Royal Experience… Best of the Best Nationals
Dance Champs Elite invites you to join the Royal Dance Family and Experience the National Royal Kingdom Difference!
July 18 ~ 21, 2022
THE CLARIDGE HOTEL
123 S. Indiana Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Nationals Week Includes…Royal Experience, Convention and Master Classes!
- Best of the Best National Competition!
- Own the Empire Title Competition!
- 4 Days of non-stop excitement! Experience the Royal Difference with exciting and challenging dance classes and workshops!
- Petites, Junior/Teen and Senior level convention classes with our elite faculty
- Over $10,000 in Cash & Scholarships!
- Private Studio Owner/Teacher Rooftop Cocktail Party
- Welcome party for all Dancers, Teachers and Family Members!
- Royal Kingdom Rulers Grand Finale Gala, this evening is non-stop fun, from our Royal Carpet Runway, Elite Faculty Performances, Royal Ruler Review Opening Number, Best of the Best Royal Kingdom Rulers National Winners!!!
The Royal Experience
Venue & Host Hotel...
THE CLARIDGE HOTEL
123 S. Indiana Avenue
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Join us at The Claridge ~ a Radisson Hotel, a charming, legendary & unforgettable destination in Atlantic City. Once known by its 1929 nickname “Skyscraper by the Sea”. The Claridge Hotel radiates an undeniable charm with famous roots. Steps from the Atlantic City Boardwalk and sits beachfront in the heart of the action.
The Claridge Hotel features Indoor Pool, Fitness Center, Free Wi-Fi, Twenties Italian Bistro, The VUE Rooftop Bar, Leavander’s 22, Interior access to Bally’s Casino Floor and is within walking distance from the famous Steel Pier, Amusements, local Casinos, over 100 Restaurants, Outlet Shopping and Aquarium.
First Come/First Receive Block Room Rates from Sunday 7/17 – Thursday 7/22/22:
Check-in: 4:00pm | Check-out: 11:00am
- Single/Double Occupancy @ $139+++, per night
- Ocean Front: Add $20, per night
- All Rooms Rates are subject to: Local Taxes (currently 13.625%), per room, per night; $1, per night Tourism Fee; Resort Fee @ $18, per room, per night
- $100 Security Deposit, per room required.
- Self-Parking @ $17, per car, plus tax, per night
- Valet Parking @ $25, per car, plus tax, per night
Each Guest Room has the following amenities:
- Flat Screen TV
- Complimentary Wireless Internet
- Room Service
- In-Room Safe, Refrigerator, Assortment of Coffee, Tea & Decaf
Event & Registration Details...
- Registrations require a non-refundable 10% deposit to confirm all Best of the Best Entries and Royal Experience Convention. Deposit MUST be received (not post-marked) by APRIL 31, 2022.
- Full payment is due by June 15, 2022.
- Late Rate will be applied to any registration/payment received after June 15, 2022.
- This exclusive event WILL sell out. Registrations are accepted first-come, first-serve. Registrations without a deposit will not be considered valid.
- Studio Checks are accepted for payment prior to cutoff date. All payments post cutoff date must be done by Cash, PayPal (4% Fee applies), Money Order or Cashier’s Check.
- There are no refunds. Studio credits are available at the discretion of Dance Champs Elite.
- Registrations must be completed via our Dance Comp Genie Online Registration System and should be received ASAP, as this event will fill up quickly and late fees will apply if there is room.
- Registrations with 10 or more dancers registered will receive their registration kits in the mail pre-event. These kits will be delivered by the Wednesday before the event.
- For Studios and Independent Registrations with 9 dancers or less, we will have your registration kit available on site for pick up at registration.
- If you have 9 Dancers or less registered and would like your registration kit shipped, there will be a $20 shipping and handling fee applied.
- Registration kits will include Wristbands, your Teacher Handbook and Program.
- When submitting a registration, the Studio is stating that during the event, Dance Champs Elite will not be held responsible for any loss of property and/or injury.
- Studio and individual waivers must be completely filled out and handed in upon entry in order to participate.
- Choreographers and all attendees automatically give their permission to Dance Champs Elite to use all photos and videos from convention and/or competition for advertising, publicity, and professional use.
- Photo and video during convention are allowed. Please remember to be respectful of the class.
- VIP Seating will be available to all registered Teachers at the competition.
- In order to participate and/or watch Dance Champs Elite Royal Experience Convention classes all attendees must have a wristband (teacher/dancer).
- Wristbands for entry into ballroom must be worn throughout the convention and competition. Please do not remove wristband. If replacement wristband is needed, the old wristband must be presented at registration.
- During the convention setting there are no oversized dance bags or luggage allowed in any of the rooms. Please keep all belongings as far back against the walls as possible. This is to ensure that all the dancers have plenty of space.
- All dancers must wear cover-up and shoes when outside the ballroom area. No tap shoes or bare feet outside ballrooms.
- Please be respectful of other guests in hotel and public spaces.
Royal Experience Convention...
- Royal Experience will be offering 4 Hours of “Specialty” Master Classes in different genres.
- Includes all Classes, Parties and more!
- Registrations will be accepted for convention only.
- Separate from Competition Fees.
- Studio Checks are accepted for payment prior to cutoff date. All payments post cutoff date must be done by Cash, PayPal (4% Fee applies), Money Order or Cashier’s Check.
- There are no refunds. Studio credits are available at the discretion of Dance Champs Elite.
- All Fees are available to Studio Owners/Teachers only, please contact [email protected] for full pricing.
- Registration and final payment must be received before the cutoff date.
- Dance Champs Elite is excited to offer a limited number of optional and discounted Master Classes. The number of classes will be contingent on the final competition event schedule. Within 2 weeks prior to the event, both our final competition line-up and available Master Classes will be emailed to registered studio owners and directors. At that time, DCE will let you know how to register dancers for the Master Class(es) of their choice.
- Class size will be determined on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Once the maximum number of spaces is reached, the class will be closed.
- Dancers who participate in our Master Classes have the opportunity to audition for our Royal Highness Grand Finale Invitational. Where dancers will showcase their talent and choreography the learned from the master classes they attended.
Observer Wristband Policy:
We love our Parents and Fans and we’re happy to offer the opportunity for you to observe our classes!
- Pre-registration is strongly suggested as observer bands may sell out. If still available, they will be sold at the door starting at early check-in. All observer bands are non-refundable and may not be transferred.
- Dance Champs Elite is not responsible for lost or stolen bands. You must be accompanying a dancer to observe (children five and under may observe free of charge).
- Please note: You do not need an observer band to enter Competition. This band allows entrance into all level classes.
#
STUDENTS |
# FREE
TEACHER(S) |
# FREE
AWARD TICKETS |
FREE HOTEL
ROOM |
BRING 5 – 20 | 1 | 1 | N/A |
BRING 21 – 39 | 2 | 2 | N/A |
BRING 40 – 59 | 3 | 3 | N/A |
BRING 60 – 79 | 4 | 4 | N/A |
BRING 80+ | 5 | 5 | 1 |
Teacher Discounts…
- All studios that qualify for free tickets will be given those tickets with their registration packet.
- IMPORTANT: Discounts are based on FULL PRICE students only.
Awards & Cash Prizes…
Royalty Awards
- A variety of Specialty Awards will be given to Dancers, Teachers and Studios that really shined throughout the week.
Cash Awards
- High Score cash awards will be presented to the OVERALL high scores in each of the Three Age Divisions (Prep, Mini, Junior, Teen, Senior, Adult). There must be a minimum of 20 groups to be considered for National Critics’ Choice. All entries, Majesty (Intermediate) and Supremacy (Advanced), are eligible for High Score Awards.
- 1st Place Cash Award: Must have 6+ entries in the division to be awarded.
2nd Place Cash Award: Must have 9+ entries in the division to be awarded.
3rd Place Cash Award: Must have 12+ entries in the division to be awarded. - All awards will be presented to the Teacher or Studio Director.
- There will be no ties for the High Score Awards. In the event of an unbreakable tie, the score sheets will be returned to the judges, who will then break the tie.
Division | 1st Place | 2nd Place | 3rd Place |
Solo | $100 | $75 | $50 |
Duo/Trio | $150 | $100 | $75 |
Group | $200 | $150 | $100 |
Line | $300 | $200 | $150 |
Production | $400 | $300 | $200 |
Teacher Appreciation Rooftop Party…
- Studio Owners and Teachers please join the Royal Crew at our Teacher’s Appreciation Gala. As a thank you, we will treat you to Atlantic City Famous Sub Platters, Beer, Wine & Royal’tini’s. Take this opportunity to mingle with other Studio Owners, Teachers and amazing judges.
Glow Disco Party...
Teachers, Dancers and Families please join us for our Glow Disco Party on Wednesday evening in the main ballroom. This event is the perfect way to celebrate with new and existing friends and family with peers from other studios and regions. Glow Products will be supplied by us and we recommend that you wear White or Neon colors so you really stand out, prizes awarded from Best Dressed, Most Creative Attire; Stand-Out Royal, Most Energetic, Most Personality.
- Dancer and Teacher tickets included with Royal Experience Convention Pricing.
- Parent & Non-dancer guest ticket fee will apply.
Level-Up Audition Workshop...
Contestants will be given an exclusive “Audition Experience” to learn the dos and don’ts for their next real-life audition.
Faculty Q & A Session...
Dancers, Parents and Teachers are invited to join the faculty for a fun Q & A session!
Rep Your Studio Dance-Off...
On our final event day, we will be kicking things off with this fun competition. ALL ages, ALL levels can compete in this high energy, low stress, fun for everyone Dance-Off! It’s perfect for the dancer who wants to show off their talent in a spontaneous manner. Judges select their 3 Favorite Dancers…Winners receive $100 Dynasty Dollars for your Studio! Advanced, pre-registration at Royalty Apparel Shoppe required @ $10, per Contestant.
Royal Kingdom Rulers Battle of the Best...
Requirements…
- All Dancers are required to be registered in order to participate in the Best of the Best Competition.
- Registrations will be accepted for convention only.
- Any Royal Palace Ruler Regional Title holders are invited to re-compete their winning regional routine free of charge for an opportunity to be Crowned our Best of the Best National Grand Champions, Free of charge and will pay a reduced Convention Rate!
- All Title Holders attending our Nationals must enter under the same studio name and must compete with their same winning Regional routine.
- Studios may add as many new students and entries to Nationals at regular rates.
- Substitutions of dancers from the original qualifying entry are permitted, as long as 50% of the original dancers remain the same.
- Royal Kingdom Rulers National Awards will be based solely on the contestants Battle of the Best performances at the Grand Finale Gala. Judges’ decisions are final.
- All Royal Kingdom Ruler National Title holders must commit to assisting at least 2 Dance Champs Elite events throughout the upcoming season and must be present at next seasons Nationals.
- The Overall 3 High-Score Entries of each Category (Solo, Duo/Trio, Small/Large Groups and Lines/Productions in the Junior (12 & Under) and Senior (13 & Up) Age Divisions – will perform again at our Battle of the Best Nationals Grand Finale Gala, competing for the prestigious Title of our Best of the Best National Grand Champions!
*There must be a minimum of 10 Entries, per Division to present a Royal Kingdom Rulers Award.
Royal kingdom Rulers Awards…
All Royal Kingdom National Title holders receive (per Junior/Senior Age Divisions) …
- Solos:
Royal Kingdom Rulers Grand Champion Banner, Tiara or King Snapback, $100 Dynasty Dollars for the Studio & $100 Cash Award
- Duo/Trio:
Royal Kingdom Rulers Grand Champion Banner, Tiara or King Snapback, $200 Dynasty Dollars for the Studio & $200 Cash Award
- Small/Large Group:
Royal Kingdom Rulers Grand Champion Banner, Tiara or King Snapback, $300 Dynasty Dollars for the Studio & $300 Cash Award
- Line/Production:
Royal Kingdom Rulers Grand Champion Banner, Tiara or King Snapback, $500 Dynasty Dollars for the Studio & $500 Cash Award
*There must be a minimum of 10 Entries, per Division to present a Royal Kingdom Rulers Award.
Royal Kingdom Rulers Grand Finale Gala…
A Closing Event you don’t want to miss! Studio Owners, Teachers & Families Enjoy a Cash Bar as you watch our Royalty Closing Show!
Walk the Royal carpet…
- Show off your Moves and Shine Bright for the Cameras! Walk like a Dance ROYAL…Pose like a Dance ROYAL, shine like a Dance ROYAL…Always be the DANCE ROYALTY that YOU are!!!!
Royal Rulers Opening Number Performance…
- All Finalists will perform in our Opening Number, choreographed by one of our talented faculty. It is mandatory that ALL Winners attend each rehearsal. All Registered Dancers must bring black pants/leggings, white top (tank, tee, crop, fitted shirts acceptable). This is a special opportunity only available for the best of the best. This is a great opportunity for dancers to perform on the DCE stage, and work with one of our faculty members in a more intensive and intimate setting.
Royal Kingdom Rulers Best of the Best Competition…
- The Overall 3 High-Scoring Entries of each Category (Solo, Duo/Trio, Small/Large Groups and Lines/Productions in the Junior (12 & Under) and Senior (13 & Up) Age Divisions – will perform their High-Score Routine again at our Grand Finale Gala, competing for the prestigious Title of our Royal Kingdom Rulers Best of the Best National Grand Champions!
*There must be a minimum of 10 Entries, per Division to present a Royal Kingdom Rulers Award.
Royal Kingdom Rulers Best of the Best Coronation Ceremony
The highlight of our week… The Overall Highest Scoring Junior (12 & Under) and Senior (13 & Up) Age Divisions of each Category (Solo, Duo/Trio, Small/Large Groups and Lines/Productions will be announced and presented with their National Awards and crowned our Best of the Best National Champions!
Own the Empire National Title Entries…
A competitor entering a solo routine can chose to have their routine entered into the Title Competition. Solos will not automatically be entered for a Title like they are at Regionals. All soloists choosing to be judged for a Title must have entered their routine under the Majesty (Intermediate) and Supremacy (Advance) divisions. Contestants will be competing to become their Divisional Title Winner and the coveted “Own the Empire National Title Champion”, the top overall highest scoring Title Winner of all Divisions. The “Own the Empire National Title Champion” will also win a cash prize. Adult Divisional Title Winners are not eligible to win the “Own the Empire National Title Champion”.
- Contestant must compete as a Soloist in the Majesty or Supremacy Division.
- Online Registration Only, no on-site registrations will be accepted.
- Own the Empire Title Participants will be incorporated into the National Solo Competition and indicated as a Title Contestant in our Program.
- Solos entered for Title will be Adjudicated and will be awarded accordingly in Overalls.
- Title Contestants are required to attend all master classes. They are required to check in at every class to account for their attendance.
- Title Contestants are required to attend the “Audition Experience”.
- Contestants must wear their assigned number to all classes.
- Contestants will be required to provide an 8×10 headshot.
- Title Entries will be charged the Solo Rate, plus $50 Title Rate.
- Each Title Contestant must take Center-Stage and introduce themselves to our Judges.
- Their introduction can include: Their Name, Age & Hometown, as well as any other information they would like to share. Followed by a short and informative overview on their performance piece and why they selected this for Title (Favorite Genre; Why they chose routine for Title; What they like best about it, etc.)
- This introduction should be no shorter than 20 Seconds and no longer than 50 Seconds.
- Please practice and time your introductions, as this is an integral part in determining our Title Winner.
- IMPORTANT: Please do not mention your Studio Name!
- Title Score will be a combination Score of the Contestants Solo Score and Introduction for a total Score of up to 500 points (up to 300 Performance, up to 100 Class Participation & up to 100 Introduction)
- Important: Dance Champs Elite reserves the right to combine Age Divisions if there are less than 2 Contestants per Division, as follows:
- Petite & Junior | Teen & Senior
- Own the Empire National Title Champions receive (per age *Division)…
-
- Kings: Plaque, King Snapback, $300 Dynasty Dollars for the Studio & *$100 Cash Award
- Queens: Sash, Tiara, $300 Dynasty Dollars for the Studio & *$100 Cash Award
-
*There must be a minimum of 10 Title Entries, per Division to warrant Cash Award.
Age Levels...
- AGES ARE DETERMINED BASED ON THE DANCERS AGE AS OF JANUARY 1ST.
- Each entry will be placed in one of the following age groups based on the average age of all competitors in the routine.
- AVERAGE AGE: Duo/Trios, Groups and Lines will compete at the average age division determined by averaging the age of all members of the group. Do not use decimals or round up.
- The average age of each entry must not drop more than one age division below the age of the oldest dancer in the entry, regardless of the actual average age.
- Example: an entry contains dancers ranging in age from 9-17, the entry may not compete younger than the 13-15 age category (one division younger than the oldest dancer – 17).
- Teachers / Directors may be required to present proof of age in the form of a birth certificate if a protest regarding age. Failure to provide a Birth Certificate if a performers’ age is challenged will result in disqualification for the routine in question. Such protest must be presented in writing to the director of Dance Champs Elite within one-half hour of the performance of the entry in question.
- ADULT CATEGORY: Any routine with a performer 20 years or older will compete in the Adult Category. All adult performers MUST compete in the Supremacy (Advanced) performance level and are not eligible for High Score Awards. If enough routines are entered in the Adult Category, a special High Score Award may be awarded at that regional. Adult division may include Teachers, Professionals, Parents, etc.
- The youngest performer in any routine must remain on stage for at least 25% of the routine. If this rule is broken, the routine will be averaged without that performer and moved to the appropriate category.
- No Duo/Trio, Group or Line with the same performers may compete against themselves in the same division. There must be a 50% difference in performers to be in the same division.
- AGE DIVISIONS:
- PETITE: Ages 7~9
- JUNIOR/TEEN: Ages 10 ~ 15
- SENIOR/ADULT: Ages 16 & Up
Scoring Criteria / Breakdown…
Each judge will score each performance based on the following scoring criteria, with a maximum of 100 points, per Judge:
- Technique (max of 40 points)
- Choreography (max of 30 points)
- Overall Performance (max of 30 points
Performance Levels…
- ROYALTY LEVEL (Recreational/Beginner Dancer): Dancers who dance up to 4 Hours, per week and who have very little Competition Experience.
- MAJESTY LEVEL (Intermediate Competitive Dancer): Dancers who dance between 5 – 7 Hours, per week and have 2 – 5 Years of Competition Experience.
- SUPREMACY LEVEL (Advanced Competitive Dancer): Dancers who dance 8+ Hours, per week and perform at Advance Technical Levels
Performance Categories…
Performance Category | Description |
Acro | Dance | • Combines Acrobatic/Gymnastic and Dance Choreography.
• Must contain at least 50% dance. * Mats are considered a prop with a 2 – minute Total set-up / breakdown time limit. • Any time over will result in a point deduction. |
Acro | Gymnastics | • A routine that contains primarily Gymnastic tricks, including, but not limited
to Walkovers, front/back Limbers, Handstands, Headstands, Cartwheels, etc. • There should be a blend of both Gymnastics & Dance. • Mats are considered a prop with a 2-minute total set- up/breakdown time limit. • Any time over will result in a point deduction. |
Ballet | • Classical or Contemporary Ballet movements and technique.
• Ballet slippers only. |
Contemporary | • Routine incorporating lyrical or Jazz movement fused with modern elements. |
Dance Team |
Kick Line |
• Must consist of traditional Dance Team and
Kick Line Choreography. |
Drill Team | • A group performing Military type moves with precision
marching and may incorporate any type of dance. |
Hip-Hop | • Routine containing Hip-Hop Technique from at least one of the various styles contains traditional Jazz movements and technique.
|
Jazz | Jazz Funk | • Combines Jazz Technique with Street Fusion. |
Lyrical | • Dancers interpret the lyrics, mood and content of the music. |
Modern | • Consists of Modern Technique, Movement and Choreography |
Musical Theatre |
Character |
• A routine interpreting a song from a Broadway or movie musical and/or portraying an easily recognizable character. |
Open | • Any routine incorporating a combination of dance styles |
Pointe | • A routine that consists of Ballet/Pointe Technique.
• Pointe shoes must be worn. • Supremacy Level Only |
Pom-Pom | • Performed with pom-poms for at least 75% of the routine |
Tap | • Tap technique.
• No tap sounds in music. |
Preliminary Schedule...
- The following is just a sample overview of one of Fun-filled, action-packed National days.
- More precise schedule will be posted no later than 3 weeks prior to event date.
ROYAL EXPERIENCE, BEST OF THE BEST PRELIMINARY EVENT SCHEDULE |
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MONDAY | TUESDAY | WEDNESDAY | THURSDAY |
Check-In | Rev-Up Warm Up | Rev-Up Warm Up | Rev-Up Warm Up |
Meet & Greet and
Rev-Up Warm Up |
Master Classes |
Master Classes |
Master Classes |
Master Classes | Best of the Best Duo/Trio,
Group Competition |
Best of the Best Line &
Production Competition |
Best of the Best Line &
Production Competition |
Pre-Qualifier Competition | Adjudication & Best of the Best Finalists Revealed | Adjudication & Best of the Best Finalists Revealed | Adjudication & Best of the Best Finalists Revealed |
Best of the Best Solo Competition | Workshop | Level-Up Audition Class | Improv Workshop |
Adjudication & Best of the Best Finalists Revealed | Closing Show Rehearsal | Closing Show Rehearsal | Closing Show Rehearsal |
Workshop | Glow Welcome Dance Party | Teacher Rooftop Party | Walk the Royal Carpet |
Closing Show Rehearsal | Royalty Opening Number | ||
Elite Rulers Faculty Performance |
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WHO will be ♔CROWNED♔ our National Royal Kingdom Rulers? |
Royal Kingdom Rulers
Finals Competition |
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ROYAL KINGDOM RULERS
CORONATION CEREMONY! |