CONTEST INFO

Contestants and directors/teachers by virtue of entering a ShowMakers event give their permission and consent to ShowMakers of America to use their images, photographs or appear in videos, television, or any other electronic media for advertising, news coverage or any other commercial use of our events.

-Private/Parochial/Public PreK-12 Competition: Will be divided by grade: Elementary (K-5), Jr. High (6-8) and High School (9-12). These teams may enter any number of the categories mentioned in the team information. The grade level of the oldest member determines the classification of the group. There must be at least 2 teams entering each category, otherwise divisions may be grouped together. Each classification must have a minimum of 5 performers to qualify as a team. Numbers that fall below 5 will be placed in the ensemble category.

-Private and Parochial schools may wish to compete with the public schools but will need to compete with the appropriate age/size team. If there are less than 3 private/parochial schools, divisions may be combined.

-Studio entries will be in a separate division from private, parochial and public schools. If there are less than 3 groups/teams in a classification, schools and studios may be combined into a class.

-High School Pep Squad/JV/Elite/Co-Ed/All-Male Team Competition: These teams may enter any number of the categories mentioned in the team information. Pep Squads, JV/Drill, Co-Ed (25% male) and All-Male Teams will compete in their own classes. Line of Champions may be awarded to Middle School, Pep Squad, JV, Elite, Co-Ed and All-Male teams if at least 2 or more teams are entered per classification. *If there are less than 3 teams in a classification at a contest, we may combine some class sizes. NEW: JV/Pep - Regional contests only - If there are more than 5 JV or Pep Squads entered at a regional contest, class/size divisions may be determined.  SMA will make the decision based on team participant numbers.  Class/size division separation will not occur if it causes a team to be alone in the class.

-Studios: Studio competition teams will be divided by age groups: Mini (6 and under), Elementary (7-9 years), Intermediate (10-12 years), Junior (13-15 years), and Senior (16-18 years). Division will be determined by the average age of the performers (as of August 31). Studio owners/teachers need to be able to provide proof of age if the dancer’s age is contested.

Varsity Size Breakdown: Extra Small (4-15), Small (16-25), Medium (26-35), Large (36-45), Extra Large (46-54), and Super (55+). Team size is NOT determined by the number of performers but by the actual number of members on the team. Changes in team size must be made in writing (email) 3 weeks before the contest and signed by an administrator. No changes in team size can be made after the schedule is sent out. Varsity public high school teams must perform a minimum of 70% of their actual team membership on all team routine events entered. Any team that elects to perform less than 70% will be placed in the Elite category. If a drop in the number performing is due to eligibility, transfers, illness/injury and/or district/campus restrictions, please notify us by email to discuss these special circumstances and exceptions. (sarah@showmakerscamps.com)

Performances for team competition will take place on a regulation size basketball court. Only non-marring rubber-soled or lyrical shoes allowed on the gym floor. All props making contact with the floor must be padded or properly taped to prevent damage to the floor. For regional contests, contact the host school for information on prop size and storage concerns. Please contact sarah@showmakerscamps.com for all Texas State spacing/storage questions. Officers, Solos and Ensembles should be prepared to perform in a smaller location (wood, tile or cement surface). Floor diagrams and complex layout will be included in the information packet, which will be emailed upon ShowMakers® receipt of each school’s contest registration and payment. Entrance, exit and judges’ area will be indicated on these diagrams.

Our professional judges will score performances based on the following criteria: choreography, technique, precision, showmanship and creativity. All 3 judges will provide oral critiques and written score sheets during team, officer, ensemble and solo performances. A rating of I, II, or III will be given by each judge and cores are final. *Points will be taken off in the choreography section for inappropriate costuming, movements, or music use. This will occur at the judges’ discretion.

School/Booster Club check, EFT, or money order is preferred. If paying by credit card, a 4% credit card fee will be added. Personal/Studio checks will not be accepted.

SOLO: 2:30 min. / ENSEMBLE: 2:30 min. / OFFICER/TEAM: 3 min. / Total time limitation for OFFICER/TEAM performances must not exceed 4 min. inclusive of setup, entrance and exit. The time limit for the Production category will be a maximum of 10 minutes including entrance, set up, tear down and exit.

CONTEMPORARY - Contemporary is a routine incorporating ballet, lyrical or jazz movement that is fused with modern elements. Contemporary styling is often characteristic of modern pieces to reflect the choreographers’ vision and newer philosophies of movement. The choreography should express emotion or tell a story through the interpretation of the music or narrative piece.

FOOTBALL/HALFTIME -(Public/Private/Parochial schools ONLY) A performance designed for football season.  Routines must be set to band music and dancers must wear one of the following: team uniform, gameday outfit or dance wear with school insignia.

HIP HOP - Hip Hop choreography should incorporate creative street style movement with focus on clean precise execution, uniformity and synchronization. The choreography may include a variety of styles to include pop and lock, jump combinations with stylized technique, and clean floor work. The music must not contain inappropriate lyrics. Routines that are suggestive, sexual, violent, or otherwise not age appropriate will receive point deductions at the discretion of the contest judges.

JAZZ - Jazz choreography should incorporate distinctive and technical movements, skills, and may incorporate leaps and turns into the combinations. The primary focus will be placed on the technical aspect of performance to include (but not limited to) placement, control, execution and precision.

KICK - Kick choreography should incorporate a variety of kick combinations into 70% of the routine with an emphasis on correct kick technique/control. Other considerations include uniformity of height, synchronization, formation changes, and visually stimulating movement combinations.

LYRICAL - This is a style of dance that combines jazz, modern, and ballet techniques in fluid, controlled movements. Lyrical choreography should focus on emotion and interpretation of the musical selection.

MILITARY - A routine incorporating clean, precise, and dynamic movements combined with visual movement transitions and formations. During transitions and formations, intricate arm, hand, and footwork have become synonymous with this style of dance.

MODERN - Choreography should include movement based in modern dance technique. This includes a technically-based discipline that favors movement derived from the expression of inner feeling, emotion, and abstract movements as related to the music or narrative piece.

NOVELTY - Novelty choreography should incorporate dance movement using a theme, concept, or character. The use of costumes and props may be used to replicate the character or theme but should not be the primary focus.

OPEN - Any dance entry not adhering to the above team competition categories. Examples include but are not limited to the following: Ballet, Folkloric, Ballroom, combination routines, and Tap (with boards).

POM - This is a high energy routine that is visually dynamic incorporating clean dance technique, precision and creative use of floor space. Other considerations in choreography include uniformity of movement, synchronization, formation changes, and visually stimulating movement combinations. Poms must be used in 75% of the routine.

PRODUCTION - This routine should incorporate a theme while utilizing props, costuming, backdrops, sets, etc. Total time limit: 10 minutes.

PROP - Props consist of any device that can be used to create choreography. Props may be handheld, used to climb on, or as staging for a performance. The prop and manipulation of it should be the primary focus and must be used for 75% of the performance time. All props and staging making contact with the floor must be padded for protection.

SPIRIT - 3 segments: 1) Fight Song(utilize your team's existing movements to traditional school song but may include enhancements for adjudication purposes), 2) Motivation(should be movements, chants, cheers, etc., that would normally be viewed by a stadium audience of your sideline with boosting crowd spirit as primary focus), 3) Dance(options: hip hop/jazz/kick/pom)

Officers may enter any number of the categories mentioned in the team information excluding the Football/Halftime and Production categories. The top 3 scores will be tabulated for schools entering 4 or more categories. Officer choreography must be different from the school’s team entries. Texas State Championship: Please be prepared to start at 9AM on Friday. Alamo City contest (O’Connor H.S.): Please be prepared to perform on Friday after 5PM.

Solo Competition will be open to all contest participants. Maximum time limit: 2:30. Top High School finalists will perform their routine prior to the final awards ceremony. If all solos are judged in one area with one set of judges, only the winner will perform. The Studio/Private/Parochial/Public PreK-Jr. High division solo WINNERS only will perform. Alamo City Contest (O’Connor H.S.): Please be prepared to start at 5PM on Friday. Texas State Championship: Please be prepared to start at 9AM on Friday. Regional and State Competitions: Individuals may enter multiple solos and highest score will be used for ranking.

Divisions:

Private/Parochial/Public will be divided by grade: PreK-K, 1-3, 4-5, Jr. High (6-8) and High School (9-10 & 11-12). Independent solos are those individuals not associated with a studio or school that is already entered into the contest.

Studio solos will be divided by age groups: Mini (6 and under), Elementary (7-9 years), Intermediate (10-12 years), Junior (13-15 years), and Senior (16-18 years). Division will be determined by the age of the performer (as of August 31). Studio owners/teachers need to be able to provide proof of age if the dancer’s age is contested.

Awards: Soloists receiving superior ratings (85 average) will receive an award pin; all will receive verbal/written critiques. Depending upon the number of entries, trophies will be awarded to 1st-6th place winners in all divisions.

Ensemble Competition Multiple ensembles per school may be entered. Max. time limit: 2:30. For scheduling purposes, a list of names for solos and ensembles must be included when registering for contest. Please indicate conflicts for officer, solo and ensemble routines so that the appropriate amount of time between performances is allotted. Texas State Championship: Please be prepared to start at 9AM on Friday. Alamo City Contest (O’Connor H.S.): Please be prepared to start at 5PM on Friday. Divisions: Duets, Small Ensemble: 3-5 performers, Medium Ensemble: 6-8 performers, Large Ensemble: 9-14 performers, Extra Large Ensemble: 15-25 performers. Ensembles may not exceed the 25-performer limit. Independent duets are those not associated with a studio or school that is already entered into the contest.

Private/Parochial/Public entries will be divided by grade: PreK-K, Elementary (1-5), Jr. High (6-8) and High School (9-12).

Studio ensembles will be divided by age groups: Mini (6 and under), Elementary (7-9 years), Intermediate (10-12 years), Junior (13-15 years), and Senior (16-18 years). Division will be determined by the average age of the performers (as of August 31). Studio owners/teachers need to be able to provide proof of age if the dancer’s age is contested.

Awards: Ensembles receiving superior ratings (85 average) will receive an award medal for each participant; ensemble groups will receive verbal/written critiques. Depending upon the number of entries per size/classification, trophies will be awarded to 1st-6th place winners (one trophy per duet/ensemble) in all divisions.

Please email Stacy Becker: stacy@showmakerscamps.com if additional time is needed for setup. Curtains, staging and other props for routines should be constructed to fit through a 7-foot tall double door with the center support bar removed (found at most public-school gymnasiums where regional contests are held). Props and staging may have minor assembly on the floor but set up and break down time for props and staging will be added to the actual routine performance time length to produce total floor time. Total floor time should not exceed 5 minutes for all dance categories except show production (10 minutes). Any exceptions must be approved by the contest administrator in advance of the competition.

Music must be downloaded through the registration system by the dance director(s). Music backups are highly recommended and need to be on flash drive or smart device.

*Points will be taken off in the choreography section for inappropriate costuming, movements, or music use. This will occur at the judges’ discretion.

DIVISION I - Trophies awarded to teams and officer groups receiving a 1st division rating (85-100) in 1 category.

DOUBLE DIVISION I - Trophies awarded to teams and officer groups receiving a 1st division rating (85-100) in 2 categories.

SWEEPSTAKES Trophies awarded to teams and officer groups receiving a 1st division rating (85-100) on 3 routines. All performances receiving the level of Judges Award (90-100) will receive the Judges Award and a Sweepstakes trophy. If teams enter 4 or more categories, the highest 3 scores will count towards Sweepstakes, Judges Awards, Best in Class, ShowMakers® Line of Champions, Pinnacle Award and State Champions.

JUDGES AWARD Trophies awarded to teams and officer groups receiving a 90-100 average from all judges in 3 categories. At this level, a Sweepstakes trophy is “implied” and the “grander” Judges Award is instead announced but both trophies are given.

CHOREOGRAPHY - Awarded to teams and officer groups receiving the contest’s highest scores in choreography.

TECHNIQUE - Awarded to teams and officer groups receiving the contest’s highest scores in technique.

PRECISION - Awarded to teams and officer groups receiving the contest’s highest scores in precision.

SHOWMANSHIP Awarded to teams and officer groups receiving the contest’s highest scores in showmanship.

ENTERTAINMENT - The judges will recognize those performances that they deem as having outstanding audience appeal.

CREATIVE COSTUMING - Awarded to teams and officer groups incorporating unique and innovative costuming into their routines.

BEST IN CATEGORY - 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place will be awarded to officer groups and teams receiving the highest score in each category per classification. Best in Category will be awarded in all categories for all classifications in which 1 or more teams are entered. Places 4th - 6th will be awarded as the number of entries warrant. If alone in a category/classification, the performance must receive a 90.45 + average from the judge panel to receive this award.

BEST IN CLASS - Class champions will be awarded to the highest scoring officer groups and teams per classification based on the teams highest 3 scores. Classifications include: Private/Parochial/Public Elementary(PreK-5), Junior High, High School, Pep Squad, Junior Varsity, Elite Teams, Co-Ed Teams, All-Male, and Extra Small, Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large and Super. Studios: Mini (6 and under), Elementary (7-9 years), Intermediate (10-12 years), Junior (13-15 years), and Senior (16-18 years). There must be at least 2 schools/groups entered per classification to receive the award, but if alone in a classification, the officer groups and teams must receive a cumulative 90.45 + average on their 3 highest scoring routines from the judge panel to receive this award.

LINE OF CHAMPIONS - The number of top scoring officer groups and teams will be selected according to contest size. The top 3 scores will be tabulated for schools entering 4 or more categories. Each classification competes for this award. Groupings include: Public or Private/Parochial Elementary, Public or Private/Parochial Junior High/Pep Squad/JV, Public or Private/Parochial Varsity teams, Studio -Mini/Elementary/ Intermediate, Studio Junior High/Studio High School. Winners receive trophies and banners.

STATE CHAMPIONS - State Champions will be awarded to the highest scoring officer groups and teams per classification based on the teams' highest 3 scores. Classifications include: Studio/Private/Parochial/Public Elementary(PreK-5), Junior High, High School, Pep Squad, Junior Varsity, Elite Teams, Co-Ed Teams, All-Male, and Extra Small, Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large and Super High School Teams. There must be at least 2 schools entered per classification to receive the award. State Champion banners will be awarded to the winners in each classification. State Champions shirts available for winners.

PINNACLE AWARD - Awarded to the highest scoring Varsity officer group and Varsity team/Senior Studio Group from Line of Champions.