Rules and Regulations

I. Age Groups
a. Mini (5-7)
b. Petite (8-9)
c. Junior (10-11)
d. PreTeen (12-13)
e. Teen (14-15)
f. Senior Teen (16-19)
g. Adult (20 & Over)
To determine age for duets/trios, groups, lines and production, add up the ages of all performers within
the group then divide that number with the number of performers. Drop all decimal points.
Ages are determined January 1st-December 31st

II. Levels
a. Novice
i. Contestants should enter this level if this is their first season competing! They
also must study 3 hours or less per week only 3 years or less of training.
Dancers who have competed one year or more should be placed in the
competitive level. 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.
b. Competitive
i. Contestants should enter this level if they study 4 or more hours per week and
have 3 or more years of formal training.
c. Professional
i. A routine containing at least one professional (anyone who is paid to perform
or teach) should enter this category.

III. Genres
a. Ballet: A routine consisting of ballet technique and movements with use of ballet
slippers.
b. Pointe: Same as ballet but must be performed with Pointe shoes.
c. Tap: A routine containing different rhythms and transitions with the use of tap shoes.
Tap sounds are not permitted on CD.
 d. Jazz: routine containing classical jazz dance style, jazz technique
e. Lyrical: A routine containing balance, control and extension using the lyrics of the song
to create a mood or story.
f. Contemporary: a routine with innovative movements and body lines with abstract
isolations.
g. Modern: A routine based on interpretation of anything that can be imagined. This
routine should also be of an abstract nature.
h. Musical Theatre: A routine featuring any style of dance with a song from a Broadway
musical or movie.
i. Character: A routine portraying a recognizable character throughout. Example, a clown,
doll, animal etc. Any style of dance is permitted
j. Acro-Dance: A routine consisting of any dance style with acrobatics. 5o% dance and 50%
acro. (tumbling mats are permitted but not required) Throw Down does not supply
tumbling mats
k. Acrobatics: A routine consisting of tumbling moves throughout the entire routine with
music awareness. Two tumbling passes are required for this category. (please see above
category for tumbling mat information.)
l. Lip Sync: An impersonation using costuming and mimicking the voice on tape. 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.
m. Open: Any style routine can be entered in this category. When in doubt, put it here.
Example, baton, cheer etc.
n. Hip Hop: the latest in today’s dance moves. Routine should contain various body
isolations. MTV style.
o. Song and Dance: Routine containing half vocal and half dance in any style.
Accompaniment must be on CD. No other vocals permitted. Microphone will be
provided.
p. 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, roundoffs, etc.) are permitted in all dance categories
with the exception of acro dance, acro and open categories.

IV. Time Limit/Number of Performers

a. Solo
i. 1 Performer
ii. 2:45 Minutes
b. Duo/Trio
i. 2 or 3 Performers
ii. 2:45 Minutes
c. Small Group
i. 4-9 Performers
ii. 3:30 Minutes
d. Large Group
i. 10-15 Performers
 ii. 4 Minutes
e. Line/Production
i. 16+ Performers ii. 7 Minutes
Extended times are available to large groups, lines and productions at an additional $3 per performer.

V. Music
a. Studio directors are responsible to upload all music during the registration process. CDs
and iPods/iPhones must be brought for backup.
b. We ask that all studio directors pick up music at the completion of the competition.
Throw Down Dance Challenge is not responsible for CD’s not picked up after the event.

VI. Judging
a. Technique
i. Lines, Control, Fluidity
ii. 40 Points
b. Execution/Stage Presence
i. Timing, Precision, Style, Music Awareness, Showmanship, Energy, Commitment
ii. 40 Points
c. Choreography/Costume
i. Creativity & Originality, Difficulty, Appropriate for Music
ii. 10 Points
d. Overall Performance
i. 10 Points
Each judge can award a performance 100 points for a grand total of 300 points. Any performance given
a 298-300 will be awarded the Platinum Perfection Award!!

VII. Adjudication Scoring Grid

a. Competitive/Professional Levels
i. Platinum Perfection: 298-300
ii. Platinum: 283-297.9
iii. High Gold: 270-282.9 iv. Gold: 245-269.9
v. High Silver: 244.9& Below
b. Novice Levels
i. Platinum: 275-300
ii. High Gold: 255-274
iii. Gold: 235-254
iv. High Silver: 234 & Below

VIII. 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.
IX. 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.

X. Additional Rules
a. Competitors may only compete with one studio.
b. Competitors may not compete against themselves in solo and duo/trio divisions.
i. Example: The same competitor may not compete in jazz category twice and in
the same age division.
c. 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.
d. All competitors will be judged by a panel of well qualified judges. All judges decisions
are final.
e. 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
backstage area.
f. 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.
g. 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.
h. Smoking is prohibited in and around the competition area.
i. Eating and drinking are not permitted in any of our performance areas.
j. All spectators are required to comply with the same rules and regulations set forth by
our hosting venue.
k. Video cameras and still cameras are strictly prohibited inside all performance areas and
venues. This is to protect all choreography and the safety of all of our competitors.
Throw Down reserves the right to confiscate all recording devices including cell phones
used during an event and will disqualify an entry.
l. Throw Down will not issue cash refunds under any circumstances. We will credit studio
for an injured competitor with a legitimate doctor's note.
m. Throw Down Dance Challenge reserves the right to cancel any and all events due to lack
of registration, inclement weather, or other unforeseen circumstances.
n. Throw Down Dance Challenge reserves the right to change a location and date. All
studios will be notified.
o. Throw Down Dance Challenge is not responsible for any injury or property loss during
any of our events

XI. Additional Rules for Grand Championships

a. Registration Fee of $90 per dancer.
b. Dance Party $40 (optional).
 c. Solos
i. Dancers may do up to 3 solos in 3 different categories but can only place once
in top ten. The highest score is taken.
ii. All solos qualify for Title! The top 10 soloist from each division will move on to
our Q & A given by our judges. Dancers can receive up to 5 points which will be
added to their performance score. iii. All soloist should be prepared with party
dress/evening gown to be worn during Q & A and Title Awards Ceremony.
d. TDDCo.
i. TDDCo. Invites from our regional event will practice daily at our Grand
Championships. All dancers taking part must be present at ALL rehearsals.
ii. Dancers will receive a free T-Shirt to wear during the performance at our Final
Awards Ceremony.
iii. Scholarships will be given out to two TDDCo. Dancers – one 12 & under/ one
13 & Up.
e. High Score Studio
i. The high score studio will get a FREE PASS for one small group to attend to our
Grand Championships. The winning studio must also register other routines in
order to receive the FREE GROUP PASS.

Studio Directors ONLY, Please contact our office if you have any questions regarding
our rules & regulations.