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 the competition at U.S. events. Sportsmanlike behavior is expected at all times. No loud noisemaking devices are allowed in the audience (cowbells, airhorns, etc.)

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.

Fees

Please log into your studio profile or if you have not yet and create a studio profile by clicking on REGISTRATION US/PANAMA to access competition and convention fees.

Competition Age Divisions

Small Wonders (8 & Under), Junior (9-10), Pre-teen (11-12), Teen (13-15), Senior (16-19), Adult (20+)

Competition General Divisions

Solo (1), Duet (2), Trio (3), Group (4-9), Large Group (10-19), Production (15+), Line (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 movement
​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
Tap	Tap technique with tap shoes only. Tap sounds not allowed pre-recorded.
Open	Any Entry that does not fit into one of the above categories or is a mix of multiple categories
Vocal	Use of microphone for vocal entries
Cheer	A combination of Pom Pom, Acro and Hip Hop
Song and Dance	An entry that includes both vocal and dance performance simultaneously

Time Limits

Each dance must fit within a specific time window. A two (2) point deduction will result for every 5 seconds of overtime. The following table shows the time constraints expressed in minutes and seconds based on the size of the routine.

Solo	1:00 - 2:45
Duo	1:00 - 2:45
Trio	1:00 - 2:45
Group	1:00 - 3:00
​Large Group	1:00 - 4:00
Line	1:00 - 4:00
Production	1:00 - 8:00

Scoring

​The Sheer Elite International standard of achievement of composite scores is an average of the individual judges scores resulting in the following award categories:

Diamond	​294-300
Titanium	​288-293.9
Platinum	282-287.9
Gold	276-281.9

Levels (US events only)

ProAm: This division is for any entry that includes a studio director, teacher or pre-professional dancer. (ProAm entries are not eligible for the Overall Highest Scoring Entry of the competition)

Judges may choose to move an entry to another level if they see fit. This decision is final.

Duo, Trio and Group entries will be placed in the level that the majority of the dancers are registered in. If an entry includes all three levels of dancers, it will be placed in the Compete level, unless there is a majority number of Elite level dancers.

Any dancer who registers for more than their allowed number of solos and/or entries will be placed in the higher level automatically.

Teacher, Director, Pre-Professional Dancer Participation

Dance studio owners and teachers as well as salaried employees are allowed to participate in competition as long as they are registered in the Pro-Am division; but not eligible for cash awards or High Score of the competition. Winners will be awarded a trophy. Any entry involving a teacher, studio owner, or pre-professional dancer must be registered in the Pro-Am division.

Age Calculation

The age is determined as of January 1, 2024. 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. All entries including solo, duet, trio, group and production entries with the same average age can only compete in the same age group; if the dance style is different for each entry. Groups and Productions with the same age average cannot compete in more than one age division and must remain in the same age division. For any competition taking place between October 1, 2023 and December 31, 2023, the age will still be as of January 1, 2024

Dance Category Regulations

All entries including solo, duet, trio, group, line and production entries with the same average age can only compete in the same age group, if the dance style is different for each entry

Entry Requirements

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.

Independent Entries

​Independents are welcome. If the dancer is from a studio, we ask that they register under their studio and director. A dancer cannot compete as an independent if they have previously competed under a studio in the same season. An independent dancer is required to attend convention at their chosen competition event. 

Solo Entry Requirements

The same participant (if in the advanced 'Elite' level) may compete with a maximum of 3 solos at one competition as long as each competition entry is a different dance style.
​A soloist may only place once in overalls with their highest scoring solo.

National Eligibility

Scores of Gold and above are eligible to participate at a Sheer Elite International National event. 

Props

All props must be set on stage by the studio, not by Sheer Elite International staff, within 1 minute maximum or a 3-point deduction will be applied. Please clean up after removal of props.
No dangerous props will be allowed (fire, knives, swords, sparklers, weapons, powder, water, confetti, paint, fake blood, glitter, sand, etc.). Props may not be taller than 10 feet. Live animals and human props are not allowed. Nothing can be launched from a projectile mechanism.
If the flooring, wings or backdrops are damaged due to props, the studio owner is responsible for the cost of replacement

Score Sheets & Backup Music

Scores will be published online in your Sheer Registration account.
All performance music flash drives, certificates and awards must be picked up at the event. Any uncollected materials will not be returned.

Video Judging

Each studio will receive video critiques accessible through the registration portal, typically available within 48 hours of the event. All video judging at event is final and will not be redone by judges after event.

Time and 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.
Once the final program is issued, entries must compete in their assigned order and entry number whether competition is running late or early, unless granted special permission from the competition director. Any entry that does not compete within 10 acts of their scheduled performance will not be eligible for Overalls

Confirmation Teacher Line Up

Upon release of an event program, all participating teachers will be able to access the line up in their studio profile a week prior to the event. 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.

Music

All music must be uploaded online in your studio profile and assigned to the competition entry no later than 7 days prior to the event date. Please provide back-up music at the event on 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 or deduction at the discretion of the judges. 

​Uncompleted Acts

​Acts that voluntarily exit the stage before the completion of their entry are subject to point deductions and are not eligible for overall awards. An act that re-performs may only be rescored if the original performance was affected by a technical error committed on Sheer Elite’s behalf. 

Title Competition

 Please see all rules and regulations for Regional and National title competitions HERE

Live Stream

Sheer Elite events will be live streamed whenever possible. Due to variable conditions between show locations, we can not guarantee the availability, reliability, or quality of the stream at any location.

Competition With Convention*

Sheer Elite International believes that dance education is an extremely important part of the development of a dancer and although the convention portion is optional, it is highly recommended. It is a great opportunity to take class from different instructors and to learn new ideas and material, at a very reasonable cost. 
Only dancers who participate in convention will be eligible for scholarships awarded and other recognitions. 
​
​*where applicable. Events without convention will be label as "Competition Only"

Convention Divisions

Small Wonders: 8 & Under
Intermediate - Junior/Pre-teen: 9-12
Teen/Senior: 13-19
Teachers: 20+
​Teachers are permitted to attend student convention classes. Parents will not be permitted in the class at anytime, with the exception of one (1) designated adult per studio allowed.

Convention Wristbands

All participants must wear designated Sheer Elite International wristband for the duration of convention classes. Participants will not be permitted in convention classes without the necessary wristband. Lost wristbands will be replaced with a $5.00 charge.
​Wristband Colors (Red= Small Wonders)  (Yellow= Junior/Pre-Teen) (Green= Teen/Senior) (Gray= Teacher)

Convention Scholarships

A copy of the convention scholarship certificate must be included at the time of registration. Scanned convention certificates will be accepted by email to sheerelite@gmail.com. All scholarships are valid for 2023 Nationals and 2022/23 Tour Events only, non-transferable to other students and may not be exchanged for cash. Lost certificates will not be re-issued. The total discount of scholarship(s) can not be greater than the total entry fee, therefore the total discount for scholarship(s) will only be applied equal or less towards the total entry fee

Photo and Video

Photography and videotaping is not allowed during competition and will result in disqualification. The only exception is during the award ceremonies, where photography and videotaping are allowed. Teachers are permitted to videotape during convention classes only. All pictures and video taken by Sheer Elite International Staff and Sheer Elite International Professional photographers and videographers at all Sheer Elite International 2022/23 Tour and 2023 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, podcasts, program books, social media, videos and website; for all Sheer Elite International promotional purposes.
All-inclusive media packages are available at each regional and national event for purchase.

Additional Rules

No one is allowed to approach the judges table during competition.
Any choreography, music, costumes, themes etc. that are deemed inappropriate by the judges will result in ‘adjudicated only’.
Any decision or score made by the judges are final.

Regional Awards & Certificates

Sheer Artist - Solo, Duets, and Trios Award

Solos, duets, and trios in each age category will be awarded medals and pins for adjudicated awards. Top five (5) solos, duets and trios in each age division will receive trophies for high score awards. The overall highest score for solos, duets and trios in each age division will receive a full convention scholarship valid for a 2024 National event or a 2024/25 tour event (for every category that has 3 or more entires). Only one convention scholarship will be awarded per winner, even if the same person wins more than one category. 

Competition Voucher - Group, Large Group, and Production Award

Groups, large groups, lines and productions in each age division will be awarded one (1) medal for the entry and pins to all participants for adjudicated awards. Top five (5) groups, large groups and lines 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, large groups and lines 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 and lines $125.00, and productions $150.00; valid for a 2024 national event or a 2024/25 Tour event. (For every category that has 3 or more entires).
​The amount of a competition voucher can be applied to the online registration, for a 2024 National or a 2024/25 Tour Event; when the total competition registration fee for that event is in the amount of $3,000.00 or over

Sheer Excellence Award

Convention awards selected by all faculty from all convention classes will be awarded to recipients at the convention scholarship presentation. The full convention scholarship value can be applied to a 2024 National Event or a 2024/25 Tour event

Sheer Choreographer Award

Choreography awards selected by judges will be awarded to the choreographer at the convention scholarship presentation. The $100.00 value can be applied to a 2024 National Event. If more than one $100.00 competition credit is applied, 10 competition entries must be registered for each $100.00 competition credit applied.

Sheer Style Award

The highest scoring competition entry per dance style (for every style that has 3 or more entires) will be awarded to the winning studio owner at the convention scholarship presentation. The $100.00 value can be applied to a 2024 National Event. If more than one $100.00 competition credit is applied, 10 competition entries must be registered for each $100.00 competition credit applied

Sheer Director Award

The highest scoring competition entry per dance studio (for studios with 5 or more entries) will be awarded to the studio owner at the convention scholarship presentation. The $100.00 value can be applied to a 2024 National Event. If more than one $100.00 competition credit is applied, 10 competition entries must be registered for each $100.00 competition credit applied

Vickie Sheer Award

One recipient in each age category and one male recipient is chosen and awarded the Vickie Sheer Award in recognition for excellence in achievements above and beyond expectations both in competition and convention. The $50.00 value can be applied to a 2024 National Event.

Overall Award

Top one (1) of all solos, duets and trios combined as well as top one (1) of all groups, lines and productions combined will each receive a trophy and a competition voucher, valued at $200.00 for the overall highest score; valid for a 2024 National event or a 2024/25 Tour event

Nationals

Nationals

PRELIMINARY COMPETITION
A Preliminary Competition will be held for those who where not able to attend a Sheer Elite International 2024 Tour Event. Any entry requiring qualification must be registered by June 1, 2024. Any entry attending Nationals that did not attend a regional event, must participate in Preliminary Competition. 
PRELIMINARY FEES
The 2024 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 Regional Title participant who scores in the Top 10 Regional Title Winners and any soloist who earned a Titanium of Diamond will be eligible to participate in the national title competition.
JUDGES CHOICE COMPETITION
Select entries will be chosen from the National Finals competition to re-compete to win the coveted "Judges Choice" Award. The participation fee for this event is $20 per entry. Selected Entries will be announced at the completion of the National Finals Competition. 
LIVE JUDGING
Select soloists will be chosen to participate in our Live Judging Competition. These dancers will be interviewed on stage prior to their performance and receive their critiques directly following their performance from a panel of 3 judges. "Judges Choice" Award winners will be chosen from this event. The participation fee for this event is $25 per soloist. Selected soloist will be posted the morning after the completion of the National Finals Competition. 
IMPROV CONTEST
Dancers can sign up to participate in our improv contest. They will go through various rounds of cuts, down to the final dancer who will win a prize. The fee for this event is $5 per dancer. The Sign up sheet will be posted the morning of the Improv Contest. Only the first 50 dancers to sign up can participate. 
CONVENTION
Convention is optional for all competing dancers at Nationals, but strongly encourage. *Title Contestants are required to attend all convention classes.
SPECIAL EVENT FEES
​The fees collected from the Judges Choice Competition, Live Judging and Improv Contest are donated to an organization of Sheer Elite's choice
AWARDS GALA
The closing night awards banquet will feature an opening number performance by the Title Contestants, Title winners will be announced as well as perform. Past Title winners will also perform. All Overall awards and special awards will be announced and presented on stage. 

COVID-19 Precautions

Each event will run following all CDC and State Guidelines in regards to gatherings amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Adjustments will be made as necessary to ensure the safety of the dancers, teachers and families in attendance.
If a cancellation of a future event is forced by regulations due to COVID-19, studios will be refunded all fees paid for that event or may have the option to move the funds to another event. ​​​