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Rules/guidelines

Day of Event /  Scoring Procedures /  FAQs

RULES & GUIDELINES


PLEASE READ ALL RULES CAREFULLY

(FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE RULES COULD RESULT IN ROUTINE DEDUCTION OR DISQUALIFICATION)


REGISTRATION

Registration is done through BravO!’s Dance Comp Genie site. To create an

account, please click here. If you already have an account through Dance Comp

Genie, simply log in and select BravO! from the list of available competitions. For

help with your account, please contact the BravO! offices at 1 (877) 272-8641.


By selecting an event and entering estimated routine counts, you are creating a

reservation for the event. Reservations are NOT a confirmed registration and not

approved attendance for the event. BravO! reserves the right to contact studios to

confirm attendance and may remove registrations that have not been confirmed

by the account holder either via email or phone. Likewise, BravO! reserves the right

to request a deposit once an event has reached capacity by estimations.


Registration closes 45 days prior to the event’s start date. Reserved spots must be

filled in at this time and invoicing of the registered routines is finalized. Events may

reach capacity before the 45-day point; therefore, it is highly recommended that

studios start registrations as soon as possible to increase their chances of

attending their desired event.


Early Bird Pricing and Certificates

Completed routines registered in the DCG system at least 65 days prior to the start

of a competition will receive an early bird discount of 10%. Any routine entered

after this point and before registration closing at 45 days prior will be charged at

normal fee structure. Any registration not paid in full at the 30-day payment

deadline will forfeit any applied discounts and may be subject to applicable late

fees. Title additions and extended time fees are not discounted.


Certificates from the previous season are applied by BravO! Office staff. Certificates

do not auto apply and require email communication to the offices. Please provide

a picture of the certificate along with your studio information to

krista@bravocompetition.com. Certificates must be applied before invoicing at 45

days and are not applicable for Summer Bash National Events!


PAYMENT

Billing for BravO! may now be processed through Dance Comp Genie portal if

paying by credit card at 45 days prior to the start of the event. Please note that

there is a 4.5% processing fee when selecting a credit card as payment form. When

you complete and finalize your entries online by accepting the terms of use, you

are alerting the BravO! office staff that you have completed your registration

process. Final Invoicing will be emailed to the studio email account 45 days prior to

the event and full payment is due at that time. The account holder is responsible

for the full invoiced amount and changes to the registration after invoicing is at the

sole discretion of BravO! A copy of your invoice may always be obtained through

your DCG Portal.


Payment is due no later than 30 days prior to the start of each event! Please note

that the only methods of payment for entry fees accepted by BravO! are cash,

check, certified bank check, credit card, or money order. There is a $40.00 fee for

returned checks. Checks sent to BravO! prior to the date of invoicing will be held

until 45 days prior to the competition start date, regardless of when they are

received.


No studio will be officially registered for any given competition until the full

balance is paid. BravO! reserves the right to remove full or partial registrations

from scheduling without payment.


***PAYMENT IS NOT ACCEPTED AT THE EVENT. NO EXCEPTIONS! ***


NO REFUNDS, NO EXCEPTIONS! If a change occurs due to the performer’s illness or

injury after your invoicing has been issued, the studio will receive credit for the

following season for any full routines that were unable to perform due to the

illness/injury. Please note, a doctor’s note or confirmed test results will be

required.


Additional entries that are requested after invoices have been issued will be

accepted on a case-by-case basis and will be charged at full amount with any

applicable late fees, regardless of previously applied discounts. If these late entries

are approved by BravO! staff, payment must be received before they are included

in the scheduling. NO CHANGES, ADDITIONS, OR SCHEDULING REQUESTS will be

accommodated after invoices are issued unless payment has been received in full.


ROUTINE INFORMATION

Types of Entries

   Solo: 1 performer (*Soloists cannot enter more than one routine within the

same performance category. BravO! may limit the total number of solos per

individual performer at larger events and based on time restraints.)

   Duo/Trio: 2-3 performers (*Duos and Trios compete against one another.)

   Small Group: 4 to 9 performers

   Large Group: 10-19 performers

   Line: 20 or more performers


Time Limits

   Solo: 2 minutes 45 seconds

   Duo/Trio: 2 minutes 45 seconds

   Small Group: 3 minutes (purchasing extended time allows for one

additional minute.)

   Large Group: 4 minutes (purchasing extended time allows for one

additional minute.)

   Line: 5 minutes (purchasing extended time allows for one additional

minute.)

   Production: 6 minutes (purchasing extended time allows for two additional minutes)


Large Groups and Lines placed in the Production Category are automatically

allotted for up to 6 minutes. For guidelines on entering a production, please read

our ‘Dance Categories’ section. (Purchasing extended time for a production routine

allows for 2 additional minutes)


Age Divisions

BravO! has six age divisions: Mini, Petite, Junior, Teen, Senior, and Adult. These

divisions have subsets used only in the instance of determining the Top Scoring

Category Winner Medallion (when applicable).


The age divisions are as follows:

   Mini: 0-5 Years (5 and under) *Routines in the Mini Division will compete at

the O!verture level regardless of level makeup of the routine

   Petite: 6-8 years (Category breakdown 6-7 years, 8 years)

   Junior: 9-11 years (Category breakdown 9 years, 10 years, 11 years)

   Teen: 12-14 years (Category breakdown 12 years, 13 years, 14 years)

   Senior: 15-19 years (Category breakdown 15-16 years, 17-19 years)

   Adult: 20+ years *Routines in the Adult Division will compete at the

BravO! Level and routines with an adult participant will default to adult

regardless of the average age


Determining Age Divisions

Performer’s age will be determined by their age as of January 1st of the current

competition year. The average age of all performers in a Duo/Trio, Group, or Line

determines the age division for that routine. BravO! figures the average by adding

the ages of all performers in a routine divided by the number of performers and

DROPPING THE DECIMAL POINT. For example, if the average age is 12.9, the routine

would compete in the 12 years (Teen) age division.


Age bump up rule: Any routine with a gap of two age categories between the

youngest and oldest dancer will automatically bump the routine to the next higher

age category. i.e. a senior is placed in a routine where the average age is petite, the

routine will bump up to junior. Production is the only exception to this rule.


Any routine containing a performer 20+ years old will automatically be placed in

the Adult Division, regardless of the average age of all performers in that routine.

Please be aware, if a protest arises regarding age, all competitors must be

prepared to present proof of age. All protests must be presented in writing to the

BravO! Tour Director within one half-hour of the incident in question. All protests

must be signed. EACH PERFORMER MUST BRING PROOF OF AGE. We will require

this proof be presented in the event of a protest.


Experience Levels

We at BravO! understand that levels are subjective and may vary from different

locations and events. We view levels as a learning/teaching tool to inspire and

challenge students to strive for the next level in their competition experience.

Although we, in the office or at events, cannot make individual level choices for

Studio Directors, our judges or Tour Directors may suggest that performers move

up a level for their next competitive event. If these suggestions were provided in

previous competitions, we kindly ask that you take these comments into

consideration when creating or updating your season’s roster. 

 

DISCLAIMER: The information provided regarding experience levels is meant as a

guideline. The decision is made at the discretion of each studio owner and/or teacher

based on these guidelines. PLEASE BE SURE TO REEVALUATE AND UPDATE YOUR

PERFORMERS’ EXPERIENCE LEVELS PRIOR TO REGISTRATION FOR A NEW SEASON. 


O!verture Level

The O!verture level is designed for performers with limited to no competition

experience and/or performers who take an “approximate” total of 0-2 hours of

dance or acro rehearsal/lessons per week. O!verture routines are not eligible for

any overall certificates of monetary value. Any dancer registered for more than 5

routines in a registration, including solos, is ineligible to be listed as an O!verture

dancer in your roster.


Encore! Level

The Encore! level is designed for performers with minimal to moderate

competition experience and/or performers who take a total of 2-5 hours of dance

or acro rehearsal/ lessons per week. Any dancer registered for more than 8 routines

in a registration, including solos, is ineligible to be listed as an Encore! dancer and

will need to move to BravO!. Performers in this intermediate level understand and

execute basic technical concepts in their style and are progressing in technique

and performance.


BravO! Level

The BravO! level is designed for performers who display a higher level of technical

abilities and skill and/or have moderate to significant competition experience.

BravO! level performers generally take a total of 5 or more hours combined dance

or acro rehearsal/ lessons per week. In addition, any dancer performing in 9 or mor

routines, including solos, must be listed as BravO! in your roster. Performers in any

of the Talent Categories will automatically be placed in the BravO! level for their

talent routines regardless of their level in the roster.


*Please keep in mind, no competition can know how many hours a week a

performer is in the studio or how much competition experience each student has.

We trust that directors/teachers will use sound judgment when entering levels for

performers and will take previous judges’ comments into consideration at the start

of each season.


Determining Experience Levels

Each dancer in an act is assigned a point value based on his or her level entered in

the studio roster: O!verture = 1 point, Encore! = 2 points, BravO! = 3 points. The

level with the highest total points is established for that routine. Any ties in the sum

of points defaults to the higher level. Manual overrides to a higher level are

possible if requested and approved by BravO! staff at tentative scheduling

(approximately 3 weeks prior to event). No changes are permitted at the event!


In Addition, no routine with one or more BravO! level dancers will be able to

compete at the O!verture level. In the event O!verture is the highest point value

with the presence of a BravO! dancer, the routine will bump up to Encore!.


DANCE CATEGORIES

   Acrobatic Dance: Routine using controlled moves such as walkovers,

limbers, handstands, chest rolls, etc. Can contain gymnastic passes. The

majority of the routine must be acrobatic moves. Routine may contain

flexibility or contortionist moves. Must contain dance moves, steps, and

choreography.

   Ballet: The routine must consist of ballet technique. Must include classical

steps and movements. No gymnastic/acrobatic tricks allowed. Pointe shoes

are not allowed.

   Character: Routine portraying an easily recognizable character from a play,

movie, television, or Broadway show; or a stereotype such as a farmer,

policeman, etc. Can incorporate dance and/or acrobatic techniques.

   Clogging: Routine utilizing either traditional or contemporary clogging

technique and style. Only 3 gymnastic/acrobatic tricks are allowed. No

tosses. Over the back lifts, drops, and partnering moves are permitted.

   Contemporary: Interpretive dance using balance, extension, isolation, and

control extending beyond jazz and lyrical. Only 3 gymnastic/acrobatic tricks

allowed.

   Hip-Hop: The routine must consist primarily of hip-hop technique. May

include street dance, freestyle, funk, ‘pop-n-lock’, break dancing, and

acrobatic tricks.

   Jazz: The routine must consist primarily of jazz technique. Only 3

gymnastic/acrobatic tricks allowed.

   Lyrical: The routine should demonstrate balance, extension, and control

using lyrical moves set to the mood and/or lyrics of the music. Only 3

gymnastic/acrobatic tricks allowed.

   Modern: The routine must consist of modern technique and movement

demonstrating balance, control, and extension. No gymnastic/acrobatic

tricks allowed.

   Musical Theatre: Routine featuring any style of dance interpreting a song

from a Broadway show or movie musical.

   Novelty: Any style of dance or tumbling that makes ample use of a prop as a

part of the choreography throughout the routine.

   Open: Any of our listed categories or combination of listed category styles.

   Pointe: The routine must consist of Pointe technique. No

gymnastic/acrobatic tricks allowed.

   Tap: The routine must contain primarily tap technique and tap work. Only

3 gymnastic/acrobatic tricks allowed.

   Variety: Any style of dance or tumbling that does not easily fit into our other

listed categories.


Gymnastic/Acrobatic Tricks

BravO! defines a ‘trick’ as any movements that pass through or stop at a fully

inverted (upside-down) position with both feet off the floor (the torso passing or

stopping directly over the top of one’s head/shoulders). BravO! will allow ONLY the

following exceptions to the above trick definition: Handstands, chin stands,

headstands, walkovers (non-aerial), shoulder rolls, cartwheels, and lifts. These

listed movements can be performed in any category without deduction and will

not be counted as a trick. A gymnastic pass is considered one trick.


The following categories cannot contain any gymnastic/acrobatic tricks:

   Ballet, Pointe, and Modern

The following categories can only contain up to three gymnastic/acrobatic tricks:

   Jazz, Tap, Hoofer, Clogging, Lyrical, and Contemporary

Please note: a point deduction may be made for any routine that does not follow

these specific rules.


PRODUCTION

A routine with 20+ dancers, incorporating any style of dance, acrobatics with a

specific theme and/or storyline. A production encompasses the full use of the

stage, multiple entrances/exits/crossovers, and multiple focal points through the

use of large props and set pieces. Productions are allotted 6:00 minutes and up to

an additional 2:00 minute extension may be purchased for a total of 8:00 minutes.

All ages and levels will compete for a singular overall in either Production-Dance or

Production-Talent.


TALENT CATEGORIES

These categories will all perform in the BravO! Experience level only, regardless of

the individual or group experience level.


   Monologue/Acting: A Monologue is a speech in the dramatic or poetic form

performed by one person speaking his or her thoughts aloud directly to the

audience. Monologues can only be performed by a soloist. The acting

category may be entered with any number of performers and should consist

of acting out a scene from a play, movie, television show, commercial, or

novel. The scene can also be original but must be formatted in the same

manner as a standard script

   Song and Dance: Must contain both singing and any listed category of

dancing. All performers will be judged on both singing and dancing. There

must be no other lead vocals anywhere on the routine track. Up to two

handheld wireless microphones will be available for use. If additional

microphones are required, you must contact BravO! offices at least 30 days

in advance to make arrangements with the Technical Director.

   Vocal: Routine may be any type of vocal presentation. No lead vocals will be

permitted on music accompaniment. Backup vocals are allowed. Up to two

handheld wireless microphones will be available for use. If additional

microphones are required, you must contact BravO! weeks at least 30 days

in advance to make arrangements with the Technical Director.


LEO'S PRIDE (ADAPTIVE CATEGORY)

Leo’s Pride is a project near and dear to BravO!’s heart. Named after BravO!

owner’s son Leo, this category is all about showcasing the talent and heart of our

special needs and equally abled competitors. Routines placed in this adaptive

(Leo’s Pride) category will be scored according to Overture! level guidelines,

regardless of the average level or age of all the dancers placed within the routine.

Routines placed in Leo’s Pride will also be scheduled nearest to the corresponding

O!wards time, as a convenience to performers and their families. In addition,

adjudication and special judge’s awards will be announced at the start of every

ceremony for these routines. Adaptive routines may compete in any of the size

groups from solo to line but will not be eligible in the standard O!verture overalls

as it is a separate entry type from Dance or Talent. For questions or details on how

to enter a routine in Leo’s Pride, please call our offices to speak with a BravO!

Representative.


Please Note: Registration in this category is voluntary and does not have any

bearing on the dancers being placed in other standard routines with different

leveling placement


REGIONAL TITLE COMPETITION

BravO! hosts a Title Competition at each regional event. Eligibility for the Title

Competition is reserved for soloists in the BravO! level of competition (with the

exception of minis and adults). This category will be incorporated into the standard

solo competition and scored/judged on a separate score sheet from adjudication.

Routines in the Talent Category (Vocal, Song and Dance, and Monologue/Acting)

are not eligible. There are two ways to enter Title: during online registration and in

person at the event. To enter the Title Competition prior to the event, select the

‘Title’ box when registering the solo routine. At the event, locate the BravO!

Boutique and speak with a BravO! Staff member. When entering at the event, it is

important to do so at least 1 hour prior to the performance time. Each individual

performer may only enter a maximum of three solos in the Title Competition.

Previous years’ winners are eligible to re-compete, even if they are in the same age

division. All performers will be judged for Title during their regular solo routine.


Each female Title Winner will receive a certificate for a free regional title entry for

the following season (a $45 value), trophy, sash, and crown.


Each male Title Winner will receive a certificate for a free regional title entry for the

following season (a $45 value), plaque, hat, and winner’s certificate.


PROPS

The placement and removal of props is the sole responsibility of the studio. Props

must be freestanding; any scenery or backdrops requiring the use of theater fly

bars or special lighting may not be used.


In addition, for safety measures, choreography that allows any performer to be

physically placed more than 6 feet off the ground of any scenic piece or prop could

be considered hazardous. Though the 6-foot height is only a benchmark, BravO!

reserves the right to disqualify any routine that it deems unsafe or that is not in line

with the company, state, and local regulations. Please see a stage manager upon

arrival to discuss props prior to unloading.


If a prop is brought onto the stage without prior approval, the routine will be

subject to disqualification. Studios may be financially responsible for damage to

any BravO! equipment (including flooring) that may be caused by studio props

and/or performers.

Prop Restrictions


• Fire, swords, knives, and guns are strictly prohibited, including prop

versions of the aforementioned.  Written request for consent may be sent to Bravo! offices for approval prior to the competition scheduling. Special consideration for prop versions may be permitted depending on use and intent. 

• Fog and/or smoke are not permitted.

• Live animals are not permitted.

• The use of helium balloons will be at the discretion of the theatre staff,

not the BravO! Staff. If the theatre staff allow the use of helium

balloons, they must be attached to a weight to ensure they will not

float into the lights, causing a possible fire hazard.

• No form of liquid, glitter, gel, aerosol, powder, etc. may be used. This

is to protect the dance surface and ensure safety for all performers.

• If the stage is littered during a routine, please be prepared to clean up

immediately after the routine is finished. Failure to make

arrangements of removal for props or routine items left on stage may

render the routine with a point deduction.


Please be mindful that the stage and dance floor is a shared space and use

forethought when planning for the use of props. If props are large, difficult to

construct, or require special assistance, please discuss this at least 2 weeks prior to

the competition with a BravO! staff member and that it is marked appropriately in

registration.


COMPETITION MUSIC

All competition music must be uploaded to your online account. The deadline for

music upload will be the corresponding Monday 2 weeks prior to the competition

start date. Dance Comp Genie’s music upload feature currently only supports .mp3

files. If your music is in a different file format, you may need to convert the files

prior to uploading. This can be done using an online file converter. All music must

be recorded at your desired speed and cut into one playable track per routine.

Track speed WILL NOT be adjusted, and multiple tracks are not permitted for one

routine. CDs and flash drives with properly titled routine tracks are the only

acceptable form of backup allowed at BravO!


Phones, tablets, and other playback devices may not be permitted at the venue

and is up to the discretion of the staff in emergency cases. BravO! is not

responsible for any damage that may be caused to these devices.

BravO! is not responsible for improper playback of music resulting from poor

quality music files, CDs brought to the competition in poor condition, or incorrect

uploads. Please review all music at the time of upload and be sure all back up CDs

and flash drives are of adequate quality if/when brought to the Emcee. Any music

remaining at the end of the event will be left with the house staff. BravO! is not

responsible for music left at the venue after the event.


SCHEDULING OF EVENTS

The scheduling of each event will begin approximately 30 days prior to the

competition start date. BravO! management reserves the right to expand a

competition to additional days when necessary or move a competition site.

Schedules are not predetermined and are customized based on varying factors for

each location and venue. While BravO! strives to accommodate city requests, the

scheduling is up to the sole discretion of BravO! and is determined by event counts

and division layouts. It is this reason that placing routines and performers in the

correct levels prior to registration closing is of the upmost importance!


Please note, BravO! cannot guarantee the accommodation of all requests as

venue restrictions, size, and allotted run times are agreed upon in rental contracts.

Late entries will be approved on a case-by-case basis. BravO! reserves the right to

start competitions on the advertised start date and increase or decrease the length

of competition for any unforeseen circumstances.


Larger show sizes may make a school day start necessary. In these instances, we

strive to impact as few people as possible by scheduling only solos and duo/trios

during traditional school hours. Those unable, or unwilling, to attend due to school

obligations may receive a full refund of entry fees for those school-time routines;

however, this requires prior communication via email to the BravO! offices with the

routine information to be scratched at least 2 weeks prior to the event start day.

Due to scheduling uncertainties, we will not move routines to perform later in the

session. It is up to the discretion of BravO! and schedule allowances if a routine

may be performed on a later day or for adjudication only in lieu of a refund in these

instances.


Changes, requests, and additions to scheduling is at the sole discretion of BravO!

and must be communicated through the BravO! Office prior to final scheduling.

Routines approved to perform early before corresponding awards ceremony may

be eligible for consideration in their age/division/ size overalls. These exceptions

are at the sole discretion of BravO! and must be communicated and approved by

office staff at least a week in advance.


Final Schedules with awards times and entry numbers will be provided to studios

who have paid in full, including scratched routines, 1 week prior to the start of an

event.


*** NO CHANGES WILL BE PERMITTED AT THE COMPETITION ***

LEO'S PRIDE (ADAPTIVE CATEGORY) - NEW!

Leo’s Pride is a project near and dear to BravO!’s heart. Named after BravO! owner’s son Leo, this category is all about showcasing the talent and heart of our special needs and equally abled competitors. Routines placed in this adaptive (Leo’s Pride) category will be scored according to Overture! level guidelines, regardless of the average level or age of all the dancer’s placed within the routine. Routines placed in Leo’s Pride will also be scheduled nearest to the corresponding O!wards time, as a convenience to performers and their families. In addition, adjudication and special judge’s awards will be announced at the start of every ceremony for these routines. Adaptive routines may compete in any of the size groups from solo to line but will not be eligible in the standard O!verture overalls as it is a separate entry type from Dance or Talent. For questions or details on how to enter a routine in Leo’s Pride, please call our offices to speak with a BravO! Representative. 


Please Note: Registration in this category is voluntary and does not have any bearing on the dancers being placed in other standard routines with different leveling placement 



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