2020 National Information
COMPETITION WITH CONVENTION
All competing dancers must be registered for the Sheer Elite International convention in the city in which they are competing.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
All Sheer Elite International competition entries and convention participants including full payment must be submitted using the online registration 30 days prior to event. Competition and convention entries must be inclusive at the time of submission. Registration will not be processed without valid payment. Entries received after 30 days will be assessed a late fee of 10% on all balances and risk not being listed in the program. Please ensure accuracy of age and spelling of names and music. TBA is not allowed to be entered for dance styles, participants and/or competition entries.
FORMS OF PAYMENT
Payment must be made using the online registration. Sheer Elite International reserves the right to approve all payment arrangements. All billing issues must be resolved prior to the competition. We accept Visa, MC, Discover and American Express. A $50.00 fee will be applied towards returned checks due to insufficient funds, plus any other applicable bank fees.
REFUND POLICY
All competition and convention fees are non-refundable. Any credits due will be solely issued by Sheer Elite International.
ADMISSION
Admission is free to view competition. Sportsmanlike behavior is expected at all times.
PERSONAL INJURY AND PROPERTY LOSS
Sheer Elite International staff, Sheer Elite International faculty and venue housing facility are not responsible for personal injury or property loss.
PRELIMINARY COMPETITION
A Preliminary Competition will be held for those who where not able to attend a Sheer Elite International 2019/20 Tour Event. Any entry requiring qualification must be registered by June 15, 2020.
FEES
Please log into your studio profile or if you have not yet please create a studio profile by clicking on Registration US/Panama to access competition and workshop fees.
PRELIMINARY FEES
The 2020 National Fee Schedule for Finals is also applicable to all Preliminary Entries. Anyone entering the Preliminary Competition also has to enter the Final Competition. The fee will be doubled, preliminary fee plus final fee for each entry.
TITLE COMPETITION
The Sheer Elite International title competition is exclusively for solos, at all age levels of competition: Small Wonders, Junior, Pre-Teen, Teen and Senior. Any participant who enters a solo at a tour competition and scores in the Titanium and Diamond Range (288 to 300 points) will automatically become eligible to participate in the national title competitions.
ELITE COMPETITION
The top scoring competition entries from each studio compete again in two categories; solos/duets/trios and groups/productions; and will receive trophies for high score awards. The overall highest score in each category, will receive a competition voucher valid for a 2019/20 tour event.
COMPETITION DIVISIONS
Small Wonders (8 & Under), Junior (9-10), Pre-teen (11-12), Teen (13-15), Senior (16-21), Adult (22+)
COMPETITION GENERAL DIVISIONS
Solo (1), Duet (2), Trio (3), Group (4-9), Production (10-19), Large Production (20+)
DANCE CATEGORIES
Acrobatic More than 3 gymnastics tricks. 2 or less gymnastic tricks are not considered acrobatics.
Ballet Ballet technique, including classical steps and movements
Character National or folk dance: Mazurka, Polka, Schottische, etc.
Contemporary Blend of modern and ballet technique, reaching beyond the standard jazz vocabulary.
Ethnic. Deriving from another culture: Hawaiian, Filipino, East Indian, etc.
Flamenco. Spanish dance with castanets, etc.
Hip Hop. Street, funk, and/or MTV video style jazz technique.
Jazz. Primarily jazz technique utilizing up-tempo music.
Line Precision Precise movement changes with line formations and high kicks
Lyrical Blend of jazz and ballet technique, emphasizing on strength, control, and interpretation.
Modern Blend of modern techniques.
Musical Theater Broadway or movie musical theatre dance styles.
Pom Pom High energy dance or gymnastic, incorporating pom poms
Pointe. Ballet technique with pointe shoes, including classical steps and movements.
Speciality. Entry incorporating portable or stage props. Hats, scarves, gloves, etc. that are wearable are not considered props.
Tap Tap technique with tap shoes only. Tap sounds not allowed pre-recorded.
TIME LIMITS
Solo Between 1 minute and 2 minutes 45 seconds
Duo Between 1 minute and 2 minutes 45 seconds
Trio Between 1 minute and 2 minutes 45 seconds
Group Between 1 minute and 3 minutes
Large Group Between 1 minutes and 4 minutes
Production Between 1 minutes and 8 minutes
*A two (2) point deduction will result for every 5 seconds of overtime.
SCORING
Diamond 294-300
Titanium 288-293.9
Platinum 282-287.9
Gold 276-281.9
* The Sheer Elite International standard of achievement of composite scores is an average of the individual judges scores resulting in the above award categories.
LEVELS
Only for U.S events.
Sheer Elite: This division is for dancers who are enrolled in weekly instruction totaling more than 4 hours
Sheer Compete: This division is for beginning dancers only who are enrolled in weekly instruction totaling less than 4 hours. Dancers in this division will not be eligible for convention scholarships or competition vouchers. Dancers are not to be coached by a teacher from the the wings.
AGE CALCULATION
The age is determined as of January 1, 2020. To reach the average age of an entry, add all the ages together and divide by the number of dancers in the entry. After averaging the age, drop the decimal to come up with the competition age for the entry. The age of student(s) at a Tour Event will remain the same at the National Event. Group entries cannot compete in more than one age division and must remain in the same age division. For any competition taking place between September 1, 2019 and December 31, 2019, the age will still be as of January 1, 2020.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
In order to participate in a competition, teachers along with competing students must be registered for scheduled convention. Convention attendance is accepted exclusive of competition. Independents are welcome. Dancers may compete in more than one regional city, but a competition entry receiving a first place may not compete again in a regional event during the same season. Dancers can only compete with one studio for the same competition season and not as in independent if already competed with a studio at a prior competition. Dance studio owners and teachers as well as salaried employees are allowed to participate in competition as long as they are registered as a Semi-Professional; but not eligible for cash awards or High Score of the Day. Winners will be awarded a trophy. Advanced students (16-21), participating in teachers' classes will not be eligible for any cash prizes, scholarships or title competition.
NATIONAL ELIGIBILITY
Scores of Gold and above at the Tour Events are eligible to participate at Nationals. No students may compete against herself/himself within a division.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Judges score sheets, video critique flash drives and all performance music must be picked up at the event. Any uncollected materials will not be returned.
CONVENTION DIVISIONS
Small Wonders (8 & Under), Intermediate including Junior and Pre-Teen (9-12), Teen (13-15), Senior (16-21 and Teachers
Teachers are permitted to attend student conventions. Parents will not be permitted in the Small Wonders classroom at anytime, with the exception of one (1) designated adult per studio allowed.
CONVENTION WRISTBANDS
All participants must wear designated Sheer Elite International bracelet for the duration of convention classes. Participant will not be permitted in convention without the necessary bracelet. Lost wristbands will be replaced with a $5.00 charge.
CONVENTION SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
A copy of the convention certificate must be included at the time of registration. Scanned convention certificates will be accepted by email. All convention scholarships are valid for 2020 Nationals and 2020-21 Tour Events only, non-transferable to other students and may not be exchanged for cash. Lost certificates will not be re-issued.
PROPS
All props must be set on stage by the studio, not by Sheer Elite International staff, within 45 seconds maximum or a 3-point deduction will be applied. Please clean up after removal of props.
PHOTO OR VIDEO
Photography and video taping is not allowed during competition and will result in disqualification. The only exception is during the award ceremonies, where photography and video taping is allowed. Each studio will receive a flash drive containing video and judges comments. Teachers are permitted to videotape during workshop classes only. All pictures and video taken by Sheer Elite International Staff and Sheer Elite Professional photographers and videographers at all Sheer Elite International 2019/20 Tour and National Events, including competitions and convention; will be the property of Sheer Elite International LLC; and therefore allowed for unlimited usage for all Sheer Elite International Collaterals: including all but not limited to ads, back drops, banners, displays, e-mail blasts, fliers, media, prints, pod casts, program books, social media, videos and website; for all Sheer Elite International promotional purposes.
VIDEO JUDGING
Judging critiques from three judges will be emailed the week after event. All video judging at event is final and will not be redone by judges after event.
TIME & PROGRAM
Students with makeup or costume changes that require additional time to prepare between competition entries must email sheerelite@gmail.com before the registration is completed. Once the program has been issued seven (7) days before competition date no changes will be allowed.
CONFIRMATION TEACHER LINE UP
Upon release of an event program, all participating teachers will receive a studio line up via email a week prior to the event along with supporting information. Teachers are responsible for confirming its accuracy prior to the event. Unconfirmed line ups are interpreted as correct and will perform as is. Studios should keep copies of all registration paperwork for reference. It is the responsibility of each studio to review its billing statements for accuracy.
JUDGES REQUIREMENTS
Studio owners competing in 2019/20 Tour and/or National Events are not eligible to be a judge at a 2019/20 Tour Event or a 2020 National Event.
MUSIC
All music files should be uploaded and assigned to matching entries two weeks prior to competition onto the registration site by logging into studio profile. Back up copies of all music files should be available at event on CD or flash drive, clearly labeled and of professional quality. Teachers must use judgment when selecting music and its lyrical contents. Vulgar, derogatory or sexually suggestive words and inappropriate dance moves are cause for disqualification.
SHEER ARTIST - SOLO, DUETS AND TRIOS AWARD
Solos, duets, and trios in each age category will be awarded medals for adjudicated awards. Top five (5) solos, duets and trios in each age division will receive trophies for high score awards. When the same participant is scored first place as well as second place, both solos will be awarded as one first place. When scored first place as well as third to fifth place in a solo, only the top competition entry will be included in top five high scores. The overall highest score for solos, duets and trios in each age division will receive a full convention scholarship valid for a 2020/21 tour event. Only one convention scholarship will be awarded per winner, even if the same person wins more than one category.
SHEER STUDIO - GROUP, LARGE GROUP AND PRODUCTION AWARD
Groups, large groups and productions in each age division will be awarded one (1) medal for the entry and ribbons to all participants for adjudicated awards. Top five (5) groups and large groups in each age division; and for productions, age 12 and under and age 13 and over; will receive trophies for high score awards. The overall highest score for groups and large groups in each age division; and for productions, age 12 and under and age 13 and over; will receive a competition voucher: groups $100.00, large groups $125.00 and productions $150.00; valid for a 2020/21 Tour event.
OVERALL AWARDS
Top one (1) of all solos, duets and trios combined as well as top one (1) of all groups, productions and large productions combined will each receive a trophy and a competition voucher, valued at $200.00 for the overall highest score.; valid for a 2020/21 tour event.
COMPETITION VOUCHER
The amount of a competition voucher can be applied to the online registration, for a 2020/21 Tour Event; when the total competition registration fee for that event is in the amount of $2,500.00 or over.
All competing dancers must be registered for the Sheer Elite International convention in the city in which they are competing.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
All Sheer Elite International competition entries and convention participants including full payment must be submitted using the online registration 30 days prior to event. Competition and convention entries must be inclusive at the time of submission. Registration will not be processed without valid payment. Entries received after 30 days will be assessed a late fee of 10% on all balances and risk not being listed in the program. Please ensure accuracy of age and spelling of names and music. TBA is not allowed to be entered for dance styles, participants and/or competition entries.
FORMS OF PAYMENT
Payment must be made using the online registration. Sheer Elite International reserves the right to approve all payment arrangements. All billing issues must be resolved prior to the competition. We accept Visa, MC, Discover and American Express. A $50.00 fee will be applied towards returned checks due to insufficient funds, plus any other applicable bank fees.
REFUND POLICY
All competition and convention fees are non-refundable. Any credits due will be solely issued by Sheer Elite International.
ADMISSION
Admission is free to view competition. Sportsmanlike behavior is expected at all times.
PERSONAL INJURY AND PROPERTY LOSS
Sheer Elite International staff, Sheer Elite International faculty and venue housing facility are not responsible for personal injury or property loss.
PRELIMINARY COMPETITION
A Preliminary Competition will be held for those who where not able to attend a Sheer Elite International 2019/20 Tour Event. Any entry requiring qualification must be registered by June 15, 2020.
FEES
Please log into your studio profile or if you have not yet please create a studio profile by clicking on Registration US/Panama to access competition and workshop fees.
PRELIMINARY FEES
The 2020 National Fee Schedule for Finals is also applicable to all Preliminary Entries. Anyone entering the Preliminary Competition also has to enter the Final Competition. The fee will be doubled, preliminary fee plus final fee for each entry.
TITLE COMPETITION
The Sheer Elite International title competition is exclusively for solos, at all age levels of competition: Small Wonders, Junior, Pre-Teen, Teen and Senior. Any participant who enters a solo at a tour competition and scores in the Titanium and Diamond Range (288 to 300 points) will automatically become eligible to participate in the national title competitions.
ELITE COMPETITION
The top scoring competition entries from each studio compete again in two categories; solos/duets/trios and groups/productions; and will receive trophies for high score awards. The overall highest score in each category, will receive a competition voucher valid for a 2019/20 tour event.
COMPETITION DIVISIONS
Small Wonders (8 & Under), Junior (9-10), Pre-teen (11-12), Teen (13-15), Senior (16-21), Adult (22+)
COMPETITION GENERAL DIVISIONS
Solo (1), Duet (2), Trio (3), Group (4-9), Production (10-19), Large Production (20+)
DANCE CATEGORIES
Acrobatic More than 3 gymnastics tricks. 2 or less gymnastic tricks are not considered acrobatics.
Ballet Ballet technique, including classical steps and movements
Character National or folk dance: Mazurka, Polka, Schottische, etc.
Contemporary Blend of modern and ballet technique, reaching beyond the standard jazz vocabulary.
Ethnic. Deriving from another culture: Hawaiian, Filipino, East Indian, etc.
Flamenco. Spanish dance with castanets, etc.
Hip Hop. Street, funk, and/or MTV video style jazz technique.
Jazz. Primarily jazz technique utilizing up-tempo music.
Line Precision Precise movement changes with line formations and high kicks
Lyrical Blend of jazz and ballet technique, emphasizing on strength, control, and interpretation.
Modern Blend of modern techniques.
Musical Theater Broadway or movie musical theatre dance styles.
Pom Pom High energy dance or gymnastic, incorporating pom poms
Pointe. Ballet technique with pointe shoes, including classical steps and movements.
Speciality. Entry incorporating portable or stage props. Hats, scarves, gloves, etc. that are wearable are not considered props.
Tap Tap technique with tap shoes only. Tap sounds not allowed pre-recorded.
TIME LIMITS
Solo Between 1 minute and 2 minutes 45 seconds
Duo Between 1 minute and 2 minutes 45 seconds
Trio Between 1 minute and 2 minutes 45 seconds
Group Between 1 minute and 3 minutes
Large Group Between 1 minutes and 4 minutes
Production Between 1 minutes and 8 minutes
*A two (2) point deduction will result for every 5 seconds of overtime.
SCORING
Diamond 294-300
Titanium 288-293.9
Platinum 282-287.9
Gold 276-281.9
* The Sheer Elite International standard of achievement of composite scores is an average of the individual judges scores resulting in the above award categories.
LEVELS
Only for U.S events.
Sheer Elite: This division is for dancers who are enrolled in weekly instruction totaling more than 4 hours
Sheer Compete: This division is for beginning dancers only who are enrolled in weekly instruction totaling less than 4 hours. Dancers in this division will not be eligible for convention scholarships or competition vouchers. Dancers are not to be coached by a teacher from the the wings.
AGE CALCULATION
The age is determined as of January 1, 2020. To reach the average age of an entry, add all the ages together and divide by the number of dancers in the entry. After averaging the age, drop the decimal to come up with the competition age for the entry. The age of student(s) at a Tour Event will remain the same at the National Event. Group entries cannot compete in more than one age division and must remain in the same age division. For any competition taking place between September 1, 2019 and December 31, 2019, the age will still be as of January 1, 2020.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
In order to participate in a competition, teachers along with competing students must be registered for scheduled convention. Convention attendance is accepted exclusive of competition. Independents are welcome. Dancers may compete in more than one regional city, but a competition entry receiving a first place may not compete again in a regional event during the same season. Dancers can only compete with one studio for the same competition season and not as in independent if already competed with a studio at a prior competition. Dance studio owners and teachers as well as salaried employees are allowed to participate in competition as long as they are registered as a Semi-Professional; but not eligible for cash awards or High Score of the Day. Winners will be awarded a trophy. Advanced students (16-21), participating in teachers' classes will not be eligible for any cash prizes, scholarships or title competition.
NATIONAL ELIGIBILITY
Scores of Gold and above at the Tour Events are eligible to participate at Nationals. No students may compete against herself/himself within a division.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Judges score sheets, video critique flash drives and all performance music must be picked up at the event. Any uncollected materials will not be returned.
CONVENTION DIVISIONS
Small Wonders (8 & Under), Intermediate including Junior and Pre-Teen (9-12), Teen (13-15), Senior (16-21 and Teachers
Teachers are permitted to attend student conventions. Parents will not be permitted in the Small Wonders classroom at anytime, with the exception of one (1) designated adult per studio allowed.
CONVENTION WRISTBANDS
All participants must wear designated Sheer Elite International bracelet for the duration of convention classes. Participant will not be permitted in convention without the necessary bracelet. Lost wristbands will be replaced with a $5.00 charge.
CONVENTION SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
A copy of the convention certificate must be included at the time of registration. Scanned convention certificates will be accepted by email. All convention scholarships are valid for 2020 Nationals and 2020-21 Tour Events only, non-transferable to other students and may not be exchanged for cash. Lost certificates will not be re-issued.
PROPS
All props must be set on stage by the studio, not by Sheer Elite International staff, within 45 seconds maximum or a 3-point deduction will be applied. Please clean up after removal of props.
PHOTO OR VIDEO
Photography and video taping is not allowed during competition and will result in disqualification. The only exception is during the award ceremonies, where photography and video taping is allowed. Each studio will receive a flash drive containing video and judges comments. Teachers are permitted to videotape during workshop classes only. All pictures and video taken by Sheer Elite International Staff and Sheer Elite Professional photographers and videographers at all Sheer Elite International 2019/20 Tour and National Events, including competitions and convention; will be the property of Sheer Elite International LLC; and therefore allowed for unlimited usage for all Sheer Elite International Collaterals: including all but not limited to ads, back drops, banners, displays, e-mail blasts, fliers, media, prints, pod casts, program books, social media, videos and website; for all Sheer Elite International promotional purposes.
VIDEO JUDGING
Judging critiques from three judges will be emailed the week after event. All video judging at event is final and will not be redone by judges after event.
TIME & PROGRAM
Students with makeup or costume changes that require additional time to prepare between competition entries must email sheerelite@gmail.com before the registration is completed. Once the program has been issued seven (7) days before competition date no changes will be allowed.
CONFIRMATION TEACHER LINE UP
Upon release of an event program, all participating teachers will receive a studio line up via email a week prior to the event along with supporting information. Teachers are responsible for confirming its accuracy prior to the event. Unconfirmed line ups are interpreted as correct and will perform as is. Studios should keep copies of all registration paperwork for reference. It is the responsibility of each studio to review its billing statements for accuracy.
JUDGES REQUIREMENTS
Studio owners competing in 2019/20 Tour and/or National Events are not eligible to be a judge at a 2019/20 Tour Event or a 2020 National Event.
MUSIC
All music files should be uploaded and assigned to matching entries two weeks prior to competition onto the registration site by logging into studio profile. Back up copies of all music files should be available at event on CD or flash drive, clearly labeled and of professional quality. Teachers must use judgment when selecting music and its lyrical contents. Vulgar, derogatory or sexually suggestive words and inappropriate dance moves are cause for disqualification.
SHEER ARTIST - SOLO, DUETS AND TRIOS AWARD
Solos, duets, and trios in each age category will be awarded medals for adjudicated awards. Top five (5) solos, duets and trios in each age division will receive trophies for high score awards. When the same participant is scored first place as well as second place, both solos will be awarded as one first place. When scored first place as well as third to fifth place in a solo, only the top competition entry will be included in top five high scores. The overall highest score for solos, duets and trios in each age division will receive a full convention scholarship valid for a 2020/21 tour event. Only one convention scholarship will be awarded per winner, even if the same person wins more than one category.
SHEER STUDIO - GROUP, LARGE GROUP AND PRODUCTION AWARD
Groups, large groups and productions in each age division will be awarded one (1) medal for the entry and ribbons to all participants for adjudicated awards. Top five (5) groups and large groups in each age division; and for productions, age 12 and under and age 13 and over; will receive trophies for high score awards. The overall highest score for groups and large groups in each age division; and for productions, age 12 and under and age 13 and over; will receive a competition voucher: groups $100.00, large groups $125.00 and productions $150.00; valid for a 2020/21 Tour event.
OVERALL AWARDS
Top one (1) of all solos, duets and trios combined as well as top one (1) of all groups, productions and large productions combined will each receive a trophy and a competition voucher, valued at $200.00 for the overall highest score.; valid for a 2020/21 tour event.
COMPETITION VOUCHER
The amount of a competition voucher can be applied to the online registration, for a 2020/21 Tour Event; when the total competition registration fee for that event is in the amount of $2,500.00 or over.