NYCDA - Regional Conventions

Regulations

Click the tabs to learn more about competition regulations.

Entry LimitsCompetition RegulationsCompetition RegistrationMusic RequirementsVideo & PhotographyAdmission

Entry Limits

Each school will be limited to a maximum of 12 total entries. Only four solos per school. Only three duo/trios per school. Additional entries will be accepted if time permits. NEW!!
Regional Competitions will be limited to time available. Entries accepted on a first come, first served basis. Timely postmarks do not guarantee acceptance of entries.
Studios hoping to compete more than 12 entries may submit up to 6 extra entries. In the event that we open the competition to additional entries, these entries may be accepted. Priority preference of the extra entries must be indicated on each additional entry. The opportunity for extra entries will be made equally available to all studios, if time permits – sometimes utilizing Friday night. Payment for the extra entries is only necessary AFTER it is determined if extra entries will be accepted.
Studios can participate in more than one NYCDA Regional Competition.
10 points will be deducted from entries that do not comply with time limitations. Limitations will be strictly enforced.
Entries may be critiqued on a NON-COMPETITIVE basis. Decision must be finalized two weeks prior to competition date.

Competition Regulations

All competing dancers and their teachers, must be registered for the entire workshop at the city where competing.
Competition fees and workshop registration tuitions must be submitted simultaneously, but must be written on separate checks. All competition entries must be postmarked 30 days prior to the convention.
All competition fees are per person, per entry.
An official entry form (copies OK) must be submitted for each entry.
Competing dancers may enter as many categories as desired, as long as they never compete against themselves.
Competing dancers may compete for one studio only.
Schools with multiple locations may compete as separate studios as long as there is NO mixing of dancers from each location. No combining of dancers allowed for extra discounts for National Season.

Competition Registration

Competing dancers may compete in more than one city. However, if an entry wins a gold, high gold or platinum NYCDA award in a regional, that entry cannot compete in another NYCDA regional.
2010-2011 Regional Critics’ Choice award winning entries may not compete again in 2011-2012. NEW!!
Entries that have performed in either the 2011 National Junior Gala or 2011 National Closing Night Gala may not compete during the 2011-2012 Regional Season.
Professional dancers are welcome for the workshop but will not be permitted to compete if over age 18.
Soloists must be entered in at least one Group, Line, or Production in the city where the solo is competed. This also applies at Nationals.
Individual dancers may not compete more than 2 different solos per weekend. NEW!!
Registered Teachers may only compete in the Open (19+) age division.
The deadline for competition changes is 2 weeks prior to the convention. No changes will be accepted after this date.
SETS/PROPS: Studios are responsible for the transportation, storage, set up and removal of all sets and props. Check with each venue, as fees and restrictions may apply. The use of any ‘set piece’ will require the submission of a SETS & PROPS form. Contact the NYCDA office for details.
No dangerous props may be used during the competition (swords, fire, etc.). General props are allowed but must be taken on and off stage expeditiously. Any unnecessary delay will result in a point deduction. Have a clean-up crew ready for any “litter” left on stage.
Excessive scenery and special lighting may only be utilized with pre-approval from NYCDA.
Tap sounds on recordings of tap entries will result in 5 pt. deduction.
Entry numbers containing more than 2 gymnastic passes MUST be entered in the Specialty category. Otherwise, 5 points will be deducted and the entry will be moved to the appropriate category.
Competing dancers should be ready 30 minutes prior to their scheduled competition time. If the competition is running ahead of schedule, you will be expected to perform.
Competing dancers must perform in the scheduled sequence unless special permission is granted by the M.C. Intentional manipulation of performance schedule will result in disqualification.
All dancers and their teachers are expected to demonstrate good sportsmanship and general support of all participants.
Choreography/costumes that are not considered age appropriate by the judges will have 10 pts. deducted from the total score.
Any studio, dancer or parent that abuses the designated dressing area will be disqualified. All participants are responsible for cleaning their area and properly disposing of all garbage.
No NYCDA faculty will be permitted to judge their own choreography. Their score will be dropped and the entry will not be eligible for any High Score or Critics’ Choice Awards.

Music Requirements

Please provide 1 professional quality CD recording for each entry. A backup CD must also be available for each entry. Cassettes will not be accepted.
All music must be submitted to our registration desk between 9:00 AM and noon on the day of the competition. Music will not be accepted after noon. NYCDA entry labels will be provided when music is submitted at the registration desk.
Each CD must contain only one number and must be labeled with the following information:
- Title of ENTRY
- Studio name (code letter)
- Entry number
It is recommended that all music be recorded in a non-dolby format with audio recorded on both left and right channels.

Video & Photography

Video taping and flash photography are strictly prohibited during the entire convention weekend. (Disqualification could result.)
Registered Teachers with Video passes will be permitted to tape Workshop Classes only.
All dancers authorize the use of their image in photos and video for NYCDA publicity and advertisement purposes.

Admission

Admission to the competition is free.
Audience will be allowed to enter and exit between numbers only. Doors will be closed during performances.
Teachers of competing dancers will be given reserved seating. However, absolutely no visual coaching is allowed.

As a parent, I have the utmost respect for what you do. A sincere thank you!

- Dance Parent