Rules & Regulations

Age Groups

Mini (5-7), Petite (8-9), Junior (10-11), PreTeen (12-13), Teen (14-15), Senior Teen (16-19), Adult (20 & Over).

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To determine the age for duets/trios, groups, lines and production, add up the ages of all performers within the group then divide that number by the number of performers. Drop all decimal points. Ages are determined from

January 1st - December 31st.

 

​Levels

​Intermediate

Contestants should enter this level if they study 3-4 hours or less per week with only 3 years or less of training. Please note placement is left to the discretion of the instructor, however, dancers may be moved into our competitive level if two or more of our judges feel it is necessary.

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Competitive

Contestants should enter this level if they study 4 or more hours per week and have 4 or more years of formal training.

 

Note: When mixing Intermediate dancers with Competitive dancers in Duo/Trio & all Groups, routines must be placed in Competitive Level! This will be strictly enforced. 

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Genres​

Ballet: A routine consisting of ballet technique and movements with the use of ballet slippers.

Pointe: Same as ballet but must be performed with Pointe shoes.

Tap: A routine containing different rhythms and transitions with the use of tap shoes. Tap sounds are not permitted on music

Jazz: routine containing classical jazz dance style, jazz technique

Lyrical: A routine containing balance, control and extension using the lyrics of the song to create a mood or story.

Contemporary: a routine with innovative movements and body lines with abstract isolations.

Modern: A routine based on the interpretation of anything that can be imagined. This routine should also be of an abstract nature.

Musical Theatre: A routine featuring any style of dance with a song from a Broadway musical or movie.

Character: A routine portraying a recognizable character throughout. For example, a clown, doll, animal etc. Any style of dance is permitted

Acro-Dance: A routine consisting of any dance style with acrobatics. 50% dance and 50%acro. (tumbling mats are permitted but not required) Throw Down does not supply tumbling mats

Lip Sync: An impersonation using costuming and mimicking the voice on tape. The performer must lip sync all words. Any style of dance can be used. Facial expressions and dramatic impact will be of importance. Should contain 25% dance.

Open: Any style routine can be entered in this category. When in doubt, put it here. Example, baton, cheer etc.

Hip Hop: the latest in today’s dance moves. The routine should contain various body isolations. MTV style.

Song and Dance: Routine containing half vocal and half dance in any style. Accompaniment must be on music. No other vocals are permitted. Microphones will be provided.

Production: A routine consisting of any style or styles of dance with a minimum of 17 performers. Various props and costume changes are permitted in this category.

*No more than 3 basic acro tricks (cartwheels, rolls, round-offs, etc.) are permitted in all dance categories except acro dance, and open categories.

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Time Limit/Number of Performers

Solo - 1 Performer (2:45 Minutes)

Duo/Trio - 2 or 3 Performers (2:45 Minutes)

Small Group - 4-9 Performers (3:30 Minutes)

Large Group - 10-15 Performers (​4:00 Minutes)

Line/Production - 16+ Performers (7:00 Minutes)

​*Extended times are available to large groups, lines and productions at an additional fee.

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Music

• Studio directors are responsible for uploading all music during the registration process.

• Flash drives/iPod/iPhone are required as a backup.

• We ask that all studio directors pick up their music after the completion of the competition.

• Throw Down Dance Challenge is not responsible for music not picked up after the event.

• All music must be clean and appropriate for all age groups.

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Judging

Technique – 40 points

Execution/Stage Presence – 40 points

Choreography/Costume – 20 points

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Adjudication Scoring Grid

 

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Etiquette

Throw Down asks at all times that we be respectful towards each other as performers. Please only enter the auditorium in between dances and keep talking to a minimum. Support all of our performers with your applause.

 

Video and Photography: STRICTLY PROHIBITED

For the protection of our dancers and their choreography, videotaping is strictly prohibited inside the

theatre at all times. Routines will be disqualified if video recorders, phones, or any other electronic device is found being used inside the performance area. Studios may take photos of their studio only at the awards ceremony. Sit back and relax as all will be receiving the media package.

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Additional Rules

• Competitors may only compete with one studio.

• Competitors may not compete against themselves in solo and duo/trio divisions.

• Any soloist doing more than 2 solos may only qualify twice in High Score. The top two solos are taken and others will be dropped.

• All competitors will be judged by a panel of well-qualified judges. All judge's decisions are final. Competitors, teachers, studio owners, and studio stagehands are the only persons allowed in the backstage area of all our venues. Throw Down will remove all others from the backstage area.

• All performers should be prepared to perform one hour prior to their scheduled entry time. Throw Down does not like to skip entry numbers as this slows down the competition.

• If you have extra-large props that require attention from our staff please let us know prior to the competition. Throw Down Dance Challenge is not held responsible for any props left unattended at any of our events.

• Smoking is prohibited in and around the competition area.

• Eating and drinking are not permitted in any of our performance areas.

• All spectators are required to comply with the same rules and regulations set forth by our hosting venue.

• Throw Down will not issue cash refunds under any circumstances. We will credit the studio for an injured competitor with a legitimate doctor's note. A doctor’s note must be received 3 weeks prior to the event.

• Throw Down Dance Challenge reserves the right to cancel any event due to lack of registration, inclement weather, or other unforeseen circumstances.

• Throw Down Dance Challenge reserves the right to change a location and date. All studios will be notified.

• Throw Down Dance Challenge is not responsible for any injury or property loss during any of our events.

• All music must be clean and appropriate for all age groups.

• Unapproved Music - No studio, group, duo/trio, or soloist may use ANY music owned by Kirbyko Music LLC or Watson Music Group (including “Space Jam”) without rights. Violators of this rule will be subject to copyright fees.​