Rising Star Categories

Contestants may enter as many categories as desired but each routine must be different. The same contestant cannot compete more than once in an identical combination of age group, category and division. IE: One girl or more can not be in two groups that are 11-12 Small Group Jazz. If you have any questions about what category to enter, please contact our office. Improper entry will be determined by the judges or Rising Star staff.

Gym/Acro Tricks: All gym/acro tricks and/or props in technical dance categories ARE ALLOWED. NO MORE THAN 2TRICKS PER ACT. Rolls on the floor are acceptable. One (1) trick done simultaneously by members of a Duet/Trio or Group is counted as only one (1) trick. Passes such as roundoff-backhand spring would be counted as two (2) tricks.

Trick Definition: When the feet pass over the head or vice versa, it is counted as a Gym/Acro trick. However, rolls on the foloor are acceptable. i.e. shoulder rolls, front and back rolls. Two tricks per routine are allowed (Example: Roundoff, Back Handspring is 2 tricks)

Category	Definition	3+ Tricks Allowed
*Ballet	Routine must consist of Ballet technique movements.	No
Character	A routine portraying an easily recognizable character throughout; with music, costume, and dance. Must incorporate some form of DANCE. This is not to be used as another option for "Tap", "Jazz", etc. No straight vocal performances in this category.	Yes
*Clogging	A routine incorporating "Clogging" technique and style.	No
Gymnastic/ Acrobatic	Routine must demonstrate gymnastic moves incorporated with rhythm of music. The routine must be mostly Gymnastics/Acrobatic moves. This category must have nine (9) or more tricks in the routine.	Yes
Hip Hop	A routine consisting of funk, street style or pop and lock moves.	Yes
*Jazz	Routine must consist of primarily Jazz technique.	No
Lyrical Dance	Routine should demonstrate balance, extension, isolations and control using contemporary lyrical styles. The dance should somewhat tell the story of the music.	No
Musical Theater	A form of dance, tumbling or vocalization featuring interpretation of a song from a Broadway-style show or movie musical.	Yes
Novelty	A routine that incorporates two or more styles of dance or a routine that does not fall under one of our other categories. Example: Baton, Modern or Tahitian. This category can not be used to enter another "Tap", "Jazz" etc. These types of additional routines should be in the Open category. If the judges feel that this is being done, a ten point penalty will assessed.	Yes
Open	Any type of routine can be entered in this category. This is also the place to put your second Tap, Jazz, Clogging, etc. number; but the number must be different from your original category number. No performance can be questioned for category placement in Open.	Yes
*Pointe	Same as Ballet, but must be performed in hard toe pointe shoes.	No
Pom Pom/ Cheer	Routine incorporating the use of Pom Poms to upbeat or marching music. Pom Poms must be used at least 80% of the time, with 50% of the routine incorporating any type of dance.	Yes
Photogenic	All entries in this category must bring a single recent 5 X 7 or 8 X 10 photograph (preferably nothing smaller) in any pose in black & white or in color. This category is divided into two (2) age groups: 12 & under and 13 & over. Only the top three (3) in each age group will be recognized. This is the only category that can be entered at the door. We would prefer you not send photos, but bring them to the contest. You must be entered in the talent competition to win. No composite photos will be accepted. You may enter more than one (1) picture, but you will pay a separate charge for each picture entered.	N/A
Production	Must have ten (10) or more members in the group; incorporating different styles of dance or formations and/or rhythm changes. This category has been allotted a maximum of eight (8) minutes.	Yes
Song & Dance	Must contain both singing and any style of dance (Tap, Jazz, etc.). Accompaniment must be on tape or CD, there must be absolutely no lead vocals on tape or CD -- this will be a 10-point deduction. Microphone will be provided; no lapel microphones may be used. No more than one (1) microphone will be available! No special equipment may be hooked into Rising Star's sound system.	No
*Tap	Routine must contain Tap technique and primarily Tap work. There will be a 10-point penalty for Tap or tap-like sounds on tape or CD; if tap sounds are on tape or CD, this should be entered into Open or Novelty category.	No
Vocal	Routine can be any type of Vocal presentation showing musical range, pitch, style and timing. Accompaniment, if used, must be on tape or CD and THERE MUST BE ABSOLUTELY NO LEAD VOCALS ON THE TAPE OR CD or there will be a 10-point deduction. Microphone will be provided; no lapel microphones may be used. No more than one (1) microphone will be available! No special equipment may be hooked into Rising Star's sound system.	Props are allowed, tricks are not.

General Information	Entry Fees	Videotaping
Age Groups	Scoring	Awards: Regional Competitions
Divisions	Time Limits	Awards: National Competitions
Categories	Penalties & Deductions	Scholarships