A new season is here, and we couldn’t be more thrilled! 

Get ready for more magic, music, and memories as we create, perform, and celebrate the arts together with YOU – our amazing extended family!

Table of Contents:
1. Event & Participation Details
2. Scheduling & Request Guidelines
3. Age Divisions, Routine Sizes, Time Limits, Events, Rules & Registration Guidelines
4. Levels, Rules & Registration Guidelines
5. Performance Genres, Rules & Registration Guidelines
6. Causes for Point Deductions & Disqualification
7. Note to Teachers & Guardians
8. Scores, Critiques, Media & Store
9. Health & Safety Protocols
10. Disclaimer

EVENT & PARTICIPATION DETAILS

Join us for our exciting Regionals, happening on WEEKENDS, after school hours only! Our Nationals will take place during the summer, on either weekends or weekdays.

Please be aware that we reserve the right to add, subtract, cancel, or change dates and locations due to circumstances beyond our control.

DAILY ROUTINE LIMITS: We expect a vibrant lineup of 200-250 routines based on registrations. 

VENUES & FLOORING

• Events will be held in schools, hotels, and convention centers, featuring stage or ballroom floors
• We will provide Marley floors to ensure a safe and comfortable performance environment
• For information on dates, locations, venues, floor types, room blocks, and hotel cancellation policies, visit https://thatsentertainmentpa.com/events/category/2026-events/
• Please help in maintaining cleanliness in all event areas, as we would like to be invited back to all venues

TIMING

• Regional Events will not start earlier than 4 pm on Fridays when needed and as early as 7 am on Saturdays & Sundays, finishing by 9:45 pm for any routine size or age division
• We do our best to schedule solos, duets, and trios ages 13 and up on Sunday evening for regional events
• Arrive 1 hour before opening routines and be ready 1.5 hours prior for subsequent routines
• Dressing rooms open 1 hour before start time; allow ample space for all participants
• The timing is approximate and determined by the entries received
• Events tend to run early, as routines may not utilize all the allotted time provided

CONVENTIONS

REQUEST A CONVENTION: Directors can email requests for a regional convention, mentioning the number of participants and preferred performance genres. We will accommodate requests based on availability, provided there is a commitment of 30 or more students and a deposit is made.

• Independents are accepted (Regionals Only)
• Spectator fees apply (Regionals Only)
• Enjoy FREE conventions for national students, and all attendees are included in the Final Showcase Award Ceremony (Nationals Only)
• Costume purchase and attendance in rehearsal are required (Nationals Only)
• National conventions are closed to spectators

COMPETITIONS

Choose to participate in competitions, conventions, or both! 
Be sure to familiarize yourself with all event information for an optimal experience!

• Up to $10,000 in cash, certificates, and scholarship prizes per event awarded
• A minimum entry fee is required for live competitions; independents are not accepted
• No minimums for virtual competitions, and independents are accepted
• Students must have a professional staff member present for live competitions 
• Achieve High Gold or higher at regional competitions to qualify for nationals 
• Free admission is available for spectators at live competitions; fees are applied for virtual events 
• Costumes are encouraged but not mandatory due to delays from costume companies
• Costumes, choreography & music must be age-appropriate & designed for a family audience
• Participants may wear protective gear such as masks, shields, and casts during performances
• EQUIPMENT OFFERED: XLR cables and 7-8 wireless microphones are available in handheld, lapel, or headset forms; please request your specific equipment needs at entry time (no mic stands provided)
• MEDIA: FREE photos and webcam videos for all students and directors
• Incorrect registration of names, birth dates, or routine placements may impact age divisions’ routine sizes and prevent students from signing waivers, as well as claiming free photos/videos, or viewing their performances
• Guardians must complete waivers 29 days before the event; find your waivers here https://thatsent.mydanceregister.com/waiver/
• AWARDS DONATIONS: You may choose to receive or donate awards; for more information, visit https://thatsentertainmentpa.com/judging-criteria/ (If your school has organized donations, please respect this decision)

DIRECTORS

• Read all event information for smooth registration
• Call for your directors-only password to register
• Must submit school entries and requests; individual registrations are not accepted
• Confirm availability if entering within 29 days or less
• Upload music in MP3, M4A, or WAV format 3 weeks before the event
• 1 Backup flash drive to include all your event music numbered & named according to the event schedule required; No other devices accepted
• Provide the emcee a backup flash drive with numbered music 1.5 hours before your first routine
• Collect your flash drive after you have completed your last routine or before leaving the event 

REFUNDS, CREDITS, CERTIFICATES, & SCHOLARSHIP DETAILS

• Payments cover processing, administrative fees, and more; therefore, no refunds are provided 
• Sick or injured students receive a credit for the school, and the director must provide a doctor’s note no later than 7 days after the event
• Credit is applied to your school registration account (No refunds or exceptions)
• Credits must be claimed before payment; otherwise, they become null and void
• No credits or refunds are available for disqualified participants or routines

SCHEDULING & REQUEST GUIDELINES

 SCHEDULES:

• Fees apply for any changes, corrections, or scheduling requests made after payment
• Schedules are created from school registration accounts, and all information will appear as entered 
• No changes or requests are accepted once a schedule has been started or completed
• Schedules are sent to the email indicated on your school’s registration account one week before the event you are participating in

 REQUESTS:

• Must be via the school registration account; verbal requests are not accepted
• We strive to accommodate significant events if requested during entry (e.g., religious or academic functions)
• Requests must include, but are not limited to, religious or academic functions, equipment needs, props, unique performer details, difficult costuming, or makeup changes
• Complex requests may incur fees; requests are not guaranteed or may result in adjudication only

Age Divisions

“Proof of Age Required”

• Mini Dancers: 6 yrs & Under 
• Junior: 7-9 yrs & 10-12 yrs
• Senior: 13-15 yrs & 16-18 yrs
• Adults: 19-21 yrs & 22 yrs and older

ROUTINE SIZES & TIME LIMITS:

AGE, SIZES & TIMING, EVENT & REGISTRATION GUIDELINES

• Age divisions are based on students’ birth dates
• The average age determines the age division for routines with two or more people and is calculated by your registration account
• Routine sizes are based on the number of enrolled students, as managed in your registration account
• Adding students after scheduling may alter routine sizes and age groups, potentially incurring additional fees
• There is no obligation to use the full allotted time for routines
• Parent, Student, Teacher, and Productions are one age division, level, and performance genre
• Props are allowed for all routines
• Prop setup and breakdown are limited to 1 minute each
• All prop details must be registered with each routine
• Routines, including setup and breakdown, will be monitored at the event, with fees applying for unregistered additional time

LEVELS

Our judges are knowledgeable professionals and may move routines to the appropriate genres and levels.

“ALL JUDGES’ DECISIONS ARE FINAL”

Levels are determined by ability within each performance genre and routine size, rather than by the number of hours or days spent training.
We allow students to compete in different levels that properly fit their abilities in each performance genre, as a group or individually.

For example, your advanced (All-Star) ballerina(s) may still be beginner (Rising Star) tapper(s).

Directors should use their professional judgment when selecting each performance level.
Points may be deducted for improper placement.

RISING STAR LEVEL – Recreational/Beginner:

It is designed for beginners of any age, whether they have competed or not. It focuses on basic techniques, simple routines, and proper grooming. Intermediate and advanced moves or songs are not recommended for this level.

Dance and Acro: Avoid sickled feet; it is recommended to refrain from intermediate moves, such as fouette turns, toe touches, aerials, and other advanced moves.
Vocal & Instrumental: Opt for pieces with fewer high/long notes and pitch changes.

SHOOTING STAR LEVEL – Intermediate:

Designed for competitors who have mastered intermediate skills, incorporating more complex elements and techniques.

Dance and Acro: Should exhibit group precision, transitions, musicality, challenging rotations, smooth progressions, and connection of movement.
Vocal & Instrumental: Focus on songs with high notes and complex dynamics.

ALL-STAR LEVEL – Advanced:

Dance, Acro, Vocal, and Instrumental: The technique should be superb, meticulous, and clean. Routines and competitors at this level are considered audition-ready and have the potential for professional opportunities. 

ADULT LEVEL:

Dance, Acro, Vocal, and Instrumental: Tailored for competitors aged 19 and up, seeking a high-level competition experience.

SUPER-STAR LEVEL – A level that welcomes all unique needs competitors:

Dance, Acro, Vocal, and Instrumental: Adaptive for performers with unique needs, where critiques emphasize abilities over physical challenges. 

SHINNING STAR LEVEL – Student choreography or original composition:

Dance, Acro, Vocal, and Instrumental: For original student choreography, writing, or compositions without external help.

STUDENT/TEACHER LEVEL:

Dance, Acro, Vocal, and Instrumental: Combines students (18 and Under) and teachers.

PRODUCTION LEVEL:

Features 15 or more performers representing a theme, story, play, movie, or Broadway musical with at least 25% dedicated to dancing and transitions. It may encompass various dance genres, lip-syncing, singing, acting, and the use of instruments. 

LEVEL EVENT & REGISTRATION GUIDELINES

• Ages 6 and under must compete in the Rising Star level
• Pointe is not permitted to register for the Beginner Rising Star level
• Ages 7-18 years can compete across all levels
• Routines averaging 19-21 years may include teachers still wanting to compete at a competitive level
• Unique needs competitors are welcome in Super Star or competitive levels
• Modeling & Improv is one level and must be registered accordingly
• Productions are one level, age, and genre
• Student/Teacher entries require more than one person

PERFORMANCE GENRES

Our judges are knowledgeable professionals and may move routines to the appropriate genres and levels.

“ALL JUDGES’ DECISIONS ARE FINAL”

Unsure which Genre to enter? Call us at 877-572-9415 for Guidance.

ACRO: A style of dance that combines classical dance technique with precision acrobatic elements. It is defined by its athletic character and unique choreography, which seamlessly blends dance and acrobatics. (50% Acrobatic moves & 50% dance moves REQUIRED)
ACTING: Monologues from a play, TV, or movie.
BALLET: Characterized by precise, light, graceful, fluid movements, gestures, and highly formalized combinations, often performed in ballet slippers. (Ballet Variations accepted)
BALLROOM/LATIN: Foxtrot, Cha Cha, Waltz, Tango, Swing, Jive, Samba, Mambo, Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, and additional forms of partnered dances, etc.
CLOGGING: A folk dance in which the dancer’s footwear is used percussively by striking the heel, the toe, or both against the floor or each other to create audible rhythms, usually to the downbeat, with the heel keeping the rhythm.
ETHNIC: Cultural or national dances. (Ex: African, Belly Dancing, Bollywood, Folkloric, Irish Step, Hula, etc.)
Hip-hop: Street dance encompasses a range of styles, including breaking, locking, and popping, and is typically performed to hip-hop music.
IMPROV: Select a genre, age, and routine size. Music is the DJ’s choice. The DJ will play 3 seconds of a song for your competitor to hear. Then they will have 1 minute shine.
INSTRUMENTAL: Live music without dancers/vocalists; background music is allowed if it is non-overlapping.
JAZZ: Involves jazz technique, utilizing isolation, flexibility, jumps, etc.
LYRICAL: Tells a story through fluid movement and expressions.
MODELING:
      a) Formal: Formal attire representing the competitor’s style & charm.
      b) Casual: Attire to complement style and personality.
MODERN/CONTEMPORARY: Utilizing balance, control, abstract movements, groundwork, and level changes.
MUSICAL THEATRE: A character’s performance can include two or more genres: dancing, acting, singing, lip singing, and instrumental.
OPEN: For routines fitting multiple genres.
PHOTOGENIC: Headshots that may be used when attending auditions or casting opportunities.
PERFORMANCE CHEER: Includes Pom, Cheer, Majorette, or Baton.
POINTE: 75% performed on Pointe with classical/contemporary techniques.
PRODUCTIONS:
* Routines portraying a theme, story, musical, play, movie, etc
* May include two or more genres (i.e., Tap and Jazz or Dancing, Singing, and Acting
* Must have 15 or more performers & contain a minimum of 25% dancing and transitions
* Production routines compete against each other and enter into (1) level, age, and genre
SONG & DANCE: Singing and dancing, not portraying a musical.
TAP: Tap shoes striking the floor as percussion, emphasizing clarity and tap sounds.
VOCAL: A cappella or with background vocals allowed. Vocal Genres are as follows:
* Show-tunes
* Country/Pop/Rock
* R&B Jazz

GENRE EVENT AND REGISTRATION GUIDELINES

• Unlimited acrobatics moves permitted for Acro, Musical Theatre, Hip Hop, Improv, Open, and Productions
• A maximum of 5 acrobatics moves or passes permitted in all other genres
• Multiple same-genre routines can register or enter ‘open’ to avoid self-competition
• Mixed-genre routines should enter ‘open’ unless fitting musical theatre, song/dance, or production guidelines.
• Music Theatre can include acting, dancing, singing, lip synching, and live music
• Three vocal genres are offered, and vocal routines must register accordingly
• Songs in musical theatre performed without dance/acting must enter the “Show tunes” genre
• Vocal routines, including backup singers, must be registered accurately and include all performers
• Vocal routines, including backup dancers, must enter “Song & Dance” unless fitting the musical theatre category
• Instrument-included routines, containing singing and dancing not fitting the musical theatre or production genres, must enter “Song & Dance”
• Photogenic and modeling competitors are not required to submit additional entries as long as they are affiliated with an attending school
• Photogenic, Improv, and Title upgrades can now be added on-site if space permits; however, pre-registration for these categories is strongly encouraged.

CAUSES FOR POINT DEDUCTIONS & DISQUALIFICATIONS

Disregarding or challenging staff, rules, or regulations may result in point deductions, disqualification, and removal from the event. Offenders may lose eligibility for titles, high scores, and other rewards, with penalties determined by the event directors, managers, or judges. 

1. Routines not completed, leaving the stage and performing again, incur Point Deductions:
Rising Star: 3 Points
Shooting Star: 6 Points
All-Star: 9 Points

2. Additional reasons for “Point Deductions” (1 point per judge per infraction)

• More than five acrobatic moves/passes in a performance that are not permitted
• Tap/clogging sounds in the music during tap/clogging routines
• Lead vocals or instruments in the music where competitors are singing or playing live music
• Music for routines not uploaded to your registration account
• No backup flash drive was provided by the school at the event
• The flash drive must be labeled with the studio name
• Songs must be labeled with routine numbers and titles (i.e., 40_ Once Upon A Dream)
• Music must be organized in the routine order of the schedule
• Exceeding the time limit for routines/setup/breakdown without payment

3. REASONS FOR POINT DEDUCTIONS OR DISQUALIFICATION (Up to 3 Points Per Judge per Infraction):

• Incomplete waivers will lead to disqualification
• Routines that are not available or failing to come to the stage when called
• Inappropriate costumes, choreography, or music
• Coaching (Teachers may place 6 & under competitors on stage ONLY; NO COACHING ALLOWED)
• NO Photos or videos without the purchase of a media pass
• Poor sportsmanship from anyone who has entered the event
• All inquiries must go through the director, and no teachers, parents, or guardians
• Offering gifts or special treatment to staff is prohibited
• DONATING: Questioning award donations may result in the nullification of awards, certificates, cash prizes, recognition announcements, and disqualification, and more

NOTE FOR TEACHERS & GUARDIANS

Reminder: Student waiver accounts are created from your school’s registration. Ensure names and birthdates are correct; errors may prevent you from signing waivers and claiming your photos/videos. Only directors can make changes, and no requests will be accepted 29 days before the event. Incomplete waivers will result in disqualification; no refunds will be issued. Help your directors by confirming they have the correct information below.

REMINDER FOR TEACHERS: Provide a list of each routine with:

• Routine names
• Performance Genres
• Levels
• Student list
• Prop and equipment needs, including microphones and more
• Correct music to be uploaded

GUARDIANS CONFIRM: 

• The correct birthdate and name are on file
• List of solos, duets, trios, titles, improv, modeling, student choreography, and photogenic entries for your child
• Details for each entry (routine names, performance genres, levels, music, and props)
• Any scheduling conflicts (religious and academic functions)
• Ensure your waivers are completed; Click here: http://thatsent.mydanceregister.com/waiver/

SCORES, CRITIQUES, MEDIA & STORE

Scores & Critiques:
Scores, Video, Audio, or Written Critiques are provided and uploaded to your school’s registration account within one week of the event. 

FREE Photos & Videos:

• Professional photographers are at every event
• Regional Videos are recorded via webcam, and professional videographers and video cameras are provided at Nationals.
• * Photos and videos are available 1-3 weeks after the event.

FIND YOUR PHOTOS AND VIDEOS HERE:

https://thatsentertainmentpa.com/how-to-find-your photos-videos/

Livestream Information: Streaming services will incur a fee, with a portion of the proceeds going to the Spark Evolution Grant Program, which supports performing arts/dancing schools in need. The livestream will be available for up to 25 days at www.viewstub.com, with a link sent to directors one week before the event. Streaming quality may vary; we recommend keeping the tab active for the best experience. Free photos and videos will be provided; therefore, refunds are not available unless the stream fails from the start. 

Media Releases: Music videos and Short Films may be released between September and February. Select recaps and interviews may appear on social media throughout the season. The social media contest will run until the start of the new season. Subscribe to: @thatsentertainmentpa on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok & YouTube to stay tuned.

TE Apparel and Awards: Can be purchased at the event or online at https://tecomps.com

HEALTH & SAFETY PROTOCOLS

TE will work to implement health procedures and guidelines to provide the safest environment for our attendees.
We will continuously monitor our Venues, public health organizations, and government/State Policies, and will make updates and changes as necessary. 

DISCLAIMER 

(Directors, please follow these rules when placing students)

• Judges may adjust routines to the appropriate genres and levels (ALL JUDGES’ DECISIONS ARE FINAL!)
• Parent, Student/Teacher, Adult, Rising, Super, and Shining Star levels are not eligible for elite team/cast nominations, certificates, and cash prizes
• Parents, Student/Teacher, and Super Star Routines are not eligible for top 5/10 high scores
• Parents, Student/Teacher, Rising, Super, and Shining Star, Adult, and Mini divisions are not eligible for overall high scores
• At the discretion of the judges, directors, or managers, disregarding or challenging the rules may result in disqualification, point deductions, adjudication only, or non-eligibility for titles, high scores, and overall high scores 
• That’s Entertainment and partners are not responsible for corrupted critiques, uploaded music, awards, or performance photos, videos, interviews, recaps, singles, music videos, or short films (If they are not posted, they may not be available)
• That’s Entertainment and partners are not liable for personal items brought to the event (i.e., flash drives, props, costumes, etc)
• That’s Entertainment and partners may use taken or submitted photos, videos, and original music in any publications, websites, and social media 
• In the event of a government shutdown and health risks, attendees will be required to follow Health and Safety Guidelines as needed