Before the Event

Divisions

  • Entry Types:
    • Dance Solo
    • Cheer Solo
    • Dance Duet/Trio
    • Dance Group/Team
    • Cheer Small Group (10- or less)
    • Cheer Large Group (10+ or more)
    • Dance Production Number
  • Categories:
    • Acro Dance
    • Ballet
    • Ballroom
    • Contemporary
    • Hip-Hop
    • Jazz
    • Lyrical
    • Novelty/Broadway
    • Open
    • Pointe*
    • Tap
    • Production
    • Cheer Stunt Group
    • Cheer Dance
    • Cheer Chant

*Any routine done in pointe shoes must be in the pointe category, regardless of style. 

  • Levels:
    • Rec
    • Beginner
    • Multi-level – *NEW* We realize that many rural studios have several different levels in the same class (ex: 3 intermediate performers and 2 brand new performers in the same class). To accommodate for this, we have added the Multi-level division. This division will not have points deducted if some performers in the group do intermediate or advanced skills.
    • Intermediate
    • Advanced
  • Level Placement/Skills:
    • Rec: 0-2 years of competition experience – Dance: Working on proper technique for single turns, leaps, jumps, & cartwheels – Cheer: Working on proper technique for somersaults and cartwheels
    • Beginner: 2-4 years of competition experience – Dance: Single turn, leaps, jumps & cartwheels – Cheer: Somersaults, cartwheels, loud projection (vocal), kicks, leg-stunts, waist-preps
    • Multi-level: 2-30 years of competition experience – This level is ONLY for classes that have multiple skill levels. Ex: If half your dancers can do aerials but the other half cannot, this division is for you!
    • Intermediate: 4-7 years of competition experience – Dance: Double-triple turns, leaps, jumps, walkovers, aerials – Cheer: Cartwheel, round-offs, walkovers, kicks, jumps, loud projection and clear (vocal), preps, & cradles
    • Advanced: 7+ years of competitions experience – Dance: Triple+ turns, fouettés, extensions, sequenced leaps, acro skills – Cheer: Round-offs, back walkovers, handsprings, toe-touch/hurdles, loud/strong/clear-projecting (vocal), preps/extensions, flips, & pyramids
  • Age Categories:
    • Mini Star: 3-6
    • Petite Star: 7-10
    • Junior Star: 11-13
    • Senior Star: 14-18
    • Adult Star: 19+
    • Ages are based on the age of the performer on the day of the competition.
    • Group ages are determined by the average age of the performers.
    • Age may NOT be altered. Contestants may be required to present proof of age in debatable situations.

Time

  • Time Limits:
    • All routines are limited to 3 minutes. Production numbers are limited to 8 minutes. 
    • Cheer chants are limited to 1 minute and 30 seconds.
  • Extended Time Limit
    • Extended time may be granted with an extra fee per minute.

 

Music & Props

  • Music:
    • Upload all of your music in our registration system at least 8 days BEFORE the competition. Please bring a backup on the day of the competition.
  • Props:
    • Props and backgrounds are welcome! The stage must be returned to its original setting within 30 seconds. Please disclose all props when registering. Damage to the floor by props is the sole responsibility of the performers’ studio.
  • Cheer:
    • Use caution when utilizing props outside of the normal selectives as they may be unsafe or dangerous to the performers or bystanders.
    • Props with sharp, pointed edges should not be used for performance. Along with props that may be weight-bearing and too heavy for performers are not permitted.
    • Throughout the performance, props are required to be placed far from performers, prior to or post-use (example: if a prop is thrown, such as pompoms, they must be thrown out of reach).
    • Props cannot be thrown from stunts or out into the crowd.
    • Set props out prior to performance unless coordinated into entrance format such as pompoms.
    • Any height-enhancing props are prohibited (such as mini trampolines).

 

Registration

  • Deadlines:
    • All routines must be registered 35 days prior to the competition date to avoid paying late fees. Registration is open until 21 days before the event.
    • Any routine that is registered but not paid in full within 35 days prior to the competitions will be subject to late fees.
    • Entry fees are NON-REFUNDABLE. NO EXCEPTIONS.
    • Late fees are $10 per performer. Late fees will be charged if registered or paid after 35 days prior to the competition date.
  • Software
    • Starlight Dance & Cheer Competitions use DanceComp Genie software for registration. You must use this to register. If you have any issues with the software, please chat while using the software or contact Chandelle at 208-724-4206 with any questions or issues.
  • Fees
    • Dance Solo: $90/dancer
    • Cheer Solo: $90/performer
    • Dance Duo/Trio: $50/dancer
    • Dance Group/Team: $20/dancer
    • Cheer Small Group: $20/performer
    • Cheer Large Group: $20/performer
    • Dance Production Number: $20/dancer
    • Late fees are $10 per performer. Late fees will be charged if registered or paid after 35 days prior to the competition date.
  • Payments
    • Payments may be made through our registration software (DanceComp Genie). You should be prompted to pay upon completion of your registration. If you have any issues, please chat while using the software or contact Chandelle at 208-724-4206.
  • Starlight Title
    • 3 Starlight Titles will be awarded at each competition. This is a solo title and you can compete for this in the beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels.
    • Title solos may be in any category and are still eligible for other solo awards in their categories.
    • The Starlight Title will be given to the highest solo score in each of the following categories: Beginner, Intermediate & Advanced.
    • This is an add-on during registration. This must be purchased as an add-on during registration of solo.
    • Fee is $15 added to the normal solo price.
  • Dance Down/Cheer Down
    • Dance Down: 2 per competition – After rec and beginner level performances and after intermediate and advanced level performances
    • Cheer Down: 2 per competition – After rec and beginner level performances and after intermediate and advanced level performances
    • Anyone can enter the dance down or cheer down competitions.
    • Participants will learn a short combo/routine and then perform in groups in front of the judges. 2 performers will be kept from every group and will keep performing until only 1 participant is left after eliminations.
    • Dance Down and Cheer Down tickets may be purchased on the day of the event.
    • Entry tickets are $15.
  • Starlight Photo Booth Competition
    • Entries into the starlight photo booth competition will be entered to win several different awards. Details coming soon.
    • Photo Booth entries may be purchased on the day of the event. Photos will be taken the day of the event and win special prizes from the judges.
    • Entry fees are $20/individual and $35/group.

 

At The Event

Event Schedule

  • Schedule
    • Event schedule will be available 1-2 weeks prior to the competition.
    • Competing performers should be ready at least 1 hour prior to their scheduled time. Performers will be expected to perform early if the competition runs early.
    • Schedule is always subject to change.
    • Routines must be performed in their scheduled order unless authorized by a Starlight Director.
  • Studio Check-In
    • All studio directors should check in at least an hour before their first scheduled performance.
  • Dance Down & Cheer Down
    • Dance Down: 2 per competition – After rec and beginner level performances and after intermediate and advanced level performances
    • Cheer Down: 2 per competition – After rec and beginner level performances and after intermediate and advanced level performances
    • Anyone can enter the dance down or cheer down competitions.
    • Participants will learn a short combo/routine and then perform in groups in front of the judges. 2 performers will be kept from every group.
    • Dance Down and Cheer Down tickets may be purchased on the day of the event.
    • Entry tickets are $15.
  • Starlight Photo Booth Competition
    • Entries into the starlight photo booth competition will be entered to win several different awards. Details coming soon.
    • Photo Booth entries may be purchased on the day of the event. Photos will be taken the day of the event and win special prizes from the judges.
    • Entry fees are $20/individual and $35/group.

 

Scoring & Awards

  • Scoring
    • A panel of 3 highly qualified, fully vetted, and competent judges will judge all performances. They will judge each routine based on the following:
    • Dance: 
      • Choreography
      • Technical Ability
      • Presentation
      • Showmanship
    • Cheer Dance Routine:
      • Dance/Motions
      • Tumbling
      • Stunts
      • Jumps/Kicks
      • Expressions/Engaging the Crowd
      • Formations: Spacing/Use of the Floor/Transitions
      • Overall Presentation
    • Cheer Chant Routine:
      • Motions
      • Voice Projection
      • Use of Props
      • Expressions/Engaging the Crowd
      • Formations: Spacing/Use of the Floor/Transitions
      • Overall Presentation
  • Point Deduction, Penalties, & Disqualification
    • Performers must compete at their appropriate level. If a routine is entered into the wrong category, 10 penalty points will be placed on their overall score. Example: If a routine has advanced level moves but is entered into Beginner level, 10 penalty points will be applied to their overall score. Please see the level placement/skills section of our rules for assistance in placing your routine at the appropriate level. Contact us with any questions regarding placement.
    • If you have a group of performers that are at different levels (some Beginner, some Intermediate, or Advanced), you may enter into the multi-level division. This allows the performers at a higher level to be able to do tricks that coincide with their level. If you enter this level and ALL performers do tricks/moves in a certain category, 10 penalty points will be deducted. This division is only for classes that have multi-level performers in them. (Example: A group of 10 dancers enters a multi-level division and 2 of those dancers do fouettés, no points will be deducted. However, if all 10 dancers do fouettés, this indicates all the dancers are Advanced and should compete in the Advanced category, 10 penalty points will be placed on their overall score.)
  • Awards
    • Recreational level:
      • Judging is based on a point system and given a rating of Shooting Star, Shining Star and Twinkle Star. 
    • Beginner, Multi-level, Intermediate, and Advanced levels:
      • Solo, Duo, Trio, and Teams will receive a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place per category/style/age group/level and will receive a trophy.
    • Overall High Scores per level:
      • 1st – 3rd overalls per division includes duo/trio and all teams
      • All solos can register to compete for a solo title. This must be done upon registration of the solo. Starlight title will be an add-on option in the Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced levels.
  • Critiques & Score Sheets
    • Starlight Dance & Cheer Competitions use a vocal recording judging system. Critiques are matched with the video of the performance. Critiques and score sheets will be sent out via email the week following the competition.

 

Policies & Disclaimers

  • Photo/video release
    • All participants give their permission to Starlight Competitions and Events, LLC to use their photographs and/or videos in connection with advertising, TV, website, and news coverage.
    • Video recording and flash photography are not allowed during performances, in dressing rooms, or in lavatories.
    • Videography is allowed during award ceremonies.
  • Refund Policy
    • All deposits and fees paid to Starlight Competitions and Events, LLC are non-refundable.
  • Family Friendly Policy
    • Starlight Competitions and Events is dedicated to providing an environment that is family-friendly. Routines, costumes, and music must be age-appropriate and suitable for audiences that include children of every age. Offensive language/lyrics, choreography, costuming, and/or the use of dance themes such as rape, suicide, murder, sex, domestic violence, anorexia, or other dark undertones presented with a lack of “artistic discretion” may be considered inappropriate. We recognize that this is extremely subjective and sensitive. Therefore, Starlight judges and staff will use their utmost professional judgment to ensure appropriateness while still encouraging artistic creativity.  
  • Cheer Policy
    • Safety:
      • Warm-ups: Auxiliary area will be provided from stunt preparations if need be
      • Mats: Landing mats will be made available for each cheer performance and are required based on performance level placements.
      • Spotters: Will be on or near the competition floor depending on the level. This person’s sole purpose and responsibility are to prevent any accidents that might occur during stunt progressions. This is done by protecting a top flier’s head and body from being injured during a performance.
      • Any athlete should remove jewelry of any kind before entering the stage for performance. This includes but is not limited to, earrings, bracelets, or necklaces.
    • General Rules & Routine Requirements
      • Practices and performances must take place on appropriate surfaces. Any advanced stunts must be done on mats rather than the surface stage.
      • All routines must have the same competitors through the entirety of the routine. No performer must replace another performer when the routine is being performed.
    • Practice/Floor Times
      • Practice opportunities in an auxiliary area may be available to performers based on the order of performance. Keep in mind this area will be available for a time slot and will be given to other studios to warm-up prior to their performances as well.
  • Backstage Policy
    • Teachers and performers only allowed backstage. ALL parents and students not performing in the current division are to watch from the audience. 
  • Release Form
    • Upon submission and acceptance of entry registrations, studios hereby swear and attest that they have all necessary and required permission and authorization of all necessary parents and/or guardians herein of all minors hereby registered and participating. Upon registration, all participants fully release Starlight Competitions and Events, LLC, its owners, directors, employees, agents, independent contractor, subsidiaries, parent corporations, and all affiliated entities from any and all claims, damages, liability, illness, 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 Starlight Competition or Event. Upon submission and acceptance of entry registrations, all parties irrevocably agree that all contractual agreements between studios, registrants, and Starlight Competitions and Events, LLC shall be construed and governed by the internal laws, and not the law of conflicts, of the State of Idaho.  The parties irrevocably and unconditionally (i) agree that any legal action, suit or proceeding arising out of relating to the agreement may be brought in the courts of the State of Idaho or of the United States of America for the District of Idaho, (ii) submit to the jurisdiction of any such court in any such action, suit or proceeding, and (iii) waive, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any objection that they may now or hereafter have to the laying of the venue of any action or proceeding arising out of relating to this agreement in any court referred to in this section.  The final judgment against a party in any action, suit, or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in any other jurisdiction by suit on the judgment.
    • Any Starlight Competitions and Events, LLC participant takes certain incumbent risks. Participation in the Starlight Dance & Cheer Competition implies the acknowledgment and acceptance of the present risks by attendees and their parents and/or guardians. Starlight Competitions & Events, LLC assumes no responsibility for personal injury and/or property loss during any Starlight Competition or Event.