Regional & Finals Rules

Regional Rules

ENTRY LEVELS

“Select”: This is our Advanced Level. Dancers who have significant competition and dance experience, or who have advanced technique and/or performance skill, should be placed in Select, regardless of their routine count. Dancers who perform in 13 or more routines from every division excluding their first 3 Lines/Mega Lines, will automatically be placed in “Select”. “Select” level entries are eligible for “Select” Top Score Awards as well as additional chosen awards.

“Classic”: This is our Intermediate Level. Dancers who have moderate competition and dance experience should be placed in Classic. If dancers have limited competition experience but above average technique and performance skill, they should be placed in the Select level! Dancers who perform in 12 or fewer routines from every division excluding their first 3 Lines/Mega Lines, may be considered “Classic”. “Classic” level entries are eligible for “Classic” Top Score Awards as well as additional chosen awards.

“Nova”: This is our Recreational Level.  Dancers who have limited or no competition and dance experience should be placed in “Nova”. Dancers who perform in 8 or fewer routines from every division excluding their first 3 Lines/Mega Lines, may be considered “Nova”. “Nova” level entries are eligible for “Nova” Top Score Awards as well as additional chosen awards.

Additional Level Rules:

• Each dancer is assigned a level by the studio owner, however StarQuest judges can unanimously choose to promote dancers to the next highest level.
• Dancers levels will automatically bump up to the next level if they are placed in too many routines for their corresponding level.
• StarQuest Judges have the final say on the level of each routine. Each judge has the ability to “Bump” the level of the routine on their screen. If 2 or more judges choose to place a routine in a more advanced level, we will inform the studio of the new level and any other changes, prior to the corresponding awards ceremony.
• Routines are calculated based on the level of each dancer.
• Soloists, whether “Select” or “Classic” or “Nova”, must perform all their solos at the same level they are assigned. Solo routine levels may not be bumped up or down unless the dancer’s level is bumped up or down as well (which may affect the level of their additional routines).
• Duets: For mixed level duet, the routine level is determined by its highest level dancer. When a dance is a 50/50 split, the dance will be placed in the higher level. Studio owners may request the routine be placed in the lower level.
• Trios: For mixed level trios, the routine level is determined by the 2 highest level dancers.
• Duet/Trios that include one Nova and one Select Level dancer may be placed in the Classic or Select Level. These routines may NOT be placed in the Nova Level.
• Mixed level Groups & Lines: the level of the routine is based on the level of the majority of the dancers. When a dance is a 50/50 split, the dance will be placed in the higher level. Studio owners may request the routine be placed in the lower level.
  • Routines that include Nova and Select Level dancers may not be placed in the Nova level unless more than 50% of the dancers are in the Nova Level.
• Failure to follow these rules may result in the routine being “adjudicated only”.
• Since NO competition can possibly know how many hours a child dances, how many years they have danced, or the degree of competition experience, studio directors are left to their own judgment when choosing a level for their students.

ENTRY DIVISIONS

Solo (1 performer)

Duet/Trio (2-3 performers)

Small Group (4-9 performers)

Large Group (10-19 performers)

Line (20 or more performers)

Mega Line (20 or more performers; routine utilizing scenic pieces for choreographic impact or conveying a recurring theme through music or story.)

Additional Entry Division Rules:

• The division placement of an entry is determined by the number of contestants who actually perform that entry at the competition, regardless of the number of contestants who were originally entered.
• An entry that changes division during the competition and/or is unable to perform within its scheduled division time may be “adjudicated only”.
• Soloists may perform up to three solos at any Regional Competition.
• Soloists may perform up to four solos at any World Finals.
• For a routine with 20 or more performers, the studio owner may choose Line or Mega Line Divisions.
• New in 2023: Nova & Classic level Mega Line routines will NO LONGER compete against each other for Top Score.
• Mega Line Top Scores are given out in the Petite/Junior & Teen/Senior Age Classes.

AGE CLASSES

Mini – Age 5 & Under * Mini dancers and routines automatically compete in the Nova Level

Petite – Age 6-8

Junior – Age 9-11

Teen – Age 12-14

Senior – Age 15-19

Progressive – Age 20-24 * Progressive routines will be judged in the Select Level

Adult – Age 25+ *Adult routines will be judged in the Select Level

• When one or more dancer is age 20+ in a routine, that routine is automatically Progressive or Adult. The Average age will determine whether it is Progressive or Adult.
• Progressive and Adult Groups are eligible for their corresponding top score awards, but are not eligible for additional group awards such as Apogee, Viral Video, etc.

SUB-AGE CLASSES

Parent: Routine that includes parents and/or parents and students. A Parent routine competes for the Parent Award only and cannot also compete for the Adult or Progressive Award. Parent routines are judged at the Select level.

Rising Star: This division is designed for dancers with special needs or disabilities who want to share their love of dance. All Rising Star routines will compete for the Rising Star Award. StarQuest may give out multiple Rising Star “Top Score Awards” across different age Classes.

ADDITIONAL AGE RULES

• Regional and Finals ages are as of January 1, 2023.
• For Duet/Trios, Small Groups, Large Groups, Lines & Mega Lines, the average age determines the age class into which you may enter.
• To determine the age class and age range of a dance – Add the ages of all the contestants, then divide by the number of contestants. When an average age ends in .5 or above, round DOWN.
• If there is one or more performer age 20+ in any Duet/Trio, Small Group, Large Group, Line or Mega Line routine, that routine will compete for the Progressive, Adult or Parent Top Score Award.
• Contestants may be required to present proof of age in the form of a birth certificate if a protest regarding age occurs. Such protest must be presented, by a Studio Director or Competition Director ONLY, in writing to the director of StarQuest Dance Competition within one-half hour of the performance of the entry in question.
• Any routine which has an average age that falls within .5 of another age class may choose to move the routine to the next age class.
  • Example – A Junior Small Group with an average age of 11.7 may choose to compete as a Teen Small Group age 12.
  • StarQuest judges have the ability to move these routines to their original age class

ENTRY TIME LIMITS

Solo, Duet/Trio – 2:45 min

Small Group – 3 min

Large Group, Line – 4 min

Mega Line – 6 min

• Any routine that exceeds the given time limit will be charged for additional time. Failure to provide payment prior to the routine’s awards ceremony will result in the routine being adjudicated only.

PROP TIME LIMITS

• Small Group/Large Group prop set ups exceeding 2 minutes automatically begin the timing of that routine.
• Line/Mega Line prop set ups exceeding 4 minutes automatically begin the timing of that routine.
• Any prop setup/routine that exceeds the given time limit will be charged for additional time. Failure to provide payment prior to the routine’s awards ceremony will result in the routine being adjudicated only.
• Props need to be taken down within 2 minutes, for set up times please see the time limits above.
• Any props the exceed the time limits above without prior written approval from StarQuest may result in the routine being “Adjudicated Only”.
• Call the StarQuest Office for a specific ruling about unique routines exceeding designated time limits.

PERFORMANCE CATEGORIES

The following Performance Categories can contain no more than 50% acrobatic tricks: Ballet, Clogging, Contemporary, Folkloric, Jazz, Lyrical, Modern, Pointe, and Tap. (Lifts, leaps, cartwheels and splits are allowed). Any routine with more than 50% acrobatic tricks in the aforementioned categories may receive a 2 point deduction. Any routine requiring tap shoes, except in the Musical Theater, Open, Wild Card or Production categories, cannot have taps on tape or 5 points will be deducted off the entire routine.

• The same contestant(s) cannot compete more than once in the same category and age range in Solos or Duet/Trios to prevent performers from competing against themselves. Otherwise, one of the routines will need to be moved to a different category.

Acrobatic/Gymnastic Dance:  Routine using controlled moves such as walkovers, limbers, handstands, chest rolls, etc. May contain gymnastic passes, flexibility moves, and/or contortionist moves. (A tumbling pass is considered one trick.) Must contain dance moves, steps and choreography.

Ballet: Routine must consist of ballet technique, classical steps and movements.

Baton: Routine using baton(s) and baton technique. Will be judged on both baton technique and dance moves, steps and choreography.

Character: Routine must portray a character throughout. Can be from a theatrical production, movie, television, musical group, or an archetype such as a clown, animal, princess, band, etc.

Cheerleading: Routine must use cheerleading style combining leaps, jumps, vocal cheering and precision.

Clogging: Routine using clogging technique and style.

Contemporary: Routine incorporating lyrical or jazz movement fused with modern elements.

Folkloric: Routine using styles of dance considered as part of the tradition or custom of a particular culture or group of people.

Hip-Hop: Routine using primarily hip-hop technique and moves.

Jazz: Routine using primarily jazz technique.

Lyrical: Routine encompassing the use of balance, flexibility and control utilizing the lyrics and feeling of the music.

Modern: Interpretive routine using a modern style. Should incorporate balance, control, and extension moves.

Musical Theatre: Routine utilizing a Broadway or Movie Musical Song incorporating dance, characters and/or costumes.

Open: Routine which does not fit into one of our performance categories or a routine which is a combination of two or more of our performance categories.

Pantomime/Lip Sync: Portrayal of a stereotype or impersonation through pantomime and costume.

Pointe: Routine must consist of pointe/toe technique.

Pom Pon: Routine demonstrating precision marching and sharp, definitive choreography. Must use pom pons for at least 75% of routine.

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

Song & Dance: Routine should contain simultaneous singing while dancing from any of our performance categories. (StarQuest tap mics will be utilized for “hands free” singing.) This category is NOT eligible for the “Outstanding Vocalist” Award. (5 points will be deducted for lead voices on music track). Back-up vocals permitted. (See Vocal category below for microphone information)

Tap: Routine utilizing tap technique. (5 points will be deducted for taps on music track.)

Wild Card: Routine from any of the above listed categories. The Wild Card category can only be used after a routine with the same performer(s) from any of the above listed categories is already entered.

VOCAL CATEGORY

Vocal: The song may be in any musical style (i.e. country-western, rock-n-roll, classical, blues, etc). (5 points will be deducted for lead voices on music track). Back-up vocals are permitted. All Vocal routines are eligible for the “Outstanding Vocalist” Top Score Award only. (This category is NOT eligible for Title.)

• 2 wireless hand-held microphones with stands are available at each competition.
• Special (lavalier type) microphones or sound equipment may not be hooked up without prior written StarQuest management approval. Please contact the StarQuest Office at least 30 days before your event.
• Vocalist may perform in the Select, Classic, or Nova level.

DEADLINES, FEES, & RESERVATION SYSTEM

Please see your Online Registration Profile for further details. All deposits and fees are nonrefundable. A reservation deposit is required to reserve your spot. If an event sells out and you are NOT RESERVED, and/or not paid in full, even if you are attached in online registration, your routines are not guaranteed. Please reserve your entries as soon as possible. Our Event Concierges are always here to help!

ACCEPTANCE

All entries must be submitted from a verified studio through Online Registration.  We do not accept Independent Entries. Phone, fax or e-mail entries will NOT be accepted. Entries are limited to the amount of performance time available at each event. Dancers can only compete with one studio per event unless there is prior authorization from StarQuest and both Studio Owners. Regional and Finals Fees can be found on each studio’s StarQuest Online Registration Home Page.

MEDIA PACKAGE

StarQuest is proud to continue its ALL-INCLUSIVE MEDIA PACKAGE. The prepaid Media Package covers ALL photos & videos associated with each dancer, plus a free digital program, and free livestream of the event whenever possible. This extremely low-cost fee is separate from Entry Fees and is calculated on the Studio’s Online Registration page. The Media Package is required for all dancers and studios. Dancers who attend multiple StarQuest regional events only pay for the Media Package at their first event, all additional regional events that year are complimentary.

MUSIC

Music must be uploaded to the online registration website with your routines no later than 7 days prior to the event.

Digital Upload:

• Music files can only be uploaded after the performances are entered.
• Music files must be uploaded at least 7 days prior to the competition.
• StarQuest will automatically assign entry numbers to each uploaded music file.
• Please be sure to upload the exact version of your performance music because pitch/speed of music cannot be adjusted at the event.
• StarQuest supports MP3, M4A & MP4 files.
• Uploaded music files must be DRM free.
• Please bring a back up copy of your music on a USB.

StarQuest is not responsible for music left at the show.

REGIONAL “ELITE DANCER” & “EMERGING ARTIST”

Mini StarQuest: Ages 5 & Under (Nova Title Only)

Petite StarQuest: Ages 6-8

Junior StarQuest: Ages 9-11

Teen StarQuest: Ages 12-14

Senior StarQuest: Ages 15-19

• All StarQuest Titles are gender inclusive.
• New In 2023: Nova Emerging Artist:
  • Nova Emerging Artist:
    • A Nova Level soloist may enter as many as three regional solo routines for a regional “Nova Emerging Artist” title.
    • “Nova Emerging Artist Title” scores are separate and not related to their adjudication score. The score is based on the performer’s overall performance ability, personality, and entertainment skills in addition to technique.
    • All Genders compete together for “Nova Emerging Artist Title”.
    • Each winner receives a $110 Gift Certificate to our 2023 World Finals, a custom award, and several other prizes.
    • Up to 2 Runners Up will be announced and will receive a custom award.
    • All Participants up for Nova Emerging Artist title will receive a custom medal.
  • Classic Emerging Artist:
    • A Classic Level soloist may enter as many as three regional solo routines for a regional “Classic Emerging Artist” title.
    • “Classic Emerging Artis” scores are separate and not related to their adjudication score. The score is based on the performer’s overall performance ability, personality, and entertainment skills in addition to technique.
    • All Genders compete together for “Classic Emerging Artis”.
    • Each winner receives a $110 Gift Certificate to our 2023 World Finals, a custom award, and several other prizes.
    • Up to 2 Runners Up will be announced and will receive a custom award.
    • All Participants up for Classic Emerging Artis will receive a custom medal.
  • Elite Dancer
    • A Select Level soloist may enter as many as three regional solo routines for a regional “Elite Dancer″.
    • “Elite Dancer” scores are separate and not related to their adjudication score. The score is based on the performer’s overall performance ability, personality, and entertainment skills in addition to technique.
    • All Genders compete together for “Elite Dancer”.
    • Each winner receives a $110 Gift Certificate to our 2023 World Finals, a custom award, and several other prizes.
    • Up to 2 Runners Up will be announced and will receive a custom award.
    • All Participants up for Elite Dancer will receive a custom medal.
• The cost of regional title is $60 per entry and may be added on site, as well as in advance online.
• Title Routines are up for both top score & title.

NOTE: You do not have to win a 2023 Regional “Elite Dancer” or “Emerging Artist” Title to compete for 2023 World “Elite Dancer” or “Emerging Artist”!

JUDGING

A panel of highly qualified, fully vetted, and competent judges will judge all performances. All contestants, teachers, and parents agree that the method of judging shall be solely within the discretion of the directors of StarQuest Dance Competition and that all decisions of the judges are final. Contestants will be adjudicated against a point system. In this way, the contestants receive a more accurate evaluation of their performance. With this scoring system, multiple Ultimate Platinum (Select Only), Platinum Plus, Platinum, High Gold, and Gold adjudication awards may be presented within each age class and division for each category of competition. Studio directors may pick up their Score Sheet Summaries at the end of each competition day. Video critiques of each routine from all 3 judges are provided online, on Tuesday by 6 PM, after the competition weekend!

ADJUDICATION RANGES

ADJUDICATION RANGES (Individual Judges)

ON STAGE GUIDELINES

• No form of liquid, gel, aerosol, paint, or other material may be used that can adversely affect the dancing surface.
• If stage is littered after your performance, you are responsible for an immediate and expeditious removal of any debris. Failure to follow these safety measures may result in the routine being “adjudicated only”.
• Acrobatic silks, dangerous props such as fire, swords and knives are prohibited.
• Backdrops, hanging pieces, scaffolding, rigging, or special lights are also prohibited without prior permission from the StarQuest Event Director.
• Choreography that allows any dancer to be physically placed more than 6 feet off the ground of any scenic piece or prop is not allowed without prior written StarQuest management approval.
• Live animals and helium Balloons are not allowed without prior written StarQuest management approval – these are illegal at many event locations. Please contact the StarQuest Office 30 days before your event.

PHOTO/VIDEO RELEASE & POLICIES

• Contestants and guests give their permission to the director of StarQuest Dance Competition to use their photographs and/or videos in connection with advertising, TV, website and news coverage of our competition.
• Video recording or photography is not allowed during performances as well as in dressing rooms and lavatories. Photography & Videography is allowed during award ceremonies, flash photography is never allowed. Unauthorized video recording or unauthorized photography may lead to an entry being “adjudicated only”; the photos and/or videos being confiscated; and those involved possibly being escorted from the event. We have the exclusive right to notify legal authorities, if necessary; as well as deny any person(s) or studio(s) access to the competition – and possibly future SQ competitions – due to misconduct, misuse, or otherwise. We urge all studio owners, teachers, and especially parents to keep our performers photographically safe by reporting suspected photographic violations.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Neither StarQuest Dance Competition, its directors, and staff, nor the hosting facility is responsible for personal injury or property loss to contestants or spectators. The StarQuest time schedule, directions, regional competition update and sponsorship offers will be available online to all studios no less than one week before each competition date. A StarQuest teacher packet including entry confirmation list, parent time sheet, and Competition Schedule will be emailed to all studios no less than one week before each competition date. (Schedules vary from location to location depending on the number of routines that are registered.)
• StarQuest reserves the right to bar or remove any attendee (participant, spectator, teacher, studio head, etc.) from any StarQuest event, in its sole discretion, if StarQuest determines or believes that an attendee’s presence, or behavior, creates a disruption or hinders the StarQuest event or the enjoyment of the StarQuest event by other attendees.
• Incomplete routines may be “adjudicated only” since the Judges can only score the routine for “time performed” as opposed to completed routines that are automatically eligible for Top Score.
• Contestants must check in with our Stage Manager and perform in scheduled order unless our Stage Manager grants special permission. Failure to comply with any of these directives may result in the routine being “adjudicated only”.
• Should the event run ahead of its scheduled time, performers should still plan to be ready to perform.
• All deposits and fees are nonrefundable.
• Good sportsmanship is expected from all contestants, studio owners, teachers, parents, and guests. Failure to display such conduct may result in the routine being “adjudicated only”.
• Any routine with choreography, music, or costume considered inappropriate for family viewing by our judges will become “adjudicated only”. See StarQuest and Appropriateness for further explanation.

RELEASE FORM

I, the below signed, on behalf of the parties hereby swear and attest that I and the below set forth dance club (collectively hereinafter “We” or “Our”) have all necessary and required permission and authorization of all necessary parents and/or guardians herein of all minors hereby registered and participating, and as such on behalf of said minors/participants fully release StarQuest International, its owners, directors, employees, agents, independent contractors, subsidiaries, parent corporations, and all affiliated entities (hereinafter collectively referred to as “StarQuest”) from any and all claims, damages, liability, illness (including but not limited to MRSA, influenza, and COVID-19), loss of service, and causes of action of any kind including negligence or future negligence which may occur while participating in any activity connected with, or at, a StarQuest Event. This release is fully given as it is acknowledged that there are risks of physical injury, or exposure to and illness from infectious diseases associated with, arising out of and inherent to the activity of dance or attendance at a StarQuest Event. We, therefore with herein sworn to and attested legal authority do hereby voluntarily waive all right and/or causes of action as set forth above and knowingly assume the risk of any injury or illness. We also swear and attest that all necessary parents and/or guardians herein of all minors hereby registered and participating in any StarQuest events have fully read, understand and accept all provisions set forth in the StarQuest Release Form in which We provided to said parents and/or guardians and which are provided on the StarQuest website, www.starquestdance.com/rules.

We acknowledges that StarQuest is following all guidelines, including but not limited to guidelines from the CDC. We further hereby agree to indemnify StarQuest and hold StarQuest harmless of all liability, and freely assumes all inherent risks both known and unknown, and hereby acknowledge that We knowingly and voluntarily by free will to assume full responsibility for all of our statements and attestations set forth above, for all legal positions We swear to possess, for all risks of physical injury arising out of active participation in the StarQuest event by any minor/participant, all allegations, claims, actions, suits, demands, damages, liabilities, obligations, losses, settlements, judgments, costs and expenses (including without limitation attorneys’ fees and costs) which arise out of, relate to or result for any act or omission or false statement.

I understand and agree that in participating in any dance class, workshop, rehearsal or performance, even virtually, there is a possibility of physical injury and, in rare circumstances, death. I agree to release and hold harmless StarQuest Dance, including its teachers, dancers, staff members, and facilities from any cause of action, claims, or demands now and in the future. I will not hold StarQuest Dance liable for any personal injury or any personal property damage, which may occur, during or after events/classes. Furthermore, I understand that I should be aware of my, and/or my child’s physical limitations and agree not to exceed them. If I am signing this waiver for my child, I certify that I am the parent or legal guardian and have the right to waive these rights.

It is hereby agreed & confirmed by the Studio that said studio has acquired all right, title & licensing for any choreography and music to be used at any StarQuest event or competition, Studio further infers that they will fully indemnify and hold StarQuest harmless for any failure by studio to acquire all rights to choreography which will include all costs, fees (to include attorney fees), and all other measures of damages. We further acknowledge that all deposits and fees paid to StarQuest are non-refundable.

We also give StarQuest permission and a worldwide royalty-free license to use any photos and/or videos of this competition and/or of any minor/participant for sales, advertising, media offerings, commercial entertainment and development purposes, TV, the Internet, the website, news coverage, or for providing to other media outlets for use in accordance with this agreement.  Therefore, the minor/participant has Our attested legal authority to participate in StarQuest Events. We warrant that the information is complete and correct. We further release StarQuest of all liabilities associated with the minor/participants’ attendance at a StarQuest Event.

WORLD FINALS

The 2023 StarQuest World Finals are OPEN INVITATIONAL!

You do not have to enter a 2023 StarQuest Regional Competition to compete at the 2023 World Finals! All entries must be from a studio. Soloists may perform up to FOUR solos at the 2023 World Finals. (Regional Rules regarding Levels, Divisions, Time Limits, Music, Age Ranges, Age Classes, Performance Categories & Additional Categories apply.) Copies of birth certificates for all contestants competing in the 2023 World Finals should be accessible on site. World Finals fees can be found at each studio’s StarQuest Online Registration Home Page.  All ages for the 2023 World Finals are as of January 1, 2023.