Talent On Parade Competition Rules & Divisions
A complete list of the adjudicated divisions as well as categories of competition at Talent On Parade Regional and National Competition
Entry Divisions
Solo; Duet; Trio; Small Group (4-9 performers); Large Group (10-16 performers); Line (17 or more performers); Production (17 or more performers, 4 to 8 minute performance).
The middle level of competition. Intermediate dancers typically have less than 4 years of studio experience of any kind, OR regularly receive 4 hours or less studio instruction of any kind per week. Adult acts, Productions, and Vocal performances are not eligible to compete at the Intermediate Level.
How Act Levels Are Assigned
Each dancer in an act is assigned a point value based on his or her level entered in the studio roster: Novice = 1 point, Intermediate = 2 points, Competitive = 3 points. The level with the highest total points is established for that act. Any ties in the sum of points defaults to the higher level. Manual overrides to a higher level are possible if requested prior to the show entry deadline.
Optional Entries
These Entries MUST be registered before the show and will NOT be accepted at the door
TOP Entertainer Title
Open to Solo acts only and judged during performance. Entry fee is $55 per Solo act. Winner is selected based on entertainment value and overall presentation. TOP Entertainer Title winners receive a plaque, a $50 cash prize and special jacket. This award also open to Vocal performers. Adult performers are not eligible for this award.
Photogenic Competition
Those performers who have pre-registered for the photogenic contest should upload their photo(s) per the online instructions. Entry fee of $55 per photo. Open to all Solo, Duet, Trio or Group performers, (photos of individuals only, no group shots accepted). Photogenic winners receive a plaque and a $50 cash prize which is typically presented during the solo awards ceremony for his or her age division. This award also open to Vocal performers. Adult performers are not eligible for this award.
Solo Age Categories
7-8; 9-10; 11-12; 13-14; 15-16; 17-19; 20 & Older. These are the minimum Competitive Level breakdowns for each show. A 6 & Younger age category is also included in the Novice Level. Note that all other Intermediate and Novice Level age categories are determined per show based on the number of entries at those levels, and they typically include a broader range of ages making up each category.
Duet, Trio, Small & Large Group Age Categories
7-8; 9-12; 13-19; 20 & Older. These are the minimum Competitive Level breakdowns for each show. Most shows, depending on entries, will include an additional breakdown in age divisions to include additional age categories. A 6 & Younger age category is also included in the Novice Level. Note that all other Intermediate and Novice Level age categories are determined per show based on the number of entries at those levels, and they typically include a broader range of ages making up each category.
Line & Production Age Categories
8 & Younger; 9-12; 13-19; 20 & Older. These are the minimum Competitive Level breakdowns for each show. Some shows, depending on entries, will include an additional breakdown in age divisions to include additional age categories (including 6 & Younger in the Novice Level). Note that Intermediate and Novice Level Lines are typically awarded within a broad entry/age division determined per show based on number of entries. All Productions compete at the competitive level.
Average Ages
Soloist age category and division is determined by age as of JANUARY 1. Duet, Trio and Group age categories and divisions are determined by averaging ages of all act members as of JANUARY 1. Decimal points in all averages are dropped (thereby rounding down in all cases). TOP is an amateur talent competition. No professional performers (as defined by TOP management) are allowed to perform. Duet, Trio or Group acts which include the performance of a studio teacher who regularly teaches three (3) or more paid hours per week will be placed in the 20 & Older category regardless of average age. Age categories and divisions remain the same for National Competition, determined by age as of January 1.
Performance Time Limits
Solos, Duets, Trios, and Small Groups — 3 minutes. Large Groups and Lines — 4 minutes. Productions — 8 minutes maximum. A deduction of 1 point will be taken at 1 second over time limit and for each 30 seconds overtime thereafter. Up to 2 additional minutes of performance time, without deduction, is available for purchase in advance of the show for Large Groups, Lines, and Productions only (see below).
Extended Performance Time
We are now offering up to 2 additional minutes of extended performance time for Large Groups, Lines, and Productions. Fees are $3 per dancer for each additional 30 seconds, up to 2 minutes of extended time allowed. These fees will be automatically added during entry processing. Scores for extended time acts that exceed the 2-minute time extension will be automatically deducted at 1 second over time limit, and for each 30 seconds overtime thereafter.
Credit/Debit Card Processing Fee
Beginning immediately, a 3% processing fee will be automatically added to all credit/debit card transactions.
Avoid this fee by submitting a certified check instead (cashier's check or money order) to: Talent On Parade, 137 Pirner #5, Haysville, KS, 67060.
Be sure to obtain tracking information in case delivery is delayed. Studio or personal checks are NOT accepted.
Prop Insurance
We are now offering the option to purchase an additional 3 minutes of consolidated prop set-up/removal time (for a total consolidated allotment of 5 minutes, except for Productions which will receive a total consolidated allotment of 6 minutes.) this optional prop "insurance" will be charged at $75 per act(s) for those Group acts that you request extended prop time. Point deductions will not apply to insured Group acts until more than 5 consolidated minutes of set-up/removal time (6 min. for Productions) has expired, versus 2 consolidated minutes (3 min. for Productions) of set-up/removal time for non-insured Group acts. Prop insurance is ONLY available to Group acts and must be purchased in advance of the show
Competition Catergories
Acro/Gymnastics, Ballet, Baton, Character, Clogging, Contemporary, Folkloric, Hip Hop, Jazz, Lyrical, Modern, Music Theatre, Open, Pointe, Pom Pon, Song & Dance, Spirit, Student Choreography, Tap and Vocal (see below). Acts must be dominant to the category. Productions generally include performance in a combination of categories. A single (1) handheld wireless microphone will be made available in the Vocal, Song & Dance and Open categories. Headset microphones are not available and use of personal sound equipment of any kind is prohibited. Although performers may generally enter as many different competition categories as desired with different acts, no Solo performer may compete against himself or herself within the same competition category. There is no longer a limit on gymnastic passes. Lifts are permitted in all categories.
Vocal Category Competition
Please understand that Talent On Parade is primarily a dance competition. We have, however, included the vocal category as a performance opportunity for those dance competitors who are involved in vocal instruction as part of a well-rounded performance education. The vocal category stands alone and is awarded separately from all other categories. The use of sound equipment is limited per above. Note also that time limits in the vocal category are exactly the same as those in all other categories (3 minutes for solos) and will be deducted accordingly if over time. All Vocal acts also compete only at the Competitive Level.
Regional Entry Deadlines
Entries must be entered online via the DanceComp Genie entry portal and paid-in-full 21 days prior to first day of competition. Late entries will incur an additional $15 fee (per act) if accepted. Important Note: Most of our shows fill up, and many are closed out prior to the 21-day deadline. You are therefore encouraged to submit your paid entries as soon as possible. Acts processed online and only “assigned” to a show without payment does not “hold your place” in a competition. Acts are considered entered only when paid-in-full (this includes Rebate acts as well).
​
ENTRIES SUBMITTTED WITHOUT PAYMENT ARE SUBJECT TO BEING "BUMPED" WITHOUT WARNING BY PAID ENTRIES SUBMITTED AT A LATER DATE
Run-off Policy
If a solo performer chooses to run off the stage less than 30 seconds after the start of the performance he or she may be granted a one time re-start. At no time will more than one re-start be granted. Run-offs occurring 30 seconds after the performance has started will not be eligible for a re-start. All run-offs will receive an automatic "T.O.P" Adjudicated Award and will be disqualified from all awards line-ups. TOP Management also reserves the right to change or modify this policy at any time and for any reason
Other Important Information
All acts should be suitable for viewing by the general public. Please keep in mind, however, that opinion concerning what is "suitable" varies to a wide degree. TOP management also reserves the right to deduct points, disallow or disqualify any act for any reason, including those that may be considered inappropriate by the general viewing public. Coaching of performers is prohibited during performance. Regional cash winners may not re-compete the same act at another Regional in the same competition season, nor during the Regional season in the following year. National cash winners may not re-compete the same act at any Regional or National in the following competition season. TOP management reserves the right to expand a competition to additional days when necessary, or move a competition site. The decision of the judges are final and represent their professional opinions, not necessarily those of TOP management or staff. Jumping to the floor from the front of the stage is prohibited during performance, as an entrance or exit from the stage or rear of the stage (under the stage drop). Entrance and exit from the stage must be made from the left and/or right stage wings only. This rule has been put into effect for the safety of the performers, judges and audience members. Your attendance and/or participation in a TOP event constitutes your approval for the uncompensated use of any photo or video image taken during the event in TOP literature, on the TOP website or in connection with any other TOP venture. TOP cannot be responsible for lost, stole, broke or unclaimed items (including flash drives or any other item related to music). Lost and found, and/or unclaimed items, will not be mailed. TOP will not become involved in disputes concerning choreography, rights to performance, costuming, etc. By submitting entries you confirm you own, or have secured the rights to, all elements in the performance. Submission of entries also constitutes the following: You have read, understood, and agree to the rules and regulations listed here. You also agree to release and hereby indemnify Talent On Parade, LLC and their agents from any and all contracts, claims, suits, actions, liabilities, and/or injuries related to doing business in any way with Talent On Parade, LLC or arising as a result of participation in a Talent On Parade, LLC event. You further release Talent On Parade, LLC and their agents from responsibility for any and all loss or damage, court costs, legal fees and/or medical fees. Submission of any fees and all activities related to Talent On Parade, LLC in anyway are at your own risk. TOP reserves the right to change, modify and/or eliminate any of the above rules/information at any times.