Participating in a dance competition is an exciting experience for dancers, teachers, and studios. To ensure a smooth and fair event for everyone, Edge Dance Competition has established clear guidelines and policies. This article outlines the essential rules and regulations for participants, covering everything from videography and photography policies to competition procedures and important agreements. Understanding these guidelines will help you prepare effectively and make the most of your Edge Dance Competition experience.
Capturing the Moment: Videography and Photography Guidelines
To protect the choreography of dance teachers and ensure a focused environment for all performers, specific rules apply to video recording and photography during the competition.
Videography: Personal videotaping is strictly prohibited within the competition room. This policy is in place to safeguard the intellectual property of choreographers. If any unauthorized video recording is discovered, Edge Talent reserves the right to confiscate the recording media and may disqualify the involved act from the competition. However, Edge Talent provides an opportunity for participants to purchase professional videos of their performances, allowing dancers to cherish their moments on stage without violating the competition’s policy.
Photography: Flash photography is absolutely not permitted at any time during the performances. Flash photography can be distracting and disruptive to dancers on stage, potentially affecting their performance and the overall viewing experience for the audience. We appreciate your cooperation in maintaining a respectful and conducive environment for all participants.
Alt: Sign indicating no video recording allowed at the edge dance competition to protect choreography.
Navigating Competition Policies: Runoffs, Protests, and Recompeting
Edge Dance Competition maintains a set of miscellaneous policies to ensure fair play and address specific situations that may arise during the event.
Runoff Policy: If a solo performer decides to leave the stage after their performance has begun, they may be granted a single restart. However, in such cases, the performance will be considered for adjudication only and will be disqualified from overall awards. This policy is in place to maintain the flow of the competition and ensure fairness for all participants. Edge management retains the right to modify this policy as needed.
Judgment Protests: In the event of a perceived judging discrepancy or issue, a formal protest can be initiated. It is important to note that only a Studio Director or Teacher is authorized to file a protest. The protest must be submitted in writing, signed, and delivered to the competition director within 30 minutes of the incident in question. This procedure ensures a structured and timely process for addressing concerns.
Recompeting: To encourage fresh performances and recognize new talent, routines that have won First Overall in any division at a Regional Edge Competition are not eligible to compete again at another Edge Regional Competition. This policy allows for a wider range of dancers to be recognized and rewarded across different regional events.
Alt: Dance competition judge evaluating a performance at the edge dance competition, focusing on technique and artistry.
Age and Level Considerations: Bump Rules Explained
To maintain fair competition categories based on age and skill level, Edge Dance Competition employs specific “bump rules” for group performances.
Age Bump Rule: Specifically for Small Groups and Large Groups, an age bump rule is applied. A dance group can only compete one age group below their calculated competition age. For instance, if a group’s average age is 11.3 years, but includes dancers as old as 16, the group must compete in the 13-15 age division, effectively “bumping up” from a potentially younger age category. This rule prevents older dancers from significantly lowering the average age of a group to compete in a less experienced category.
Level Bump Rule: Similar to the age rule, a level bump rule is in place to ensure fair competition among different skill levels. Dancers are expected to compete at their designated skill level or one level below. Dancers registered in the Competitive Edge level are not permitted to compete in the Future Edge division. Any Future Edge routines including a Competitive Edge dancer will automatically be moved to the Intermediate Edge division, ensuring a more appropriate level of competition.
Waiver and Release: Understanding Liability and Agreements
Participation in Edge Dance Competition involves certain agreements and understandings regarding liability and usage of media.
Waiver: Edge Talent, its affiliates, and the venue hosting the competition are not liable for any injury or property damage or loss incurred by anyone attending or participating in the event. Each studio will be provided with a waiver form. This waiver must be completed and returned to Edge Talent Competition for every participating student or dancer prior to their competition. This is a standard procedure to acknowledge and accept the inherent risks associated with physical activities and large events.
Edge Talent Release Agreement: By attending and/or participating in an Edge event, you grant approval for Edge Talent to use any photographs or video footage taken during the event for promotional purposes. This may include use in Edge literature, on their website, or in connection with other Edge events. This agreement covers uncompensated use of these images. Additionally, Edge Talent is not responsible for personal items and will not mediate disputes related to choreography, performance rights, or costuming. By submitting entries, participants confirm they possess the rights to all elements of their performance and agree to indemnify Edge Talent Competition, LLC and their agents from any claims, liabilities, or injuries arising from participation. Participants also release Edge Talent from responsibility for loss, damage, legal fees, or medical fees, acknowledging that all activities are undertaken at their own risk.
Alt: Dance studio director assisting young dancers with signing waiver forms at the edge dance competition registration desk.
Schedule and Logistics: Staying Informed and Prepared
Staying informed about the competition schedule and logistical details is crucial for a smooth and stress-free experience.
Schedule: A preliminary schedule will be available online for studios to review approximately 10 days before the competition date, followed by a final schedule. Edge Talent creates a unique schedule for each regional competition based on the number of entries and categories. Time requests are not accommodated. Edge Talent reserves the right to adjust the schedule as necessary, including adding competition days or times, and to potentially relocate the competition venue if unforeseen circumstances arise. Entries are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and are limited by venue availability.
Important – Compete as Scheduled: It is imperative to compete on your assigned date and time. No changes or exceptions are permitted. Participants must compete during their designated awards segment to be eligible for overall awards. While Edge Talent aims to run the competition according to entry numbers, all participants must be prepared to compete up to one hour earlier than their scheduled time within their age and category division. This buffer is necessary to manage costume changes and unexpected delays. If costume changes are tight, the Backstage Manager must be notified immediately.
Studio Confirmations: Studios have the opportunity to review their entries before the schedule is posted. Making changes or corrections before schedule posting is highly encouraged. Post-schedule changes, if accepted, must be made by Edge Talent staff and will incur a $15 change fee per act. Each event schedule is uniquely constructed based on the mix of solos, duets/trios, and group performances. Therefore, past schedules should not be used as a predictor for the current event. Studio directors are required to check in at the merchandise table at least 2 hours before their studio’s first performance, if possible.
Scores and Critiques: Accessing Feedback Online
Edge Dance Competition provides a digital platform for accessing scores and critiques, ensuring efficient and timely feedback for studios.
Claiming Scores and Critiques: All scoring information, as well as video and audio critiques, will be accessible online by the studio director. Edge Talent strives to upload scores and critiques within the week following the competition, barring any technical issues. While Edge Talent makes every effort to ensure timely delivery, they are not liable for failures to deliver critiques or scores due to technical malfunctions or third-party software issues.
Additional Key Information: Ensuring a Positive Environment
Edge Dance Competition prioritizes a positive and respectful atmosphere for all participants.
Appropriate Content: Edge Talent values engaging and wholesome performances. Routines deemed inappropriate by judges in terms of dance moves, costumes, or music may be ineligible for High Score Awards and could face point deductions or disqualification.
Performer Loss in Groups: If a group unexpectedly loses a performer, potentially affecting their originally registered General Division category, they may still compete in the larger division to maintain Nationals eligibility for that division. However, at the regional competition, such groups will be eligible for adjudication only. All performers will still be eligible to compete at Nationals. For example, a 20-person Line group that loses a dancer and would then be classified as a Large Group can still compete as a Line for adjudication purposes at regionals.
Preliminary National Competition Qualification: A Preliminary competition may be held at Nationals for routines needing to qualify for the Edge National Competition. Regional entry fees apply for this qualification process. Routines in the Preliminary competition will be adjudicated only.
Sportsmanlike Behavior: Sportsmanlike conduct is expected from all participants, teachers, families, and attendees. Failure to adhere to this standard may result in disqualification for individuals or entire studios.
Backstage Access: Backstage access is limited to teachers, dancers, and essential personnel directly related to a routine (e.g., prop parents).
Studio Representation: Studios attending without a teacher must designate one adult to represent the studio and handle all interactions with Edge Talent Staff. This designated adult will be the point of contact for the studio throughout the competition.
By adhering to these rules and policies, participants contribute to a fair, enjoyable, and high-quality experience at Edge Dance Competition. We wish all dancers the best of luck and look forward to seeing their talent shine on stage!
