis on extension, balance, and contemporary dance moves.
Modern - abstract style of dance that may be based on other disciplines and
principles of dance involving the freedom of movement.
Musical Theater - any style of dance with music taken from a Broadway Musical.
Open - any category or style of dance.
Pointe – classical ballet technique performed on pointe
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 - performed in tap shoes and containing tap technique and primarily
tap work. No tap sounds on tape/CD or act will have a 9-point deduction.
ASPIRING DANCER DIVISION
ASPIRING DANCERS are ages 19 years or under who meet at least one 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. (A year is considered a season of 9 months or more.) Solos, duos and
trios must be 100% ASPIRING DANCERS, and in the case of groups and lines, at
least 66% of the dancers must be ASPIRING DANCERS. An ASPIRING DANCER
routine may not include feature roles by non-ASPIRING dancers. ASPIRING
DANCER soloists may not enter multiple divisions. The skill level of a typical
ASPIRING DANCER is modest. Dancers with more advanced skills should enter
the regular divisions. Routines will be adjudicated on a lower point scale. High
Point ASPIRING DANCER awards will be presented. ASPIRING DANCER 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.
SPECIALTY CATEGORIES OF COMPETITION
Vocal* - Straight vocal performances of any variety. May include limited dance
choreography, but must be at least 66% vocal. No pre-recorded vocal melody line is
permitted on the music. However, backup vocalizations will be allowed.
Microphones will be provided. Vocal category entries will be judged and awarded
as a separate entity, and will not be competing with dance entries for overall
awards. In order to tie outside audio equipment into the ASPIRE sound system, 2
weeks advance approval must be obtained from our Director and viability and
quality is not guaranteed.
Parent* - (Groups Only) any group that consists of all parents or non-competitive
adult performers. Regardless of the ages, sizes of the group, or the style of dance
being performed, all parent groups will compete in one category.
Teacher* - A teacher is defined as a person age 20 years and older who receives
financial gain or compensation for classroom services of any type, such as
assisting, choreographing or instructing. The Teacher category is act that has a
teacher performing 20 years of age and over. Studio Directors and Instructors 20
years and over may NOT compete in any division of competition other than the
Teacher category. If discovered that a teacher 20 years or over is competing, the act
will automatically be moved to the Teacher category.
*The Vocal, Parent, and Teacher categories are not eligible for Top 10 Awards.
TIME LIMITS
Solo and Duet/Trio entries are limited to 3 minutes, Small and Large Group entries
are limited to 3 minutes, and the Line category is limited to 8 minutes. An automatic
5-point deduction per judge will be made for any act over the time limit without prior
consent of the ASPIRE director.
METHOD OF ADJUDICATION
Only top qualified judges will be selected. The scores and comments reflect the
opinions of the judges and not necessarily the opinions of the ASPIRE Directors
and Staff.
Judges will score on:
Technique (15-35 Points)
Execution (15-30 Points)
Showmanship (5-25 Points), and
Choreography (5-10 Points).
The adjudicated scoring system is as follows:
Platinum (291-300 total score)
High Gold (282-290 total score)
Gold (273-281 total score)
High Silver (264-272 total score)
Silver (250 - 263 total score)
Bronze (249 and below total score).
Each act will be judged from an adjudicated point system. With this scoring system,
there may be multiple Platinum, High Gold, Gold, High Silver, Silver, and Bronze
awards for each category.
ADJUDICATION CRITIQUES/SCORE SHEETS
Individual audio-cassette tapes with judges' critiques will be given to the Studio
Director. Each act will receive an individual cassette tape or CD per act per judge.
All efforts will be made to ensure audio critiques will be ready to be released, along
with the individual score sheets, at the end of each day. Judges score sheets and
audio critiques will be returned to the STUDIO DIRECTOR ONLY unless our office
is notified prior to the competition in writing.
ASPIRE TITLE COMPETITION
Age Groups for Male and Female Dancers (awarded separately)
Petite - age 7 – 8
Junior - age 9 – 10
Pre-Teen - age 11 – 12
Teen - age 13 – 14
Senior - age 15 – 17
Adult Miss - age18 – 19
ASPIRE TITLE SCORING
A solo dance routine is competed in any category/division of the competition.
Multiple solos by the same dancer may be entered for the ASPIRE Title for an
additional fee. The total solo scores of 300 points possible is added to the Title
score of 150 points possible (50 points per judge allocated such that 20 possible
points may be obtained for the biography and 30 possible points may be obtained
for the dance combination). When multiple solos are upgraded for the title, the
highest of the upgraded solo scores is used. During the Title portion of the
competition, each contestant will walk to the center stage and give a biographical
statement that includes ONLY their name, age, city, state, studio and teacher. The
dancer will then move downstage and perform their best dance combination in 15
seconds or less. No props are allowed for the dance combination. Upon
completion of the dance combination, the dancer will return to the line-up. ASPIRE
Title Competition Attire for the biographical statement and dance combination shall
consist of active dancewear and any type of dance shoe. NO COSTUMES are
permitted to be worn during the biographical statement and dance combination.
Attire such as leotard and tights, jazz pants, or dance shorts, etc. are appropriate.
Any infraction of the rules for attire, completing the biographical statement or the
dance combination will result in a 5-point deduction per infraction.
TOP 10 AWARDS
There must be a minimum of 5 acts in each Petite, Junior, Pre-Teen, Teen, Senior,
and Adult division to award the cash prizes. The same solo contestant cannot place
more than once in the Top 10 High Point awards.
REGIONAL PRIZES AND AWARDS
Special awards will be awarded to each Platinum, High Gold, Gold, High Silver,
Silver and Bronze solo and duet/trio winners. For all Small Groups, Large Groups
and Lines, each member of the performing team will receive an appropriate award.
All performers are automatically eligible for High Point with the exception of the
Teacher and Parent categories. Each Petite, Junior, Pre-Teen, Teen, Senior and
Adult Solo High Point winner will receive a CASH award. There must be a minimum
of 5 acts in each Petite, Junior, Pre-Teen, Teen, Senior, and Adult division of
competition to award the cash prizes. The Top Ten Finalists for each Petite, Junior,
Pre-Teen, Teen, Senior, and Adult division will be announced and will receive a
studio plaque. All CASH prizes are mailed to the studio director or teacher, unless
entered as an independent. In the case of a tie for the Top Ten Finalists, the auditor
will add the Technique scores together, followed by the Execution score. If the tie is
still not broken, score sheets will be returned to the judges for
a final decision. There are no ties for any High Point awards.
TRIPLE CROWN AWARDS
Compete for this prestigious title by upgrading 3 routines entered in three different
dance categories. Same soloists are required for Triple Crown Solo entries. Same
duo/trio dancers are required for Triple Crown
Duo/Trio entries. However, groups of any size can be combined for the Triple Crown
as long as 60% of the dancers in the smallest group are in the other two routines.
Lines are ineligible for the triple crown.
AWARDS CEREMONY
Dancers must be in costume or team uniform for the award ceremony.
Choreography awards will be presented at each regional event.
2010 ENTRY FEES
$75 per Solo
$97 per ASPIRE Title Solo
$87 per Duet/Trio act
$30 person for Small Groups, Large Groups, and Lines
Triple Crown upgrade is $7 per routine.
All entries and payments must be received in our office by the deadline listed on our
website. Payments received after the deadline may
be assessed a 10% late fee. If you have not paid your entry fees by the deadline
date, we require payment by credit card, certified funds, or cash. We cannot accept
checks for entries after the deadlines.
Entries are not guaranteed until full payment has been received.
NO CHANGES WILL BE ALLOWED ONCE THE SCHEDULE HAS BEEN POSTED
EXCEPT WITH A MEDICAL DOCUMENTED INJURY. Any approved changes to
entries after the schedule has been sent will be assessed a $10.00 per entry
charge.
ASPIRE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REFUSE ANY ENTRY.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
MISCELLANEOUS
Not more than 50% of any Duet/Trio or Group may be the same and compete
against themselves in the same age group of the same category.
Cassette Tapes and CDs should be turned in when you check-in at the dance
competition. It is asked that all music be recorded at the proper speed. Speed
control will NOT be adjusted at the competitions. ASPIRE will allow CDs, however
we do ask that backup tapes be available. If you choose to use CDs, they must be
labeled properly with the name of the CD performer for solos and the music title for
groups on the CD and the CD Case. It is also requested that you have one CD per
act. Soloists must have their name on the tape/cd label; Duet/Trio and Groups
should have the name of the music clearly marked on the tape label. All
performance tapes can be picked up with your score sheets. ASPIRE is not
responsible for any cassette tapes or CDs that are not picked up at the event.
Absolutely NO COACHING is allowed.
Video Taping with a video recording device, including digital cameras and/or
cellular phones, and Movie Cameras are strictly prohibited and may result in
disqualification.
Photography is ONLY ALLOWED during the awards ceremony portion of the
competition, not during the competition. Failure to comply with this regulation will
result in disqualification at the discretion of the Event Director.
One studio manger, teacher, or studio representative is required to check-in
backstage 3 acts prior to the scheduled performance. Failure to do so many result
in the number being skipped and/or penalized.
Out of respect for all dancers, spectators are expected to enter and exit the
theater in-between performances only.
Protests must be submitted in writing, signed, and delivered to the ASPIRE
event director within 30 minutes following the act in question.
No smoking or alcoholic beverages are allowed in any part of the competition
area or venue property.
By entering an ASPIRE Competition and/or Scholarship Convention, you
release your performance for video and photographic reproduction.
ASPIRE Dance Competition and Scholarship Convention, its directors, staff or
associates, shall in no way assume any responsibility for accidents or theft.
ASPIRE Dance Competition and Scholarship Convention reserves the right to
cancel any competition due to an insufficient number of entries. In the event of a
cancellation, all monies will be refunded.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
EACH STUDIO SCHEDULE WILL BE SENT VIA EMAIL!
A time schedule will be posted on the ASPIRE Web Page at
www.aspiredancecompetition.com. Schedules may vary from location to location,
depending on the number of acts that are registered. We suggest that you block all
days listed on the dates scheduled to guarantee your participation. Any act going
out of the scheduled order (other than approved delays) will be subject to a 9-point
total deduction.
PROPS
For safety measures, all props (free standing or hand held) are restricted to a
maximum height of 12 feet. In addition, a dancer may not stand above 6 feet. The
use of safety railings may be used, however, the total prop height with railings may
not exceed 12 feet. No live animals are permitted on the stage. No dangerous
props are allowed on stage. Examples include, but are not limited to: fire, swords,
knives, or any items having sharp points or edges. In addition, no form of liquid or
gel may be used that would affect the dancing surface. Absolutely no items may be
thrown or shot off the front of the stage. Any violation of the above rules may result
in the act not being eligible for the Top 10 and the awards will be announced for
adjudication scores only. Please contact our National Headquarters if you need
further clarification of prop guidelines. Props must be essential to the act and must
be carried on stage by the performer or your own staff (instructor, parent, coach,
etc.). The placement of props, mats, etc., must be completed within 2minutes. The
timing of the act will begin after the 2-minute prep time. Performers must be
prepared to completely clear the stage in the event of any loose items (feathers,
streamers, etc.) Absolutely no littering of the stage is allowed.
Dancers, teachers and studio directors throughout the United States know they can
depend on ASPIRE Dance Competitions and Scholarship Conventions for quality
and professionalism. In order to provide clean-cut entertainment for our audiences,
it is insisted that all ASPIRE entries are suitable for family viewing in theme,
costuming, lyrics and choreography. Suggestive, sexual or violent content is not
acceptable on the ASPIRE stage. At the discretion of the JUDGES, inappropriate
dances will, at minimum, have points deducted and will NOT be eligible for Top 10
Awards. Please contact our National Headquarters if you need further clarification of
our guidelines.
All rights reserved.
2010 Rules and Regulations -
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| ASPIRE Dance Competition & Scholarship Convention COMPETITION INFORMATION |