Rules and Regulations

• There is no limit to the amount of regional competitions a studio and/or independent dancer may compete in. However, regional award winning routines from previous competitions are not eligible for high scores awarded from a previous regional competition in the same year, but are eligible for special awards.  Please notify CRU of any prior winnings.
  
  

• All contestants must conduct themselves in a professional manner. Any unsportsmanlike conduct will result in disqualification.
  
  

• In the event that the competition is ahead of schedule or re-ordering has occurred, competing dancers must be ready to perform 1 hour prior to scheduled time. Contestant must perform on his/her designated day and in the order stated in the program unless officials of CRU change the line-up.
  
  

• A Solo performer may not compete against him or her self in a given category. In a Duet/Trio, at least one dancer must be different when competing in the same category. It is permissible to compete against yourself in Groups and Lines. At the National Finals, dancers can be replaced, if necessary, as long as 50% or more of the original dancers are in the routine. Teachers are required to notify CRU of these replacements.
  
  

• Under no circumstances will a performer be allowed to re-perform any number unless the number has been interrupted by a technical error on the part of CRU, an electrical failure, or any extenuating circumstance on the part of CRU solely, that heretofore is unforeseen. Conditions of a stage are not the responsibility of CRU and will not be considered in the re-performance of an entry.
  
  

• CRU reserves the right to cancel a competition if a minimal number of entries are not received. In such cases, all monies will be refunded. However, in cases where the minimal number of entries is received, registration fees are non-refundable.
  
  

• LIABILITY: CRU, its staff, its sponsors, the hotel, theater or site of the convention or competition will not be held responsible for any accident or injury that may occur to anyone participating or attending these events. CRU cannot be held responsible for unforeseen flaws in theater stages that may inadvertently lend to the causing of an accident. Persons entering the competition and/or participating as a spectator or in any other aspect MUST assume the responsibility for any unforeseen injury. It is the responsibility of the dance teacher and/or person in charge of a participating group to educate all entrants their parents and attendees on the rules and policies of CRU.
  
  

• CRU must have a consent form signed before students will be allowed to compete. This is accomplished on the payment and release form where studio owners/ directors/representatives acknowledge they have read the rules and regulations.  Representative and parents must sign the form on behalf of all competing students. The form can be downloaded on our web site and is due by the entry deadline date.
  
  

• Prior to each competition schedules will be emailed to directors and also available on line. Schedules will be available no later than one week prior to event.
  
  

• Upon entering and competing in CRU, all teachers/dancers give permission and consent to CRU to use any photographs or video/film taken for promotional advertising or any other commercial use.
  
  

• Personal videotaping and photography is strictly prohibited during performances. Professional videotapes and photographs will be available for purchase during the competition. In the event that a professional videographer is not able to attend, personal videotaping will be allowed. In this case only one designated person from your studio will be allowed to videotape in a designated area blocked off by CRU staff. Any video being taped outside of designated area will be confiscated and could result in disqualification.
  
  

• A soloist may perform more than one routine in this category, as long as the routines are in different dance genres. Upon entering, dancers are eligible to compete for various prizes and professional opportunities.
  
  

• Any dance containing more than 3 tumbling passes will be automatically reclassified and considered for the Acro category, unless this routine is already in the Open category.
  
  

• All props are allowed except for the following:

  • Swords, knives, or any other sharp objects (unless plastic - but must be approved prior to performance)

  • Fire in any form (candles, torches, etc.)

  • Fog or smoke

  • Helium balloons

  • Special lighting
    
    

• One minute will be allowed in addition to maximum time for set up and strike of props. Dances requiring more time will need to purchase an extension to avoid penalties.  Non-compliance will result in a deduction of 10 points. Entry is responsible for any necessary cleanup involving prop usage after each performance.  Any props that require assembly with nails or screws need to be completed ahead of time.  There can be absolutely NO sharp objects such as nails or screws allowed loose in the performance areas at any time

The following genres of dance are accepted (see definitions below):

Jazz - A routine that demonstrates jazz technique, which may include classical, contemporary, hip-hop, funk, pop, or lock. Routines containing only hip-hop, funk, pop, or lock technique should be considered for the hip-hop category.

 

Tap - A routine that demonstrates tap technique and basic tap floor work. Any routines demonstrating clogging technique should be considered for the clogging category.

 

Ballet - A routine that demonstrates ballet technique, which may include classical and/or contemporary movement and interpretation. (Ballet shoes only.)

 

Pointe - A routine that demonstrates ballet done on Pointe, which contains classical ballet technique.

 

Modern - A routine consisting of contemporary modern movement, which demonstrates control and balance throughout and utilizes modern-specific technique such as contractions, tilts, etc.

 

Lyrical - A routine that combines jazz, modern, and ballet techniques in fluid, controlled movements. Often has a "story" element that relates to the lyrics or emotion of the song.

 

Ethnic - A routine that uses any ethnic style of dance (e.g. African, Japanese, Middle Eastern, Flamenco, etc.) and its related technique and movement.

 

Acrobat - A routine that combines gymnastics and tumbling ability with dance technique.

 

Character/Musical Theater - A routine in which the dancer(s) portray(s) a character (e.g. animal, TV, Broadway, historical, fictional, etc.) or interpret(s) a song from a Broadway or other musical, while incorporating dance technique and movement.

 

Hip-Hop - A routine that utilizes street style dancing or MTV styles. Funk, break, pop and lock are also included in this category.

 

Clogging - A routine incorporating clogging technique and movement.

 

Drill/Pom - A routine consisting of sharp, clean movements, kicks, and jumps in drill team fashion. If poms are used, they should be used consistently throughout the routine.

 

Liturgical - A routine that portrays a religious theme and incorporates any style of dance listed above.

 

Open - A routine that utilizes any combination of dance techniques listed above or any other dance style not previously listed.

 

Student Choreography – A routine of any style choreographed by a student with no assistance from an instructor.  Phrases of choreography and/or music used from your studio choreographed by a teacher is not allowed. The dance may be performed as a solo, duo/trio, group, line or production. Performance by the choreographer is allowed.  Trophies will be awarded to the top scoring Student Choreography routine in each age group.

 

Contemporary – A routine that incorporates modern vocabulary while still staying true to classical ballet dance techniques. Routines are usually performed to music other than classical.

• All entries are judged and scored by a panel of qualified and competent judges. The method of judging is solely within the discretion of CRU. All judges' scores are final and are unchangeable.

• Awards Will be given in the Petite, Junior, Teen Senior and Adult Age Divisions. Awards may inlcude trophies, cash, plaques, medals, ribbons, lanyards, award plates, scholarships, crowns, sashes, and specials.
  
  
• Every dancer is regognized with an award.
  
  
• Solo Title contestants compete in a separate category than soloist.
  
  
• A soloist and/or solo title contestant may place only once in the top solo awards.
  
  
• Dances must receive a silver star or hight to qualify for Nationals.

• Each entry must furnish its own music in the form of a newly mastered CD. A back-up CD is required in case of malfunction. CDs must include title of dance, studio name/designated letter, and performance number written in black permanent marker on the face of the CD.  NO LABELS ARE ALLOWED. Each entry must be provided on an individual CD. No multiple tracks PLEASE! CRU is not responsible for unedited music. Please have music cued and edited for a professional quality performance.
  
  
• CDs must be submitted to the registration desk upon arriving at the competition, the check in time required will be in your information packet once you have registered. Please be sure CDs/tapes are properly cued when submitted. CRU is absolutely not responsible for the quality of your music.
  
  
• Please adhere to the following time limits:Solos, Duet/Trios, Small groups: 3 minutes maxLarge Groups: 4 minute maxLines: 6 minutes maxProduction: 8 minutes maxThere will be a 10-point deduction for non-compliance.
  
  
• Please note that additional time may be purchased at $25 for each additional 30 seconds (groups, lines and productions only).  This is automatically calculated when using Online Registration.
  
  
• Teachers must use professional judgment with music selection. Music containing lyrics of an explicit or sexual nature is prohibited, and the entry will be disqualified. This also includes choreography that is deemed age-inappropriate. Depending on the degree of inappropriateness, CRU and the judges will either deduct points or disqualify the routine. CRU has a low-tolerance policy for distasteful performances.
  
  
• It is the responsibility of the studio to obtain music copyright fees with appropriate organizations, such as ASCAP and BMI.

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