East Coast Finals entries are due in our office June 1st, 2009
Mid America Finals entries are due in our office June 15th, 2009
West Coast Finals entries are due in our office by June 15th, 2009

All participants registered in Showstopper Regional competitions are eligible to enter the Finals. The easiest way to enter the Finals is online at the Teachers Information Center. All your entries from regional shows are displayed, even if you did not enter the regionals online and you can easily choose, edit and submit your finals entries. Contestants can enter either the West Coast, Mid America or East Coast Finals, but not more than one regardless of the regional location at which you qualified. Entries registered at the regional shows are eligible to enter the National Finals. If entries were received at the Showstopper offices with full payment before the deadline of a regional event and the entries were declined because the event was full, they are eligible to enter the National Finals.

All Production Groups at all National Finals are automatically part of our new "PRODUCTIONMANIA!®" live webcast show the evening before our Championship Webcast.

Contestants must enter the same dance category in which you qualified at the regional level. All ages for Duet/Trios and Groups are as of January 1st, for both Regional and Nationals. Ages for Solos only, however, are as of the competition date for both Regionals and National Finals. Substitutions of dancers from the qualifying entry are allowed. There must be at least 50% of the original dancers from the original qualifying entry. However if there are any substitutions at Nationals, the age will be re-averaged as of the first day of the Nationals. If there is a decimal, round down and drop the decimal. Names, ages and birth dates of all contestants must appear on the entry form or it will not be accepted. Reduced size groups are also acceptable. If a group goes down to 2 or 3 it automatically becomes a Duet/Trio. Duet/Trios cannot go down to Solo. Contestants will be responsible for producing proof of age to the contest directors should a question arise. Duet/Trios or Groups cannot compete in an age division more than one age division younger than the oldest dancer, regardless of the average age. An example would be a performer age 18, a senior, dancing in a group with an average age of 10 (junior), would be moved into the teen category, one age division younger than senior, into the lowest age group in that division, which would be age 12. If any rules infraction for any reason (such as an acro trick or time limit infraction) was not deducted at any regional event, it will be deducted at the National Finals.

Types of entries are Solo, Duet/Trio (Duets and Trios compete against each other) Small Groups (From 4 to 9 dancers), Large Groups (10 to 19 dancers) and Super Groups (20 or more dancers). Levels of entries are Competitive, which anyone may enter, and Recreational, which only dancers who take a total of three hours or less of combined dance and/or acro lessons per week during the last three years are eligible to enter. Please note that it is not mandatory that you enter the Recreational Division if you take three hours or less, it is simply available for those who take three hours or less per week. However if a Duet/Trio or Group has even one competitive dancer, it must enter the competitive division. Proof by a teacher's affidavit may be required.

*NEW* No air horns or similar devices are allowed

Soloists are limited to two solo performances.

Routines are expected to perform in the order they are scheduled. If for any reason a routine performs out of its listed order, video playback of that routine during the awards ceremony cannot be assured. In all cases routines must be performed during the awards session in which they are scheduled. If the routine cannot perform during the awards session in which they are scheduled for any reason, we will be glad to: 1) Give a refund for the routine or 2) It can be performed for judges comments only. The routine would not be eligible for any regular or overall awards. It will be announced on stage at the end of the regular awards, the appropriate medal or trophy given, and the routine will be qualified for National Finals.

Video Taping and movie cameras are prohibited.

Each contestant must furnish their own music marked with the contestant number on a clean, good quality cassette tape, CD, ipod, flash drive or music may be emailed in ahead of the competition (please refer to our website for instructions). It is recommended that you bring a second copy as a backup in the event of malfunction of the original.

CATEGORY GUIDELINES:
The time limit for all Solo, Duet/Trio, and Small Group entries are three minutes (3:00), Large Group, and Super Group entries are four minutes (4:00), PRODUCTION category only has a time limit of eight minutes (8:00). A deduction of one half point (0.5) for every 10 seconds or portion thereof in excess of the time limit will be made. Deductions will be made even if for any reason a time infraction was not noted at a regional event.

The following dance categories can contain no gymnastic/acrobatic tricks. Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Pointe, Lyrical/Modern, and Clogging. A one half point (.5) deduction per judge will be made for any gymnastic/acrobatic tricks in these categories. Tricks not allowed are movements that pass through or stop at a fully inverted (upside down) position with both feet off the floor (the torso passing or stopping directly over the top of ones head/shoulders). The only exceptions to this are forward, backward and shoulder rolls, and acro tricks in lifts (a lift being defined as being supported by another dancer with any body part). For further information about what constitutes a "gymnastic/acrobatic" trick, please write or call for a more detailed explanation.

A one point deduction per judge will be incurred if any special microphones or sound equipment is hooked up by Showstopper for any performance.

Fire, swords and knives on stage are prohibited. Simulated weapons with dull, safe edges are acceptable with approval of Showstopper. No liquid, gel, aerosol, glitter or similar substance that would effect the dancing surface is allowed unless specifically approved by Showstopper. Props are allowed, however they must be freestanding. Scenery or backdrops requiring the use of theater fly bars may not be used. Helium balloons are not permitted. Special fog or smoke is not permitted unless specifically approved by Showstopper. Safety is always our major concern. If the stage is "littered" during a routine please be prepared to clean it up immediately after the routine is finished.

If dance movements, music lyrics, or costuming are deemed to be too suggestive or otherwise inappropriate for our family audience, or if the music contains vulgar or inappropriate lyrics, the routine will be scored lower by the judges.

Hip Hop-Routine consisting primarily of Hip Hop Technique. The music must not contain inappropriate lyrics or it will be scored lower by the judges.
Musical Theater- Rountine featuring any style of dance interpreting a song from a Broadway show or movie musical.
Jazz-Routine must consist of primarily jazz technique. No gymnastic/acrobatic tricks allowed.
Tap- Routine must contain tap technique and primarily tap work. It is preferred tap sounds not be on tape. No gymnastic/acrobatic tricks allowed.
Ballet-Routine must consist of ballet technique. Must include classical steps and movements. No gymnastic/acrobatic tricks allowed.
Pointe-Routine must consist of pointe/toe technique. No gymnastic/acrobatic tricks allowed.
Lyrical Jazz/Modern-Routine should demonstrate balance, extension, isolations and control utilizing the lyrics or mood of the music. No gymnastic/acrobatic tricks allowed.
Song & Dance-Must contain both singing and any listed category of dancing. Judging will be based on both singing and dancing. There must be no other lead voices anywhere on tape (0.5 point per judge deduction). All performers will be judged on both singing and dancing. A one point deduction per judge will be incurred if any special microphones or sound equipment is hooked up by Showstopper for any reason. Three handheld wireless microphones only will be available for your use.
Acrobatic Dance-A routine using controlled moves such as walkovers, limbers, handstands, chest rolls, etc. Can contain gymnastic passes. Majority of routine must be acrobatic moves or it will be scored lower by the judges. Can contain flexibility moves or contortionist moves. Must contain dance moves, steps, and choreography.
Baton-A routine using baton(s) and baton technique. Will be judged on both Baton technique and dance moves, steps, and choreography.
Pom Pon-A routine incorporating the use of Pom Pons. Should use precise and definite movement. Acrobatics allowed, no stunts or tosses allowed. Will be judged on both Pom Pon technique and dance steps, moves, and choreography.
Clogging-A routine utilizing either traditional or contemporary style clogging technique. No gymnastic/acrobatic tricks allowed.
Character Routine-A routine portraying a character throughout. Can be from a play, movie, television, Broadway, or a stereotype such as a farmer, policeman, etc. The character portrayed must be listed on the entry form, and it will be published in the program book. Can incorporate either dance or acrobatic techniques.
Folkloric-A routine using ethnic style of dance, such as Spanish, Hawaiian, polkas, etc.
Open-Any of our listed categories or combinations of listed category styles.
Cheerleading- a Junior High, High School or College cheerleading team. Only groups are eligible, not solos or duet/trios. Acrobatics allowed. No stunts or tosses allowed. Routine must have and will be judged on dance steps, moves and choreography.
All Male - Any group with all male dancers, regardless of type of dance may choose to enter this category.
Production-A routine utilizing a group of at least 20 dancers incorporating any style/styles of dance or acrobatic. Production ONLY has a time limit of 8:00 minutes. Production Groups are not eligible to appear on the Championship Webcasts produced at the National Finals, however, All Production Groups at all National Finals are automatically part of our new "PRODUCTIONMANIA!®" live webcast show the evening before our Championship Webcast .
Teachers Categories- Persons 20 yrs. of age or over who are teachers or assistant teachers or professional dancers or persons who have ever been teachers, assistant teachers or professional dancers must compete in Teachers categories. Teachers Solos, Duet/Trio, and Groups can compete in all types of dance listed above. All Duet/Trios or Groups with even one teacher competitor must enter the teachers category. Teachers Groups are not eligible to appear on the Championship Webcasts produced at the National Finals.

Scoring/Awards System:
Double Platinum, Platinum 1st place, Gold 1st place, and Silver Award will be decided by a predetermined range of points for each place. There may be multiple Double Platinum, Platinum 1st places, Gold 1st places, or Silver Awards in each age group and category of dance. Contestants will compete in the following age groups: (4 & under), (5 yrs), (6 yrs), (7 yrs), (8 yrs), (9 yrs), (10 yrs), (11 yrs), (12 yrs), (13 yrs), (14 yrs), (15 yrs), (16 yrs), (17 yrs), (18-19 yrs), (20-29 yrs), (30-39 yrs), (40-49 yrs), (50-59 yrs), (60-69 yrs), and (70 & over).

Entry fees are $110 each Solo, $122 each Duet/Trio, $53 each person for Small or Large Groups, and $25 for "Photogenic" entry (two photos maximum).

All payments of entry fees must be received with entries. No payments will be accepted at events.

*NEW* All charges made after the event schedule appears online will be charged $5 for each change.

The same contestant(s) cannot compete more than once in the same category and age group in either Solo, Duet/Trio, or Group competition. This means that contestants must never compete directly against themselves in the same age group and category.

A 10 point deduction will be made for routines that are not completed.

Contestants will be judged by a panel of competent judges, and all entrants agree that the time, manner, and method of judging the contest shall be solely within the discretion of the directors and producers of Showstopper American Dance Championships and that all decisions of the judges are final.

"Solo Photogenic" will be awarded to the solo contestant entering for this award and judged to be the most photogenic. All entries in this award must bring to the finals a recent photo, maximum size 8 x 10 in black & white or color. DO NOT send photos in, they must be brought to the event. Body shots are best, although you may submit two photos. Back of photo must have name, age, address, phone number, dance studio, height and weight. Entries will be accepted in "Solo" division only. Photos of Duet/Trios or Groups are not eligible for Photogenic Awards. Pictures are not returnable. Entry deadline does not apply to this category.

Judges Score Sheets must be picked up at the event. They will not be available for mailing afterward.

Contestants and teachers by virtue of entering a Showstopper Event give their permission and consent to the directors of Showstopper to use their images or photographs or appear on videos, telelvision, our website, or any other electronic media for advertising, news coverage or any other commericial use of our events.

Any performer competing in a dance competition takes certain inherent risks. These include, but are not limited to, sprains, bruises, pulled muscles, and broken bones. Participation in this competition indicates the acceptance of such risks by performers. Therefore by virtue of entering this event, participants agree not to hold Showstopper® Inc.; Showstopper American Dance Championships® or its officers, directors, officials, staff or employees responsible for injuries, illnesses, or damages sustained participating in any activity related to a Showstopper® Competition. Showstopper American Dance Championships® and the hosting facility are not responsible for personal injury to either contestants or spectators. Showstopper is not responsible for lost or stolen property. Do not leave your property or valuables unattended in the theater or dressing rooms.

Awards:
SPECIAL AWARDS - RECREATIONAL DIVISION
Overall recognition and medals will be given in the following five age groups: Minis: 8 years & under; Juniors: 9-11 years; Teen: 12-14 years and Senior: 15-19 years; Adult: 20 yrs & over. No cash awards are given in the Recreational Division.

SPECIAL AWARDS - COMPETITVE DIVISION
All cash prizes are awarded to the the Studio Director or Teacher.
Overall recognition and medals will be given in the following five age groups: Minis: 8 years & under; Juniors: 9-11 years; Teen: 12-14 years and Senior: 15-19 years; Adult: 20 yrs & over.

“Top Solo”
$250 plus a $250 gift certificate will be awarded to the soloist in the Mini: 8 yrs & under, Junior: 9-11, Teen: 12-14, and Senior: 15-19 age groups receiving the highest overall score. $150 and a $150 gift certificate will be awarded to the second place overall soloist in these age groups and $100 and a $100 gift certificate will be awarded to the third place overall soloist in these age groups. If a contestant performs two solos, only the highest scoring one counts for the top overall awards. An overall trophy will be given to the Top Soloist in the Adult 20 & over age division.

“Top Duet/Trio”
$250 plus a $250 gift certificate will be awarded to the Duet/Trio in the Mini: 8 yrs & under, Junior: 9-11, Teen: 12-14, and Senior: 15-19 age groups receiving the highest overall score. $150 and a $150 gift certificate will be awarded to the second place overall duet/trio in these age groups and $100 and a $100 gift certificate will be awarded to the third place overall duet/trio in these age groups. An overall trophy will be given to the Top Duet/Trio in the Adult 20 & over age division.

“Top Small Group”
$500 plus a $500 gift certificate will be awarded to the Small Group in the Mini: 8 yrs & under, Junior: 9-11, Teen: 12-14, and Senior: 15-19 age groups receiving the highest overall score. $200 and a $200 gift certificate will be awarded to the second place overall small group in these age groups and $100 and a $100 gift certificate will be awarded to the third place overall small group in these age groups. An overall trophy will be given to the Top Small Group in the Adult 20 & over age division.

“Top Large Group”
$500 plus a $500 gift certificate will be awarded to the Large Group in the Mini: 8 yrs & under, Junior: 9-11, Teen: 12-14, and Senior: 15-19 age groups receiving the highest overall score. $200 and a $200 gift certificate will be awarded to the second place overall large group in these age groups and $100 and a $100 gift certificate will be awarded to the third place overall large group in these age groups. An overall trophy will be given to the Top Large Group in the Adult 20 & over age division.

“Top Super Group”
$500 plus a $500 Showstopper gift certificate will be awarded to the Super Group in the Mini: 8 yrs & under, Junior: 9-11, Teen: 12-14, and Senior: 15-19 age groups receiving the highest overall score. $200 and a $200 gift certificate will be awarded to the second place overall super group in these age groups and $100 and $100 gift certificate will be awarded to the third place overall super group in these age groups. An overall trophy will be given to the Top Super Group in the Adult 20 & over age division.

“Top Teachers Solo, Duet/Trio, and Group ”
An overall trophy will be awarded to the soloist, top duet/trio, and top group in the Teachers category receiving the highest overall score.

“Solo Photogenic” Award
$100 will be awarded in the 11 & under age group soloist and $100 will be awarded in the 12 & over age group soloist. Only those who enter this category are eligible.

All Production Groups at all National Finals are automatically part of our "PRODUCTIONMANIA!®" live webcast show the evening before our Championship Webcast. They will be competing in Mini, Junior, Teen, and Senior Age Divisions for the Cash Awards of $500 plus a $500 gift certificate Top Prize in each age division.

*NEW* THE SHOWSTOPPER WEBTV SHOW! ®
All Championships will be broadcast live on the internet as they happen. The top scoring ten Small Groups in the Mini (8 & under), Junior (9-11), Teen (12-14), and Senior (15-19) age groups with no overlap of dancers allowed within and age group will compete at each event. First place will receive $500, 2nd place will receive $250, and Third Place will receive $100. In addition, the top scoring ten groups of the combined Large and Super groups in the Mini (8 & under), Junior (9-11), Teen (12-14), and Senior (15-19) age groups with no overlap of dancers allowed within the age group will also compete at each event. First place will receive $500, 2nd place will receive $250, and Third Place will receive $100. Production category, Teachers Groups, Adult Groups and Recreational Level are not eligible to perform on the Championship. Please see our website for further information. www.showstopperonline.com

© 2009 Showstopper, Inc.

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