Guidelines, Rules & POLICies

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 •    All entry fees are non-refundable, including for missed performances, scratches, or disqualifications.

    •    All competition fees are per performer, per routine.

    •    An official entry form must be submitted for each routine entered. Incomplete forms may result in disqualification or delays.

    •    All entries must be received by the registration deadline listed for each event.

    •    The deadline for routine changes is three weeks prior to the event. No changes will be accepted after this date for any reason.

 •    All checks must be made payable to: 8 Count Dance Tour.

    •    Payment must be received by the specified deadline to secure your entries.

 •    All routines must perform in the scheduled sequence unless 8 Count Dance Tour grants special permission.

    •    Failure to perform in order without approval may result in penalties or disqualification.

    •    Performers must be ready to perform at least 30 minutes prior to their scheduled time.

    •    If the competition is running ahead of schedule, performers will be expected to go early.

 •    Judges may stop a routine and request it to be repeated if 8 Count Dance Tour’s equipment fails (e.g., sound system or stage).

    •    If a studio’s performance equipment fails, the studio may choose to restart or continue the number.

    •    If a music file fails to play, the performer must continue the performance.

•    All music must be uploaded digitally through the registration portal by the deadline. Please bring a backup USB or device to the event in case of technical difficulties.

 •    Music must be clean and age-appropriate. Any explicit language or inappropriate themes may result in score deductions or disqualification.

  •    Dangerous props (such as weapons, fire, liquids, or any material that could harm the stage or performers) are strictly prohibited.

    •    General props are allowed but must be placed and removed quickly by studio staff or teachers.

    •    Any damage to the stage or venue due to props or special effects will be the financial responsibility of the performing studio.

  •    No loose glitter, confetti, powders, liquids, or fog machines are permitted on stage.

    •    Helium balloons must be properly anchored.

    •    Props must not require excessive setup time (must be placed and removed within 1 minute).

 •    Age divisions are determined by the average age of all performers in a routine as of January 1st of the competition year.

    •    If the average age ends in a decimal, it is rounded down (e.g., 12.5 rounds down to 12).

 •    Each routine must adhere to standard time limits:

    •    Solos- Min: 1:00; Max: 2:45 minutes

    •    Duo/Trio- Min: 1:00; Max: 3:00 minutes

    •    Small Group: Min: 1:00; Max: 3:00 minutes

    •    Large Group: Min: 1:30; Max: 4:00 minutes

    •    Production: Min: 4:00; Max: 6:00 minutes 

    •    Extended time is available for an additional fee and must be requested during registration.

 •    All routines will be judged by a panel of qualified professionals using a point-based system.

    •    Routines are adjudicated on technique, performance, choreography, costume, musicality, and overall impression.

    •    Judges’ decisions are final.

    •    Video critiques and adjudication results will be available to studio directors after the event.

  •    Absolutely no personal photography or videography is permitted during performances.

    •    A professional photo and video team will be capturing each routine, and content will be available for purchase after the event.

 •    Costumes must be age-appropriate and performance-ready. Any routines deemed inappropriate in theme or attire may receive a warning, point deduction, or disqualification.

 •    All dancers, teachers, and attendees are expected to conduct themselves respectfully and professionally. Unsportsmanlike behavior may result in disqualification or removal from the venue.

   •    Awards will be given for each routine based on adjudicated rankings, plus special and overall awards.

   •    Dancers must be present to receive high point or specialty awards unless prior arrangements have been made with 8 Count staff.

•  Each session will have "judge's choice" awards that are chosen and voted on by our judges

   •    8 Count Dance Tour, its staff, and venues are not responsible for lost or stolen items, personal injury, or damage to property.

    •    Participation in the event implies consent for photography/video recording and promotional use by 8 Count Dance Tour.

    •    Each studio director is responsible for ensuring all participants have signed the required liability waiver before competing