* COMPETITION FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. NO EXCEPTIONS.

* Payment can be made by credit card (Visa, MasterCard and Discover - we no longer accept AMEX) or money order/cashiers check. NO STUDIO OR PERSONAL CHECKS WILL BE ACCEPTED.

* All entries MUST be accompanied by competition fees. Entries received without full payment, including those submitted through online registration, will not be processed.

* ALL ENTRIES MUST BE RECEIVED IN OUR OFFICE 30 DAYS PRIOR TO THE COMPETITION DATE. Entries received after the 30-day deadline will be subject to a 10% late fee.

* Registration can be completed through the following: Online registration; Downloading registration forms from our website - www.cathyroeultimatedance.com.

* An "entry" is defined as: A completed 2008 Official Registration Form; a signed and dated Payment and Release Form; entry fees paid in full (Entries mailed without payment will not be accepted.)

* Completed entries will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Incomplete entries or those received without payment could result in delayed registration or omission from the competition.

* All faxed entry forms MUST be accompanied by credit card information.

* Specific scheduling requests MUST be indicated on original entry forms. Requests will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis and CANNOT BE GUARANTEED.

* Entry changes must be requested no later than 2 weeks prior to the competition date. Any changes after that will not be accepted.

* Cathy Roe's Ultimate ("CRU") reserves the right to limit number of entries to amount of competition time available. This will vary by city and venue. We also have the right to add Sunday or Friday competition dates as needed. All participants must be available on all needed days of competition.

* CRU accepts entries from the following: dance studios, independent competitors who are not affiliated with a studio, and high school/college dance teams

* CRU will try to accommodate all entries. However, due to possible time constraints, all entries may not be honored. In such cases, priority will be given in the following order: Groups (may include small, large, line, or production), Duets/Trios, Solos.

General Rules

* There is no limit to the amount of regional competitions a studio and/or independent dancer may compete in. However, regional award winning routines from previous competitions are not eligible for special awards and/or high scores awarded from a previous regional competition in the same year. Please notify CRU of any prior winnings.

* All contestants must conduct themselves in a professional manner. Any unsportsmanlike conduct will result in disqualification.

* In the event that the competition is ahead of schedule or re-ordering has occurred, competing dancers must be ready to perform 1 hour prior to scheduled time. Contestant must perform on his/her designated day and in the order stated in the program unless officials of CRU change the line-up.

* A Solo performer may not compete against him or her self in a given category. In a Duet/Trio, at least one dancer must be different when competing in the same category. It is permissible to compete against yourself in Groups and Lines. At the National Finals, dancers can be replaced, if necessary, as long as 50% or more of the original dancers are in the routine. Teachers are required to notify CRU of these replacements.

* Under no circumstances will a performer be allowed to re-perform any number unless the number has been interrupted by a technical error on the part of CRU, an electrical failure, or any extenuating circumstance on the part of CRU solely, that heretofore is unforeseen. Conditions of a stage are not the responsibility of CRU and will not be considered in the re-performance of an entry.

* CRU reserves the right to cancel a competition if a minimal number of entries are not received. In such cases, all monies will be refunded. However, in cases where the minimal number of entries is received, registration fees are non-refundable.

* LIABILITY: CRU, its staff, the hotel, theater or site of the convention or competition will not be held responsible for any accident or injury that may occur to anyone participating or attending these events. CRU cannot be held responsible for unforeseen flaws in theater stages that may inadvertently lend to the causing of an accident. Persons entering the competition and/or participating as a spectator or in any other aspect MUST assume the responsibility for any unforeseen injury. It is the responsibility of the dance teacher and/or person in charge of a participating group to educate all entrants, their parents and attendees on the rules and policies of CRU.

* CRU must have a consent form signed before students will be allowed to compete. This is accomplished on the Payment and Release Form where a studio owner/representative acknowledges they have read rules and regulations accompanying the entry forms and payments, and is signing on behalf of all students competing in the competition.

* Prior to each competition a comprehensive information packet detailing competition schedule and location will be mailed to all entrants. Schedules will be available no later than 1 week prior to event.

* Upon entering and competing in CRU, all teachers/dancers give permission and consent to CRU to use any photographs or video/film taken for promotional advertising or any other commercial use.

* Personal videotaping and flash-photography is strictly prohibited during performances. Any person(s) caught videotaping or using a flash will have their associated studio's routine disqualified from the competition. Professional videotapes and photographs will be available for purchase during the competition. In the event that a professional videographer is not able to attend, personal videotaping will be allowed. In this case only one designated person from your studio will be allowed to videotape in a designated area blocked off by CRU staff. Any video being taped outside of designated area will be confiscated and could result in disqualification.

Competition Levels

* The Competitive Level is for dancers who have previously competed in competitions or who have more than two years of dance training.

* The Novice Level is for a dancer with two years or less of training or no previous competition experience. This division is for the beginner dancer who wants to gain experience in a competitive environment, without worrying about competing against other dancers who might be much more experienced in competition. This level will only be judged against all other novice routines in the competition, regardless of age division.

* The Pro-Am Level involves at least one professional dancer or teacher over the age of 18 dancing with or without students. This competition level will not be considered for overall high score and cash awards.

Age Divisions

* Age Divisions are as follows:

Petite (5-6 or 7-8 yrs.),
Junior (9-10 or 11-12 yrs.),
Teen (13-14 or 15-16 yrs.),
Senior (17-19 yrs.),
Adult (20 and up).

* The average age of all dancers within a group will determine the appropriate age group for each dance entered. If average age ends in .5 or above, please round up.

* All dancer registration forms must list name, age, and birth date. If requested, contestants must submit proof of age. Age division should be determined as of date of regional competition. For Nationals, dancers will compete in the same age division entered at the regional competition, regardless of age changes.

Competition Fees

* Competition Fees are as follows:

Solo (1 dancer) - $75;
Duet/Trio (2 -3 dancers) - $45 per dancer;
Small Group (4-7 dancers) - $29 per dancer;
Large Group (8-14 dancers) - $27 per dancer;
Line (15-19 dancers) - $26 per dancer;
Production (20+ dancers) - $25 per dancer;
Mr./ Miss Ultimate Dance (1 dancer) - $100

Competition Categories

The following genres of dance are accepted (see definitions below):

Jazz - A routine that demonstrates jazz technique, which may include classical, contemporary, hip-hop, funk, pop, or lock. Routines containing only hip-hop, funk, pop, or lock technique should be considered for the hip-hop category.

Tap - A routine that demonstrates tap technique and basic tap floor work. Any routines demonstrating clogging technique should be considered for the clogging category.

Ballet - A routine that demonstrates ballet technique, which may include classical and/or contemporary movement and interpretation. (Ballet shoes only.)

Pointe - A routine that demonstrates ballet done on Pointe, which contains classical ballet technique.

Modern - A routine consisting of contemporary modern movement, which demonstrates control and balance throughout and utilizes modern-specific technique such as contractions, tilts, etc.

Lyrical - A routine that combines jazz, modern, and ballet techniques in fluid, controlled movements. Often has a "story" element that relates to the lyrics or emotion of the song.

Hip-Hop - A routine that utilizes street style dancing or MTV styles. Funk, break, pop and lock are also included in this category.

Acrobat - A routine that combines gymnastics and tumbling ability with dance technique.

Baton Twirling - A routine that uses a baton and/or twirling props. No fire, knives, or swords are allowed. The routine must include twirling technique, and choreographed dance moves.

Character/Musical Theater - A routine in which the dancer(s) portray(s) a character (e.g. animal, TV, Broadway, historical, fictional, etc.) or interpret(s) a song from a Broadway or other musical, while incorporating dance technique and movement.

Ethnic - A routine that uses any ethnic style of dance (e.g. African, Japanese, Middle Eastern, Flamenco, etc.) and its related technique and movement.

Clogging - A routine incorporating clogging technique and movement.

Drill/Pom - A routine consisting of sharp, clean movements, kicks, and jumps in drill team fashion. If poms are used, they should be used consistently throughout the routine.

Liturgical - A routine that portrays a religious theme and incorporates any style of dance listed above.

Open - A routine that utilizes any combination of dance techniques listed above or any other dance style not previously listed.

Parent Act - A routine involving all parents and incorporating any style of dance listed above. This category will be judged solely against other parent acts and will not be considered for overall high score and cash awards.

Student Choreography - A routine of any style choreographed by a student with no assistance from an instructor. Phrases of choreography and/or music used from your studio choreographed by a teacher is not allowed. The dance may be performed as a solo, duo/trio, group, line or production. Performance by the choreographer is allowed.

Contemporary Ballet/Pointe - A routine that incorporates modern vocabulary while still staying true to classical ballet dance techniques. Routines are usually performed to music other than classical.

Mr. and Miss Ultimate Dance - A separate Solo category with the following age divisions: Mr./ Miss Petite Ultimate Dance (Ages 5 - 8); Mr./ Miss Junior Ultimate Dance (Ages 9 - 12); Mr./ Miss Teen Ultimate Dance (Ages 13 - 16); Mr./ Miss Senior Ultimate Dance (Ages 17 - 19).

A soloist may perform more than one routine in this category, as long as the routines are in different dance genres. Upon entering, dancers are eligible to compete for various prizes and professional opportunities. In the event there is only one competitor in this category, the contestant must earn a gold award or higher in order to be eligible to compete in Ultimate Title category at Nationals. All title winners will be invited to compete for the Ultimate Dance title at the National Finals, and will also be invited to perform in the Dance Spectacular opening number choreographed by Cathy Roe.

* Any dance containing more than 3 tumbling passes will be automatically reclassified and considered for the Acro category, unless this routine is already in the Open category.

* All props are allowed except for the following: Swords, knives, or any other sharp objects (unless plastic - but must be approved prior to performance); Fire in any form (candles, torches, etc.); Fog or smoke; Helium balloons; Special lighting.

* A time limit of 2 minutes total will be allowed for both the set-up and strike of props. Non compliance will result in a deduction of 10 points. Entry is responsible for any necessary cleanup involving prop usage after each performance. Any props that require assembly with nails or screws need to be completed ahead of time. There can be absolutely NO sharp objects such as nails or screws allowed loose in the performance areas at any time.

Judging/Scoring

* All entries are judged and scored by a panel of qualified and competent judges. The method of judging is solely within the discretion of CRU. All judges' scores are final and are unchangeable.

* Judging Criteria -The scores and comments reflect the opinion of the judges and not necessarily the opinions of CRU Directors and Staff. Judges will score on the following: Technique, Stage Presentation (includes grooming/professional appearance), and Precision.

* The adjudicated scoring system is as follows (based on a 3 judge panel):

Competitive Level Scoring System:

Platinum Champion - 290 - 300 points;
High Gold Champion - 280 - 289 points;
Gold Champion - 270 - 279 points;
High Silver Star - 260 - 269 points;
Silver - 250 - 259 points;
Bronze - 249 points and below

Novice Level Scoring System:

Platinum Champion - 285 - 300 points;
High Gold Champion - 270 - 284 points;
Gold Champion - 255 - 269 points;
High Silver Star - 240 - 254 points;
Silver - 225 - 239 points;
Bronze - 224 points and below

* CRU scoring sheets/comment tapes must be picked up at the event during designated times. CRU is not responsible for mailing score sheets/tapes. Awards/Prizes

* Each competing routine will receive one plaque and ribbons for each dancer included in the dance.

* The following trophies will be awarded at each competition: Top 3 scoring routines in each age group: Petite, Junior, Teen, Senior and Adult; Top 3 scoring routines in Novice Level; Overall top 5 scoring routines of the competition; Mr. and Miss Ultimate Dance in each age group: Petite, Junior, Teen and Senior; Special awards and Judges Choice Awards.

* Additional prizes include cash prizes, gift certificates, medals and invitations to perform in Cathy Roe's "Dance Spectacular" and Curtain Call's "2nd Annual Fashion Show".

Music Guidelines

* Each entry must furnish its own music in the form of CD or cassette. CDs are HIGHLY recommended! A back-up CD/cassette is required in case of malfunction. CDs or cassettes must include title of dance, studio name/designated letter, and performance number. Each entry must be provided on an individual cassette or CD. No multiple tracks PLEASE! CRU is not responsible for unedited music. Please have music cued and edited for a professional quality performance.

* CDs and/or tapes must be submitted to the registration desk upon arriving at the competition, the check in time required will be in your information packet once you have registered. Please be sure CDs/tapes are properly cued when submitted. CRU is absolutely not responsible for the quality of your music or rewinding and cueing your tapes. Tape decks all play at slightly different speeds; however, absolutely no changing of the pitch will be allowed! Cassette tapes often sound muffled or cannot play as loudly as CDs. For these and many other reasons, we suggest that you have your music burned onto CDs.

* Please adhere to the following time limits:

Solos, Duet/Trios, Small/Large groups: 3 minutes max;
Lines: 4 minutes max;
Production: 4 to 8 minutes max.

There will be a 10-point deduction for non-compliance.

* Please note that additional time may be purchased at $25 for each additional 30 seconds (groups and lines only).

* Teachers must use professional judgment with music selection. Music containing lyrics of an explicit or sexual nature is prohibited, and the entry will be disqualified. This also includes choreography that is deemed age-inappropriate. Depending on the degree of inappropriateness, CRU and the judges will either deduct points or disqualify the routine. CRU has a low-tolerance policy for distasteful performances.