AGE GROUPS

If you have any questions about these rules or which age group to enter, please email, call or text us.

No Repeats

Contestants may enter as many categories as desired but each routine must be different. The same contestants cannot compete more than once in the same category and age group in solo, duet/trio, small group, large group, line or super group competition.

Average Age

The average age determines which age group one fits into. THIS AVERAGE MUST INCLUDE ALL PERSONS APPEARING ON STAGE AT ANY TIME DURING A NUMBER. Decimal points are dropped no matter what the percentage. Names, ages and birthdates of all contestants must appear on the entry form. Contestants will be responsible for producing proof of age to contest directors, should a question arise. Failure to do so may result in disqualification and forfeiture of award. PROOF OF AGE MUST BE AVAILABLE AT EVERY CONTEST.

January 1

All ages are set as of January 1^ST, 2027 including our November 2026 competition. At Nationals, all contestants will compete in the same age group that they qualified in at Regionals. If a duet/trio or group has ANY CHANGES of performers between Regionals and Nationals, Rising Star will re-average the age with the new performer(s) and they must compete at the new average age at Nationals.

Adult Acts

An act will compete in the Adult Division if:
At least 50% of the participants are 20 years of age or older, or Any participant who is 18 years of age or older is a full-time dance studio owner or dance teacher.

Examples:
Solo: A performer who is 20 years of age or older, or an 18–19-year-old who is a full-time dance studio owner or teacher, will compete in the Adult Division.

Duet/Trio: If any participant is 20 years of age or older, or is an 18–19-year-old full-time dance studio owner or teacher, the act will compete in the Adult Division.

Group: At least 50% of the participants must meet one of the above qualifications for the act to compete in the Adult Division.
Adult acts will receive an adjudication award and are eligible for Overall Adult Awards in their respective performance level (Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3).

DIVISIONS

If you have any questions about these rules or which division to enter, please email, call or text our office.

# of Performers

No Repeats

The same contestants cannot compete more than once in an identical combination of age group, category and division. Improper Entry will be determined by the judges or Rising Star staff.

Levels: Remarkable, 1, 2 & 3

Teachers, please use discretion in determining when entering levels. If a teacher refuses to have a student moved up due to score, an Improper Entry will apply.

Need help selecting the appropriate competitive level? View our Level Placement Guide for an overview of the skills typically introduced at each level.

●  Remarkable:	RISING STAR is excited to offer the REMARKABLE LEVEL! This level is designed to recognize dancers that have mental and/or physical disabilities or special needs.
●  Level 1:	For performers with little or no competitive experience. Level 1 can score no higher than 264.9 and it is not eligible for studio credit awards. Any act in Level 1 that scores a 265 or above will be automatically moved to Level 2!
●  Level 2:	For performers at an intermediate level of competition. Level 2 can score no higher than 279.9 and is not eligible for studio credit awards. Any act in Level 2 that scores a 280 or above will be automatically moved to Level 3!
●  Level 3:	For experienced/advanced performers. Level 3 is eligible for studio credit awards (Regional/National).

CATEGORIES

If you have any questions about these rules or which category to enter, please email or call our office.

No Repeats

Contestants may enter as many categories as desired but each routine must be different. The same contestant cannot compete more than once in an identical combination of age group, category and division, e.g., one performer or more cannot be in two groups that are “12 Small Group Jazz.” If you have any questions about what category to enter, please contact our office. Improper entry will be determined by the judges or Rising Star staff.

# Gym/Acro Tricks: Technical vs. Non-Technical Categories

In Technical categories (Ballet, Clogging, Jazz, Lyrical & Tap), NO MORE THAN FOUR (4) TRICKS PER ACT ARE ALLOWED. In Non-Technical categories, UNLIMITED tricks are allowed. No tricks are allowed in the Pointe categories.

Trick Definition

●  When the feet pass over the head or vice versa, it is counted as a gym/acro trick.

●  Rolls on the floor do not count as a trick, e.g., shoulder-, front- and back-rolls.

●  A tumbling pass is counted as 1 trick, e.g., a roundoff-back-handspring is counted as one (1) trick.

●  One (1) trick done simultaneously by members of a Duet/Trio or Group is counted as only one (1) trick.

Props

Props are allowed in all dance categories.

Props are permitted provided they are safe for performers, staff, and the venue. The use of fire, open flames, swords, knives, live animals, smoke effects, props requiring a connection to a standard electrical outlet, or microphones is strictly prohibited. Studios wishing to use dry ice effects must notify Rising Star Talent Productions in advance. Approval is subject to the policies and restrictions of the host venue.
Studios are responsible for transporting, setting up, removing, and cleaning up all props in a timely manner. All props must be able to be set up and removed without delaying the competition. If setup and/or removal is expected to exceed one (1) minute, this must be indicated when entering the routine in DanceComp Genie so adequate time can be built into the competition schedule. Failure to disclose extended setup or removal times may result in the routine being rescheduled to an appropriate break in the competition.
Please check with the Stage Manager regarding backstage prop storage and placement. Any prop that could damage the stage surface or create a safety hazard may be prohibited at the sole discretion of Rising Star Talent Productions.

If prop setup is going to take longer than 3 minutes, please email, call or text us.

Category List

CATEGORY	# TRICKS ALLOWED	DEFINITION
Ballet	0-4	A routine showcasing classical ballet technique, including proper placement, alignment, control, grace, and artistry.
Character	Unlimited	A routine portraying a recognizable character or role through movement, music, costume, and performance. The routine should emphasize characterization while incorporating dance throughout. This category may not be used as an alternate entry for another dance style such as Tap or Jazz.
Clogging	0-4	A routine showcasing clogging technique and style, emphasizing rhythmic footwork and traditional or contemporary clogging movements.
Contemporary	Unlimited	A routine combining elements of lyrical, modern, and jazz technique while emphasizing musical interpretation, emotion, control, balance, extensions, and fluid movement.
Gym/Acro	Unlimited	A routine combining dance with acrobatic and gymnastic skills performed to music. The routine should primarily showcase acrobatic and gymnastic technique integrated with dance.
Hip Hop	Unlimited	A routine showcasing hip hop movement and street-style choreography, including elements such as popping, locking, breaking, funk, or commercial hip hop styles..
Jazz	0-4	A routine showcasing jazz technique, style, and performance quality with an emphasis on precision, energy, and execution.
Lyrical	0-4	A routine combining ballet and jazz technique to express the lyrics, mood, and emotion of the music through fluid movement, balance, extensions, control, and storytelling.
Musical Theater	Unlimited	A routine emphasizing storytelling, characterization, and stage performance while showcasing dance. Lip syncing is permitted; however, live singing and microphones are not permitted.
Novelty	Unlimited	A routine centered around entertainment, creativity, or humor that does not fit within a single dance category or combines multiple dance styles. Entries may not use this category to avoid entering the appropriate dance style. If judges determine a routine has been entered incorrectly, the applicable penalty may be assessed. Microphones are not available for use in this category.
Open	Unlimited	A routine that does not fit the definition of another category or combines multiple dance styles. This category also permits additional routines in the same dance style (such as a second Tap or Jazz routine), provided the choreography is different from the original entry. Microphones are not available for use in this category.
Pointe	0	A ballet routine performed entirely on pointe, demonstrating classical ballet technique, strength, control, and artistry.
Pom Pom & Cheer	Unlimited	A routine showcasing pom, cheer, or spirit-style movement using pom poms for at least 80% of the routine. A minimum of 50% of the choreography must consist of dance.
Photogenic	N/A	All entries in this category must bring a single recent 5×7 or 8×10 photograph (preferably nothing smaller) in any pose in black & white or in color. No composite photos will be accepted. You may enter more than one (1) picture, but you will pay a separate charge for each picture entered.
Production	Unlimited	A theatrical routine featuring ten (10) or more performers that emphasizes formations, staging, creativity, and entertainment while incorporating multiple styles of dance and/or rhythmic changes. Maximum performance time: eight (8) minutes. Microphones are not available for use in this category.
Tap	0-4	A routine showcasing tap technique and rhythm with an emphasis on clarity, timing, and musicality. There will be a 10-point penalty for Tap or tap-like sounds on music; if tap sounds are on music, this should be entered into Open category.

ENTRY FEES

If you have any questions about these rules or entry fees, please email, call or text us.

Deadlines

Entries must be submitted twenty-one (21) days before a Regionals competition date and thirty (30) days before the Nationals competition date. ENTRIES REQUESTING TO BE SUBMITTED AFTER THAT DATE, MUST CONTACT OUR OFFICE and will be assessed a late fee of $10.00 per act and will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

A schedule will be emailed to all accounts (the email provided on Dance Comp Genie) approximately ten (10) days before the competition date. If your account is not paid in full, you will not receive this information. No acts will be accepted after the schedule is emailed. Entries are limited to the amount of performance time available.

Deposits

Rising Star is requiring a non-refundable sliding scale deposit to be paid within 15 days of acts being entered on Dance Comp Genie. Please log onto your account to see the deposit fee structure.

Refund Policy

Entries are not normally refundable! A refund may be obtained with proof of medical reasons. Rising Star Talent Productions reserves the right to cancel any competition. At that time, all entry fees for that contest will be refunded or transferred to another contest. If your Regionals competition is canceled, you are automatically eligible to attend our National competition.

SCORING

If you have any questions about these rules or scoring, please email, call or text us.

Levels: Remarkable, 1, 2 & 3

Total points required in award levels are lower for Level 1 than other divisions. All Regional Elite Platinum, Platinum, High Gold and Gold winners qualify for the National Competition.

●  Remarkable:	RISING STAR is excited to offer the REMARKABLE LEVEL! This level is designed to recognize dancers that have mental and/or physical disabilities or special needs.
●  Level 1:	For performers with little or no competitive experience. Level 1 can score no higher than 264.9 and it is not eligible for studio credit awards. Any act in Level 1 that scores a 265 or above will be automatically moved to Level 2!
●  Level 2:	For performers at an intermediate level of competition. Level 2 can score no higher than 279.9 and is not eligible for studio credit awards. Any act in Level 2 that scores a 280 or above will be automatically moved to Level 3!
●  Level 3:	For experienced/advanced performers. Level 3 is eligible for studio credit awards (Regional/National).

Need help selecting the appropriate competitive level? View our Level Placement Guide for an overview of the skills typically introduced at each level.

Teachers, please use discretion in determining levels.

Judging

A panel of competent judges will evaluate contestants, and all entrants agree that the time, manner and method of judging the contest shall be solely within the discretion of the director of Rising Star Talent Productions, Inc. All decisions of the judges are final.

TIME LIMITS

If you have any questions about these rules or time limits, please email, call or text us.

Maximum Time

The maximum time limit for a performance varies by division. There is no minimum time limit. If a Large Group, Line or Super Group competes in the "Production" category, the time limit is extended to eight (8) minutes.

Overtime

Any performance going over the maximum time limit above will be charged $5.00 for each additional fifteen (15) seconds over the allotted time.

PENALTIES

If you have any questions about these rules or fliming/videos, please email or call our office.

Penalty Actions

ACTION	PENALTY/DEDUCTION
Changes at the door	$50 per Change
Changes after the Program is posted on the website	$50 per Change
More than four (4) tricks in technical dance category	Ten (10) Points
Use of prerecorded tap or tap-like sounds in music entered in the Tap category	Ten (10) Points
Improper Entry	$50 change fee
Run-Off (any act is not completed for any reason, it has the option to re-perform, but will not be re-scored)	Lowest score in its category (no higher than a Gold) and disqualification for overall awards. Participant has the option to re-perform, but will not be re-scored.

PHOTO AND VIDEO PACKAGE

Rising Star does NOT require the Media Fee! You can still order your child's photos and videos! You will need to download the Dakiki App and pay through the app at the affordable price of $50 per dancer per competition. A low resolution of ALL photos and a 10 second snippet of the video will be available immediately following the performance, if proper internet access is provided by the facility. If we are not able to upload immediately, uploads will start within 24 hours after the event's completion. Once you have paid the Media Fee, within 48 hours after the last day of competition, the full Video and high quality Photos will be accessible.

Media Access Information

To view your child's media from the competition, please use their name as listed in the program and birthdate, exactly as registered. This precise match is essential for our system to grant access. If you experience any difficulties, our media support team is ready to assist you.

Media will be available for online download for one (1) year from the date it is uploaded.

If you are having any issues accessing your child's Photos or Videos, please email Media Support.

Reminder: Videotaping and flash photography of performances from the audience are prohibited during the competition. Failure to comply may result in disqualification.

Trophies & Awards

Trophies are awarded to the three highest-scoring acts in each category. All other acts will receive an adjudication award of Elite Platinum, Platinum, High Gold, or Gold. Soloists will each receive an individual trophy or medal. Duets, trios, and groups will receive one trophy or award for the studio, along with an adjudication pin for each performer in the routine. Additional awards may be purchased. All adjudicated award recipients qualify for the National Competition.

High Score Awards

Level 1 and Level 2 participants will receive recognition for the overall five (5) high scores with 1^ST place receiving a trophy. Level 3 participants will receive recognition for the overall five (5) high scores, with 1^ST place receiving a trophy and a studio credit. The three (3) highest scores in Level 3 will be considered for the Rising Star/Shining Star Award. THERE MUST BE A MINIMUM OF THREE (3) ENTRIES IN A DIVISION FOR A STUDIO CREDIT TO BE AWARDED, e.g., Petite Small Group, Senior Duet/Trios, etc. Additional placement recognition will be at the discretion of the director.

Ties

Ties for all awards will be broken using the following criteria, in order: Technique, Showmanship, Timing, Choreography, and Costume/Music. If a tie still remains after all tie-breaking criteria have been applied, the judges will determine the winner. ALL AWARDS ARE FINAL!

Overall Score Award

Below are the awards being presented to the highest scoring act in each Age Group (Petite: 8 & Under, Junior: 9-11, Teen: 12-14, and Senior: 15-19):

DIVISION	AWARD
Levels: Remarkable, 1 & 2	Trophy
Solo Level 3	$50 Studio Credit* & Trophy
Duet/Trio Level 3	$75 Studio Credit* & Trophy
Small Group Level 3	$100 Studio Credit* & Trophy
Large Group Level 3	$150 Studio Credit* & Trophy
Line Group Level 3	$200 Studio Credit* & Trophy
Super Group Level 3	$250 Studio Credit* & Trophy
Photogenic	Trophy

*	There must be at least three (3) entries in an Age Group and Division for a studio credit to be awarded. If the Studio Credit is used at Nationals, it must be used by the studio that won the credit at the Regional Competition.

Adult Award

Any act that has a minimum of 50% of the participants 20 years of age or older performing in it, or any one person who is 18 years of age or older and a full-time dance studio owner or dance teacher. Example: In a duet, if a participant is 20 or older it would be an Adult act. In a group, 50% or more of the total number of participants must be 20 or over or a full-time owner or teacher; if a Solo, in the 17-19 age group is a full-time teacher at a studio; these are considered Adult acts.

Adult Act Overalls: One Top Adult Act will be presented in each competitive level (Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, and Remarkable), regardless of whether the entry is a solo, duet/trio, or group.

DIVISION	AWARD
Adult: Remarkable, Level 1 & 2	Trophy
Adult: Level 3	$25 Studio Credit* & Trophy

*	There must be at least three (3) entries in the Level for a studio credit to be awarded. If the Studio Credit is used at Nationals, it must be used by the studio that won the credit at the Regional Competition.

Excellence in Dance

The “Excellence in Dance” trophy is awarded to the highest score of 11 and Under and 12 and Over. This award should be accepted by a performer, teacher, or studio representative who is present during the awards ceremony.

Ms./Mr. Star Entertainer Title

The Ms./Mr. Star Entertainer Titles are presented to the most entertaining solos of each of the four Age Groups excluding Adults (Petite, Junior, Teen & Senior) in all levels (Level 1, 2, 3 & Remarkable).

To be eligible for the Solo Title competition, select the "Attend Solo Title" checkbox when submitting your online entry. Entries may also be added at the registration table no later than 30 minutes before the routine's scheduled performance time (fee required). There is no limit to the number of solos you can enter for this award.

Performer/Studio Representative must be present during the awards ceremony in order to receive award.

	AWARD
Winner	Trophy, crown/hat and sweatshirt
1ST Runner-Up	Crown (Ms.) or hat (Mr.)
2ND Runner-Up	Crown (Ms.) or hat (Mr.)

Rising Star & Shining Star

Both Rising Star and Shining Star trophies are awarded to the most entertaining act in both the 11 & Under (Petite, Junior) and 12 & Over (Teen, Senior, excluding Adult acts) Age Groups. This will be a decision of the judges and director.

Performer(s), teacher or studio representative must be present during the awards ceremony in order to receive award.

AWARD	ELIGIBLE ACTS
Rising Star*	The highest six (6) scores in the following Divisions: Level 3 Solo
Shining Star*	The highest three (3) scores in the following Divisions: Level 3 Duet/Trio, Level 3 Small Group, Level 3 Large Group, Level 3 Line or Level 3 Super Group

*	A studio must have at least ten (10) acts participating to be eligible for Rising or Shining Star

NATIONAL AWARDS

If you have any questions about these rules or National awards, please email, call or text us..

Trophies & Awards

Trophies are awarded to the three highest-scoring acts in each category. All other acts will receive an award designating Elite Platinum, Platinum, High Gold or Gold winner. Solos will each receive an individual trophy or award; duets, trios and groups will receive one trophy or award for the studio with a pin for each member of the group. Additional awards may be purchased.

Ties

Ties for all awards will be broken using the following criteria, in order: Technique, Showmanship, Timing, Choreography, and Costume/Music. If a tie still remains after all tie-breaking criteria have been applied, the judges will determine the winner. ALL AWARDS ARE FINAL!

Overall Score Awards

The following will be presented to an act within each of the following Age Groups: Petite: 8 & Under, Junior: 9-11, Teen: 12-14, and Senior: 15-19:

*	There must be at least three (3) entries in a Age Group and Division for a Studio Credit to be awarded.
**	For 11 & Under (Petite, Junior) and 12 & Over (Teen, Senior) age groups only.

Adult Award

Any act that has a minimum of 50% of the participants 20 years of age or older performing in it, or any one person who is 18 years of age or older and a full-time dance studio owner or dance teacher. Example: In a duet, if a participant is 20 or older it would be an Adult act. In a group, 50% or more of the total number of participants must be 20 or over or a full-time owner or teacher; if a Solo, in the 17-19 age group is a full-time teacher at a studio; these are considered Adult acts.

Adult Act Overalls: One Top Adult Act will be presented in each competitive level (Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, and Remarkable), regardless of whether the entry is a solo, duet/trio, or group.

DIVISION	AWARD
Adult: Remarkable, Level 1 & 2	Trophy
Adult: Level 3	$50 Studio Credit* & Trophy

*	There must be at least three (3) entries in the Level for a studio credit to be awarded.

Excellence in Dance

The “Excellence in Dance” trophy is awarded to the highest score of 11 and Under and 12 and Over. This award should be accepted by a performer, teacher, or studio representative who is present during the awards ceremony.

Ms./Mr. Star Entertainer Title

The Ms./Mr. Star Entertainer Titles are presented to the most entertaining solos of each of the four Age Groups excluding Adults (Petite, Junior, Teen & Senior) in all levels (Level 1, 2, 3 & Remarkable). This will be a decision of the judges.

To be eligible for the Solo Title competition, select the "Attend Solo Title" checkbox when submitting your online entry. Entries may also be added at the registration table no later than 30 minutes before the routine's scheduled performance time (fee required). There is no limit to the number of solos you can enter for this award.

Performer must be present during the awards ceremony in order to receive award.

	AWARD
Winner	Trophy, crown/hat and sweatshirt
1ST Runner-Up	Crown (Ms.) or hat (Mr.)
2ND Runner-Up	Crown (Ms.) or hat (Mr.)
3RD Runner-Up	Crown (Ms.) or hat (Mr.)
4TH Runner-Up	Crown (Ms.) or hat (Mr.)

Best of the Best Competition - Level 2

Solo competition is divided into 11 & Under (Petite, Junior) and 12 & Over (Teen, Senior). The winner is chosen in a special "Best of the Best" competition of the Overall highest three (3) Solo scores in each overall age group in Level 2, i.e., Petite, Junior, Teen & Senior.

Duet, Trio, Group competition is divided into 11 & Under (Petite, Junior) and 12 & Over (Teen, Senior). The ten (10) highest-scoring Level 2 Duet, Trio, Small Group, Large Group, Line, and Super Group routines in each age division will qualify for the "Best of the Best" competition. A performer may appear on stage a maximum of two (2) times. If a performer appears in more than two qualifying routines, only the two (2) highest-scoring routines in which they perform will remain eligible. Any ineligible routine will be replaced by the next highest-scoring eligible routine. Replacement routines will be selected only from the top fifteen (15) highest-scoring routines. If ten (10) eligible routines cannot be filled from those fifteen (15) routines, fewer than ten (10) routines will compete.

DIVISION	1ST PLACE	2ND PLACE	3RD PLACE
Solo - Level 2	6-foot Trophy	Trophy	Trophy
Duet, Trio, Group - Level 2	6-foot Trophy	Trophy	Trophy

Best of the Best Competition - Level 3

Rising Star competitors are divided into 11 & Under (Petite, Junior) and 12 & Over (Teen, Senior). The winner is chosen in a special "Best of the Best" competition of the Overall highest three (3) Solo scores in each overall age group in Level 3, i.e., Petite, Junior, Teen & Senior.

Shining Star competitors are divided into 11 & Under (Petite, Junior) and 12 & Over (Teen, Senior). The fifteen (15) highest-scoring Level 3 Duet, Trio, Small Group, Large Group, Line, and Super Group routines in each age division will qualify for the "Best of the Best" competition. A performer may appear on stage a maximum of two (2) times. If a performer appears in more than two qualifying routines, only the two (2) highest-scoring routines in which they perform will remain eligible. Any ineligible routine will be replaced by the next highest-scoring eligible routine. Replacement routines will be selected only from the top twenty-five (25) highest-scoring routines. If fifteen (15) eligible routines cannot be filled from those twenty-five (25) routines, fewer than fifteen (15) routines will compete.

DIVISION	1ST PLACE	2ND PLACE	3RD PLACE
Rising Star	$250 & 6-foot Trophy	Trophy	Trophy
Shining Star	$500 & 6-foot Trophy	Trophy	Trophy

Scholarships

Hard work, continued dedication and enthusiasm are essential for young dancers in today’s world. We at Rising Star wish to encourage these characteristics. As a way to encourage these attributes, we offer scholarships at our National Competition for age levels 11 & Under and 12 & Over. The age for both scholarhips is based off of the competiting age of January 1, 2027.

The scholarships will be awarded through an audition process. The audition process could involve combinations, singing, tumbling, basic tap and ballet steps. The scholarships will be awarded by a decision of the judges and director. The scholarship winner will receive $150 and the Runner-Up $50; to be used to further their dance education. DANCER MUST BE PRESENT TO RECEIVE AWARD!!!