Each entry will be placed in one of the following age groups based on the average age of all competitors in the routine. Average age should be calculated by adding up the age of each competitor (as of JANUARY 1) and dividing by the total number of competitors in the routine. NEW: If a routine is above a .7 decimal it will be moved into the higher age category (ex: 12.8 will be considered a teen dance). Proof of age may be requested on-site at an event if deemed necessary. Entries must compete within the age division that they qualify for.

Note: Any entry containing a dancer that is 20+ years in age will automatically compete no lower than the senior age division, regardless of the average age of the entry. Routines may compete no more than 1 age division lower than the oldest dancer in the routine.

Every entry will be placed in one of the following divisions based on the number of competitors in each routine:

Note: Entries with 20 or more dancers will be given the opportunity to register as a Line or Mega Line. Entries must compete under the division that they qualify for; no exceptions will be made.

The following list contains each division’s time limit:

Note: Extended time is available for purchase. Duos, trios, small groups, and large groups may be extended by up to 1 minute. Lines and Productions may be extended by a maximum of 3 minutes.

Acro: Routine combining the artistry of dance technique along with the athleticism of acrobatic skills. Choreography must contain 50% dance technique.

Ballet: Routine consisting of classical Ballet movement and technique. Ballroom: Routine in which dancers perform a variety of ballroom dance styles, such as Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz, Quickstep, Cha Cha, Rumba, Paso Doble, Jive, etc. Emphasis is placed on technique, partnering skills, and musicality.

Baton: Routine in which the dancer demonstrates a variety of twirling technique, such as fingerwork, rolls, and/or a variety of tosses and catches, that is coordinated with dance movements. Character: Routine in which dancers must portray an easily recognizable character or storyline. Does not need to come from a Musical or have Musical Theatre technique or choreography.

Clogging: Routine in which dancers perform percussive dance movements, primarily with the feet, to create rhythmic patterns and sounds. Clogging has its own unique rhythms and vocabulary, differentiating it from Tap dance or Irish step.

Contemporary: Routine influenced by multiple styles of dance including Jazz, Modern, and Lyrical. The movement is expressive, gestural, and unique in its dynamics.

Contortion: Included here is very wide display of flexibility involving extreme and dramatic bending, stretching, arching, and balancing of the human body. Extreme back-bends and front bending are demonstrated in this category. Judging criteria will focus on proper placement in chest stands, over splits, and contortion positions in elbow stands, handstands, etc… Contortion is most commonly combined with Acrobatic elements and gymnastics passes. It may be blended with some ballet like arms and gestures, however the focus must concentrate on Acro/Gymnastics and contortion technique.

Circus Arts: A performance featuring content originating from circus-based disciplines or acrobatics including but not limited to hand balancing, silks or other circus apparatus.

NEW: Dance Team – Jazz: Jazz routine focusing on uniformity and precision of choreography, with the goal of synchronized technical skills, tricks, and/or stunts. Routine also has a no trick limit.

NEW: Dance Team – Open: Routine of any style focusing on uniformity and precision of choreography, with the goal of synchronized technical skills, tricks, and/or stunts. Routine also has a no trick limit.

Ethnic: Routine incorporating one or more ethnic styles of dance.

Hip Hop: Routine consisting of mostly Hip Hop or Street Style moves characterized by bounces, rocks, krumping, popping, locking, breaking, etc. This style places emphasis on rhythmic isolations and strong musicality.

Jazz: Routine consisting of Jazz technique in which the movements traditionally mimic the sounds, rhythms, and syncopations of the music.

Lip Sync: A portrayal of a stereotype or impersonation through pantomime and costume; mimicking the voice in the music Lip Syncing must be performed to all words in the song. Lyrical: Routine that places an emphasis on expression and connection to the lyrics of a song.

Modern: Routine consisting of codified styles of modern dance technique, such as Graham, Taylor, Cunningham, Limón, Dunham, Duncan, Horton, and etc.

Musical Theatre: Routine choreographed to a song from a Broadway or movie musical using song, dialogue, and/or dance. This form of dance strongly focuses on elements of performance quality, such as connecting with the audience, facial expressions, and/or storytelling.

Open: Routine consisting of multiple or unspecified styles of dance.

Pointe: Routine containing Pointe technique. At least 50% of the performers must be en pointe. This category is only available in the advanced level. Dancers performing en Pointe, even if in another category such as Open, will be moved to the advanced level.

Pom/Drill: Routine consisting of Pom Squad/Drill Team dance technique, with an emphasis on precision, clean technique, and sharpness that incorporates elements of Jazz and Hip Hop.

NEW: Production: (Mega Line Division Only) A Routine that utilizes multiple dance genres for choreographic impact and conveys a story through music and dance.

Song & Dance: Routine consisting of singing and any style of dance. Music may only have backup voices. Performance will use the boundary microphones or one handheld microphone provided by the competition.

Street Jazz/Funk: A routine containing a hybrid of Jazz technique with Hip Hop influences. Seamlessly blends commercial dance with traditional dance techniques.

Student Choreography: Routine choreographed by students with minimal assistance from an instructor.

Tap: Routine consisting of Tap technique. No pre-recorded Tap sounds are allowed. Use of prerecorded Tap sounds will result in a 2-point deduction. Tap shoes must be worn.

Vocal Open: Routine containing Vocal presentation showing musical range, pitch, style and timing. Song needs to be performed in concert style. One handheld, wireless microphone is provided by True Talent. No dancing required.

Vocal Pop: Routine containing Vocal presentation showing musical range, pitch, style and timing. Song needs to be performed in concert style.One handheld, wireless microphone is provided by True Talent. No dancing required.

Vocal Showtune: Routine can be any type of Vocal presentation showing musical range, pitch, style and timing. Song needs to be from a movie or Broadway show. One handheld, wireless microphone is provided by True Talent. No dancing required.

Monologue: a spoken passage from a show or written work. Can be comedic, dramatic, or any style. One handheld, wireless microphone is provided by True Talent. No dancing required.

Only 3 acrobatic tricks are permitted in any dance category except Acro, Contortion, Circus Arts, Character, Open, Hip Hop, Dance Team – Jazz, Dance Team – Open and Production. Acrobatic tricks are defined as movements learned in an acrobatic class such as cartwheel, walkovers, headsprings or any trick that goes over the head. A tumbling pass/synchronized tumbling pass (for example, roundoff back handspring) counts as one acrobatic trick.. The only exceptions to this are forward, backward, shoulder rolls and handstands.

Soloists may not compete against themselves in the same performance category. In a duet/trio, or group routine 50% of the performers must be different when competing in the same age and performance division.

The level of each routine is determined by the level of the dancers registered in the routine. Studio directors should use the following criteria to determine the level of each dancer but should also take into consideration the dancer’s overall ability. Please also keep in mind the skill of the dancer and the difficulty level of the choreography; just because a dancer qualifies at the intermediate level doesn’t mean their skill set warrants that placement. The level of each dancer may need to be adjusted each year prior to registering for a competition. Please take note that our judging panel also uses the following criteria to assess level placement.

TALENT UNLIMITED – At True Talent, we believe that dance should be an inclusive and welcoming place for everyone, of all abilities. Our Talent Unlimited division is geared toward dancers who have physical, sensory or cognitive challenges.

• We will work with studio directors to provide a safe space for Talent Unlimited dancers to perform/compete.
• Dancers registered in the Talent Unlimited division will perform in the Talent Unlimited level for their solo.
• The Talent Unlimited division will have it’s own overall category and will still be eligible for special awards as well as judge’s awards.

NOVICE- This level is for non-competitive dancers who have no experience competing. This dancer has a basic understanding of dance and their routine from choreography, musicality and technical steps but have not quite mastered those skills and can use more time improving in the classroom.

• NEW: Novice dancers may compete a maximum of 1 solo and no more than 7 dances.
• The Novice level is eligible for adjudication awards, category placements, high score placement in the Novice division and Judge’s Choice awards.

INTERMEDIATE – This level is for ‘on the rise’ dancers who have 2-3 years of competitive experience. This dancer has a growing knowledge of dance and their routine from choreography, musicality and technical steps. This dancer understands the fundamentals but are still growing their knowledge of performance and technique.

• NEW: Intermediate dancers may compete a maximum of 2 Solos and no more than 9 dances.
• The Intermediate level is eligible for adjudication awards, category placement, high score placement in the Intermediate division, Judge’s Choice awards, Regional Standout Soloist and.

ADVANCED – This Level is for advanced dancers who have 4+ years of competitive experience. This dancer has a complete understanding of dance and their routine, from choreography, musicality and technical steps. This dancer has a strong knowledge of fundamentals while also using performance, technique and artistry.

• NEW: Advanced dancers may compete a maximum of 3 Solos and an unlimited number of dances. The Advanced level is eligible for adjudication awards, category placement, high score placement in the Advanced division, Judge’s Choice awards, Triple Threat and True Talent Titles.
• Advanced Dancers are not allowed to compete in the Novice category.

NEW: LEVEL CALCULATOR

Performances containing dancers from multiple levels must follow the LEVELING SYSTEM to determine the performance level. A maximum of 3 consecutive levels is allowed for a group performance. Each level has been assigned a numeric value that will be used to determine the performance level.

Novice = 1, Intermediate = 2, Advanced = 3

• Every performance will be critiqued according to the competition level, age, and category by a panel of 3 judges.
• Each judge will use a 100 point scale and will consider Technique, Difficulty, Execution, Choreography, Showmanship, and Overall Effect.
• Performers who exit the stage prior to the end of their performance will not receive a score if the judges do not feel enough of the routine was completed. The performance is eligible to perform again for adjudication only. (this does NOT include music or costume malfunctions)
• Each judge will give a verbal recorded critique for every entry.
• All entries will receive a True Platinum, High Platinum, Platinum, High Gold, or Gold.
• Only 3 acrobatic tricks are permitted in any dance category except Acro, Contortion, Circus Arts, Character, Open, Hip Hop, Dance Team Jazz and Dance Team Open.
• Acrobatic tricks are defined as movements learned in an acrobatic class such as cartwheel, walkovers, headsprings or any trick that goes over the head. A tumbling pass/synchronized tumbling pass (for example, roundoff back handspring) counts as one acrobatic trick. The only exceptions to this are forward, backward, shoulder rolls and handstands.
• Soloists may not compete against themselves in the same performance category.
• In a duet/trio, or group routine 50% of the performers must be different when competing in the same age and performance division.
• Judges will also take into consideration whether routines are age appropriate and placed in the correct performance level.
• If the judges decide the routine should move up in level, an advancement in level will occur via presentation of a bump certificate. The show director and on site judging panel have full discretion over determining if the advancement happens in the moment or for the following time the routine competes. NEW: Routines that receive a High Platinum or higher will automatically be bumped a level.
• The decisions of the judges are final.

The dancers are asked to stay on stage following their solo. One of our professional judges will provide live feedback over the microphone to the dancers. All feedback will be presented in a very positive, inspiring and constructive manner. This format allows for an educational experience where the dancers are able to apply their critiques immediately to their next routines with the purpose of improving as the day goes on. Note: the feedback given to the dancers will pertain only to what the dancers have control of ex: technique, execution, stage presence etc.

• Every entry will receive an ordinal placement 1-3 Trophy and 4-10th medal.
• Every dancer in a duet/trios will receive an adjudication card and an ordinal trophy or medal.
• Group dances will receive one ordinal trophy or medal and adjudication cards for each dancer in the group.

Adjudicated awards will be given based on the scale below.

• In addition to adjudicated awards, the top scoring routines will be recognized.

• Entries must compete prior to their awards ceremony to be eligible for High Score Awards.

• High Score Awards will be given in each competition level, age, and size division.

•Vocal routines are not eligible for high score awards unless there are 3 or more in the division. If there are 3 or more, a vocal overall will be awarded.

• Soloists and duos/trios with identical dancers may only place with their highest scoring routine.

• Top 3, Top 5 and Top 10 will be awarded based on the number of entries per age, size, and division.

• All True Bucks prizes will be awarded to the studio.
• True Bucks will be given to the first place High Score Award winners in the Intermediate and Advanced Divisions when there are 10 or more routines entered in that age and size.
• The Novice Division is not eligible for True Buck Prizes.

Special Awards
Given at each awards ceremony at the discretion of the judges and competition directors.

Tina’s Troop Invitations
Tina’s Troop Invitations are awarded to solo performers in the Mini and Petite advanced and Petite and Junior intermediate divisions. NEW: Dancers must receive a Platinum or higher. Dancers receiving Troop Invitations are invited to participate in the Opening Number at any of our National Finals in the same calendar year. Opening Number Invitations are non-transferable.

DANCE WARZ Invitations
Dance Warz Invitations are awarded to solo performers in the Teen and Senior Intermediate and Junior, Teen, and Senior Advanced divisions. NEW: Dancers must receive a Platinum or higher. Dancers receiving a Dance Warz invitation are invited to participate at any of our National Finals in the same calendar year. Dance Warz Invitations are non-transferable.

Production Showdown Invitations
Production Showdown invitations are awarded to exceptional Production entries in all levels chosen by the judges. Only one production per studio will be awarded this invitation.

Truly Talented Awards
Given at the discretion of the judges to a truly talented group routine.

Standout Solo Awards
Given at the discretion of the judges to soloists in the intermediate level.

Photogenic Awards
Teachers should submit a 5×7 or 8×10 color or black and white photo with their name, age, and studio name on the back. The photogenic award will be given during the last group awards ceremony of the event. Photos must be picked up by the studio director at the end of the competition.

Title Awards
Every Advanced soloist is entered into the Title competition. Miss True Talent and Mr True Talent winners will receive a crown/hat and t-shirt. Title Winners are judges choice and are not based on adjudicated score. Dancers are only eligible to win one title at a regional competition.

Triple Threat Titles
Three entries, with the same dancers in 3 different categories. (example Mary & Lacy perform 3 duos -ballet, tap & open) This award is determined by combining all three scores. The highest combined score will be crowned a Triple Threat! Advanced dancers in the Junior, Teen and Senior age divisions are eligible. If you win the Triple Threat Title you are not eligible for the Mr or Miss Title.

Outstanding Choreography Award
Chosen by the judges the choreography award will be given out to a group dance in the 12 and under and 13 and up divisions.

ADCC Studio of Excellence
This award is sponsored by the ADCC (Association of Dance Conventions and Competitions). It is awarded to a studio that exemplifies the mission and the purpose of The ADCC which is to promote quality, integrity and opportunity in the dance competition world.

Triton Award
This award is presented to the Highest Scoring group routine in each division. NEW: One will be awarded in the Novice division. A 12 & under and 13 & up will be awards in the intermediate and advanced category.This award is presented to the Highest Scoring group routine 12 & under and 13 & up in the advanced category.

• All music must be uploaded at least 1 week prior to the event. Music uploads MUST BE IN by 7 days BEFORE the event. A late fee of $100 will be added onto accounts if music is not uploaded by deadline.
• All music must be cut, edited and of the correct pitch. Our staff is not capable of making music edits or alterations onsite. All tempos, pitches and keys must be correct on each track. Music must be of a reasonable volume and uploaded one week prior to the start of the event. Studio owners should have at least two backup copies of all music. One (1) wireless microphone and/or one (1) wired microphone can be provided by the competition for usage during an entry. No outside microphones of any kind may be used.
• Music that is offensive, demeaning, intentionally derogatory, or threatening will not be tolerated and is subject to a 2 point deduction or disqualification as determined by the judging panel. Any music in question will be pulled and listened to by the panel and competition director to determine if a point deduction or disqualification will occur. This particularly pertains to music in which slurs or derogatory language are not fully edited.
• Any entry featuring disturbing sound effects within their music (including realistic gunshots and realistic explosions) may be subject to a point deduction based on our judge’s discretion
• No studio or group may use ANY music owned by Kirbyko Music LLC or Watson Music Group without rights. Violators of this rule will be subject to copyright fees.
  • Songs included are Space Jam, Daisy Dukes, Total Eclipse of the Heart, Whoomp There It Is, Twilight Zone, Jock Jamz, Get Low, The Most Beautiful Girl In The World, Whoot There It Is, and Danke Schoen. For additional questions please contact our offices.
• When there is a costume malfunction, we will pause the performance so that the dancer(s) may fix their costume. That routine may re-perform without penalty.
• If the music stops for any reason, the dancers will be given the opportunity to re-perform without penalty.
• Back up music must be provided on a flash drive. Please note that audio files are accepted in MP3 & M4A format only, up to 50 MB each. We recommend MP3 format.

• Props must be set up and removed within 3 minutes, productions may use 4 minutes. If your routine/prop includes anything that will litter the stage, the backstage team must be notified beforehand and studio representatives must be prepared to clean the stage in less than 2 minutes.
• Props may not be in the wings for more than a few numbers prior to the routine (based on the stage manager’s discretion).
• Props must be removed from the wings immediately after the routine.
• Props must be stored away from pedestrian & vehicle traffic & NOT back stage, in the lobby or any inconvenient location.
• Fire, swords, knives, guns, live animals, powders, flour, liquids, glitter, confetti less than 1⁄2 inch, paint, sand, etc. are NOT allowed.
• Routines causing prop delay may be subject to a two point deduction.
• Prop coordinators are required to follow ALL instructions as per the backstage crew at ALL times.
• All props must fit through a standard 36 inch wide doorway.
• Props cannot be stored in the venue until the day of the performance.
• Some venues do not allow the use of helium balloons please contact the office with any questions Use of any illegal prop will result in a 5-point deduction. Studio Directors will be notified when a dance is in violation of our rules.
• NEW: Anyone assisting with props who are not a studio owner or teacher must be accompanied by one backstage at all times

NOTE: Due to health risks we do NOT allow fog/smoke machines or strobe lights to be used during any performances. True Talent reserves the right to limit prop size depending on facility requirements. Please contact our office with any specific prop questions. Extended time is available for purchase. Solos, duo

All competitors, teachers, studios owners, family members and audience members are required to show respect, courtesy and sportsman-like behavior to all competitors, staff, teachers, etc. at all times during the competition. Our aim is to provide an environment where the dancers can enjoy themselves while gaining valuable performance experience and learning the nature of healthy competition. We reserve the right to remove anyone from an event if they are hindering the achievement of any of the above goals.

No air horns, bells, whistles or other noise making devices are allowed

• All attendees must be affiliated with a registered studio in order to attend any and all of our events.
• True Talent does not accept independent entries.
• Only studio directors may question routines for rule infractions, however, any protest must be made in writing to the competition director within 30 minutes of the performance.
• Studios must qualify for any True Talent National Finals by competing in any True Talent Regional competition in the same season.
• All attendees must abide by any state, local or venue mandates and rules set in place.
• Smoking is prohibited in or around the competition area. We ask that all smokers stand at least 50 yards from the competition venue to preserve the well-being of our dancers, audience members and our team members.
• Soloists that choose to exit the stage prior to the conclusion of their solo will be eligible for adjudication only and will not be eligible for overall or category placement (this does NOT include music malfunction or costume malfunction). Dancers experiencing a wardrobe malfunction should exit the stage immediately and may be called off based on the severity.
• Unless a piece of choreography has been copy written, True Talent cannot enforce ANY plagiarism policies.
• Dancers may NOT exit or jump off the front of the stage at ANY time during an event (including performances).
• No bystander may approach the judging table or the judges themselves during the competition. Bystanders include but are not limited to: studio directors, teachers, parents and dancers.
• Lighting may NOT be adjusted during a performance including but not limited to stage and house lighting.
• We ask that all competitors and attendees alike please wear proper footwear at all times at all True Talent events to ensure their safety.
• No food, snacks or beverages are allowed on stage. This includes all award ceremonies.
• No cash refunds will be issued under ANY circumstances. Account credits will be issued for entry/dancer removals if this is done prior to the event. No credits will be issued during or after the completion of the event. “Day-Of” scratches will not be issued credits. All credits will be issued to the account of which the dancer was registered. Credits may ONLY be used toward the entry fees /nationals fees of a True Talent event; they are not valid at the merchandise booth or registration deposits.
• Competitors may only compete with one studio per event.
• True Talent and host venue are not responsible for any personal injury/property loss before, during or after the event.
• NEW: All studio owners, teachers, competitors, and dance families must stay within the True Talent designated area. Anyone who goes beyond the walls of the event may be removed from the property
• No entry into the venue will be allowed until 45 minutes before the start of the competition.
• All competitors will be judged by a well-qualified panel of judges. All judging decisions are final.
• Video cameras and still cameras are prohibited inside all competition auditoriums, and dressing rooms (this includes photo, video and social media use in the dressing rooms). In order to protect the choreographer’s right and the safety and privacy of all competitors, we reserve the right to confiscate all recording devices used during an event and/or disqualify an entry.
• All competitors, teachers and studio owners consent to the use of video, audio and photographs for use in promotional material without royalty, fee or other compensation. By attending or competing in a True Talent Events regional or national event you are agreeing to the use of your image and likeness by True Talent Events , all partners and affiliates.
• All competitors, teachers, studios owners, family members and audience members are required to comply with rules and regulations set forth by our hosting venue. Those who do not may be removed from the event by either the True Talent Team or the hosting venue’s staff.
• Competitors, teachers, studio owners and prop coordinators are the only persons allowed in the wings/backstage area. In order to minimize delay, we ask that all parents, family members and audience members remain in the main venue or the lobby.
• If a routine cannot perform during their allotted time and award ceremony, the routine will be eligible for adjudication, but not an overall score or category placement.
• No studio or group may use ANY music owned by Kirbyko Music LLC or Watson Music Group (including “Space Jam”) without rights. Violators of this rule will be subject to copyright fees. Full List in music section above.
• All media is delivered in digital format. Links will be available for 90 days after your event. After 90 days, all media links will be permanently deactivated.
• Hallways may NOT be used for changing, makeup application, storage of personal items or for any reasons other than traveling throughout the building, without the prior permission of the competition and venue.
• True Talent reserves the right to cancel any and all events due to lack of registration, inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Furthermore, True Talent reserves the right to change an event’s location, venue and/or date(s). Upon changing a location, venue and/or date(s), a representative from True Talent will contact your studio if you are registered for the event. True Talent will not be held liable for any costs endured for any type of travel arrangements made upon canceling an event or an event selling out, including but not limited to: hotel fees, transportation fees or bank fees. We HIGHLY recommend registering for an event prior to making ANY travel arrangements.
• True Talent reserves the right to refuse entry to any studio. Deposit payments and competition fees are non-refundable.
• Changes made to registration after the final schedule has been released will incur a $20 change fee, except in cases where an injury is involved.
• Changes on site will incur a $30 on site change fee
• Coaching from the wings or audience is not allowed at any time throughout a performance. Doing so may result in a 2-point deduction.
• There will be a $50 fee for all checks returned by the bank.
• Studio directors must sign a release form.
• Failure to comply with these rules can result in point deductions or disqualification. It is the responsibility of the studio owner/teacher to review the rules and regulations with both the participants and their parents