To ensure a fair and enjoyable competition experience, Chroma Dance Competition strictly adheres to the following rules:

Age Divisions: Dancers are grouped by age categories. (Please note that ages are averaged as of January 1 of the current year.)

Mini (6 & under),

Youth (6-8),

Junior (9-12),

Teen (13-15),

Senior (16-18), and

Adult (19 & over).

Time Limits:

(up to and not above):

SOLOS & DUET/TRIOS 2m15s

SMALL GROUPS 2m 30s

LARGE GROUPS 3m 00s

LINE 6m 00s

PRODUCTION 8m 00s

Additional time may be purchased for $5 per performer for an additional 30 seconds of time, up to 3 minutes. This option is provided to give participants the flexibility to enhance their performance within a reasonable time frame, while also ensuring the smooth running of the competition.

Music: All music must be age-appropriate and provided in MP3 format. Music edits should be clean and free of profanity or negatively suggestive content.

Costumes: Costumes should be tasteful and appropriate for the performance. Excessive nudity or inappropriate themes such as violence, sexual content, or offensive symbols are not allowed.

Judging Criteria: Performances are evaluated based on technique (the precision and skill in executing the dance), choreography (the creativity and structure of the dance), stage presence/execution (the confidence and engagement of the performers with the audience), and overall performance quality (the overall impact and entertainment value of the performance).

Mini and Youth categories:

• Stage Presence/Execution- 40 Points

• Choreography-20 Points

• Technique- 20 Points

• Overall Performance-10 Point

  Junior+

• Technique- 40 Points

• Choreography-20 Points

• Stage Presence/Execution- 20 Points

• Overall Performance-10 Point

Levels: Studio directors and choreographers place their students into levels based on their current skill level and award points based on a simplified scoring structure. The level is based on each dancer's average number of technical training hours and rehearsal hours.

(Beginner - under 6 hours per week)

This dancer is comfortable with a smile on stage but shows little other facial expressions. This dancer shows basic technique abilities but inconsistent use of tendu, a lack of physical strength to attain a height in jumps, failure to dance “through the body” with a focus mainly on arms and legs, limited turn combinations with a lack of spots, and Port de bras is limited to simple choreography for arms.

(Intermediate - under 10 hours per week)

This dancer shows more confidence and presents more facial expressions, although not consistent throughout the routine. Their Port de bras show a connection to ballet technique but is not consistent, transitions between steps are smoother than in the Sapphire level, they can execute turns and jumps with an apparent technical base, little focus on tricks, and the ability to perform multiple turn steps, and can utilize the entire stage while executing choreography.

(Advanced - over 10 hours per week)

This dancer has apparent confidence on stage. They show a strong use of port de bras with a clear understanding of the arm connection to the upper back and center. They have a solid ability to dance through the entire body; they execute complex combinations equally and the “easier” combinations in the routine. This dancer shows a strong use of transitions between steps. They strongly use jazz, modern, and ballet techniques while demonstrating difficult turn and jump combinations. Their feet are appropriately used throughout the dance and maintain fluidity throughout the performance. These hours and descriptions are suggested guidelines. Dancers should be placed based on their personal skill level. Dancers must compete at the same or higher level before returning to another season. Please note that the judges can move any routine up or down a level if they agree that the routine is not placed in the correct level.

ALL AGE DIVISIONS ARE DETERMINED AS OF JANUARY 1 OF THE COMPETITION YEAR. Performers must be responsible for proof of age at the competition (if required). Any routine with a dancer 20 years or older will automatically be placed in the Adult category, in the Advanced Level, and will not be eligible for Top 10 placement or specialty awards.

LEVEL DETERMINATION: To keep levels fair for each studio attending, Chroma Dance Competition utilizes a point ratio system to determine the specific level of a routine. At registration, you will select a level for each dancer that will carry through with them in their routines. The level they are placed in will follow them into every routine they compete in. Please note that the judges can move any routine up or down a level if all three agree that the routine is not placed in the correct level.

Beginner dancers are 1 point each; Intermediate dancers are 2 points each; and Advanced dancers are 3 points each. There are no separate group-level placements. For example, if a routine has 5 Intermediate and 3 Advanced dancers, the following equation would apply to determine the level. 5 Intermediate Dancers x 2 points = 10 points. 3 Advanced Dancers x 3 points = 9 points. Ten is greater than 9, so the routine would be an Intermediate level routine. Please note that in the event of a tie between the number of points, the routines are placed in the higher level of competition. The placement of levels for individual dancers is completely at the studio director's discretion. A performer may only be placed on one level and will stay on that level through the competition season. Chroma Dance Competition understands that you, as a director, know your dancers' abilities best and trust that you will practice with good faith in the spirit of healthy competition. As always, we are confident you will use your best judgment to place your dancers at the correct levels.

BUMP RULE: The average age of each entry will stay within one age division below the age of the oldest dancer in the routine, regardless of the average age. For example, if an act averages out in the junior age division but contains a senior-age dancer in the routine, the entry will compete in the teenage division.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: An estimated schedule of your routines will be emailed approximately ten days before the competition date for final review. You will have 48 hours to review and request changes and additions. The final competition schedule will come out 7 days before the event after any changes and additions. Schedules may vary from location to location depending on the number of registered acts. Any act going out of the prearranged scheduled order (other than approved costume delays) will be performed only for judges’ scores and comments. Entries will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. For venue and hotel accommodations, please check the Chroma Dance Competition website. A confirmation will be returned to you for your approval. It is your responsibility to ensure everything is correct. No routine will be permitted to level down after the final schedule is released. Any changes after the final show schedule is e-mailed to your studio will incur a $xx per change fee, and all changes are at the discretion of the show director.

GENRES OF COMPETITION:

Acro/Gymnastics, Adult, Ballet, Clogging, Contemporary, Folkloric, Hip Hop, Jazz, Lyrical, Modern, Musical Theater, Open, Pointe, Pom Pom, Song and Dance, and Tap. Chroma Stars is the category for dancers with special needs.

GENRE DESCRIPTIONS

Acro/Gymnastics: A style blending dance with acrobatics, emphasizing on flexibility and aerial tricks.

Ballet: A classical form of dance developed through the centuries, originating in Italy and formalized in France. Ballet emphasizes the outward rotation of the legs/feet and specified positions of the torso, shoulders, arms, and head. Choreography should be pulled from Classical, Neo-Classical to Contemporary vocabulary with a strong focus on technique and precision in this category. *Pointe- An extension of ballet technique with dance steps executed “sur les pointe” while wearing pointe shoes.

Clogging: A folk dance otherwise known as flat-footing, foot-stomping, buck dancing, clog dancing, or jigging. The clogging technique is different from the tap technique being that the steps are often focused more on the downbeat rather than the upbeat. Clogging shoes are usually black, white, or black and white and generally have double taps or “jingle taps.” Each shoe has four taps, two on the toe and two on the heel. One is securely fastened to the shoe, while the other is more loosely fastened.

Contemporary: A fusion of various styles while demonstrating a strong foundation in ballet and modern technique.

Folkloric: A number focusing on one’s culture, heritage or traditions. The folkloric category usually consists of ethnic dancing.

Hip Hop: A style of street dance that is primarily performed to hip hop music. This style often calls for the dancer to freestyle (improvisation) and can include breaking, popping, locking, krumping etc..

Jazz: A technique whose roots are a blending of traditional Afro-Caribbean and classical dance performed to jazz music. This technique has evolved to incorporate various styles of dance and genres of music but still distinguishes itself by its musicality with an emphasis and strong accents and characterization. Lyrical: A style of Jazz & Ballet technique demonstrating clean, classical lines while emphasizing emotional interpretation of the lyrics in the music.

Modern: A technique which stresses movement originating from the dancer’s core/center (pelvis) and less emphasis on the legs and feet as the primary catalyst for movement as done in ballet. It is usually performed in bare feet It employs such elements as contact-release, spiraling, floor work, fall and recovery, and improvisation.

Musical Theater: Any style that interprets a song from a Musical, Movie or Broadway show. Can involve (but not require) the dancer(s) lip-syncing the words to the music.

Open: A specific or combination of any style of dance, including Lyrical, Jazz, Tap, Modern, Musical Theater or Contemporary. In some cases, dancers may have one or more solos in the same style. In accordance with the guidelines, dancers are only allowed to compete one solo per category. However, the second solo can be competed in the Open Division.

Pom Pom: A cheer/drill team style category in which the performers dance with Pom Poms. Pom Pom routines primarily use jazz techniques to upbeat music. Dances should demonstrate ensemble choreography with precision and sharp accurate arm movements so they can better show off their poms.

Song And Dance: Any number of performers singing the music (live) and dancing. Tap: A form of dance characterized by using the sound of one’s tap shoes hitting the floor (or other surfaces) as a percussive instrument.

Chroma Stars: the category for dancers with special needs.

The Adult Category is for any solo, duet/trio, or group with a performer 20 years or older. Adult and Chroma Stars performers will receive their appropriate placement award along with the judges’ critiques. The Adult and Chroma Stars categories are not eligible for Top 10 placement.

Props: Props are allowed but must be safely managed and set up within 1 minute. Props 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 2 minutes of the end of the preceding act unless additional time is purchased. Additional time fees are outlined on our fee guide and must be purchased before a schedule is finalized.The timing of the act will begin after the 2 - minute prep time. Please contact our office if you need further clarification of prop guidelines.

NO DANGEROUS PROPS ARE ALLOWED ON STAGE. EXAMPLE: FIRE, METAL SWORDS, METAL KNIVES OR ANY ITEMS HAVING SHARP POINTS OR EDGES.

SIMULATED WEAPONS WITH DULL, SAFE EDGES ARE ACCEPTABLE.

NO FORM OF PAINT, CHALK, LIQUID, POWDER, SAND, OR GEL MAY BE USED. ANYTHING THAT WOULD AFFECT OR DAMAGE THE DANCING SURFACE OR VENUE(per the contract from the venue) WILL BE SUBJECT TO IMMEDIATE DISQUALIFICATION. Performers must be prepared to completely clear the stage of any loose items or litter (feathers, streamers, petals, etc.) NO LIVE ANIMALS ARE PERMITTED ON THE STAGE.

DELAY IN SHOW: ANY STUDIO THAT UNREASONABLY DELAYS THE COMPETITION WILL BE SUBJECT TO DISQUALIFICATION OF THE ACT AT THE DISCRETION OF THE SHOW DIRECTOR AND JUDGING PANEL.

CHECK-IN ON TIME: All dancers should be in the building at least 2 hours before their schedule arises. All audio resources are the directors’ responsibility, as no refunds will be provided for music that is not present or does not properly play. Failure or refusal to upload your music will result in a 1-point deduction per routine in the showmanship category. All music provided to Chroma Dance Competition by a studio or participant (“Entrant”) for use at a Chroma Dance Competition event must be appropriately licensed for live performance use. It is the Entrant’s responsibility to obtain all licenses necessary for the use of music at a Chroma Dance Competition event. Therefore, under entering this event, it is agreed that participants, guardians, and teachers agree to hold harmless and indemnify Chroma Dance Competition or its officers, directors, officials, staff, or employees from any claims associated with the use of Entrant’s selected music.

PERSONAL ITEMS: Chroma Dance Competition, its directors, staff, and associates shall not assume responsibility for lost possessions or theft of any kind at any venue. Please be safe and keep any personal items of value safe at home.

ADJUDICATION: A qualified panel of diverse judges will be selected to adjudicate each regional competition. The scores and comments solely reflect the opinions of the judges and not necessarily the opinions of the Chroma Dance Directors and Staff. Judges will score on Technique (20-45), Choreography, Execution (20-40) and Showmanship (5-15) for each act. With this scoring system, multiple duplicate awards may be presented within each age group for each category. Each level will have the following awards available: ELITE (*Advance level only), PLATINUM, HIGH GOLD, and GOLD Placement for the Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels. Each Level will be awarded its placement based on the following scoring ranges: Elite (294-300), Platinum (285-293.9), High Gold (270-284.9) and Gold (255-269.9). The judges’ panel will break any and all ties for the Top Ten Finalists. Should a tie occur, the auditor will add the 3 Technique scores together; if still not broken, the 3 scores from Execution will be added to determine the highest score; and if still not broken, the panel of judges will make the final decision. Each routine will receive an individual audio critique. Judges’ scores and critiques will be released to the Studio Director ONLY through the studio account. Top Ten finalists will be announced for the Advanced, Intermediate and Beginner Levels for each competition division and awards. For performers competing in multiple solos, only the highest-scoring solo will place in the top ten finalists. All scores are based on a 100-point scale. Each routine will be judged on the following:

Beginner

Platinum: 282-293.9

High Gold: 270- 281.9

Gold: 255-269.9

Intermediate

Platinum: 282-293.9

High Gold: 270- 281.9

Gold: 255-269.9

Advanced

Elite: 294-300

Platinum: 282-293.9

High Gold: 270- 281.9

Elite

Elite: 294-300

Platinum: 282-293.9

High Gold: 270- 281.9

Gold: 255-269.9

Performances are evaluated based on technique, choreography, stage presence/execution and overall performance and adjusted for the age of the dancers.

Mini and Youth categories:

• Stage Prescens/Execution- 30 Points

• Choreography-30 Points

• Technique- 30 Points

• Overall Performance-10 Point

  Junior+

• Technique- 40 Points

• Choreography-25 Points

• Stage Prescens/Execution- 25 Points

• Overall Performance-10 Point

COMPETITION INFORMATION

AWARDS PRESENTATION FORMAT: Studios will have the option to receive their adjudicated score and pick up their awards immediately following the completion of their routine. A studio may designate any representative to pick up the awards, or have the dancers pick them up. Studios may also waive the immediate results and awards and pick them up at the conclusion of the awards assembly if they wish for the dancers to wait until they have completed all of their routines. The decision is up to the studio as to how they would like to proceed. During the awards assembly, all acts will be announced with their adjudicated score. However, the awards will move more efficiently as the physical awards will not be handed out following the announcement of the adjudicated score since they will be either picked up following the routine or set aside for pickup by a studio representative following the awards assembly. The only awards that will be handed out at the time of announcements are the specials and top overall placements.

FAMILY FRIENDLY ACTS: The companies of Chroma Dance Competition, NP understand the broad range of styles and appropriateness that dancers are exposed to in our country; however, we expect each and every routine to be in good taste for viewing by a “family-friendly” audience. Inappropriate routines are not acceptable and, at minimum, will have points deducted to not being eligible for Top Ten and/or at most be disqualified. For any one judge that marks the “Ethical Standards” box on the score sheet, an automatic 5 points will be deducted. If all three judges mark the “Ethical Standards” box, the routine will be automatically disqualified from the competition. Again, this decision is based on the independent opinion of the respective judges and may not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Chroma Dance Competition Directors and Staff.

PROPS: Props 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 2 minutes of the end of the preceding act unless additional time is purchased. Additional time fees are outlined on our fee guide and must be purchased before a finalized schedule. The timing of the act will begin after the 2-minute prep time. Please contact our office if you need further clarification on the prop guidelines.

NO DANGEROUS PROPS ARE ALLOWED ON STAGE. EXAMPLES: FIRE, METAL SWORDS, METAL KNIVES, OR ITEMS HAVING SHARP POINTS OR EDGES. SIMULATED WEAPONS WITH DULL, SAFE EDGES ARE ACCEPTABLE.

NO FORM OF PAINT, CHALK, LIQUID, POWDER, SAND, OR GEL MAY BE USED. ANYTHING THAT WOULD AFFECT OR DAMAGE THE DANCING SURFACE OR VENUE(per the contract from the venue) WILL BE SUBJECT TO IMMEDIATE DISQUALIFICATION. Performers must be prepared to completely clear the stage of any loose items or litter (feathers, streamers, petals, etc.) NO LIVE ANIMALS ARE PERMITTED ON THE STAGE.

DELAY IN SHOW: ANY STUDIO THAT UNREASONABLY DELAYS THE COMPETITION WILL BE SUBJECT TO DISQUALIFICATION OF THE ACT AT THE DISCRETION OF THE SHOW DIRECTOR AND JUDGING PANEL.

PERFORMERS: No performer is allowed to perform in the front stage area surrounding the Judges and Audit tables, including projecting or jumping on or off the front of the stage (MC, Judges, Video, and Audit Areas) without approval. A deduction of 5 points will be subtracted from the overall score from all three judges. 2 or more judges must agree on the deduction. Any performer who begins offstage must move to the stage during the performance. No lifts, tumbling, tricks, or props are permitted offstage. Nothing that may cause harm or damage to a person or object may be intentionally thrown or shot from the stage. Any routine involving dancer(s) being off stage at any time requires prior written notice and a description of the routine, including the number of dancers off stage, at least 30 days before the competition for approval. The approval includes waiving all rights to claims or actions arising from injuries or incidents related to the dancer(s) leaving the stage. The studio assumes full responsibility and liability for any such occurrences, releasing the competition organizers from any liability. Any changes made to the approved routine may result in disqualification. All approved routines are eligible for high-point awards.

INDEPENDENT ENTRIES Independent entries are accepted at our competition.

PHOTO/VIDEO: A professional videographer and photographer will be available at each event. By entering a Chroma Dance Competition, you release your likeness, name, and performance for video and photographic reproduction for perpetuity. THE USE OF ANY TYPE OF EQUIPMENT WITH THE ABILITY TO CAPTURE PHOTOS OR VIDEO IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. For the protection and security of those participating in our events, absolutely NO EQUIPMENT WITH THE ABILITY TO CAPTURE PHOTO OR VIDEO ARE ALLOWED during a performance on stage.

Award Structure

Overall High Score Awards(Per Age Division):

1. Overall High Score Soloist

2. Overall High Score Duet/Trio

3. Overall High Score Small Group (4-9 dancers)

4. Overall High Score Large Group (10-19 dancers)

5. Overall High Score Line (20+ dancers)

Each overall score will be awarded by level and age division as follows:

• Mini-Beginner

• Mini-Intermediate

• Youth-Beginner

• Youth-Intermediate

• Youth-Advance

• Junior-Beginner

• Junior-Intermediate

• Junior-Advance

• Teen-Beginner

• Teen-Intermediate

• Teen-Advance

• Senior-Beginner

• Senior-Intermediate

• Senior-Advance

• Adult

Special Awards:

Choreography Award

Entertainment Award

Technical Excellence Award

Costume Award

Most Promising Performer (only Mini, Youth and Junior Levels are eligible)

Judge's Choice Awards

Judge's Choice Solo

Judge's Choice Group

Studio Spirit Award

Scholarships and Prizes:

1. Summer Intensive Scholarship

2. Sponsorship Opportunities

Pricing Scale

Chroma Dance Competition offers competitive pricing designed to accommodate various participant needs:

• Registration Fee listed for dance teachers and studio owners upon registration.

  • Solo: $xxx per entry

  • Duo/Trio: $xx/dancer

  • Small Group: Groups of 4 to 9 dancers $xx/dancer/routine

  • Large Group: Groups of 10 or more dancers $xx/dancer/routine

  • Line: Extended groups of 12 or more dancers $xx/dancer/routine

  • Production: $xx/dancer/routine

• Early Bird Discount: Register before 90 days from the event to receive a discount of $xx per routine. Entry must be paid in full to qualify for the discount. No other offers are eligible for this offer.

• Late Registration: Registrations received after 14 days of the event will incur an additional fee of $x per routine. Studio entry must be paid in full.

• Spectator Tickets: General admission tickets are $xx per day/per person. Children under 5 are free. In an effort to protect our young dancers, any spectator will need a spectator wristband to enter the auditorium or to be backstage. Anyone without the wristband will be asked to leave, and/or legal authorities will be contacted. Dancers’ safety is highly important to our organization.

• Workshops and Seminars: Optional workshops and seminars are available at an additional $xx per session. These will be advertised in select cities.

PAYMENT: Please see the Fee Guide. All payments are due 90 days before the competition to qualify for the Early Regional Fee. Payments made within 30 days of the start of the competition will be charged the Regular Regional Fee. Accounts not paid in full at least 14 days before the competition date will not be included in the prepared competition schedule and may not be accepted. Please note that registration alone does not guarantee placement in an event, as payment must be received to confirm placement. Payments made in advance 14 days before the competition may be by check, credit card, or money order in the total amount for registration to be complete. We only require certified funds or credit card payment for entries received within 14 days of the event. We cannot accept a studio or personal check for entries received after this 14-day deadline. Please note that a studio can only perform once all entries are paid in full. Entry is only guaranteed once payment has been received and processed. Any registration not paid at least seven days before the start of the competition will be subject to an additional $5 late fee per dancer per routine, above the regular regional and national fee. Kindly note that any studio that remits payment within seven days of their event will be disqualified from receiving any prize winnings. Entries will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Registration on our website only confirms your space once payment is received in full. Chroma Dance reserves the right to refuse any entry(ies) without explanation. Payment may be made by check, money order, or credit card.

CREDIT AND REFUNDS: Refunds will only be provided once payment has been received and processed if we cancel the event and do not reschedule. In addition, if a routine is scheduled on a weekday during regular school hours, the routine will be allowed to withdraw and receive a full refund if this request is made before the final schedule is released. The routine may be scratched for injury or health-related reasons and receive credit for a future event, including our nationals. Credits expire after one full year if not used.

RELEASE AND WAIVER A guardian for all registered participants must provide an executed release and waiver for the minor participant in order for them to compete at one of our events. Chroma Dance Competition and its owners, staff, and associates shall in no way assume responsibility for participant accidents, spectator accidents, or theft of any kind. These are available through DanceBug.com.