Stage One Productions LogoNational Dance Competition
P.O. Box 720237   Norman, OK 73070
(405) 573-7733 Fax 573-7722
 

Click here for a printable copy of the Awards and Rules.

All entries for Regional Competitions or National Finals will be processed on a first come, first served basis, and will be limited to the amount of performance time available.  Some competitions WILL fill up more than 30 days before the competition date.  Entries are not considered "Registered" until full payment is received.  All entries must be registered online, mailed or faxed.  Entries via email will not be accepted.  We do not currently accept independent entries.

If you do not have an entry form, you can download a form, or call us at 405-573-7733 to request an entry form be sent to you via email, mail or fax. Return finished entries to Stage One Productions, PO Box 720237, Norman, OK 73070.

Competition schedule, studio confirmation and CD labels along with directions to the competitin will be mailed to the studio director at least 10 days prior to the competition.

Please be ready to perform at least 1 hour prior to your performance time. You must be prepared to perform when scheduled or earlier if asked. Legitimate costume change issues of less than 4 routines will be accommodated. In the interest of running on time, Stage One reserves the right to modify the schedule. The wrongful witholding of numbers may result in disqualification of the routine from High Point Awards.

Routines that compete at a Stage One Regional will qualify for the National Finals. All National Finals entries must qualify at a Regional event.

Online Registration
If you competed with us in 2010 or 2011, you already have a studio profile with your students in a database! If you are new to Stage One, you can register HERE, or fill out an ENTRY FORM and fax or mail it to the office.



2012 Regional Entry Fees- NO INCREASE IN GROUP FEES SINCE 2008!! 
 Solo   $90.00 per entry
 Duet/Trio  $100.00 per entry
 Small Group  $35.00 per person
 Large Group  $35.00 per person
 Line  $35.00 per person
 Photogenic
 
 $30.00 per entry (Solo only, maximun two photos per entry
and will be judged before the solo division for that age group begins.)

2012 Extended Fees: Solo $93, Duet/Trio $103, Groups $38 per person

Entry fees should be combined into one method of payment, and are requested in the form of a check, money order, cashier's check or credit card payment. There will be a $20.00 returned check fee for any items returned as "unpaid" from any individual or studio, and all future payments must be in the form of money order or cashier's check.

NO REFUNDS AFTER THE CLOSING DATE.

Changes may be made to entries until 14 days before the competition.  After that deadline, you will need to call the office to make changes, and changes will incur a $5.00 change fee payable immediately by credit card. This includes changes made at the competition.

EARLY BIRD REBATE: Stage One offers a rebate to studio entries exceeding $2000, postmarked WITH PAYMENT 35 days before competition. A 5% rebate will be offered to studios that submit entries online via our Directors' Zone with payment and to studios that mail entries with payment by the deadline. Rebates will be mailed to the studio owner or director within 30 days after the competition. If a check is returned as "unpaid," no rebate will be given.

Rebate Deadline for Regional Competitions: 35 days, for National Finals: 45 days

2012 National Finals Entry Fees
 Solo  $100.00 per entry
 Duet/Trio  $110.00 per entry
 Small Group  $45.00 per person
 Large Group  $45.00 per person
 Line  $45.00 per person
 Photogenic
 
 $40.00 per entry (Solo only, maximum two photos per entry,
and will be judged before the solo division for the age group begins)

Extended Fees: Solo $103, Duet/Trio $113, Groups $48 per person


Entry Divisions
Solo
Duet/Trio
Small Group (4-9 performers)
Large Group (10-18 performers)
Line (19 or more performers)

Age Groups
Petite (8 and under)
Junior (9-12)
Teen (13-15)
Senior (16-19)
Adult (20 and over)

The same group of performers cannot compete more than once in exactly the same division, category and age division. The group may compete in the exact division, category and age division with some variance to the members of the group.

Soloists may perform a maximum of three solo routines (in three different categories). Stage One reserves the right to limit solo entries due to time constraints. Once the solo limit has been reached, no more solo entries will be accepted.

Age Divisions
4 and under, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-15, 16-17, 18-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40 and over.

For jazz, lyrical and tap categories, ages will be broken down: 4 and under, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20-29, 30-39, 40 and over.

Any combined age division with more than five entries will be broken down into individual ages.

ALL AGE DIVISIONS AT REGIONAL COMPETITIONS OR AT NATIONAL FINALS WILL BE DETERMINED BY THE AGES OF THE PERFORMERS AS OF JANUARY 1, 2012.

To determine the age division, average the performers' ages and drop the decimal point. Example: 12.0-12.9 will compete in the 12-year-old age division.

Bump Rule: Groups that include dancers of different age groups will compete no more than one age division below the oldest dancer, regardless of the average age. For example: if a routine includes a dancer age 16 (Senior age group), but the average age is 11 (Junior age group), the routine will compete in the Teen age group. The production category is the only exception to this rule.

Adult Rule: If any duet/trio, small group, large group or line has any dancer age 20 or over, they must compete in the Adult age group. This applies to even one dancer in a routine who is 20 or over.

Performance Levels
Stage One will have three performance levels for ALL age groups (Petite, Junior, Teen, Senior and Adult).

Rising Star (Recreational)- This level is designed for dancers who attend 3 hours or less of classes/rehearsals per week, and who have limited or no competition experience. High Point Awards will be presented to Rising Star routines.

Shooting Star (Intermediate)- This level is designed for dancers who attend 3 to 5 hours of classes/rehearsals per week, and have some competition experience. Shooting Star routines are eligible for High Point Awards and cash prizes subject to cash award rules.

Elite Star (Elite)- Those dancers who study more than 5 hours per week, and have considerable competition experience should enter as Elite Stars. The Elite Star level is open to all performers, and routines are eligible for High Point awards and cash prizes.

Teachers, please use fair judgement when placing groups into performance levels. The different levels are designed to give dancers a level playing field of competition, not to allow your best dancers to win more awards.

If you do not select a performance level, you will automatically be entered as an Elilte Star. Soloists may only compete in one level.

Some examples to consider:
1. A routine with dancers of different levels should be entered in the performance level that applies to more than 50% of the dancers.

2. If a mixed-level routine has more than 50% intermediate dancers, but you feel the overall level of the routine is elite, please be fair and enter the routine as Elite Star.

3. If your studio has mulitple competition companies, please consider the placement of each company individually. It is possible that several companies should compete in the same level. Performance levels should not be used to keep dancers from competing against one another.

If you feel you need to adjust your dancers' performance levels from regionals to national finals, please contact the office at 405-573-7733.

Performance Categories
Acrobatic Dance-
uses tumbling or acrobatic skills and demonstrates flexibility.

Baton- uses a baton and showcases twirlling techniques. No fire or swords.

Ballet- uses classical steps and movements.

Cheerleading- consists of vocal cheering with precise , sharp movements thoughout.

Clogging- uses clogging/buck style. Clogging shoes only.

Contemporary- a routine consisting of some combination of lyrical, modern, and jazz techniques.

Folkloric- uses dance styles of a particular ethnic group.

Modern- uses modern style technique, moves and choreography.

Hip Hop- uses street-style moves, including those seen in current dance videos.

Jazz- uses strong jazz technique, may include some hip hop moves.

Jazz Character- portrays a recognizable character throughout and uses strong jazz technique.

Lyrical- combination of jazz, modern and ballet techniques utilizing the lyrics or mood of the music.

Musical Theatre- interprets a song from a Broadway or movie musical.

Open- any style or combination of styles

Pointe- uses primarily classical pointe technique. Pointe shoes only.

Pom pon- uses poms and consists of sharp, distinct movements.

Production- (Lines only) Uses any style or combination of styles, themes, group work.

Song and Dance- incorporates a balance of singing and any style dancing. Accompaniment CD or cassette may contain music and background vocals only.

Tap- uses tap technique and steps. Tap shoes only.

Tap Character- must portray a recognizable character and use tap technique and steps.

Photogenic- Natural-looking photograph of contestant judges to be most photogenic. Entrants must present a current photograph (no larger than 8x10) with the Registation before the solo division begins.

Gymnastics tricks are allowed in any category as long as the style of dance is predominantly the category entered.



Each entry is required to furnish 2 quality CDs for each routine. Please have only 1 song per CD. Printed labels will be sent along with the studio confirmations. If you do not have Stage One labels, please mark your CD in permanent ink with the studio name, routine number and contestant number.

Teachers, please turn in all your music for the entire competition when you register. Place all CDs in performance order.

Time Limits
 Solo  2:45 minutes
 Duet/Trio  2:45 minutes
 Small Group  3 minutes
 Large Group  4 minutes
 Line  5 minutes
 Production  6 minutes

Extended Times- Extended prices are $3 additionally per routine for solos and duet/trios, and $3 additionally per person for all groups

Extended Time Limits
 Solo  3:15 minutes
 Duet/Trio  3:15 minutes
 Small Group  3:30 minutes
 Large Group  4:30 minutes
 Line  5:30 minutes
 Production  8  minutes

Failure to comply could result in a 15-point deduction.


Contestants will be judged by a panel of qualified, previously selected judges. All studio directors, contestants and parents agree that the method of judging shall lie solely at the discretion of Stage One Productions.

Contestants will be adjudicated based on a national scoring system. Judges score on the following: Routine Execution 10-25 points; Technique 15-35 points; Stage Presence 5-25 points; Routine 5-10 points, Costume/Appearance 1-5 points (deductions only). Judges' composite scores are totaled for final point values.


 Adjudicated Award

Rising/Shooting Star 

Elite Star 

 Platinum

 280-300

 285-300

 High Gold

 273-279

 278-284

 Gold

 265-272

 270-277

 High Silver

 250-264

 255-269

 Silver

 235-249

 235-254


The subject of appropriateness is one of the most controversial in the dance competition industry today. Stage One is a family-oriented business that is dedicated to providing a safe, positive environment for both dancers and audience members. Points will be deducted, at judges' discretion, for routines with innappropriate or suggestive music/costumes/dance moves.

Three important notes about this policy:
1.  Appropriateness begins at the studio. We encourage parents, choreographers and studio directors to take an active roll to ensure that all routines are family oriented.

2. Appropriateness is a subjective matter. Inevitably some will find the judges' decisions too lenient, while others will find them too strict. We can only do our best to resolve these situations.

3.  Appropriateness is separate from technique. We would never want to punish dancers by deducting points from the technique, stage presence or execution sections of their critiques.

All judges' critiques must be picked up at the competition. Critiques will only be mailed if a written request is received by the home office within 7 days of the competition.



Category Awards
Each routine will be adjudicated and receive an awards reflecting their placement: Platinum, High Gold, Gold, High Silver or Silver with the highest scoring routine in each category earning a Competitive First Place.

High Point Awards
High Point Awards are given in five age groups: Petite (8 and under), Junior (9-12), Teen (13-15), Senior (16-19) and Adult (20 and over). for Petites, Juniors, Teens and Seniors, High Point Awards will also be given to each level.  Petite, Junior, Teen and Senior Shooting and Elite Star routines will be eligible for cash prizes subject to cash award rules.

Cash Awards
 Solo  $25/$25 merchandise gift certificate
 Duet/Trio  $50
 Small Group  $100
 Large Group  $100
 Line  $100

The same solo performer may not place more than once in the High Point Awards.

A High Point winner at any regional competition may not compete the same routine at any other regional competition in the same season.

There must be a minimun of FIVE acts in each age group and performance level (Petite, Junior, Teen and Senior Shooting and Elite Star) to award cash prizes.

Achievement Awards
Achievement awards and plaques will be presented at EACH awards ceremony. These awards include, but are not limited to: Entertainment, Technical Excellence, Showmanship, Fabulous Feet, Diva, Outstanding Costume, Intensity, Choreography and Precision.

Excellence in Dance Award- given to the highest scoring group in the 12-and-under and 13-and-over age groups.

Competitive Spirit Award- to be awarded to the studio who embodies the true spirit of competition. Friendly, helpful and polite to staff and other dancers, these dancers' infectious positive attitudes encourage an atmosphere of integrity and mutual respect. The Competitive Spirit Award includes a $200 gift certificate for 2012 National or 2013 Regional entry fees.

Studio Excel Award- a $200 gift certificate presented to the studio with the most participation at a regional competition--may be used at any Stage One 2012 National Final or 2013 Regional Competition.

Stage One Star Title Division
All group performers (under the age of 20) are automatically eligible for the title competition. Titlists will be chosen on the basis of the performers (boy or girl) exhibiting the most professional entertainment skills in addition to technical execution. Judges will select titlists in the 12-and-under and 13-and-over ages.


NO cameras of any kind are allowed during a performance. This includes smart phones with video capabilites. Violation may results in disqualification of a routine from the High Point Awards.

No dangerous substances (including, but not limited to: water, gels, rosin, aerosols, glitter, confetti, etc.) that might damage the integrity of the dance floor may be used during a routine.

A time schedule will be mailed to all studios once it has been finalized. Every regional schedule is based on the breakdown of entries by solos, duet/trios, groups and lines for that particular city. Since we cannot know this breakdown until all entries are processed, we will, at that time, set a schedule designed to accommodate the majority of entrants. It is our goal to have all days end at a reasonable time, especially on Sundays, when students attend school the following day. We would rather go later on a Friday or a Saturday and let everyone leave earlier on Sunday. This would not necessarily be possible if we followed a pre-determined fornat.

High Point Awards winners at any 2011 National Final MAY NOT compete with the same routine at any of the 2012 Regional Competitions.

Stage One reserves the right to expand the dates of any competition due to number of entries, move the competition to a new location due to unforseen circumstances, or cancel any event that does not qualify with a minimum number of acceptable entries. If cancellation occurs, all entry fees will be refunded.

Absolutely no coaching.

Smoking is not allowed in performers' area.

Any teacher, parent, performer or participant displaying improper conduct can result in disqualification with loss of entry fees.

Admission is free, and the general public is invited to attend.

Stage One National Dance Competition shall in no way assume any responsibility for accidents or theft.

All protests must be in writing and made by a studio director prior to the awards ceremony for that particular division. All protests must be signed.

Performers' give permission to Stage One National Dance Competitionto use performers' photographs and/or videos in connection with advertising and television broadcasts.

Absolutely NO alcoholic beverages allowed at a Stage One Competition.
 
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