​Please read carefully

 ​​ Starstruck Dance Competitions –

General Rules & Guidelines 

  • All routines must be appropriate for family audiences. Starstruck Dance Competitions (SDC) is a family-friendly event. Any routine containing inappropriate, sexually suggestive, or overly mature choreography may be stopped and/or disqualified. This policy applies to all solos, duets, trios, and group performances.

  • Teachers and professional dancers may not compete against studio dancers who are 18 years of age or younger.

  • All routines must perform in the order listed in the final schedule. SDC reserves the right to adjust the performance order when necessary to accommodate quick costume changes, injuries, or other unforeseen circumstances. Routines that perform out of order for reasons outside of SDC's control will remain eligible for adjudication but will not be eligible for Overall High Point Awards.

  • If a music or judging equipment malfunction is determined to be the fault of SDC, the routine may be allowed to perform again at the discretion of the competition directors and judges.

  • If a music issue or performance error is not the fault of SDC, the routine will not be re-adjudicated. The original scores will stand.

  • The use of fire, glass, knives, live animals, or any hazardous materials is strictly prohibited.

  • Props must be carried on and off stage by the performers only.

  • Oversized or dangerous props are not permitted. If you have questions regarding a prop, please contact an SDC Director before the competition.

  • SDC reserves the right to prohibit the use of any prop deemed unsafe or inappropriate.

  • Performers are responsible for leaving the stage clean. Any damage to the stage caused by props is the responsibility of the studio and/or individual entering the routine.

  • Live singing is not permitted. Lip-syncing and recorded vocals are allowed.

  • Standard dance lifts are permitted. SDC is not responsible for injuries or damages sustained during the competition. All participants assume the risks associated with participation.

  • Aerial equipment of any kind—including silks, hoops, trapezes, or similar apparatus—is prohibited for safety reasons.

  • All participants, directors, teachers, families, and spectators are expected to conduct themselves respectfully at all times. Unsportsmanlike conduct or inappropriate behavior may result in disqualification and/or removal from the event.

  • Competition may take place on both the stage and gym floor depending on the number of entries.

  • Individual Studio Trophies and Specialty Awards will be presented.

  • SDC is not responsible for lost, stolen, or forgotten music, costumes, shoes, makeup, props, or personal belongings.

  • SDC reserves the right to use title winners' names, photographs, and studio information for promotional materials, advertising, and future event publications.​

Routine Size & Scheduling

  • Team routines consist of 4 or more dancers.

  • Solos, Duets, and Trios are typically scheduled on Thursday and/or Friday. Depending on event capacity, some may be moved to Saturday morning.

  • Team divisions are organized by the number of performers.​

  • *We may combine similar categories to ensure a competitive atmosphere.

Ability Levels

  • Team routines compete within the following ability levels:

    • Novice

    • Beginning

    • Beginning Plus

    • Intermediate

    • Intermediate Plus

    • Advanced

  • Please enter routines honestly and fairly. Judges reserve the right to move any solo, duet/trio, or group routine to a more appropriate ability level if warranted by the performance.

Divisions

  • Divisions are intentionally kept small whenever possible, typically with no more than four routines.

  • SDC reserves the right to combine or expand divisions when necessary to create fair competition.

Judges' Decisions

  • Judges may reclassify a routine into a different dance category (for example, Lyrical to Contemporary) if they determine it better fits the choreography. No deductions or penalties will be assessed.

  • Judges may also move a routine to a different ability level if it was entered incorrectly. Routines moved by the judges will no longer be eligible for Overall High Point Awards. This includes Team/Group routines. 

  • When only one routine is entered in a category, it will compete against the adjudication scoring system.

  • All judges' decisions are final.

Tie-Breaking Procedures

  • If two routines receive the same overall score tie-breaker will be determined in the following order:

    • Execution score

    • Showmanship score

    • Judges' decision (if still tied after reviewing the above two scores)

    • If a clear winner cannot be determined, the tie may remain.

Judging Criteria

  • Category Points

    • Routine 30

    • Execution 30

    • Showmanship 30

    • Costume/Appearance 10

      • Total 100

Adjudication Awards

  • Award Score

    • Platinum 98+

    • High Gold 95–97

    • Gold 92–94

    • High Silver 89–91

    • Silver 88 and below

Late Entries

  • Late entries may be accepted if space is available.

  • Late fees:

    • Team/Group: $10 per dancer, per routine

    • Solo/Duet/Trio: $25 per routine

Refunds & Cancellations
No Refunds for “Scratched,” "Cancelled by dancer/parent choice," or “No-Show” routines. NO EXCEPTIONS. 

Please Note:  Once payment has been received, YOU acknowledge that there will be NO refunds for any reason.  Fee's may be transferred to a different SDC event within one calendar year.

Every effort is made to provide a safe, enjoyable, and professional competition experience for all participants. The safety of our dancers, families, and staff remains our highest priority. SDC will continue to follow all applicable state, local, and venue health and safety guidelines. Refund and cancellation policies are subject to the terms outlined in each event registration.