Age Divisions & Categories:
There are five age divisions: Future Hall of Famers - 8 years old and under; Junior - 9-12 years old; Teen - 13-15 years old; Senior – 16-19 years old; pro-am – 20 and up.

The age category for all routines is determined by using the average age of the performers as of January 1, 2009, the start of the 2009 season. This includes solos. Do NOT round up. Performers maintain their regional age category at Nationals. You must recalculate the average age of a routine for Nationals if any of the dancers in a routine change.

Bump Rule:
Duet/Trios or Groups including dancers of different age divisions will compete no more than one age division younger than the oldest dancer, regardless of average age. For example: if a group includes a dancer age 16 (senior) and the average age is 11 (junior), the group will compete one level above junior – age 13 (teen).
Non-professional dancers over age 20 do not need to be considered when making age changes for the bump rule.

Any child 2 years younger than the average age must perform a meaningful and significant amount of the choreography.

If the average age of the dancers in a routine is 20 years old or higher, it must be in the Pro-Am category, regardless of whether the dancer is a “professional.” Soloists 20 and over must be in Pro-Am.

The parent category is for parent numbers and will be scored as recreational.
General Categories: Top 
Solo, Duet/Trio, Small Group (4-9 dancers), Large Group (10-19 dancers), Line (20 or more dancers), Pro-Am.

If a professional dancer or teacher, 20 years of age or older, competes in a routine, the routine must be in the Pro/Am category. The Pro/Am category will be adjudicated only. If there are Five or more Pro/Am entries, a high score will be presented. There will be not cash award in the Pro/Am category.
Performance Leagues: Top 
Due to the incredible success of our performance levels at Nationals, we’ve added levels at all of our Regional events. This will level the playing field all year long. It will also help to make sure that dancers are in the appropriate League at Nationals. Here are the Leagues:

Rookie League: (recreational)
Recreational dancers with little or no competition experience, dancing less than 3 hours per week, may enter this League. With the exception of productions, any dancer competing in this division may not compete in the National or American leagues. There will be no cash prizes in this division. There will be a presentation of top scores as well as a gift certificate presented to the top scoring routine. These scores will not count toward the Hall of Fame Studio Award.

National League: (Intermediate)
Dancers that study between 3-5 hours of class per week and have limited competition experience should consider this League. These scores will not count toward the Hall of Fame Studio Award, but will receive cash awards, subject to the cash award rules.

American League: (Elite)
Dancers who take more than 5 hours of class per week and have significant competition experience should be considered for this league.

*Because NO competition can possibly know how many hours a child dances or for how many years they have danced, teachers are left to their own sound judgment when entering routines. Routines that are obviously under-placed may be elevated by the judges or Hall of Fame management. All decisions are final.

*In a mixed American and National League routine, at least 50% of the dancers must be from the league they are competing in. A violation of this 50% rule will result in disqualification of the subject routine from the top ten. A studio may move a routine to the American League prior to the performance of the routine to correct a placement error. Remember that Rookie League Dancers cannot compete in any other league.

*Soloists may only perform in one league.

*All Future Hall of Famers compete in the same league, unless they are rookie (recreational) dancers. Remember that rookie dancers cannot compete in the National or American leagues, with the exception of productions.

*If you do not select a League, you will automatically be placed in the American League.

*Any routine scoring less than 278 points at a regional event may move down to National League for Nationals only if the routine is moved on the original nationals registration form. Please be extra careful with your league placement if you are attending a national event.

*Here are some additional situations to consider:
  1. Just because your studio has more than one performance team, does not mean that one of the teams has to be placed in the National League. It is possible that both teams should be entered in the American League. Our levels should not be used as a tool to simply keep your groups from competing against one another. Each group placement should be based only upon the qualifications of that team.
  2. If a group is a combination of American and National League dancers, simply because you meet the 50% requirement, does not mean that a dance should be entered in the National League. For example, if a studio puts together its five top American League dancers with 5 National League dancers, just because there are 50% National League dancers, does not mean it is a National League (intermediate) routine.
  3. The spirit and intent of our Performance Levels is to provide dancers with the opportunity to compete against other dancers with similar experience and training. It is NOT designed so that Elite dancers can win more categories.
  4. If you have any questions regarding placement or any other rule, please feel free to email or call us, we are always happy to help.
Time Guidelines: Top 
Solos: 3 minutes; Duet/Trio; 3 minutes; Small Group: 3 minutes; Large Group: 4 minutes; Line: 5 minutes. (Note: Routines entered in the performance category “Production” have an 8 minute time guideline.)
Performance Categories: Top 
Jazz- Contains traditional jazz movements and technique.

Tap- Scored on tap technique. No Tap Sounds in Music.

Lyrical- Dancers interpret the lyrics, mood and content of the music.

Contemporary - Routine incorporating lyrical or jazz movement fused with modern elements.

Hip Hop- Street or contemporary jazz-funk.

Musical Theatre- A routine interpreting a song from a Broadway or Movie Musical.

Character- A routine portraying an easily recognizable character.

Ballet- Includes classical or contemporary ballet movements and technique. Ballet slippers only.

Production- Must include at least 20 dancers and be 4-8 minutes long. May contain any style or combination of styles.

Pointe- Must include classical or contemporary pointe technique and steps. Pointe shoes only.

Acro-Dance- Combines gymnastic and dance choreography. Must contain at least 50% dance choreography.

Modern- Consists of modern technique, movement and choreography.

Pom Pon- Performed with pom pons for at least 75 percent of the routine.

Dance Team/ Kickline- Must consist of traditional dance team and kickline choreography.

Clogging- Performed in clogging shoes using clogging technique.

Open- Any style of dance or combination of styles.

Parent – recreational parent category. All Parent routines will compete as recreational.

Note: Only two gymnastics passes are permitted in any dance category except Acro-Dance. However, Production and Open routines may be up to one-third gymnastics tricks.
Music: Top 
All music must be on CD or tape (one song per tape). Tapes and CDs must be clearly labeled. Taped music must be cued. Studios must bring back up CDs. Our DJ will not adjust the speed of the music or make cuts in the music. Hall of Fame is not responsible for music left at the show.
Judging: Top 
Will take into consideration choreography, technique, showmanship, and precision. Each judge will award up to 100 points. The total score of the three judges will determine the ranking of the routine. In the case of a tie, the judges will select the high score winner. Critiques and score sheets will be provided. Critiques are available at the end of each day. Hall of Fame is not responsible for uncollected critiques/score sheets.
Competition Schedules: Top 
Your “to the minute” schedule for Regional Competitions will be posted on our website. Upon Request, we will fax or mail a schedule. Please be ready to perform at least 1 hour prior to your performance time. You must be prepared to perform when scheduled. Legitimate costume change issues of less than three routines will be accommodated. In the interest of running on time, Hall of Fame reserves the right to modify the schedule. The wrongful holding of numbers may result in disqualification.
Entry Rules: Top 
There are four fast and easy ways to register:
  1. Complete the registration form in our brochure and mail or fax it to us with a check or credit card number.
  2. Visit our website and print a blank entry form. Complete the form and mail or fax it to us with a check or credit card number.
  3. Visit our website and complete the easy on-line entry form. Print the completed form from your computer and mail or fax to us with a check or credit card number.
  4. Visit our website and complete the easy on-line entry form. Submit the complete form by e-mail and pay by credit card.
*Please register at least 30 days prior to the event- we will not over book. Late entries are subject to a 10 percent late fee. Entries postmarked less than 14 days prior to the show may not appear in the program.

NOTE: You must submit payment in order to register. You are not entered until full payment is received.
Entry Fees: Top 
Solo- $75.00; Duet/Trio- $85.00 per routine; All Groups- $31.00 per dancer. ENTRY FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE for any reason once the 30 day deadline has passed. There is a $35.00 fee for returned checks. Entries submitted less than 14 days prior to the competition must be paid for with a cashiers check or money order. No exceptions.

2009 Nationals Entry Fees: Solo-$90; Duet/Trio-$105; All Groups-$40/dancer.
Additional Rules: Top 
Soloists may compete in up to three solos in a Regional Competition. The routines must be in different performance categories. Only the highest scoring solo will appear in the top scores.

A studio may not compete against itself in the same category with identical performers.

This is a family event, sexually explicit dance or music will not be tolerated. No exceptions.

Props should be setup and removed from stage within two minutes. Please do not build props backstage as the presents a dancer to our performers. Dangerous props are not allowed. Props cannot exceed 10’6” in height and performers can not stand above 6’6” on the prop. Hall of Fame will not supply power.

Except for technical difficulties on the part of Hall of Fame, if a solo performer is unable to complete a routine, re-performance of the routine will be adjudicated only.

With the exception of the number of dancers in a routine, any challenges or concerns regarding an entry may be made to the competition director by a studio director/teacher only, before the awards ceremony for that routine. Any discrepancy in the number of dancers performing and the category entered at the time of their performance will result in the routine being adjudicated only. Adjudicated only routines are not eligible for high scores or the cruise. All judging decisions are final.

By performing at Hall of Fame Dance Challenge, you are consenting to the use of photographs and/or video footage for promotional purposes.
Video Entries: Top 
You can qualify for Hall of Fame Nationals by submitting a video tape and entry fee no later May 31, 2009. Video tapes will be adjudicated only. Video entry fees are the same as regional entry fees.




***Rules will be interpreted in the spirit of fairness to all participants.
Contestants are understood to recognize the risks of physical injury inherent in dance and dance performances and be willing to assume those risks. It is agreed that participants will not hold Hall of Fame Dance Challenge, Inc. or its directors or employees liable for injuries sustained or illnesses contracted by them while in attendance and/or performing in any activity at a Hall of Fame Dance Challenge competition.


Adjudication Of Awards: Top 
All solos, duet/trios, and groups will be judged on a point system. Based upon the total score of three judges, each act will receive a silver, high-silver, gold, high-gold, or platinum ranking. To commemorate this accomplishment, each solo, duet/trio will receive a beautiful plaque or trophy and each participant will receive a custom enamel pin. Studios will receive a beautiful plaque to commemorate all of its group routines. All group dancers will receive a custom enamel lapel pin for each of their dances. A first place designation will be awarded in every age and performance category. You must earn a gold ranking to receive a first place designation.

SCORING SCALE

 

American League

Platinum

285-300

High Gold

278-284.9

Gold

270-277.9

High Silver

255-269.9

Silver

240-254.9

 

National League/Rookie League/Future Hall of Famers

Platinum

280-300

High Gold

273-279.9

Gold

265-272.9

High Silver

250-264.9

Silver

235-249.9
Top Scores: Top 
Hall of Fame will recognize up to 10 of the highest scores in each age division and category in all leagues. Top scores will receive commemorative plaques. We do not break ties for less than the overall highest score.
Hall of Fame High Score Cash Awards: Top 
High Score Cash Awards will be paid in all age divisions in the National and American leagues. The amount of the cash award will be determined by the total number of entries in the competition, as set forth in the Cash Award Table below. Please note that there must be a minimum of five routines in all categories to receive a cash prize. If there are less than 5 routines, a gift certificate will be issued. There are no cash awards in the Rookie (Recreational) League.
CASH AWARD CHART *Except for INDEPENDENT ENTRIES, all cash awards will be paid to the winning studio. Top 
CATEGORIES 350 or Less Acts 351- 550 Acts 551- 750 Acts 751 or More Acts
Solos and Duet/Trios $100 $125 $150 $175
Sm. & Lg. Groups $125 $150 $175 $200
Lines $150 $175 $200 $225
All Star Team: Top 
In every regional city, the judges will select certain outstanding performers in the Junior, Teen, and Senior age divisions as Hall of Fame All-Stars. All-Star team members will receive a special patch and will perform in the All-Star performance at Nationals. This routine will be choreographed by top industry professionals.
Hall of Fame Group Inductee Awards: Top 
Induction into our online Hall of Fame will be awarded to the highest overall group scores in the American League Future Hall of Famer, Junior, Teen and Senior divisions. Each winning studio will be presented with a special plaque and induction into our on-line Hall of Fame, including a video of the performance. The highest scoring duet/trio in the American League junior, teen and senior age division will also receive a plaque and be inducted into our online Hall of Fame.
Hall of Fame Solo Inductee Award: Top 
A $100.00 gift certificate will be awarded to the American League solo performers in the Junior, Teen and Senior divisions with the highest total score of two solo routines. This outstanding performer will also receive a special plaque and induction into our on-line Hall of Fame. Induction will include a video of the performance. Note: Should any individual perform more than two solos, the highest two scores will be counted. The solos must be in different subjects (i.e. tap and lyrical). There is no additional fee to be considered for this award. Inductees are automatically considered All-Stars. Soloists must score at least a High Gold for induction.
Achievement and Choreography Awards: Top 
Our judges will select certain outstanding performances for achievement awards. Plaques will be awarded to the winning routines. Achievement awards include, but are not limited to: Showmanship, Technique, Fabulous Feet, Broadway Diva, Intensity and Costume. “Diamond” Choreography awards will be presented to selected directors at all group award ceremonies.
Hall of Fame Studio Award: Top 
The studio director with the six highest scoring American League group entries will win a 4-night cruise for two. The winner will be determined by adding each studio’s six highest American League group scores. The highest total wins. In the case of a tie, we will use the seventh highest American League score. If there is not a seventh score or the tie is not broken, both studios win. If a studio director is unable to attend the cruise, a $500 gift certificate to our 2009 National Finals will be awarded. A studio may not use the same routine with 50% or more of the same dancers toward the cruise for two consecutive years.
Nationals World Series of Dance: Top 
At Nationals, cash prizes will be awarded in the first round of competition to the highest score in all General Categories in both the National and American Leagues.

The top five groups in the Junior, Teen and Senior age divisions, in both the American and National leagues, will re-compete in the World Series of Dance on the last day of Nationals. Additional cash prizes and victory cups will be awarded to the top three placements in each league. It is possible that more than 5 routines will be included if there are ties.

A studio can have more than one group in a particular age division and league, if the additional group is comprised of completely different dancers. Otherwise, only the highest scoring group from a studio may participate in each league and age division.

The top five Future Hall of Fame groups will re-compete in the Minor League World Series.

Solo and Duet/Trio Showdown:
The top five solos and top three duet/trios in all age divisions in both leagues will compete in the Hall of Fame Solo and Duet/Trio Showdown. An additional cash prize will be paid to the winning solo and duet/trio in both the American and National Leagues. A soloist may not perform in both leagues. We will try to schedule the Solo and Duet/Trio Showdown following the solo and duet/trio categories. however, depending on the number of entries, it may be held on the following day. It is possible that more than five soloists or more than three duet/trios will be included if there are ties.