Download the 2008 Brochure Here!

ENTRY GUIDELINES

Your Music
Performance Times
NEW! Levels of Competition
Guidelines
How To Enter
Foot Loose Regional Entry Fees
Performance Division
Age Divisions
Judging Guidelines
Regional Awards
General Categories
Extreme Team
Awesome Categories

Your Music

• All your music must be handed into the music table at least 1 hour prior to performance time. Foot Loose is not responsible for lost or missing CD’s.
• A 10 point deduction, per judge will be taken for inappropriate lyrics, suggestive lyrics or racial slurs.
• Compact Disc- Your music must be on CLEAN AND SCRATCH FREE INDIVIDUAL COMPACT DISCS. One song per disk. The name of the routine, routine number and studio name must be clearly marked on the jewel card inset and CD. Also ensure that the CD is marked with the CD jewel card to which it belongs. It is recommended that you bring a second CD for each routine as a back-up.

Performance Times

• The time limit for ALL performance divisions is as follows: Solos is (2:45 minutes), Extended Solos (3:15 minutes), Duet/Trios and Small Groups is (3:00 minutes), Large Groups (4:00 minutes), Lines (5:00 minutes), Productions (8:00 minutes), Extended Groups (8:00 minutes). Extended time is available to Solos, Groups and Lines only. Modeling (1:20 minutes), Vocal (2:45 minutes), and Interpretive (1:30 minutes).
• A10 point deduction will be made for routines exceeding time limits with an additional one point deduction per 10 seconds over. Entries are permitted a maximum of 15 minutes for costume changes or a point deduction of 5 points may be levied.
• A 2 minute time limit will be given for placement of LARGE props or mats. Routine time will commence as soon as props are in place.
• Any routine with overtime placement must call the office for approval or an additional fee may apply.
• All routines must perform on the date and time scheduled. This will be strictly adhered to! The only exception will be for approved costume conflicts, injuries or illness. Routines not complying with this rule will compete adjudication only and only where time permits. These routines will not be eligible for high score awards. This applies even if the high score has not yet been awarded. They will be adjudicated for the medal standing only.
• Any routine whose size drops below the registered number of competitors will still be awarded their medallions and placement but will not be eligible for High Score Awards.
• Competitors must be ready to perform 1 hour prior to their scheduled performance time. If the competition is running ahead of schedule, competitors will be expected to perform early.

 

NEW! Levels of Competition

Recreational - Dancers who study 4 hours or take 4 classes or less per week and/or have limited performance and competition experience may consider this level. Novice performers should also consider this level.
Competitive - Dancers who study more than 4 hours or 4 classes per week and/or have performance and competition experience may consider this level. 
• To perform within a certain level of competition 50% or more of the dancers must belong in that category. Instructors may use their discretion when determining the level of their groups. 

Guidelines

• All participants and their families at the Regional or InterNational competitions give their permission for any photograph to be taken of them to be used in the promotion of Foot Loose. This includes, but is not limited to: television, brochures, website, videos and newspapers.
• Foot Loose reserves the right to provide all mailing information to related and other trades.
• Any participant found vandalizing or causing disruption at the competition site/hotel/premise is subject to disqualification and/or liable for payment of repairs etc.
• Competitors and their teachers are expected to demonstrate good sportsmanship and general support to all participants.
• Smoking, drinking and/or eating is not allowed in the competition area.
• Foot Loose reserves the right to add or subtract days, or
cancel a scheduled performance due to unforeseen circumstances or lack of registrations
• Coaching during the performance in any form is not allowed.
• Foot Loose is a family event. Routines with suggestive costuming and/or sexual, violent or drug related themes are not acceptable. Routines that are found to be inappropriate such as touching of ones private areas will be deemed inappropriate and may be disqualified with no refunds of any competition fees. If in doubt as to these guidelines, please call the Foot Loose office for clarification.
• In the event of unsuitable floor conditions at any Foot Loose event, a performance surface will be laid.
• Dangerous goods and materials such as fire, swords etc. are strictly prohibited.
• Special lighting and hanging backdrops may not be used. Helium filled balloons are not permitted.
• If the stage is littered during a performance, the participant is responsible to ensure the stage is cleaned immediately following the routine.
• NO PHOTOS OR VIDEOS ARE ALLOWED IN THE COMPETITION AREA
• Contestants and their representatives must be available to pick up their awards immediately following their competition. Foot Loose will not assume the cost of shipping the awards to competitors.
• As a condition of participation, the following waiver must be signed for each contestant by the parent, guardian or studio director. Studios should keep these signatures on file and be able to produce them if requested. This list of competitors is printed on the waiver form that is included in your information package as well as on the Foot Loose website:

I/we do hereby waive all present and future claims for any loss, damage or personal injury sustained by (competitor’s name), including but not limited to, physical injury sustained by the competitor during the competition and I/we further release, remise and completely discharge the promoters, directors, principals and employees of Foot Loose and its corporation from any and all liability whatsoever for any injury or loss caused as a direct or indirect act or omission by any of them. The undersigned further acknowledges that they have read the guidelines, rules and regulations governing Foot Loose and agrees to be bound by them during the competition.

ENTRY INFORMATION

How To Enter

• Fill out the official entry form included in this package. You will need one form per routine. You may duplicate the form and your studio information as required. The back of the form must contain the competitors’ name and their ages for each routine. One waiver master list must also be submitted with a complete list of the participants. Due to increased response, Foot Loose entries will be accepted on a first come, first served basis and will be limited to the performance time available. Foot Loose reserves the right to decline any entries.

 

Foot Loose Regional Entry Fees

Solo Entry                                $70 per entry
Extended Solo                         $5 surcharge per entry
Foot Loose Elite Upgrade        + $25 per entry
Interpretive Solo                      $35 per entry
Duet/Trio                                  $80 per entry
Group/Line                  $28 per person
Extended Group/Line              $5 surcharge per person 
Modeling                                 $35 per entry
 + Fashion Show Upgrade       FREE!
Photogenic                  $20
 + each additional photo $5
Outstanding Costume FREE!
Independent Entries                    10% surcharge
  with no studio affiliation or representation
Late entries                                15% surcharge

All entries must be received in our offices
30 days in the United States and
60 days in Canada
prior to the competition of choice.
Many locations fill to capacity quickly.
ENTER EARLY to avoid disappointment.

• Late entries will be accepted only if space permits. Late entries paid for at the competition must be paid for in CASH ONLY and will be charged independent entry fee pricing. No checks accepted!
• Entries will not be considered entered until all entry fees are received in the Foot Loose office.
• NO REFUNDS WILL BE ISSUED
• We will accept faxed entries with full payment by Visa or MasterCard. Entries must accompany full payment to be considered.
• There will be a $30.00 service charge on all returned NSF checks or declined Visa or MasterCard payments. A 10% late fee will also be charged if replacement is after deadline. All future entries from that studio will have to be in the form of a money order or certified check. We do not accept post dated checks.
• An information package which includes location information, directions, confirmation of routines entered and a performance schedule will be available in the “Directors Only” area of the Foot Loose website. This information can also be faxed if necessary.

• NEW! Register Online: www.footloosedancer
• Any entries received after the deadline will be subject to a 15% late fee. Any changes made to your entry are subject to a $10.00 per change fee and competitors’ names and routines may not appear in the program. Any additions will only be accepted if space and time permits. Any entries received after the deadline must be accompanied by a Money Order, Certified Check or Visa/MasterCard authorization. No personal or studio checks will be accepted after your deadline.

Performance Division

• Types of entries are Solo, Duet/Trio (Duets and Trios compete against each other), Small Group (4-9 performers) Large Group (10-19 performers), Line (20 or more performers). Soloists may only perform one routine in each performance division. All solo performances are eligible to upgrade to the Foot Loose Elite Dance Championship Title category.
• Ensure that the category and age division that you have entered are correct. We will not make any changes at the event.
• Teachers/professionals may not compete in the regular Solo or Duet/Trio Divisions. They must compete in the Pro-Am Category. They may however compete in Small Groups, Large Groups and Lines.
• Foot Loose reserves the right to limit solo entries due to time constraints. Once the solo limit has been reached, no more solo entries will be accepted. Entries are on a first come basis.

Age Divisions

• Contestants will perform in the following age categories, 4 yrs & under, 5 yrs, 6 yrs, 7yrs, 8 yrs, 9 yrs, 10 yrs, 11 yrs, 12 yrs, 13 yrs, 14 yrs, 15 yrs, 16 yrs, 17 yrs, 18 yrs and 19-29 years. They will then be placed in Junior (8 yrs & under), Pre-Teen (9-12 yrs), Intermediate (13-14 years) or Senior (15 yrs & over) classifications
• For Duets/Trios, Groups and Lines, the average age of the total members in the routine will be the age division in which they will compete. To determine this, add the ages of the competitors then divide by the number of competitors. When an average age ends in .5 or above, round up to the next age.
• Names and ages of all competitors must appear on the official Foot Loose entry form.
• ALL AGES ARE AS OF THE FIRST DAY OF THE COMPETITION.
• All finalists will compete at the InterNational finals in the age category in which they competed in the regional event. If a protest should arise regarding age, all competitors must be prepared to show proof of age. All protests must be made in writing within one half hour of the incident to the Foot Loose Director. All protests must be identified and signed personally.

 

JUDGING AND AWARDS

Judging Guidelines

• Studios will be provided with individual critique tapes with the judges’ comments of their competitors’ routines. It is the studio’s responsibility to pick up these tapes. Foot Loose will not mail critique tapes. Pick up times will be announced at the competition.
• All Platinum, Gold, High Silver and Silver medalists are eligible to attend the InterNational Finals of their choice. The first day of each InterNational location will feature the FOOT LOOSE MINI REGIONAL COMPETITION, an additional opportunity to qualify. A separate regional entry fee is required. Please see rules for the InterNationals to enter this competition.
• Competitors may enter as many divisions as they wish but must never compete against themselves. Soloists cannot place more than once for overall high score. In the case of duets/trios and groups, the same group of dancers may not compete against themselves in the same subject unless 50% of the participants change or unless they move up to the next age level.
• If there is only one entry in a division, that entry will be eligible to receive a medal award. A minimum of 265 points must be obtained for the High Score Trophies to be awarded.
• A 10 point deduction will be made for incomplete routines, and may not recompete.
• Each entry will be judged on a point system. There will be a panel of three scoring judges. Each one can award a total of 100 points using the following criteria: 35% Technical Ability, 25% Execution and Synchronization, 20% Choreography, Musicality and Difficulty, 10% Showmanship, 10% Overall performance, costuming, and grooming.
• Platinum, Gold, High Silver, Silver and Bronze awards will be presented based on the following cumulative scores:

          290-300 – Platinum        240-254 – Silver
          265-289 – Gold              239 & under – Bronze
          255-264 – High Silver

• It is possible to have multiple Platinum, Gold, High Silver, Silver and Bronze medal awards within each age division for each performance category.
• If a routine should drop below the minimum number of performers required for the group size during the competition, their routine will be scored and awarded according to their point value, but will not be eligible for any High score awards.

Regional Awards

• All Foot Loose soloists will receive a medallion and a ribbon. All other participants in each routine will receive a custom designed pin and ribbon.
• A souvenir button and ribbon will be given to each Foot Loose participant.
• In the case of 20 or less routines in any age category, ages will be combined (i.e. 5-6, 7-8, 9-10).
• First, second and third place high scoring routines overall will receive a trophy in each division (8 yrs & under – Junior, 9-12 yrs – Pre-Teen, 13-14 yrs – Intermediate, 15 yrs & over – Senior.) except where noted. Each participant will receive a special Foot Loose placement ribbon.
• If less than 5 routines in each age division, division may be combined (i.e. Junior and Pre-Teen combine to become Junior, Intermediate and Senior combine to become Senior).
• The following high score scholarship awards will be presented in the Junior, Pre-Teen, Intermediate & Senior age categories. Top Recreational Performance - $50.00 & $80.00 Gift Certificate, Top Competitive Solo - $100.00 & $80.00 Gift Certificate, Top Duet/Trio - $100.00 & $90.00 Gift Certificate, Top Small Group - $100.00 & $150.00 Gift Certificate, Top Large Group - $125.00 & $300.00 Gift Certificate, Top Line - $150.00 & $500.00 Gift Certificate.
(All Gift Certificates are for the 2008 InterNationals)
A cash award of $200.00 will be awarded to the overall highest score of the competition if more than 300 entries are received.
• In the case of 20 or more entries in a division, 2nd and 3rd place high scoring routines will also receive cash scholarships. Solo, Duet/Trios and Small Groups – 2nd place - $50.00, 3rd place - $25.00, Large Groups, 2nd place - $75.00, 3rd place - $50.00, Lines, 2nd place - $100.00, 3rd place - $75.00. Regardless of the number of routines entered in each division, the Foot Loose Gift Certificate will still be awarded to 1st place.
• In all categories, there must be a minimum of 5 entries in the Junior, Pre-Teen, Intermediate, and Senior Divisions in order for the scholarships to be awarded.
• All solos, duet/trios, small groups, large groups and lines are eligible for the High Score Awards with exceptions as noted.
• In the following special categories, each routine will receive a medal standing with each performer receiving a custom designed pin and ribbon: 30 Plus, Student Choreography, Vocal, Modeling, Photogenic, interpretive Solo and Pro-Am. A 1st place high score award trophy will be given in each of these categories. These categories are not eligible for Nova or Overall High score awards.
• NEW! Top scores in the Modeling category will be invited to perform in the 2008 International Foot Loose Runway Stomp.
• All Baby Steps competitors will receive a Foot Loose Medallion. Not eligible for any other overall awards.
• Most Outstanding Costume winner will receive a Trophy. The award for this free category is will be based on overall impression, fit and how the costume relates to the performance. All performance costumes are eligible.
• The Foot Loose “Nova Entertainment Award” will be presented to the routine deemed to be the most entertaining.
• The “Most Potential” dancer will be awarded a trophy and a scholarship to the 2008 Extreme Team.
• NEW! “Top Choreography” will be awarded to the Large Group/Line with the best choreography.
• Awards will be presented for the “Top Studio Spirit” (Most enthusiastic and supportive studio)
• Foot Loose will award an undetermined number of FUN Awards & Teacher’s Choreography Awards at the Judges and Director’s discretion.
• Foot Loose will not incur the cost to mail any items not picked up during the competition. Please ensure someone is there to pick up your awards, dance music and judges critiques.

 

PERFORMANCE CATEGORIES

General Categories

Acrobatic Dance – A routine using controlled moves such as walk-overs, limbers, handstands, chest rolls, illusions etc. Can contain gymnastics passes. Can contain flexibility moves or contortionist moves. Must contain dance moves/steps and  choreography. The routine must contain 60% acro and 40% dance.
Ballet – Routine must contain ballet technique while incorporating classical movements. Routine can be choreographed to any style of music. Ballet slippers must be worn. No tricks allowed.
Character – A routine portraying a recognizable character throughout the performance. Can be from a stage show, play, movie, television or be a stereotype such as a policeman or a farmer. Can incorporate dance or acrobatic technique. Routine should not contain more than 50% acrobatics.
Character Ballet – A routine utilizing a majority of ballet technique to portray a character. Demi Character should be entered into this category. No tricks allowed.
Clogging – A routine utilizing clogging technique and style. No tap sounds are permitted on cassette tape.
Folkloric – A routine using an ethnic style of dance.
Hip Hop – Contemporary dance styles (Free style, Street dance, Funk, etc.) choreographed to contemporary music.
Jazz – Routine should consist primarily of jazz technique.
Lyrical – Routine should demonstrate control, balance, and flexibility and relate to the mood and feeling of the music. No Pointe shoes permitted.
Modern – Interpretive dance using balance and control. Must use accepted and contemporary style “Modern Dance” technique and movement.
Musical Theatre – Routine should interpret a Broadway style theme/show
Open – For any routine not fitting into any other categories or a routine with one or more dance or performance styles. No trick limitations.
Pom Pon – A routine using Pom Pons. Routine must use definite and precise moves. Pom Pons must be used for at least 80% of the routine. Routine will be judged on both technique and dance steps.
Pointe – Routine should consist of Pointe technique while incorporating classical movements. Routine can be choreographed to any style of music. Pointe shoes must be worn.
Production – To compete in this category, routines must have 10 or more competitors. Routines can incorporate any style of dance but should offer a production quality with a story line or the routine may be moved at Judge’s or Director’s discretion.
Song and Dance – Must contain both singing and any listed category of dancing. Judging will be based on both dancing and singing. All participants must both dance and sing. 50% of routine must be dance. Back up vocals are permitted on cassette tape. No special sound equipment or microphones are to be attached to Foot Loose sound equipment.
Step Dancing – A routine utilizing Step Dancing technique and style. No gymnastic tricks are permitted. No tap sounds are permitted on cassette tape.
Tap – Routine should contain tap technique. No tap sounds may be on the cassette tape.

3 Gymnastic trick maximum unless otherwise stated.A trick is defined by Foot Loose as any movement where the hips pass above the head. Illusions, leaps, lifts and splits are permissible. A gymnastic pass is considered one trick.

The Extreme Team

The Ultimate Summer Experience

The Extreme Team is BACK! Selectees, get ready for more dance than you can handle, with more teachers, choreographers and classes than ever before. We have some big things planned for Summer 2008, including activities for parents and classes in everything from “How to prepare for an audition” to “Latin Salsa”. We have also changed our pricing structure to offer more affordable options for all selectees. As always the Extreme Team will be an amazing week of dance not to be missed. Please check our websites often for more information on choreographers and exciting new plans. The Extreme Team is comprised of specially selected competitors chosen from each regional location by the Foot Loose judges in Mini (7-10), Junior (11-13), and Senior Divisions (14+). These special competitors are not chosen based solely on their scores or medal standings but rather on their presentation, personality, stage presence and dance essence.
During these tours the Team Members will enjoy working with top choreographers, meeting new friends with similar interests from all over Canada and the United States. They will attend area attractions and amusement parks as a group, promoted as a Top North American Entertainment Team and be a part of theexciting, all NEW, Foot Loose Extreme Team.

More information will be available at each Foot Loose regional.

AWESOME CATEGORIES

Foot Loose Elite

Enter your dance solo(s) of choice in the regular category and upgrade to the Foot Loose Elite Category. Our eagle eye judges will then judge the routine on both levels. The first place winners of this category get some really neat stuff including a “Foot Loose Elite Garment”, a big, beautiful trophy, $100.00 *Cash Prize, a $110.00 Gift Certificate towards the 2008 InterNationals and of course the Foot Loose Regional Dance Champion Title. This competition is restricted to dance routines only. Junior (8 & under), Pre-Teen (9-12 yrs), Intermediate (13-14 yrs), Senior (15-18 yrs). Foot Loose reserves the right to combine age divisions where number of entries is few. *A minimum of 5 entries in each division must be entered for the cash scholarship to be awarded. Late entries will only be accepted prior to start of that category. Entrants should be consistent winners of Platinum awards to enter this category. If there is only one entry in an age division, a score of 265 or higher must be earned for the Title trophy to be awarded.

Routines that place for the Elite High Score Solo will NOT be eligible to also place for the High Score in the Regular Solo category.

 

BABY STEPS - A perfect introduction to competition. Each competitor will receive a medallion. ALL competitors must be 6 years or under.

MODELING – Contestants should execute a front or back “T” runway formation. Dance is not permitted in this category. Props such as hats, gloves, jackets and costumes are permitted. No swimsuits allowed. Sportswear and formal compete against each other. This category is not eligible for Platinum, Nova or High Score Awards.

PRO-AM  –  For teachers, assistant teachers or professional dancers 20 years or older. A “professional” is defined as a person who receives financial gain by teaching, performing or demonstrating. The only exception is for students who teach in exchange for dance classes. This category is not eligible for Nova or High Score Awards.

INTERPRETIVE - Solo competitors will receive a tape with a 1-1/2 minute tune chosen by the judges. Competitors pick the style of dance that best suits them! They will then put the routine together. ALL BY THEMSELVES. They will be scored on technique and their interpretive skills. Black body wear and beige tights please.

STUDENT CHOREOGRAPHY - For students only with no help from teachers. Each member of the routine will also be judged on technique and receive a Foot Loose souvenir and placement ribbon. The winning routine will receive a trophy. Go for it! We can hardly wait! Time limits and entry fees for the regular categories apply.

PHOTOGENIC – Award to be presented to the solo contestant judged most photogenic. Entries must accompany a recent 5 x 7 or 8 x 10 black and white or colour head shot. Bring photos with you to the competition and hand them in to the Foot Loose coordinator prior to the session previous to the photogenic awards presentation. Photos should be picked up at the competition. Entry deadline does not apply to this category. This category is not eligible for the Platinum, Nova or High Score awards. One photo only additional photos $5.00 ea. Include name, age and studio on reverse side of photo.

VOCAL – Backup vocals, no lead vocals are allowed on the music. One cordless microphone will be provided. Not eligible for the High Score Awards or Nova Award.

30 PLUS – Open to parent groups who love to dance and wish to participate at Foot Loose. THis is not a division for serious students. This category is not eligible for Nova or High Score awards.