FAQ
Before the Competition:
How do we register? 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. Please see your Online Registration Profile for further details. All deposits and fees are non-refundable. 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.
How does one become a “verified studio”? When a studio initially signs up for a new account or logs into an existing DanceComp Genie Studio Center account, every studio goes through a verification process. A StarQuest staff member will review your account to verify that the account holder is a Studio Owner/Director of an active Dance Studio. Once reviewed and approved, you will receive full access to your registration portal.
Where is the exact location of the competition? Go to our Regional Schedule and click on your competition city. That will have the most up-to-date street address of the venue as well as hotel information.
What is the Media Package? StarQuest is proud to continue its ALL-INCLUSIVE MEDIA PACKAGE. The pre-paid Media Package covers ALL photos & videos associated with each dancer, plus a free digital program, and a 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. StarQuest offers a discounted media package for sibling dancers competing at our events.
What are your Entry Fees & Ancillary Fees? Regional and Finals Fees can be found on each studio’s StarQuest Online Registration Home Page. Please see your Online Registration Profile for further details. All fees are released to studio owners or competition directors only.
How do I know when my child is dancing? The schedule is available at least nine days prior to your competition date. Go to our Regional Schedule and click on your competition city. Here you will see the schedule link. Specific entry numbers are sent directly to the Studio Director.
Do you accept independent entries? No.
I noticed a mistake in the schedule. What do I do? Contact your studio director and tell them to call us at 919-363-2900 or to email us at concierge@starquestdance.com
When do I need to get to the competition? Please ask your studio director to find out when they want you to arrive at the competition. Because we tend to run early, we ask that all dancers be ready to dance at least 1-2 hours prior to their scheduled time or at doors open time if your performance is within the first two hours. Anyone in the audience hoping to watch a particular dancer should be there at least one hour ahead of time as well.
What happens when StarQuest runs ahead of schedule? Should the event run ahead of its scheduled time, performers should still plan to be ready to perform early.
Do you have different levels of competition? Yes, we have 3 levels: Nova, Classic & Select. For a more in-depth explanation, visit our Rules Tab at the top of this page or click here.
Where can I find StarQuest’s 2027 rules? Our rules can be found at: www.starquestdance.com/rules or you can click on the tab at the top of this page that says “Rules.”
Is StarQuest owned by a private equity group? No! We are proudly family-owned since 1993!
What is Artist Unite Collective? Artists Unite Collective is StarQuest’s reimagined dance convention. Through movement and interactive talk workshops, our goal is to foster dancers’ growth, creativity, and wellness by evolving personal artistic voices, enhancing health literacy, and introducing professional tools for their present and future. To learn more, visit AUC’s website HERE.
During the Competition:
Do you assign dressing room space? Yes, we assign each studio/school a dressing room space. Any of our staff members will gladly show you where your dressing area is located. This is your space for the entire competition.
Do you permit the use of fog machines as props? No form of liquid, gel, aerosol, sand, paint, chalk, glitter, or other material that can adversely affect the dancing surface may be used.
When can I bring props? Prop storage is different at every venue. Studio Directors please check in with your Event Director as to when to bring in props.
Where do I bring my props when I get to the competition? When you arrive, please check immediately with the Stage Manager (typically located backstage left) for prop placement and to be logged in the Stage Manager’s program.
Will there be a snack bar open at the competition? Some venues provide a concession stand. If concessions are not provided, someone at the facility will be able to tell you the nearest place to find food/snacks. Water is usually allowed inside the facility. Whenever available, venue food policies can be found by clicking your city’s Regional Schedule. You can also find information about nearby food options in your event’s Parent Packet, which will be linked on the event page. If you have a specific dietary need or questions please email us at concierge@starquestdance.com
What does it mean to go up for title? How is it judged? A Select level soloist may enter as many as three regional solo routines for the regional “Elite Dancer” title. A Classic level soloist may enter as many as two regional solo routines for the regional “Classic Emerging Artist” title. A Nova level soloist may enter as many as two regional solo routines for the regional “Nova Emerging Artist” title. Elite Dancer, Nova Emerging Artist, and Classic Emerging Artist routines 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. Simply choose the routine(s) you wish to enter for the StarQuest regional title by selecting it in online registration. All StarQuest titles are gender inclusive.
My family wants to come watch the competition. Is it free to watch? Yes. Admission is complimentary for all participating Studios and their families. A Digital Pass may be required to enter the venue and you must be verified by a participating studio to attend.
Is videotaping/taking photographs allowed at the competition? Video recording or photography is not allowed during performances as well as in dressing rooms and lavatories. Photography and videography are 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 StarQuest 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.
Once I get on-site, how do I check in/register if I am a Studio Director/Teacher? All Studio Directors or representatives must check in at the registration counter located in the lobby at our Media Center. There, you will receive your StarQuest Owner/Director Badge, specific dressing room assignment, complimentary program, and other goodies.
What is the scoring breakdown for awards? Here are our adjudication ranges used for any score-based awards. For more information on all awards, please visit our 2027 Regional and Finals Awards website page.
Adjudication Range
Select Nova/Classic
300-291 Ultimate Platinum N/A
290.99-276 Platinum Plus 300-276
275.99-264 Platinum 275.99-264
263.99-246 High Gold 263.99-246
245.99-228 Gold 245.99-228
After the Competition:
How do I get my photos and videos from the media package? Click here to learn more about how to access your photos & videos. If you are having trouble accessing your media package, please email media@starquestdance.com
How do I order a plaque or trophy? Availability of the awards may be limited. You can email us at concierge@starquestdance.com
What’s your mailing address? Phone number? Fax? StarQuest International PO Box 358, Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526 Phone: 919-363-2900 Fax: 919-363-9837
How do I get my judges’ critiques? Judges’ critiques are available to Studio Directors by direct download Tuesday evening after the event. Log in to your Studio Profile link & click on the critiques link. You can also get to your Studio Profile by clicking HERE.
How do I receive my Gift Certificate winnings? All gift certificates are awarded to the studio and are added to each studio’s Online Registration account. These will be available to be used towards future registrations.
I have questions about my merchandise purchase. What should I do? Call us at 919-363-2900 or email us at merchandise@starquestdance.com
Are videos & photos posted on the StarQuest website? Photogenic winner’s photos can be viewed by clicking the media tab at the top of the SQ website. Click on the Photogenic link.
SQ Facebook: Additional photos & videos from every event are posted on our Facebook Page, generally within one week of the competition.
SQ Instagram: Additional photos & videos from every event are also posted on our Instagram Page, generally within one week of the competition.
