Encore DCS Weather Policy: In the event of bad weather Encore DCS must comply with the old adage,
The Show Must Go On. If needed for safety we may have a delay in schedule. However, we will never
cancel an event outright. In extreme circumstances if a participant is unable to attend Encore DCS will be happy
to issue a credit good toward another competition of the season.
2010 Divisions, Categories, Judging Criteria and Awards
(For Printable copy in PDF, Click HERE
)
(For Print copy of 2011 RULES, Click Here 
)
Competitive Divisions:
Recreational: For those students who study dance less than 3 hours per week, we offer a Recreational division. This provides a less intimidating approach to the competitive experience for those dancers new to competitions or who have less experience. The Recreational competition will apply to all age divisions, all performance categories, and group divisions listed below. Recreational entries are ineligible for cash awards.
Pro-Am: Any routine containing a professional must compete in the Pro-Am age division. A professional is defined as any person 20 years of age or older who is or has ever been a teacher, assistant teacher, or professional dancer. The Pro-Am competition will apply to all age divisions, all performance categories and all group divisions listed below. A group division containing only one professional forces that group division to compete in Pro-Am. Pro-Am entries are ineligible for cash awards.
Competitive: All other entries not qualifying for the Recreational or Pro-Am divisions described above.
*Routines containing a combination of recreational and competitive dancers should be entered in the division in which the majority of the dancers fall.
Age Divisions: Petite: 6 & under & 7-8 Junior: 9-10 & 11-12 Teen: 13-14
Senior: 15-16 & 17-18 Elite: 19-24, 25-39, & 40 & up
All ages for Regionals and Grand Finals are determined as of January 1, 2010. For Duet/Trios and Groups, the average age determines the age division into which you fall. Add the ages of all the contestants, and then divide by the number of contestants. Drop the decimal point when averaging the ages, i.e., an age average of 12.5 would compete in the 12 year old division. REVISED Bump Rule: Duet/Trios or Groups (with the exception of productions) including dancers of different age divisions will compete no more than one age DIVISION younger than the oldest dancer, regardless of average age. For example: if a group includes a dancer age 17 (senior) and the average age is 11 (junior), the group will compete in 13-14 (teen).
Performance Categories: Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Pointe, Lyrical, Clogging, Song & Dance, Musical Theater, Character, Gymnastics, Folkloric, Modeling, Baton, Best Costume, Pom Pom, Liturgical, Modern, Hip Hop, Vocal & Open*
*Open Category includes those numbers which combine more than one style of dance &/or contain more than 2 acrobatic tricks. Unlimited tricks are allowed only in Gymnastics, Character, Open and Pom Pom.
**All other categories are limited to 2 acrobatic tricks.
Group Divisions & Time Limits: Solo & Duet/Trios - 3 minute maximum, Small Group {4 – 9 dancers} –
Large Group {10 – 16 dancers} - Super Group {17 - 39 dancers}– 4 minute maximum, - Production – 8 minute maximum.
A one-point deduction per judge will be made for every 5 seconds over the designated time limit.
Judging: All entries will be judged based on a point system by a minimum of three qualified judges. Judging is based on technique, performance, musicality, and overall appeal. .Judges decisions are final. If a tie in scoring occurs, the tie will first be broken based on technique scores. If a tie still exists, it will be broken based on performance scores, musicality, etc. In the case a tie still exists, the judges will make the final decision. Judges reserve the right to move entries to proper category for judging if improperly registered. A minimum point requirement must be met to receive 1st place in the event that only one entry is registered for that category.
Trophies & Awards: A Trophy will be awarded to 1st place routines in all divisions. Medals will be awarded to 2nd-5th place Soloists and Duet/Trios, with ribbons going to all Group participants. Encore DCS Gift Certificates will be given to Overall Top Soloists & Duet/Trios and cash awards will be given toOverall Top Group & Production winners for the day. A minimum of 5 entries per age/ group division is required in order to receive cash awards. An Overall Top 5 placement will be recognized in each group division. There must be 8 or more entries in an age/group division to recognize the Top 5 placements, otherwise, a Top 3 or just an Overall will be announced. All Overall winners will receive an Encore pin. Additional awards are given for Top Choreography, Most Entertaining, Encore Super Soloists, Grand Finals’ Workshop Scholarships and Spirit of Encore.
**NEW –All Super Soloists will be recognized with a trophy. Depending on the number of entries, a top 3, 5, 8 or 10 will
then be recognized with an additional award.
ENCORE DCS
2010 Rules and Regulations
1. All competition entry forms must be postmarked 28 days prior to competition date. Payment in the form of studio check, cashier’s check or VISA/MC must be received at least 14 days prior to the competition date or else a $10.00 late charge per entry will be accessed. Entries are accepted on a first come, first served basis & are limited to the amount of competition time available. A $25 fee will apply to all returned checks. Returned checks will automatically be turned over to FARS Collections Agency.
2. An official entry form must be filled out for each entry submitted. (Xerox copies are acceptable.)
3. No refunds of fees will be given after the deadline date. A credit for another regional competition or Grand Finals will be issued in the event that a dancer is unable to perform.
4. Dancers should be ready to compete at least 30 minutes ahead of their scheduled performance time.
5. A properly cued professional quality cassette tape or CD is required for all entries. Each cassette or CD must have the following: Title of Entry, Studio Name & Entry Number.
6. Professionals may compete only in the Pro-Am categories. A professional is defined as any person 20 years of age or older who is or has ever been a teacher, assistant teacher, or professional dancer.
7. If more than 5 entries are received for one age group, we reserve the right to divide the category by single ages.
8. Numbers containing more than 2 acrobatic tricks must be entered in the Open, Gymnastics, Character, or Pom category, or they will automatically be moved to the appropriate category for judging. An acrobatic trick consists of a complete 360-degree rotation of the body with head inverted or a pass containing multiple gymnastic moves excluding shoulder rolls. It is considered one trick if two students perform IDENTICAL passes at the same time.
9. Students are limited to performing 2 solos per dancer. Those students who perform 2 solos are placed in our "Super Solo" category whereby a total score of both solos performed are averaged to determine the Super Solo score for overall title placement. ALL Super Soloists will be recognized in every category with a special award. Students performing only one solo per competition will be judged separately and will compete for the Top Soloist in every age division. This rule allows more dancers to place in our overall awards. Soloists may not compete against themselves in the same category. All other dancers in duet/trios, groups, and productions may enter as many categories as they wish as long as they do not compete against themselves in the exact same groups.
10. A 10-point deduction will be made for routines that are not completed. This 10-point deduction applies to dancers that re-perform their routines after a false start unless the re-performance is caused by a technical error or other uncontrollable event not attributable to the dancer’s performance.
11. Freestanding props are allowed but must be easily moved into the theater and on & off stage without disrupting the competition in progress. No fire, water, or excessive littering is allowed on stage.
12. We do not accept independent entries. Each entry must be supported by a dance studio attending the competition. Each studio is required to bring a minimum of TWO (2) performing individuals.
13. Overall winners from the 2009 Grand Finals may not compete the same routine in the same division at any of the 2010 regional or grand finals competitions.
14. All 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place routines, or those scoring a minimum of 240 points at regionals are eligible to attend Grand Finals. The routines danced at the Grand Finals must be the same song title and performance category as in the regional competition. If a student is unable to compete in a group at Finals, a substitution may be made. New routines not competed at regionals may be pre-qualified for Grand Finals through videotape submission.
15. Flash photography is always prohibited! Videotaping and photography is also not allowed when a videographer/photographer is contracted by ENCORE DCS. Personal cameras and video cameras are prohibited in the auditorium under these contracts!
16. All dancers, teachers, and guests are expected to display good sportsmanlike conduct to all participants.
17. Only performers, teachers, and staff are allowed on stage before, during and after a competition.
18. ENCORE DCS and the housing facility are NOT responsible for personal injury or property loss.
19. Score sheets and judges critique tapes may be picked up at the registration table by teachers or studio directors at the conclusion of Petite and Junior competition, and again at the conclusion of Teen/Senior/Elite competition. ENCORE DCS is not responsible for any score sheets or critique tapes that are not picked up by the conclusion of the competition.
20. All participants give Encore DCS the right to use their photo with any advertising or media campaign.
