RULES & REGULATIONS
Please read carefully: THERE ARE CHANGES IN THE RULES FOR 2023-24. It is the responsibility of the studio owner/teacher to review the rules and regulations with both the participants and their guardians.
GENERAL INFORMATION
If you have any questions about these rules or which category to enter, please email or call our office.
Returned Checks
There will be a service charge of $40.00 for all checks returned by the bank. After a check has been returned by the bank, all future entries or purchases must be made by a money order or a cashier's check. If payment has not been received on a returned check by the competition date, the contestant will not be allowed to perform.
Changes at the Door
There will be a $25.00 fee for each change (category, age group or music) made at the door. This can be avoided by double-checking the confirmation information that is e-mailed to you. THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS!
No Smoking
Absolutely, no smoking on the premises of the competition.
Music
All contestants must upload their music on Dance Comp Genie's website by the Wednesday before by 9am. Rising Star Talent Productions, Inc. recommends bringing a backup for all uploaded music. Entries labeled "Routine To Be Announced," "the name of the studio" or entries with "Team Titles" in the place of the music being performed WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
Admission Charge
There will be no admission charge at the door.
Props
Fire, swords, knives or live animals on stage are prohibited. Props are allowed, however, smoke or props that are connected to an electrical outlet may not be used. Contained dry ice is acceptable. Studios are responsible for getting props on and off stage. Check with Stage Manager about where to leave props backstage.
Preliminary Schedule
A tentative time schedule and directions to the competition location will be emailed to all entries approximately ten (10) days before the competition date. If you cannot perform at your scheduled time, due to costume change, you will be given three (3) acts to change before being considered late. YOU MUST BE PREPARED TO PERFORM NINTY (90) MINUTES AHEAD OF YOUR SCHEDULED TIME.
Images
Contestants give their permission to the directors of Rising Star Talent Productions, Inc. to use their photographs or video of any act in connection with advertising, promotions or news coverage of our competition.
Judging
Contestants will be judged by a panel of competent judges, and all entrants agree that the time, manner, and method of judging the contest shall be solely within the discretion of the directors and producers of Rising Star Talent Productions, Inc. and that all decisions of the judges are final.
AGE GROUPS
If you have any questions about these rules or which age group to enter, please email or call our office.
Overall Age Groups
| ● Petite (8 & Under): | 4 & Under, 5-6 and 7-8 |
| ● Junior (9-11): | 9, 10 and 11 |
| ● Teen (12-14): | 12, 13 and 14 |
| ● Senior (15-19): | 15-16 and 17-19 |
| ● Adult (20 & Over): | 20 & Over |
No Repeats
Contestants may enter as many categories as desired but each routine must be different. The same contestants cannot compete more than once in the same category and age group in solo, duet/trio, small group, large group, line or super group competition.
Average Age
The average age determines which age group one fits into. THIS AVERAGE MUST INCLUDE ALL PERSONS APPEARING ON STAGE AT ANY TIME DURING A NUMBER. Decimal points are dropped no matter what the percentage. Names, ages and birthdates of all contestants must appear on the entry form. Contestants will be responsible for producing proof of age to contest directors, should a question arise. Failure to do so may result in disqualification and forfeiture of award. PROOF OF AGE MUST BE AVAILABLE AT EVERY CONTEST.
January 1
All ages are set as of January 1ST; however, at Nationals, all contestants will compete in the same age group that they qualified in at Regionals. (EXCEPTION: If an act qualifies in more than one age group at Regional Competitions, they must compete in the higher age group, no matter what the category, at Nationals.) If a duet/trio or group has ANY CHANGES of performers between regional and nationals, Rising Star will re-average the age with the new performer(s) and they must compete at the new average age at nationals. No solo performer will be allowed to compete in more than one age group.
Adult Acts
Adult acts are only eligible for Top Adult Act award. Any act that has a minimum of 50% of the participants 20 years of age or older performing in it, or any one person who is 20 years of age or older and a full-time dance studio owner or dance teacher. They can win the category but will not be eligible for top awards. Example: In a duet, if a participant is 20 years old or older it would be an Adult act. In a group, 50% or more of the total number of participants must be 20 or over or a full-time owner or teacher; if a solo, in the 18-19 age group is a full-time teacher at a studio; these are considered an Adult act.
DIVISIONS
If you have any questions about these rules or which division to enter, please email or call our office.
# of Performers
| ● Solo: | 1 performer |
| ● Duet/Trio: | 2-3 performers |
| ● Small Group: | 4-9 performers |
| ● Large Group: | 10-19 performers |
| ● Line: | 20-29 performers |
| ● Super Group: | 30+ performers |
No Repeats
The same contestants cannot compete more than once in an identical combination of age group, category and division. Improper entry will be determined by the judges or Rising Star staff.
Levels: Remarkable, 1, 2 & 3
Teachers, please use discretion in determining when entering levels. If a teacher refuses to have a student moved up due to score, an improper entry will apply.
| ● Remarkable: | RISING STAR is excited to offer the new REMARKABLE LEVEL! This level is designed to recognize dancers that have mental and/or physical disabilities or special needs. |
| ● Level 1: | For performers with little or no competitive experience. Level 1 can score no higher than 264.9 and it is not eligible for studio credit awards. Any act in Level 1 that scores a 265 or above will be automatically moved to Level 2! |
| ● Level 2: | For performers at an intermediate level of competition. Level 2 can score no higher than 279.9 and is not eligible for studio credit awards. Any act in Level 2 that scores a 280 or above will be automatically moved to Level 3! |
| ● Level 3: | For experienced/advanced performers. Level 3 is eligible for studio credit awards (Regional/National). |
CATEGORIES
If you have any questions about these rules or which category to enter, please email or call our office.
No Repeats
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, e.g., one performer or more cannot be in two groups that are “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: Technical vs. Non-Technical Categories
In Technical categories (Ballet, Clogging, Jazz, Lyrical & Tap), NO MORE THAN FOUR (4) TRICKS PER ACT ARE ALLOWED. In Non-Technical categories, UNLIMITED tricks are allowed. No tricks are allowed in the Pointe or Vocal categories.
Trick Definition
| ● When the feet pass over the head or vice versa, it is counted as a gym/acro trick. |
| ● However, rolls on the floor do not count as a trick, e.g., shoulder-, front- and back-rolls. |
| ● Each trick in a pass is counted individually, e.g., a roundoff-back-handspring is counted as two (2) tricks. |
| ● One (1) trick done simultaneously by members of a Duet/Trio or Group is counted as only one (1) trick. |
Props
Props are allowed in all dance categories.
Category List
| CATEGORY | # TRICKS ALLOWED | DEFINITION |
|---|---|---|
| Ballet | 0-4 | Routine must consist of Ballet technique movements. |
| Character | Unlimited | 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. |
| Clogging | 0-4 | A routine incorporating "Clogging" technique and style. |
| Contemporary | Unlimited | Routine incorporating lyrical, modern and jazz movements. Showing extensions and balance while interpreting the music. |
| Gym/Acro | Unlimited | Routine must demonstrate gymnastic moves incorporated with rhythm of music. The routine must be mostly Gymnastics/Acrobatic moves. |
| Hip Hop | Unlimited | A routine consisting of funk, street style or pop and lock moves. |
| Jazz | 0-4 | Routine must consist of primarily Jazz technique. |
| Lyrical | 0-4 | Routine should demonstrate balance, extension, isolations and control using contemporary lyrical styles. The dance should somewhat tell the story of the music. |
| Musical Theater | Unlimited | A form of dance, tumbling or vocalization featuring interpretation of a song from a Broadway-style show or movie musical. |
| Novelty | Unlimited | 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 be assessed. |
| Open | Unlimited | 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. |
| Pointe | 0 | Same as Ballet, but must be performed in hard toe pointe shoes. |
| Pom Pom & Cheer | Unlimited | 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. |
| Photogenic | N/A | All entries in this category must bring a single recent 5×7 or 8×10 photograph (preferably nothing smaller) in any pose in black & white or in color. This category is divided into two (2) age groups: 11 & under and 12 & 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. 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. |
| Production | Unlimited | 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. |
| Song & Dance | Unlimited | Must contain both singing and any style of dance (Tap, Jazz, etc.). Accompaniment must be on music file or CD, there must be absolutely no lead vocals on music -- 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. |
| Tap | 0-4 | Routine must contain Tap technique and primarily Tap work. There will be a 10-point penalty for Tap or tap-like sounds on music; if tap sounds are on music, this should be entered into Open or Novelty category. |
| Vocal | 0 | Routine can be any type of Vocal presentation showing musical range, pitch, style and timing. Accompaniment, if used, must be on music and THERE MUST BE ABSOLUTELY NO LEAD VOCALS ON THE MUSIC FILE 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. |
ENTRY FEES
If you have any questions about these rules or entry fees, please email or call our office.
Deadlines
Entries must be submitted twenty-one (21) days before a regional competition date and thirty (30) days before a national competition date. ENTRIES REQUESTING TO BE SUBMITTED AFTER THAT DATE, MUST CONTACT OUR OFFICE and will be assessed a late fee of $5.00 per act and will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Entries are limited to the amount of performance time available.
Deposits
Rising Star will only ask for a deposit, if an event is close to being SOLD OUT.
Refund Policy
Entries are not normally refundable! A refund may be obtained with proof of medical reasons. Rising Star Talent Productions reserves the right to cancel any competition. At that time, all entry fees for that contest will be refunded or transferred to another contest.
SCORING
If you have any questions about these rules or scoring, please email or call our office.
Levels: Remarkable, 1, 2 & 3
Total points required in award levels are lower for Level 1 than other divisions. All Regional Elite Platinum, Platinum, High Gold and Gold winners qualify for the National Competitions.
| ● Remarkable: | RISING STAR is excited to offer the new REMARKABLE LEVEL! This level is designed to recognize dancers that have mental and/or physical disabilities or special needs. |
| ● Level 1: | For performers with little or no competitive experience. Level 1 can score no higher than 264.9 and it is not eligible for studio credit awards. Any act in Level 1 that scores a 265 or above will be automatically moved to Level 2! |
| ● Level 2: | For performers at an intermediate level of competition. Level 2 can score no higher than 279.9 and is not eligible for studio credit awards. Any act in Level 2 that scores a 280 or above will be automatically moved to Level 3! |
| ● Level 3: | For experienced/advanced performers. Level 3 is eligible for studio credit awards (Regional/National). |
Teachers, please use discretion in determining levels.
| SCORE | REMARKABLE | LEVEL 1 | LEVEL 2 | LEVEL 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elite Platinum | N/A | N/A | N/A | 280 & Above |
| Platinum | 255-264.9 | 255-264.9 | 265-279.9 | 265-279.9 |
| High Gold | 241-254.9 | 241-254.9 | 241-264.9 | 241-264.9 |
| Gold | 240.9 & Below | 240.9 & Below | 240.9 & Below | 240.9 & Below |
Judging
A panel of competent judges will evaluate contestants, and all entrants agree that the time, manner and method of judging the contest shall be solely within the discretion of the directors and producers of Rising Star Talent Productions, Inc. All decisions of the judges are final.
TIME LIMITS
If you have any questions about these rules or time limits, please email or call our office.
Maximum Time
The maximum time limit for a performance varies by division. There is no minimum time limit. If a Large Group, Line or Super Group competes in the "Production" category, the time limit is extended to eight (8) minutes.
| DIVISION | MAX TIME LIMIT |
|---|---|
| Solo | Three (3) minutes |
| Duet/Trio | Three (3) minutes |
| Small Group | Three (3) minutes |
| Large Group | Three (3) minutes |
| Line | Six (6) minutes |
| Super Group | Six (6) minutes |
| Production (Large Group, Line or Super Group) |
Eight (8) minutes |
Overtime
Any performance going over the maximum time limit below will be charged $5.00 for each additional fifteen (15) seconds over the allotted time.
PENALTIES
If you have any questions about these rules or fliming/videos, please email or call our office.
Penalty Actions
| ACTION | PENALTY/DEDUCTION |
|---|---|
| Changes at the door | $25 per Change |
| Lead vocals on music in "Vocal" or "Song & Dance" categories | Ten (10) Points |
| Tap-like sounds on music of any act entered in "Tap" category | Ten (10) Points |
| Intentional littering of the stage (we have to clean stage) | Ten (10) Points |
| Prop hooked to electrical device | Twenty (20) Points |
| More than four (4) tricks in technical dance category | Ten (10) Points |
| Run-Off (any act is not completed for any reason, it has the option to re-perform, but will not be re-scored) | Lowest score in its category (no higher than a Gold Second Place) and disqualification for top awards. Participant has the option to re-perform, but will not be re-scored. |
PHOTO AND VIDEO PACKAGE
Rising Star has decided for the 2023-24 Season to not require the Media Fee! You can still order your child's photos and videos! You will need to download the Dakiki App and pay through the app at the affordable price of $45 per dancer per competition weekend. A preview of ALL photos and a snippet of the video will be available immediately following the performance. Within 48 hours after the last day of competition, the full Video and the full quality photos will be accessible as well.
If you are having any issues accessing your child's Photos or Videos, please email or call our office.
REGIONAL AWARDS
If you have any questions about these rules or Regional awards, please email or call our office.
Trophies & Awards
Trophies are awarded to the three highest-scoring acts in each category that finish either in the Elite Platinum, Platinum, High Gold or Gold scoring range. All other acts will receive an award designating Elite Platinum, Platinum, High Gold or Gold winner. Solos will each receive an individual trophy or award; duets, trios and groups will receive one trophy or award for the studio with a pin for each member of the group. Additional awards may be purchased for winning acts. All Elite Platinum, Platinum, High Gold and Gold winners qualify for either/both National Competitions.
High Score Awards
Level 1 and Level 2 participants will receive recognition for the top five (5) high scores with 1ST place receiving a trophy. Level 3 participants will receive recognition for the top five (5) high scores, with 1ST place receiving a trophy and a studio credit. The top three (3) scores in Level 3 will be considered for the Rising Star/Shining Star Award. THERE MUST BE A MINIMUM OF THREE (3) ENTRIES IN A DIVISION FOR A STUDIO CREDIT TO BE AWARDED, e.g., Petite Small Group, Senior Duet/Trios, etc. Additional placement recognition will be at the discretion of the director
Ties
Ties for top awards will be broken. ALL AWARDS ARE FINAL!
Top Score Award
Below are the awards being presented to the highest scoring act in each Age Group excluding Adult (Petite: 8 & Under, Junior: 9-11, Teen: 12-14, and Senior: 15-19):
| DIVISION | AWARD |
|---|---|
| Levels: Remarkable, 1 & 2 | Trophy |
| Solo Level 3 | $50 Studio Credit* & Trophy |
| Duet/Trio Level 3 | $75 Studio Credit* & Trophy |
| Small Group Level 3 | $100 Studio Credit* & Trophy |
| Large Group Level 3 | $150 Studio Credit* & Trophy |
| Line Group Level 3 | $200 Studio Credit* & Trophy |
| Super Group Level 3 | $250 Studio Credit* & Trophy |
| Photogenic | Trophy & free entry to National Competition as long as the entrant is competing in another category at that competition |
| * | There must be at least three (3) entries in an Age Group (excluding Adult) and Division for a studio credit to be awarded. If the Studio Credit is used at Nationals, it must be used by the studio that won the credit at the Regional Competition. |
Adult Award
Any act that has a minimum of 50% of the participants 20 years of age or older performing in it, or any one person who is 18 years of age or older and a full-time dance studio owner or dance teacher. They can win the category but will not be eligible for top awards. Example: In a duet, if a participant is 20 or older it would be an Adult act. In a group, 50% or more of the total number of participants must be 20 or over or a full-time owner or teacher; if a Solo, in the 17-19 age group is a full-time teacher at a studio; these are considered Adult acts.
| DIVISION | AWARD |
|---|---|
| Adult | $25 Studio Credit |
Excellence in Dance
The “Excellence in Dance” trophy is awarded to the highest score of the day. Performer(s) and/or teacher must be present during the awards ceremony in order to receive award.
Ms./Mr. Star Entertainer Title
The Ms./Mr. Star Entertainer Titles are presented to the most entertaining solos of each of the four Age Groups excluding Adults (Petite, Junior, Teen & Senior) in all 3 levels. This will be a decision of the judges.
To be considered, you must click the “Attend Solo Title” checkbox on your entry form (fee required). There is no limit to the number of solos you can enter for this award.
Performer must be present during the awards ceremony in order to receive award.
| AWARD | |
|---|---|
| Winner | Trophy, crown/hat and sweatshirt |
| 1ST Runner-Up | Crown (Ms.) or hat (Mr.) |
| 2ND Runner-Up | Crown (Ms.) or hat (Mr.) |
| 3RD Runner-Up | Crown (Ms.) or hat (Mr.) |
| 4TH Runner-Up | Crown (Ms.) or hat (Mr.) |
Rising Star & Shining Star
Both Rising Star and Shining Star trophies are awarded to the most entertaining act in both the 11 & Under (Petite, Junior) and 12 & Over (Teen, Senior, excluding Adult acts) Age Groups. This will be a decision of the judges and director.
Performer(s) and/or teacher must be present during the awards ceremony in order to receive award.
| AWARD | ELIGIBLE ACTS |
|---|---|
| Rising Star* | The top six (6) scores in the following Divisions: Level 3 Solo |
| Shining Star* | The top three (3) scores in the following Divisions: Level 3 Duet/Trio, Level 3 Small Group, Level 3 Large Group, Level 3 Line or Level 3 Super Group |
| * | A studio must have at least ten (10) acts participating to be eligible for Rising or Shining Star |
NATIONAL AWARDS
If you have any questions about these rules or National awards, please email or call our office.
Trophies & Awards
Trophies are awarded to the three highest-scoring acts in each category that finish either in the Elite Platinum, Platinum, High Gold or Gold scoring range. All other acts will receive an award designating Elite Platinum, Platinum, High Gold or Gold winner. Solos will each receive an individual trophy or award; duets, trios and groups will receive one trophy or award for the studio with a pin for each member of the group. Additional awards may be purchased for winning acts.
Ties
Ties for top awards will be broken. ALL AWARDS ARE FINAL!
Top Score Awards
The following will be presented to an act within each of the following Age Groups: Petite: 8 & Under, Junior: 9-11, Teen: 12-14, and Senior: 15-19:
| DIVISION | 1ST PLACE |
2ND PLACE |
3RD PLACE |
4TH/5TH PLACE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Levels: Remarkable, 1 & 2 | 3-foot Trophy | Award | Award | Award |
| Solo Level 3 | $75 Studio Credit* & 3-foot Trophy |
$50 Studio Credit* & Award |
$25 Studio Credit* & Award |
Award |
| Duet/Trio Level 3 | $100 Studio Credit* & 3-foot Trophy |
$50 Studio Credit* & Award |
$25 Studio Credit* & Award |
Award |
| Small Group Level 3 | $150 Studio Credit* & 3-foot Trophy |
$50 Studio Credit* & Award |
$25 Studio Credit* & Award |
Award |
| Large Group Level 3 | $200 Studio Credit* & 3-foot Trophy |
$50 Studio Credit* & Award |
$25 Studio Credit* & Award |
Award |
| Line Level 3 | $400 Studio Credit* & 3-foot Trophy |
$100 Studio Credit* & Award |
$50 Studio Credit* & Award |
Award |
| Super Group Level 3 | $500 Studio Credit* & 3-foot Trophy |
$100 Studio Credit* & Award |
$50 Studio Credit* & Award |
Award |
| Adult Level 3** | $75 Studio Credit* & 3-foot Trophy |
$50 Studio Credit* & Award |
$25 Studio Credit* & Award |
Award |
| Photogenic*** | Trophy | Award | Award | Award |
| * | There must be at least three (3) entries in a Age Group (excluding Adult) and Division for a Studio Credit to be awarded. |
| ** | The Adult award covers all Divisions. |
| *** | For 11 & Under (Petite, Junior) and 12 & Over (Teen, Senior) age groups only. |
Best of the Best Competition
Rising Star competitors are divided into 11 & Under (Petite, Junior) and 12 & Over (Teen, Senior). The winner is chosen in a special competition of the Top three (3) Solos in each overall age group in Level 3, i.e., Petite, Junior, Teen & Senior.
Shining Star are divided into 11 & Under (Petite, Junior) and 12 & Over (Teen, Senior). Shining Star competitors will be selected by the 15 highest Level Three (3) Duet, Trio, Small Group, Large Group, Line and Super Group scores. Any one (1) performer in Duet/Trios and Groups can only appear on stage twice. The highest scoring acts that they are in will determine eligibility. If a routine is ineligible due to a student appearing twice, we will allow a routine from the remaining top 25 highest scores to move into the competition until we have 15 competing acts. These special competitions will take place on the last day of the 11 & Under and 12 & Over competitions, respectfully.
| DIVISION | 1ST PLACE | 2ND PLACE | 3RD PLACE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rising Star | $250 & 6-foot Trophy | Trophy | Trophy |
| Shining Star | $500 & 6-foot Trophy | Trophy | Trophy |
Scholarships
Hard work, continued dedication and enthusiasm are essential for young dancers in today’s world. We at Rising Star wish to encourage these characteristics. As a way to encourage these attributes, we offer scholarships at our National Competition for age levels 11 & Under and 12 & Over.
The scholarships will be awarded through an audition process. The audition process could involve combinations, singing, tumbling, basic tap and ballet steps. The scholarships will be awarded by a decision of the judges and director. Each scholarship is for $150 to be used to further the winner’s dance education. DANCER MUST BE PRESENT TO RECEIVE AWARD!!!
11 & Under: Sharon L. Jordan Scholarship
 Sharon L. Jordan |
Sharon L. Jordan was one of the original directors of Rising Star Talent Productions. Her love of the Arts has been a driving force for the continued support of young performers over the past 40 years. Her love of the competition process encouraged her to continue the Rising Star legacy by extending the ownership to her daughter, Christine. With this scholarship, she hopes to allow young performers to further their dance education! |
12 & Over: Morgan Judd Memorial Scholarship
 Morgan L. Judd1992–2011 |
Morgan L. Judd was an amazing dancer as well as a wonderful young person. She was a competitor at Rising Star from an early age. Morgan left us all too soon on December 6, 2011 due to a brain aneurism. With this scholarship, we hope to continue her passion for dance by encouraging young performers to enhance their talent. She was a part of the Rising Star family for many years and we will miss her smiling face! |
© Rising Star Talent Productions, All Rights Reserved
| Rising Star Talent Productions 6701 Bevelhymer Road New Albany, OH 43054 |
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