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Convention

Guidelines & Fees

VIP Dance goes above and beyond at every regional event to offer you a competitive experience unlike any other. Dance competitions are meant to provide performance opportunity, offer feedback for improvement, create fun & lasting memories... and of course, present awards! VIP Dance delivers top-notch quality in each of those areas.

Our competitions are held at professional facilities with plenty of dressing space, beautiful staging, and top quality flooring, sound, & lighting. VIP Dance provides Marley flooring in each city. A backstage manager is present at every event. Every performer feels like a star on our stage!

NEW IN 2010... VIP Dance provides video critiques (from ALL 3 judges) and digital scoring, offering the most advanced and descriptive feedback available anywhere! Teachers now receive printed score sheets with a breakdown of points from each judge in the four categories of scoring criteria... performance (1-35), technique (1-35), choreography (1-20), & overall appearance (1-10). VIP Dance offers two levels of competition, intermediate and advanced, with judges' critiques being geared toward the appropriate level. Our judges are qualified professionals who are committed to inspiring young dancers. VIP Dance offers optional convention classes in every city giving dancers the chance to take class from our talented panel of judges.

Our award ceremonies are like no other! We do actually roll out the red carpet for every set of awards and even incorporate our own dramatic theme song during the High Score presentations. VIP Dance gives every participant a VIP Lanyard with an All-Access Pass (which has become quite the collector's item) and VIP cards for each adjudicated routine! Awards presented include medals, plaques, trophies, cash awards, gift certificates, and scholarships. Every studio receives a Studio Swag Award and one Entertainment Award is chosen from each school. All winners are posted on our website complete with videos of the VIP List Top 10!

In addition to the many awards given, VIP Dance makes a charitable donation for every adjudicated award presented on stage as part of our 'Dancing For Charity' program. This gives competitive dancers the opportunity to share their passion by dancing for the good of others.

Teachers do not go unnoticed at VIP Dance! We appreciate your support and thank you through incentive programs... VIP style!!! Early Entry Rebates are available to those that get entries in by the early deadline. Our new Referral Program offers you thanks and incentive for sending studios our way. And best of all... our all new VIP Studio Rewards Program, designed to honor our loyal customers, delivers the best of the best rewards!

Our friendly, courteous staff together with our panel of qualified & energetic judges creates a relaxed competitive atmosphere and a fun event for all! We look forward to seeing you all on the 2010 Tour. In 2011... the company is expanding to host 35 regional events with 3 National Finals. We are excited to grow and promise to continue to bring you the latest and greatest!

VIP DANCE offers workshop classes in every city. Participation in the Convention is not required in order to compete in the VIP DANCE Competition. The classes, which generally take place prior to the Competition, last approximately four to five hours and include Scholarship Auditions. Our faculty consists of working choreographers, performers, and teachers from all across the country. They represent the disciplines of traditional jazz, contemporary jazz, tap, ballet, lyrical, hip-hop, musical theatre, and modern.

Ages
Junior: 12 & under (Intermediate Level)
Senior: 12 & over (Advanced Level)

Teachers have the option to place 12yr. olds in the appropriate level.

Students must compete for scholarships at the level for which they are registered.

Scholarships Awarded
Scholarship winners will be chosen in both the Junior & Senior levels. The amount of scholarships awarded will be based on the number of participants in that city.

Convention Fees

*Teachers are welcome to take class in either the Junior Room, Senior Room, or a combination or both rooms. Teachers are not eligible to participate in the scholarship auditions.

Incentives

Observers
Observer Badges will be available for purchase at the door on the day of the convention. Teachers and dancers will not be allowed to enter classes as observers.

Entry Fees
All fees must be paid by studio checks, credit cards, or cashiers checks. All payments within 3 weeks of the event must be paid by credit card or cashiers check only.

All fees are non-refundable. NO EXCEPTIONS.

There will be a $35 charge on returned checks for whatever reason.

Changes and Late Entries
Late entries will require an additional $10 fee per entry.

Any changes made to existing entries within 14 days prior to the competition will be subject to a $5 change fee. Change fees must be paid by credit card at time of change.

NO CHANGES WILL BE MADE ON COMPETITION DAY. Please check over your schedules very closely prior to the event and notify the office immediately of any mistakes or changes. Unavoidable changes made on the day of competition may result in High Score ineligibility.

VIP DANCE does not have a pre-determined schedule of events for all of the Regional Competitions. Regional schedules are set on a city-by-city basis depending on the number of entries and the breakdown of those entries in that particular city. We do our best to accommodate the needs and requests of the studios attending in that city.

A schedule of events and minute-by-minute schedules for each studio will be posted online 7 – 10 days prior to the competition. "To the minute" schedules can be found by scrolling to the bottom of the your city page and clicking on your studio name. Then simply print the schedule... as many copies as you need. You may also wish to direct parents to the site to view and print the schedule for themselves.

PLEASE NOTE: Music labels will not be mailed. Please label all of your music clearly with the entry number, song title, and studio code. This information can be found on your studio schedule.

Entry Acceptance and Qualification

Entries are accepted on a first come/first serve basis and are limited to performance time availability.

VIP DANCE reserves the right to refuse any entry at any time for any reason.

Independent entries are not accepted. All competing dancers must be registered with a studio.

Studios must enter a minimum of 5 entries OR a have a minimum of 10 competing dancers at the event to receive teacher check-in packets including programs and to qualify for a Studio Award and the Entertainment Award.

All entries must be postmarked by the postmark deadline (approximately 5 weeks) prior to the event. Postmark deadlines can be found on the information event page of each city.

Any routine (solo through production) receiving a silver medal standing or greater at any VIP DANCE Regional Competition qualifies to participate in the Grand National Finals. Any routine that did not qualify at a regional event may qualify at the National Finals Preliminary Competition.

Submitting Entries

Entries may be submitted in one of two ways; online registration or mail-in registration.

Online Registration Click Here to Register Online

1. Create a free account at VIPdanceOnline by selecting a username and password.

2. Enter your contact information and student list only once.

3. Fill out the simple online entry form to submit your entries.

4. Pay securely by credit card.

5. Log in to your account at any time to review your entries, add entries, or to make changes to your entries.

Mail-in Registration

1. Download and print out the entry forms below or call the office to receive a teacher registration packet by fax or mail.

2. One Competition Registration Studio Cover Sheet should be filled out per studio. Each performer’s name and age must be listed. Please make as many copies as necessary to fit all performers' names.

3. A separate Competition Registration Regional Entry Form should be filled out for each routine.

4. One Convention Registration Form should be filled out per studio.

5. Competition Entry Forms, Competition Fees, Convention Entry Forms and Convention Fees must be submitted at the same time. Please submit one check for the total Convention tuition, and a separate check for the total Competition Entry Fees.

VIP DANCE focuses on every dancer during each exciting “Red Carpet Awards Ceremony.” Our unique awards and all-inclusive contests ensure fun for all. Each routine receives an award for the adjudicated placement. Performers are awarded a beautiful medal and “VIP All Access Passes” for each routine. In addition to the medal and "VIP All Access Passes" awarded to each routine, a charitable donation will be made for every adjudicated award that is presented.

Special Awards

VIP List Top 10
The top ten scoring routines in the Hollywood Level of each regional competition make up the VIP LIST Top 10 and may include solos, duo/trios, and/or groups of all ages. Videos of the VIP LIST Top 10 will be featured online on VIPtv.

VIP Studio Swag Awards
Students, teachers, and choreographers of each studio are presented with a special award representing the most outstanding qualities of the studio. Awards include Style, Technique, Energy, Showmanship, and Overall Performance. (Studios must enter a minimum of 5 entries OR a have a minimum of 10 competing dancers at the event to qualify for a Studio Award.)

VIP Entertainment
One routine from each studio is chosen as the “Most Entertaining” and is eligible for the “Outstanding Entertainment Award”. (Studios must enter a minimum of 5 entries OR a have a minimum of 10 competing dancers at the event to qualify for the Entertainment Award.)

Costume Awards
Costumes are chosen by the judges as being imaginative and creative with great amounts of aesthetic appeal while enhancing the overall concept and appearance of the routine.

Choreography Awards
The judges award choreography when it is viewed as having artistic appeal and choreographic elements are incorporated in an original, unique, and inventive way.

Dance Division Performance Awards
Routines are recognized for having outstanding performance qualities and technical execution in the styles of jazz, tap, lyrical, ballet, acro, or hip-hop.

Judges Choice Awards
Judges create and present awards to performers at each awards ceremony.

National Convention Scholarships
National Convention Scholarships along with an Opening Number Invitation are awarded to select soloists chosen by our judges.

NTG DANCE Scholarships
Scholarships to NTG regional events and NTG Nationals will be awarded to select soloists. Title scholarships for NTG will also be awarded to outstanding dancers who compete with at least one solo AND participate in VIP's convention classes. The title scholarships include free convention tuition for NTG Nationals as well the opportunity to compete for the NTG National title in the age division the scholarship was awarded.

High Score Awards
High Score Awards are presented in each category for both the Broadway Level and the Hollywood Level. Soloists, when competing two or more solos, may only place once in the high score rankings. The judges break all ties for High Score.

Cash Awards
In order for cash awards to be awarded, a minimum of five entries per age division in each category must compete. VIP DANCE may substitute Gift Certificates for Cash Awards when necessary. Cash awards will be presented based on the following guidelines in the Mini, Junior, Teen, and Senior Divisions of the Hollywood Level only to the highest scoring routine in each category:

Scoring System

Scoring is based on technique (35%), performance (35%), choreography (20%), and overall appearance (10%).

All entries in both levels (Intermediate & Advanced) will be adjudicated by the same scoring system and judging criteria with critiques geared toward the appropriate level.

National Finals Qualification

Pre-qualifying for National Finals:
Any routine (solo through production) receiving a silver medal standing or greater at any VIP DANCE Regional Competition qualifies to participate in the Grand National Finals. Any routine that did not qualify at a regional event may qualify at the National Finals Preliminary Competition. All ages are determined as of January 1.

Pre-qualifying for Solo Title Competition:
Any solo routine in the Hollywood Level receiving a High Gold or Platinum standing at a regional event qualifies for participation in the National Finals Solo Title Competition. Dancers qualifying with more than one solo may choose one to enter into the National Title Competition, not necessarily the highest scoring at the Regional. All solos entered in the National Title Competition will not be eligible for High Score Cash Awards. Solos qualifying at the National Finals Preliminary Competition are not eligible for the Solo Title Competition.

No more than three acrobatic tricks are allowed in any subject other than Acro Dance and Open. A “trick” is considered anything “going over the head.” One “pass” is counted as one trick. All acts must be dominant to the category.

Jazz - routine displaying Jazz technique with no more than 50% Hip-Hop or Street Dance moves.

Ballet - ballet or pointe routine.

Lyrical - routine combining the techniques of Jazz, Ballet, and Modern, utilizing the lyrics or mood of the song.

Contemporary – routine consisting of modern and ballet technique, reaching beyond standard jazz vocabulary.

Tap - routine displaying Tap technique and primarily tap work. No prerecorded tap sounds allowed on tape.

Musical Theatre - Broadway/Theater dance styles using songs from “Broadway” or movie musicals.

Hip-Hop - routine containing street dance moves performed to popular music.

Open - routine consisting of any dance style or combination of styles, containing no more than 50% acrobatic tricks.

Improvisation - routine improved/choreographed at the time of performance without prior preparation or rehearsal. Three song selections must be submitted on one (1) CD, VIP Dance will select which song will be used.

Acro Dance - routine consisting of 50% acrobatic moves and 50% dance. Must contain choreographed steps.

Pom & Cheer - routine consisting of cheerleading or dance team technique.

Photogenic – Contestants may submit a recent 5x7 or 8x10 photograph in black & white or color to be judged for the Photogenic Award in the 12 & Under age division, and in the 13 & Over age division. Please write name, age, and studio name on the back of the photo. Each entry is allowed a maximum of three photos with an entry fee of $25 per photo. All photos should be submitted at the Registration Table at the beginning of the competition. Photos will be returned in the teachers’ bags at the end of the competition to be picked up by teachers only. VIP DANCE is not responsible for lost photographs, forgotten photographs, or damages to any photograph submitted. You may enter the Photogenic Award contest on the day of the competition or you may pre-register by mailing in the entry form.

Ages are determined as of January 1st in the year of the competition. Add all ages of participating dancers, and then divide by the total number of dancers. Drop all decimal points.

If any of the dancers in a routine change from Regionals to Nationals, you must recalculate the average age of that routine for Nationals.

Mini: 6 & under, 7-8, 9

Junior: 10, 11, 12

Teen: 13, 14, 15

Senior: 16, 17, 18-19, 20-24

Adult: 25 & over, not eligible for high point and cash awards.

Professional: A professional is considered as any dance teacher or professional dancer over the age of 20 who makes at least 50% of their total income from teaching dance, choreographing, or dancing professionally. Any routine including at least one "professional" performer must be entered in the Professional Category. Routines competing in the Professional Category will be scored and critiqued, but are not eligible for high point and cash awards.

Our competitive level program is designed to give dancers an opportunity to compete against dancers at their own level. It will build confidence and self-esteem in the intermediate level dancers while still allowing the advanced dancers to battle it out for our elite awards, such as the VIP List Top10 and the Hollywood Icon Award!!!

Competitive Level Rules

- All entries in both levels will be adjudicated by the same scoring system and judging criteria.

- Critiques will be geared toward the appropriate level.

- Any routine with 75% or more advanced level dancers (according to the guidelines below) must compete in the Hollywood Level.

- Dancers meeting the requirements of the Broadway Level (intermediate) are not required to compete in the Broadway Level. Broadway Level (intermediate) dancers are allowed to "move up" and compete in the Hollywood Level (advanced) if they so choose.

Competitive Level Guidelines

- Competitive Levels are entered upon the discretion of the teacher.

- Levels may be entered based upon any or all of the guidelines listed below.

Submitting Music

1. All music from your studio must be labeled, cued and submitted to the Registration Table during check-in. Only one song is allowed on each tape/CD.

2. We prefer that all music is turned in in separate cases or envelopes rather than one large CD case.

3. Use a HIGH QUALITY CD BURNER to ensure that your CDs will be readable in any player and to avoid skipping.

4. Backups are recommended. DO NOT turn backup music in to the music table in the lobby. Hold all backup music in the auditorium and bring to MC if called for. Accepted forms of backup music include iPods, tapes, compilation CDs, or single CDs. It may be a good idea for your backup music to be of a different form than your master copies in case our players have trouble reading your music.

5. Our MC will not adjust the music speed during the competition.

Not Accepted

iPods
VIP Dance will not allow music to be submitted on an iPod. However, using the iPod as a backup for all of your music is a wonderful idea. If needed, we can plug your iPod into our system.

More Than One Song on CD
VIP Dance will not accept a CD with more than one song on it unless it is used as a backup. It is a good idea to bring a compilation CD for backup music.

Cameras / Pictures / Videos

1. NO CAMERAS of any kind will be allowed in the auditorium during performances. Use of cameras during performances may result in point deduction, disqualification of routine, or disqualification of studio. PLEASE WARN PARENTS.

2. Video cameras and flash photography are welcomed during award ceremonies.

3. VIP DANCE will have a videographer & photographer at each event providing videos and photos of performances for purchase.

4. In the event that a professional photographer is not present in a city, your studio will be given one "studio photographer pass" which will allow one representative from your studio to shoot non-flash photography of your students only.

5. In the event that a professional videographer is not present in a city, your studio will be given one "studio videographer pass" which will allow one representative from your studio to video routines of your students only.

Performance Guidelines and Deductions

1. All routines, music, choreography, and costumes must be suitable for family viewing and listening. Failure to comply with this rule may result in point deductions or entry disqualification.

2. Coaching from the wings is prohibited.

3. A three-point deduction will be made for dancers that leave the stage without completing the performance. Dancers will not be allowed to re-perform the routine.

4. A five-point deduction will be made on routines that exceed the time limit.

Props

1. General props are permitted. No dangerous props (swords, fire, etc.). No live animals.

2. NO SCENERY ALLOWED. Prop must be an integral part of the routine. If you cannot hold it, stand on it, or hang from it, it is considered scenery and is not a prop.

3. Prop set-up time should take less than 30 seconds. If you have a prop that takes longer than 30 seconds to set, please make a note of it on your entry form. If prop set-up time will cause you to exceed the total time allowed for that entry, please contact our office at vipdance@aol.com.

4. All props must be Marley safe.

5. Prop height should not exceed 10 feet.

Entry Guidelines

1. Independent entries are not accepted. All competing dancers must be registered with a studio. All cash award checks will be made payable to the studio.

2. No more than 50% of any duet/trio or group may compete against themselves in the same age category and dance division. If possible, avoid entering any dancers in the same combination of age category and dance division more than once to avoid costume change problems.

3. Participants may compete in more than one city. However, any routine that wins a regional cash award is not eligible to compete that routine at any other regional event in the same competition season. Also, any routine that wins a national cash award is not eligible to compete that routine at a regional event the following competition season.

4. Judges’ score sheets, critique tapes, and studio cassette tapes / CDs may be picked up at the Registration Table immediately following the Final Awards Presentation by TEACHERS ONLY.

Releases / Disclaimers / Agreements

1. It is agreed upon entering any VIP DANCE sponsored event that participants, including students, parents, teachers, and other spectators, will not hold VIP DANCE or its owner, directors, employees, or host facilities liable for injuries sustained, illnesses contracted by them, or loss of property while in attendance and/or participating in any activity of a VIP DANCE event.

2. VIP DANCE assumes no responsibility for forgotten tapes, photographs, awards, or other items.

3. Participants agree that the time, manner, and method of judging the competition shall be solely within the discretion of the director of VIP DANCE and that all results of a competition are final. Judges break all ties. No teacher, student, or parent will question a judge. The director has the right to change the manner and method at any time deemed necessary.

4. Participation in any VIP DANCE sponsored event indicates permission to use any photographs or video taken during the event in promotional venues including, but not limited to, newspapers, brochures, ads, television, videos, newsletters, and the Internet.

5. VIP DANCE reserves the right, when necessary, to move a competition site or to expand a competition to a multiple day event.

6. VIP DANCE reserves the right to deduct points from or disqualify any entry or participant that does not adhere to the rules and regulations.

7. The director of VIP DANCE reserves the rights to change, delete, or add to any rules, regulations, or policies at any time deemed necessary.