The Dunn Center

Safety Protocol:

 Until further notice we will plan our competitions with the following procedures in place to assist with social distancing and increased safety and sanitation.  Each city and venue has different rules and guidelines, but the information below outlines how most events are being run at this time.  In the event that rules are different in a particular city, teachers will receive a detailed email with information at least two weeks prior to the event.

We strongly encourage a maximum of 2 spectators for every dancer.   Because seating is based on guidelines set by the venue and local government, seats will be limited and we kindly ask that you encourage parents to exit the space when their students are not performing so that others have a chance to watch their children.  Saving seats by placing personal belongings on chairs will not be allowed due to limited capacity.

Dressing room space will be assigned and each studio will have a designated area.  We ask that only one adult per child is in the dressing room, with no additional siblings or friends.  For students that are only competing solos, we highly encourage you to come dressed and ready to perform, as space is limited.  If possible, we encourage students over the age of 12 to help each other with quick changes so we can limit the number of people in the dressing room.  

For group competition only, each studio will be assigned a "meeting space" to gather for warming up and dressing for one hour prior to your session.  You will be able to move to the dressing room behind the stage after the previous session has ended and we have sanitized the area.

Solo and duet/trio competition will be scheduled as normal, but in smaller groups to lower the number of people involved at a time.  

Group Competition will be divided into sessions.  There will be a limited number of studios in each session of the competition and the auditorium will be sectioned off so that each studio will have a separate seating area. Please ask your parents and students to only be in the auditorium during the session in which your studio competes and to sit in the designated seating area reserved for your studio indicated with signs.  There will be a 10-15 minute judges break between group sessions so that the area can be sanitized.

Solo/Duet/Trio awards will be in person with limited numbers of people in each ceremony.  We will have a designated area on stage for each studio. Awards will also be live streamed for those that prefer to watch virtually!

Studios have the choice of watching group awards virtually OR participating in an in person ceremony on stage.  If your studio is participating on stage we kindly ask each studio to select one representative from each routine to represent you on stage.  We will have a designated area on stage for each studio.  We encourage all other students and parents to watch awards via live stream.  Packets with award pins for each student will not be handed out on stage.  Teachers can pick up award packets in the lobby following each group awards ceremony.  If your studio chooses to participate virtually teachers should pick up awards before the end of the competition weekend.  Trophies and awards cannot be shipped after the event.

Our mask policy is based on the local government and the venue at the time of the competition.  At this time, masks are required for all spectators in most venues.  Students do not have to wear masks when they are performing, but should wear one at all other times.  If dancers choose to wear masks on stage there will certainly be no penalty or deduction.

Photos and videos of each routine are provided at no additional cost!  Teachers will receive an email with your media password and more information.  Media will be available at www.encoredcs.com within five days of the event.

As always, we offer live stream of all performances!   We invite and encourage family and friends to watch online, especially the elderly, high-risk individuals or those with underlying health conditions.

Teachers must submit a signed waiver for each student before the studio is allowed to compete. 

Studios are eligible for a full refund if the event is cancelled.  It is our policy to only discuss financial matters with teachers and studio owners.

All competition music should be uploaded to your Dance Comp Genie account prior to the event as music will not be collected at the venue.

Teachers must submit a signed waiver for each student before the studio is allowed to compete. 

When will my students perform?

 We make a custom schedule for every competition, but this is how we plan to run events until further notice:

If the event starts on Friday night, we typically start with Petite and/or Junior solos or Duet/trios.   On Saturday, we will complete Petite and Junior solo competition if needed, move to Petite and Junior Duet/Trios and then start with Group competition in studio blocks.   If time permits, we will start Teen and Senior Solos and/or Duet/Trios on Saturday evening.  Group competition and group awards will continue on Sunday.  A tentative outline of the schedule will be posted to our website two weeks prior to the event. A detailed schedule with performance times for each routine will be emailed to studio directors at least one week prior to the event.   Parents, please contact your studio director for questions about performance times.

 I have a quick costume change.  What should we do?

We do our best to allow at least four numbers for costume changes.  This will not always be the case during group competition because of limited numbers of students.  Please see the stage manager during the event if an issue arises.  If you have a special request that needs to be handled prior to the event, please email Susan@encoredcs.com.  Unless arranged ahead of time, routines that are not performed within three numbers of the scheduled order are subject to a 5 point deduction.

Do you accept independent dancers?

We do not accept independent dancers.  All dancers must be registered under a studio name and we require a minimum of TWO participating students from each studio.  Due to COVID-19 we will temporarily excuse the rule regarding two dancers, however individual entries must still be supported by a studio.

 Which levels should my students enter?

Recreational: For those students who participate in dance class and/or extra rehearsals up to 3 hours per week. Students in more than 5 duet/trio or group routines cannot enter a Recreational Solo and must move to competitive for a solo.  Recreational duet/trio and group routines cannot contain Elite soloists. (This rule does not apply to productions.)

Competitive: For students that participate in class and/or extra rehearsals for 3-6 hours per week. 

Elite:  Our Elite division is for Junior, Teen and Senior students who participate in class and extra rehearsals for more than 6 hours a week. Elite dancers are the only dancers eligible to receive our Prestigious “Mic Drop” Award. 

Pro-Am: Any routine containing a professional or teacher must compete in the Pro-Am age division.

All Mini and Petite entries should be entered in the Recreational or Competitive Division.  Duet/Trios and Groups containing a combination of recreational, competitive, and elite dancers should be entered in the division in which the majority of the dancers fall.  Please use your best judgment and place students in the appropriate division. Any division changes must be made by teachers prior to the first day of competition.  Because dance competitions have no way of knowing how many hours a week a student trains, placement is ultimately left to the teacher’s discretion. 

What is a Super Solo?

Students who perform more than 1 solo (not including vocal or song and dance) are placed in our "Super Solo" Overall Awards.  The highest two solo scores for each Super Solo are averaged to determine the Super Solo score for overall placement.  ALL Super Soloists will be recognized with a special award.  Students performing only one solo per competition will be judged separately and will compete for the Top Soloist in every age division. 

Do you have a Title competition?

 Soloists are now eligible to compete for Mister and Miss Encore DCS at an additional charge.  Regional Title scores are based on Showmanship and Overall Appeal and all levels are combined.  There is no separation of Recreational, Competitive and Elite in the Title Competition.  One Miss Encore DCS and One Mister Encore DCS winner will be announced in each age division.  Only one solo per student is eligible for Title competition. 

“Solo Title Entry” must be checked on the registration form to compete for title.  Vocal entries are ineligible for Title. 

There are TWO ways to compete for Title:

1) If a student competes only one solo they would be eligible for Title Winner AND regular Overall Solo awards.

2) If a student competes multiple solos, they would be eligible for Title Winner (by selecting just one of their solos to compete for title) AND their top two scores would go into the running for Overall Super Solo.

 Can we take photos and videos from the audience?

Video recording and photography is not allowed when a videographer or photographer is contracted by ENCORE DCS. Thank you for complying with these rules and helping us protect teacher choreography.

 How do I access Photos and Videos?

Encore DCS is excited to include photos and videos of each routine with entry fees.  Media will be available via digital download and/or email within five business days of the event.  Passwords for downloads will be provided to all teachers that have paid in full.  Teachers will be responsible for distributing the studio password to parents and students.  To locate media after the event, visit our website, choose the city you attended, and click on the link for Photo or Video. Video recording and photography is not allowed when a videographer or photographer is contracted by ENCORE DCS. Thank you for complying with these rules and helping us protect teacher choreography.

What should we do with props?

Each venue is different, but most locations have an area for trailer parking. Please see the stage manager when you arrive at the event for help with props and trailers. 

Are there assigned dressing rooms?

 Each studio will be assigned a dressing space based on the number, size, and type of entries. There is a designated Male Dressing room when space allows. 

Do you have a photogenic competition?

 We offer a photogenic competition at Nationals only.

Is there an admission fee to watch the competition?

 There is NO admission fee at the event.

 Does everyone receive an award?

Everyone that performs on the Encore stage receives an award. In addition to recognizing 1^st-5^th place in each category, every routine is recognized with a Silver, Gold, High Gold, Platinum, Diamond, or “Mic Drop” placement. Please see the awards section of our website for the full list of awards and prizes.

Grand Finals Opening Number participation

The following students are invited to participate in the Opening Number at Grand Finals:

Recreational Division 1^st Overall Solos and Super Solos

Competitive Division 1^st and 2^nd Overall Solos and Super Solos

Elite Division 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd Overall Solos and Super Solos

All Title Winners from 2021 regionals

2021 Dream Team Members

For any studios that do not have eligible participants, we invite you to nominate 1 student for every 10 solos that are competing at Nationals.

Please note that a minimum number of participants are required at regionals in order for a 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd place winner to be announced.  Only students announced at regionals as 1^st, 2^nd or 3^rd (as explained above) are eligible for the opening number.

For complete rules, regulations, and awards information please visit the respective pages on the website.

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