Competition Rules
1. ENTRY TYPES & SIZES
Solo...................1 performer
Modeling Solo….1 performer
Vocal Solo………1 performer
Duet/Trio..........2-3 performers
Small Group…….4-9 performers
Large Group.......10-19 performers9
Line...................20 or more performers
Vocal Group.......2 or more performers
2. TIME LIMITS & EXTENDED TIME LIMITS
Solos................... 2:45 mins & 3:15 mins
Modeling Solos.... 1:30 mins & 2:00 mins
Vocal Solos......... 2:45 mins & 3:15 mins
Duet/Trios.......... 2:45 mins & 3:15 mins
Small Groups....... 3:00 mins & 3:30 mins
Large Groups....... 4:00 mins & 4:30 mins
Lines................... 6:00 mins & 8:00 mins
Production.......... 8:00 mins
Vocal Groups....... 3:00 mins & 3:30 mins
Extended time is $3.00 additional per performer and may be added during online registration. Routines may be extended multiple times after the initial extension at a cost of $3.00 per performer for every 30 seconds of overtime. Any routine that runs over the maximum time limit, without purchasing extended time, will result in a (1) one point deduction for every 30 seconds overtime, or any fraction there of.
3. PERFORMANCE LEVELS
Destiny has THREE (3) performance levels. Dancer’s placement in each level should be determined by the total amount of time the performer spends in the studio each week, as well as the competition/performance history of the performer.
The following guidelines are suggestions to be used when determining the appropriate level placement of each performer.
Advanced Level - This competition level is for top-level competitive dancers who perform at an advanced technical level.
All entries will be adjudicated and will receive High Score Awards. Please note that this is the ONLY level for the 20 & Over category. Additionally, all vocal and modeling solos are limited to this Level.
Intermediate Level: This competition level is for the performers who are experienced dancers, but new to competition and is recommended for dancers who have had approximately 2-5 years experience.
Entries will be adjudicated, and will receive High Score Awards within this level.
Novice Level: This competition level is for beginning dancers who have little or no experience competing. Dancers may only be compete in the Novice Level for a maximum length of 2 years. However, you may move them up after 1 year if you feel they are ready for the Intermediate Level.
Entries will be adjudicated, and will receive High Score Awards within this level.
**IMPORTANT** - Because no competition can possibly know how many hours a child dances or for how many years they have danced, it is left to the teachers own sound judgement when entering level placement for their students.
However, it is at the judge’s discretion to move any routine that they feel is placed in a level below their ability to the level in which they feel is necessary. If the judges determine that a routine should be moved to a different level, and that level has already competed, the routine will then be eligible for adjudication only.
All judges decisions are final, so please do not place performers below their ability.
HOW ENTRY TYPES ARE PLACED WITHIN OUR LEVELS (Automatically)
SOLOS
Solos must be placed in the level the performer is registered for in the studio roster, based on the guidelines outlined in section #3.
DUET / TRIOS & ALL GROUPS
These Entry Types should be placed based on the total make up of the entire routine.
Novice Level - Routine may consist of Novice and Intermediate level performers.
Intermediate Level - Routine may consist of Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced level performers. Your level will be automatically selected by our systems algorithm.
Advanced Level - Routine may consist of Novice, Intermediate and Advanced level performers. Your level will be automatically selected by our systems algorithm.
Level Placement - Advanced Level Performers = 3 points, Intermediate Level Performers = 2 points, Novice Level Performers = 1 point. Add the total points together for each level of performers in a duet/trio or group, and the level with the highest number is the level your routine should be placed in.
For example: a routine with 9 dancers (2 advanced, 4 Intermediate and 3 Novice) would be:
2 Advanced = 6 points
4 Intermediate = 8 points
3 Novice - 3 points
Advanced Level performers are not permitted in any Novice Level Routine, regardless of size or make up of performers. In the case that there is an equal number between two divisions, the routine should always be placed in the higher level.
4. PERFORMANCE CATEGORIES
GENERAL INFO:
Singing is permitted in the Song and Dance and Vocal categories only.
Acrobatics/Gymnastics - Routine that may contain gymnastic passes, walkovers, limbers, headstands, chest rolls, etc. Definite choreography should be used to blend gymnastics and dance together.
Ballet - Routine that must include classical steps and ballet technique. Ballet slippers must be used in this category.
Baton - Routine that uses baton(s) and baton technique.
Character - Routine portraying an easily recognizable character throughout, such as a cat, clown, etc. with music, costume and dance. Can incorporate any form of dance or gymnastics/acrobatics. Routine may include 50% acrobatics/gymnastics.
Cheerleading - Routine that uses cheerleading style techniques. Each routine must blend combination of leaps, jumps, vocal cheering and a display of precision throughout with strong sharp movements.
Clogging - Routine that uses clogging techniques.
Contemporary - Routine which combines both lyrical and modern movements.
Drill Team - Routine displaying precision marching in military and/or dance style. (Groups Only)
Folkloric - Routine incorporating ethnic styles of dance such as polkas, Hawaiian, Spanish, etc.
Hip Hop - Routine which consists of the latest street dance style, as seen in current dance videos.
Jazz - Routine using jazz technique with such moves as kicks, splits, isolations, etc.
Lyrical - Routine encompassing the use of balance, flexibility and control utilizing the lyrics or mood of the music.
Modern - Routine containing interpretive dance using balance and control.
Musical Theater - Routine featuring any style of dance interpreting a song from a “Broadway” or movie musical. It may include 50% acrobatics/gymnastics.
Open – This category is “open” to any style of dance. However, vocal and modeling are not permitted. There is no limit on acrobatics or tricks in this category.
Pantomime/Lip Sync - A portrayal of a stereotype or impersonation through pantomime and costume; mimicking the voice on a tape.
Pointe - Routine that must include classical steps and ballet pointe technique. (Pointe shoes only)
Pompon - Routine that includes such elements as marching, clean, sharp arm movements, kicks, leaps, jumps and splits. Any type of music is permissible and pompons should be used for at least 80% of the routine.
Production - Routine containing at least 20 performers, that may include multiple styles of dance or acrobatics. (Lines Only)
Song and Dance - Routine which must contain both singing and any category of dance (tap, jazz, ballet, etc.) Accompaniment must be on tape and backup voices only will be permitted.
Tap - Routine comprised of tap technique.
Title - Routine that competes for in the Miss and Mister title categories. These routines are also up for high point solo.
Vocal - Routine may be any type of vocal presentation. Accompaniment must be pre recorded. No lead vocals permitted on recording, back up voices only will be permitted. (Vocal Solo & Vocal Group Only)
Formal - Routine which includes a party dress or “After 5” attire. Runway “T-style” modeling, which must include modeling technique. (Modeling Solo)
Sportswear - Routine including sportswear, like horseback or tennis. “T- style” modeling which must include modeling technique. (Modeling Solo)
Swimwear - Routine including a swimsuit, or a swimsuit & cover-up. Runway “T-style” modeling, which must include modeling style technique. (Modeling Solo)
5. AGE DIVISIONS
Overall High Score Age Divisions
6 & Under (Tiny), 7–9 (Mini), 10-12 (Junior), 13-15 (Teen), 16–19 (Senior), & 20 & Over (Adult).
Category Ages for Adjudications
Single age divisions will apply for JAZZ, TAP, OPEN, LYRICAL and CONTEMPORARY. 4 & under, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20 & Over.
All other categories will be multiple age divisions: 4 & under, 5-6, 7-9, 10-12, 13-15, 16-17, 18-19 and 20 & Over.
*If a protest regarding age arises, all competitors must be prepared to present proof of age. All protests must be presented in writing, within one hour of the incident, by the director of the studio, and signed by said director. For this reason, each performer must bring proof of age. i.e., birth certificate, drivers license, passport, or student ID. In the event of a protest regarding ages, we will require this proof to be presented. If no proof can be provided by the awards ceremony for that protest, the routine in question will be moved or disqualified.
6. AWARDS
Adjudication Award - Each entry will be competing against a pre- determined amount of points and receive a medal based on our adjudication system. A Diamond routine is the highest award that can be received, followed by Platinum Plus, Platinum, Elite Gold, Gold, and High Silver. If there are 2 or more entries in a category, a first place award will be presented to the entry with the highest score. If there is only one entry in a division, a 1st place trophy will be awarded if the routine receives an Elite Gold Medal or above. This scoring breakdown will be in your Regional program book, but can be emailed to the studio prior to the event if requested.
Overall High Score Award
Top scoring routines which are given in 6 age divisions:
6 & Under - Tiny , 7-9 - Mini, 10-12 - Junior, 13-15 - Teen, 16-19 - Senior, 20 & Over - Adult
Outstanding Vocalist Award
Award to be presented to the highest scoring vocal routine. Award is given out at each regional as follows, but may be combined if not more than 3 routines are in each category: 12 & Under Solo, 13 & Over Solo, and Group Vocal.
We will provide two (2) wireless hand held microphones at each Regional competition. If you need additional equipment, you must contact us at least 21 days prior to the competition to try and make arrangements. Also we will try to accommodate your equipment if it is compatible with our system, but you must contact us prior to the event to check.
Costume Award
Will be awarded to entries who receive the highest scores based on design, overall impression, & fit. Awards are given out in the following categories: 12 & Under Solo, 13 & Over Solo, and Groups (all ages combined).
- There is NO FEE for entries into the costume competition. All entries will be considered, unless we are informed you do not want to be included prior to the event.
Top Model Award
Award to be given to the highest scoring modeling routine in the 12 & Under Solo, and 13 & Over age divisions. This may be combined if there are less than 3 routines in each age division.
Destined to Lead Award:
At Destiny, we feel every dancer is gorgeous inside and out. Therefore, in lieu of a photogenic award, we present the Destined to Lead Award which is presented to the contestant that exhibits the best leadership skills. They are judged based on a short essay from the contestant that speaks of their leadership skills within the studio, school, or community. This essay should be accompanied by a photo, which should be uploaded along with the essay prior to the event. This award will be given in the combined 12 & Under and 13 & Over age divisions, and these winners will be highlighted in our social media for the 2024 season.
Entertainment Award - Award to be presented to the most entertaining groups in the 12 & Under and 13 & Over Age Divisions. All 3 levels of groups will be considered for this award.
Choreography Award - Award will be presented to the Choreographer of the group routines deemed to have the best or most unique choreography in the 12 & Under and 13 & Over Age Divisions. All 3 levels will be considered for this award, and the choreographer of these routines will receive a beautiful plaque (1) and jacket (1) to represent their award.
Title Award - (All Levels)
Each regional winner will serve as the title champion for that location for the year. Each champion will receive a beautiful jacket and banner to represent their title win.
Title Divisions are as follows:
6 & Under (Tiny Mr. & Tiny Miss), 7-9 (Mini Mr. & Mini Miss), 10-12 (Junior Mr. & Junior Miss), 13-15 (Teen Mr Destiny & Teen Miss Destiny), 16-19 (Mr Destiny & Miss Destiny)
Soloists are limited three solos, but you may have a 4th solo entered into the title category.
Soloists may only have one solo in the title competition.
Each level has as their own title competition. (Advanced, Intermediate, & Novice)
Legends of Destiny Award - Award to be given to the studio with the highest total average score of the competition. To be awarded for the Advanced and Intermediate levels only.
Spirit Award “Chuck Crist Award” - Award to be given to the studio that shows the most studio spirit and most sportsmanlike behavior throughout the entire competition.
7. NUMBER OF ENTRIES
Entries will be accepted on a first come, first served basis and will be limited to the amount of performance time available. Destiny National Talent Competition reserves the right to add additional competition days or move the competition location due to unforeseen circumstances. Also, Destiny National Talent Competition bears the right to refuse entries at their discretion.
8. MUSIC
All music should be uploaded to our online registration system no later than 10 days prior to the competition. We ask that you bring back up music to the event on a flash drive, in case of any issues that may arise with the original upload.
Music should always be edited to ensure that it is appropriate for all ages, and points will be deducted for inappropriate music. Please refer to the specifics rules for each form below, and don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any additional questions.
Online Upload - We will be supporting this feature again for our 2024 season and it will be part of our online registration system.
9. MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION & RULES
1. AGES ARE CALCULATED AS OF JANUARY 1, 2024 for all performers. The age category for duets, trios, and groups is determined by averaging the age of the performers, and dropping the decimal. This is automatically done by our online registration system.
2. Soloists may only compete in ONE (1) level, which is the level that performer is registered for in the studios roster. Studios are not allowed to change a performers level after building their roster for the season, so please place your performers accurately.
3. Soloists may perform 3 solos at each regional, space permitting. However, they may perform more than 3 solos at Nationals, if they attend more than 1 regional to qualify the additional solos. Due to our commitment to keep event hours reasonable, we reserve the right to limit soloist to less than 3 routines at events that fill up PRIOR to the 30 day deadline. This allows us to accommodate as many studios as possible, without running multiple rooms, or having performances at unreasonable hours of the day/night. In this situation the soloist will be allowed to choose which routines they would like to remove and we will issue a full refund for routines that have already been paid. Additionally, we will allow the omitted routines to qualify for nationals by video submission at no additional cost.
4. Soloists may not compete against themselves in the same performance category. i.e. two lyrical solos
5. Regional title winners may not perform the same routine for title at another regional location in the same year. However, they may compete at another regional event in the same year with a different routine.
6. The exact same Solo, Duet, or Trio may only place in the Overall Awards once.
7. A dancer may choose to compete in an age division higher than their own, but not beyond one division. However, you are not permitted to drop down in age.
- If a dancer chooses to bump up in age, they must keep the same age for any and all other routines. Additionally, if the dancer bumps up their age at regionals, they must continue at that age for the rest of season. This would also apply to Nationals.
8. The youngest performer in any routine must remain on stage for at least 25% of the routine. If this rule is broken, the routine will be averaged without that performer and moved to the appropriate age.
9. Not more than 50% of a duet or trio may compete against themselves in the performance category.
10. All 20 & Over routines will be combined into one overall for awards unless there are more than 3 routines in an entry type.
11. Props should be placed within 2 minutes, and timing of the routine will begin at the end of these 2 minutes. If the routine is over the time limit at the end of the performance, it will be subject to point deductions. At some regionals circumstances may warrant additional prop time as a result of the stage location, size, or conditions. In this case, it will be awarded to ALL studios equally, based on the discretion of the Regional Manager.
12. Props that are to be left backstage for more than 5 minutes must be cleared with the backstage manager prior to being stored. These props should be labeled with the studio name and a contact phone number.
13. No dangerous props may be used on stage such as fire, swords, knives or live animals.
14. No form of liquid (including water), gels, aerosols, baby powder, glitter, etc, which may affect the stage surface, may be used during a routine. Items like flower pedals, torn paper, and large confetti may be used, as long as it can be cleaned without delaying the show, or affecting the performance surface in any way.
15. All entries must compete on the day and time assigned. Any entry not competing during their assigned time will not be eligible for the high score overall awards, but may still go for adjudication only. Exceptions may be made for academic or religious reasons at the sole discretion of Destiny Management, but only if deemed to be fair to all other contestants.
16. Any routine that is not completed will be judged based on the portion of the performance that was given. The incomplete routine may choose to attempt the routine again, time permitting, but the 2nd attempt will be for Adjudication Only.
17. Any routine that delays the show for any reason will have 1 point deducted from their total score for every minute the show is delayed. Also, any routine that is not ready to perform during their given time slot is subject to disqualification. Routines that perform out of order may be eligible to compete at a later time for Adjudication only, if time permits.
18. By attending a Destiny event, all contestants and parents of the contestants give Destiny Talent Competition, Inc consent for the contestant’s images/video to be used for, but not limited to: local and/or national television programs, magazine publications, social media posts, promotional materials, and any other possible Destiny associated publication.
19. All fees must be paid by credit card, studio checks, or certified checks. Payments must be submitted 45 days prior to the competition. Some exceptions can be made for non-profit organizations and school systems, but please contact us prior to payment for authorization.
20. No cash refunds will be issued. However, we will issue a credit for a future Destiny event due to injury. Doctor’s notes must be submitted to info@destinytalentcompetition.com as soon as possible after the event for credit to be applied to your account.
21. Sportsmanlike behavior is expected at all times. Failure to display proper decorum will result in immediate disqualification.
22. Soliciting students from other studios, bullying, rude comments, or vulgar language will not be tolerated at any event.
23. Destiny National Talent Competition and the hosting facility are not responsible for personal injury or property loss. Please make sure you keep your eye on your valuable items at all times and do not leave them unattended in the dressing rooms.
24. Video recording and photography of any type is prohibited. If video cameras are found in the auditorium, Destiny National Talent Competition reserves the right to take the video being used, or delete the video from the recording device.
Teachers, please inform your contestants and studio parents of this rule! This is done for the protection of your choreography and their children, and we appreciate everyone’s cooperation with this matter. We will provide photos and HD videos of each studio’s routine to the studio after each event, free of charge!
Please read carefully, as failure to follow the rules and regulations below could result in point deductions or disqualification from the competition.
Also, please note that entries are not considered registered until they have been paid in full. If the event you register for is cut off prior to payment, you will not be able to participate in the event regardless of the date you started your registration.
Destiny National Talent Competition takes pride in presenting one of the most fun, fair, and professional competitions in America today. We care greatly about our customers and want to provide you and your performers with the best show possible. One of the ways that we try to do that is by providing a clear set of rules and guidelines for you to use when entering your routines, and to ensure a fair competition for everyone in attendance.
If you have questions or concerns after reviewing our rules, we invite you to contact us at info@destinytalentcompetition.com. Thank you for taking the time to read these rules in full.
Have a wonderful season, and we’ll see you soon!
Revised 09/17/2022