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. “Suggested” limitations are included for the sole purpose of teacher/studio evaluations for student placement in roster.
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.
“Suggested” limitations: front and side ariels, fouettés, a la seconde turns,
pirouettes greater than a double, tap moves exceeding basic rhythms and
combinations that require toe bearing weight i.e, wings or pullbacks or toe
stands
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.
“Suggested” limitations are: Front or back tucks, layouts, twists, turn
sequences greater than 6 revolutions without step preparation in between,
pirouettes greater than a triple, single wings, wing sequences greater than 4
consecutive movements
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.
Production: A large group or line incorporating any style of dance or
acrobatics with a specific theme. A production encompasses the full use of
the stage, multiple entrances/exits/crossovers, and multiple focal points. To
perform in the production category you will select eligible group size (large
group or line) and then select production as the style. This automatically
allows for up to 6 minutes (Please see time allowance and purchasing extra
time for clarifications)
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