Information & Resources

CONVENTION INFORMATION

REGISTRATIONS are non-refundable.  No exceptions.  ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST SIGN A RELEASE FORM.  Please register online at www.hcdance.com

EMAIL CONFIRMATION A confirmation, receipt and welcome letter will be emailed, once payment is received.  Please bring the email confirmation and picture ID with you to the convention to pick up your wristbands.   Any questions about your registration, please contact our office at 1-877 DANCE HC or email bill@hcdance.com.

MULTIPLE CITY DISCOUNTS All teachers and studio owners attend second city for FREE.  Call our office for details on student discounts for multiple cities!!!

INDEPENDENT DANCERS An independent dancer is one that is NOT affiliated with a dance team or studio. (For example, a dancer that attends Performing Arts High

School, or studies at professional studio like Millennium, Broadway Dance Center NYC, etc). Independent dancers may register for the event but studios that

attend as a team will be given priority in the competition. An INDEPENDENT RELEASE FORM will be required with registration.

INDIVIDUAL STUDENTS (Attending Independently) An individual dancer is one that IS affiliated with a studio or dance team, but the team is not attending. Even though you have an affiliation with a studio you will be considered an Independent if your studio is NOT attending. Individual dancers may register for the event but studios that attend as a team will be given priority in the competition. Dancers attending under their studio name must have permission from their studio owner they are attending. If your affiliated studio is attending you may not register as an Independent/Individual student. You will also be required to fill out the INDEPENDENT RELEASE FORM.

STUDIO GROUPS/SOLOS ROUTINES WILL BE ACCOMODATED FIRST!!!  However, if the maximum amount of entries is not reached and time permits, independent and individual solo competition entries will be accepted.  Please register your competition routines and we will notify you if we cannot accommodate your independent/individual solo entries.  Your competition fees will be returned to you. If competition is sold out, please call our office to be put on wait list.

BROADWAY BABIES For dancers 5-6 years of age, this is a great workshop to introduce dancers to the convention experience. This program is not recommended for dancers 4 years of age and under. Workshop will be held for approximately three hours on Saturday afternoon. Styles of dance which may include jazz, tap, hip hop, ballet or lyrical all with a musical theater theme! Check your regional city schedule for exact class times. Dancers will perform their routines on stage prior to the competition.  Each dancer receives a certificate of completion, a Broadway Babies t-shirt, and one free observer pass with their paid registration.  BROADWAY BABIES are limited enrollment and in select cities only.  First come first serve.  Call our office if you are interested.

OBSERVERS Are allowed with paid students only.  No teachers, studio owners or managers may register as an observer.  Observers are exempt from viewing Director classes and auditions.

CHAPERONES are required for all participants who are attending the event.  Chaperones are responsible for dancers at all times.  Hollywood Connection is not responsible for the supervision of dancers.

HOTEL Please respect the privacy of hotel guests and hotel property.  Decorations on hotel room doors is not allowed.  No cooking devices of any kind allowed in hotel rooms.  For your safety, wear shoes at all times during the event.  Dancers should wear cover ups when leaving the ballrooms.  Hollywood Connection is not responsible for injuries sustained if participants are dancing barefoot.

DIRECTOR ONLY CLASSES Hollywood Connection prides itself on bringing teacher classes and seminars to keep your business moving forward.  Classes in marketing, advertising, budgets, organizing recitals, curriculum and technique are just some of the topics discussed!  Business classes are for all registered Directors.  For more information on our guest speakers, visit our website www.hcdance.com.

SPECIAL CLASSES Family Hip Hop and Parent Yoga/Fitness classes will be offered in select cities. Have fun with other parents and discover the joy of dancing again! HEELS CLASS is a jazz based dance class to introduce dancers 14 and older to the art of dancing in heels. Boys may take the class or opt for hip hop in another ballroom. AUDITIONING 101 class with Bill Bohl for Producers only.  This class will take place during the Producer scholarship audition.  Bill will explain what a panel looks for during an audition, and offer advice and industry tips so dancers can improve their audition technique and get better results.

AUDITIONS The audition process is unique at Hollywood Connection.  Dancers will be called by name.  We do not use numbers. Hollywood Connection will have a pre-printed list of dancer’s names for the audition. No sign in is required. All dancers will be considered for awards based on their age, regardless of which room they are dancing in.  For instance, if you have a dancer that is dancing in a room higher than their actual age level, that dancer will audition in the higher level ballroom but be considered for the awards in their actual age category. A DANCER SHOULD NOT CHANGE ROOMS FOR THE AUDITION. 

• Directors are allowed in the audition room. NO OBSERVERS.
• Students must be registered for the convention to audition for scholarships and awards.
• Dance combination for the audition will be taught during classes on Saturday. The audition will take place on Sunday.
• There are no eliminations. Dancers will stay in the room the entire time to learn from experience.
• Award winners will be announced at the wrap party.
• ICON title winners and runner ups must compete at nationals under the studio in which they received the award. ICON OF THE YEAR title winners must remain with their studio while they hold the title.

COMPETITION INFORMATION

SOLOS  Solos will be allowed as time permits.

STUDIO SOLOS WILL BE GIVEN PRIORITY BEFORE INDEPENDENT/INDIVIDUAL SOLOS.   A dancer does NOT need to perform a solo in a regional city to be eligible for awards and scholarships, including the ICON Title Award. All dancers may enter solos at the national competition without pre-qualifying in a regional city. For any dancer competing a solo under the age of 7, please call our office 323-462-4500.

DOUBLE TAKE NATIONAL FINALS QUALIFICATION Each studio will be allowed to double their qualified routines at Nationals. For instance, if you bring 15 routines to a regional event (this included duo/trios & groups), you may bring 30 routines to Nationals. (of equal or lesser value).  All routines must pay the national entry fees. Any routines above and beyond the Double Take will be required to prequalify and pay prequalification fees.

STUDIO CHOREOGRAPHY AWARD HC will honor choreography created by teachers or assistant teachers currently on staff at your studio. Each studio will be allowed to submit ONE routine to be considered for this special honor. We suggest selecting a routine choreographed by a teacher or assistant teacher that will attend the event. No additional fees apply. Commissioned choreography by professional choreographers or convention teachers brought in from outside the studio will not be considered. We want to honor YOU, the teachers for a job well done. All studio entries submitted will be considered, and one routine will be selected to receive a special award plaque.

MUSIC UPLOADS Please upload all of your music prior to the competition and check your files for accuracy. ALL MUSIC MUST BE UPLOADED. Back up music should be brought on a digital device such as ipod, computer or flash drive.  CD’s will not be accepted.

RULES AND REGULATIONS Please review the rules and regulations carefully.

• There are no refunds.

Directors:

• Must provide copies of birth certificates upon request. DO NOT MAIL BIRTH CERTIFICATES.
• May not perform with students. Assistant teachers may perform with students.
• Will have reserved seating during the competition.

Competition:

• Participants must be registered for the convention to compete.
• Entries must be received 30 days before the convention date.
• Misrepresentation of ages on entry forms will result in disqualification.
• Competition schedule will be listed by age, category and division. We may go out of the scheduled order.
• Talking, lip sync, and singing are acceptable, but mics will not be provided.
• Three (3) tumbling passes are acceptable in an entry. If a routine has more than three (3) tumbling passes, it must be entered in the Open category. Tumbling occurring continuously is considered 1 pass. No tumbling passes in tap category. Flips/twists greater than one rotation are prohibited.
• General lifts are acceptable.
• All music, choreography and costumes must be appropriate for family viewing. Inappropriate routines and music/lyrics may be penalized, disqualified or stopped at the sole discretion of the competition director and/or panel of judges of Hollywood Connection.

Judging/Awards:

• Judges may stop a number in progress and ask for it to be repeated.
• Judges scores and critiques are confidential and will be uploaded into the online account created at registration.
• Technical score will break a tie. In the event of a technical tie, placement will be determined by judges’ choice.
• Routines that win 1st place, including solos, may not place at another Hollywood Connection regional competition for the season. However, routines can perform for critique and medal only, but not place, if performing in a second regional city. If a routine placed 2nd, 3rd or did not place at all, that routine may compete again.
• High scores, overalls and cash awards will be announced at the Wrap Party.

Dressing Room:

• Studio may have designated dressers for competition.
• Performers must be in the dressing room 30 minutes prior to the start of each competition for general announcements.
• No Videotaping in dressing rooms.
• We will announce numbers on deck. If your number is “on deck” please report to the holding area.
• NO REHEARSING IN DRESSING ROOMS OR HALLWAYS!
• Deductions or disqualification may occur for misconduct backstage or in dressing rooms. It is important to respect fellow artists, dressers, parents, helpers and assistants. Our assistants will inform us of any misconduct.

Categories: 

Jazz: Jazz technique to up tempo music.
Tap: Tap Technique which may include rhythm tap (hoofing) or Broadway tap. May also be performed acapella.
Ballet: Ballet or Pointe technique which may include classical, modern/neoclassical ballet styles.
Lyrical: A combination of Jazz and Ballet techniques, to slow music, with an emotional interpretation of the song lyrics.
Hip-Hop: Hip-hop technique which may include breaking, popping, locking, krumping.

Contemporary:  Modern dance that may include Graham, Horton, Cunningham techniques and improvisation.

Musical Theater: May include the above styles, with a strong emphasis on character development and storytelling. May or may not include lip syncing.  Lip syncing is NOT required.

Open:  Anything that doesn’t fit one of the above categories. Open can include but is not limited ethnic or cultural dance, acrobatic, cirque, ballroom.  Does NOT include Contemporary. Performances should enter the category that reflects the style of routine. If your routine does not fall into of one of the seven categories above, please enter it in the Open category.  If a routine has more than three tumbling passes, enter it in open.

STAGE 30’ Depth x 40′ Width. Size of stage may vary in each regional city. Maximum 70 dancers permitted on stage at one time.  Please instruct your dancers NOT to jump off the stage.  There will be a set of stairs on each side upstage.  There will also be a backstage crossover (behind the backdrop).  Dancers may enter from either side.

PROPS Use of props is permitted but must be moved on and off the stage by performers or designated stage hands/studio helpers. If there is a safety concern with props, please see a member of the HC Staff. No scenery please.  Please move props on and off stage in timely manner.  PROPS MAY NOT BE STORED IN HALLWAYS OR PUBLIC AREAS OF THE HOTEL OR CONVENTION CENTER WITHOUT PERMISSION.  WE MUST FOLLOW ALL FIRE CODES.  Upon completion of your routine, please remove your props from the stage area and return them to your room or vehicle.   In some cities, props may be placed backstage or in a holding room, but is not guaranteed.  Please plan to pack your props after completing your routines.  HC cannot be held responsible for the loss or damage to props.  Props are the sole responsibility of the studio.

***SCORING SYSTEM*** Titanium=98-100 Platinum=95-97.99 Gold 90-94.99 Silver 80-89.99 Bronze 79.99 or less All dancers receive a medal/pin based on

their average score. The top three scores in each age division and category will receive 1st, 2nd and 3rd place trophies. If there are less than two entries in a category, entry will compete against the point system to determine placement.  Point system placement: Titanium/Platinum/Gold = 1^st , Silver = 2^nd, Bronze = 3^rd

We will update our COVID Policies for the 2023 Season as we get closer to the events.  Stay safe!

DO I NEED TO CHECK IN MY CHILD?  If you are registered with your studio, your teacher will pick up the registration packet.  This will have your child’s wristband.  Please ask your teacher what time and where to meet to pick up your wristband.  If you did NOT register with a studio, you may pick up your wristband at registration.

WHAT SHOULD MY CHILD BRING TO THE EVENT?  A mask, proper dance attire, cover ups, sweats, costumes (if competing), hair accessories, band aids, socks and all appropriate dance shoes.  Hollywood Connection recommends wearing shoes for all classes and competition.  Dancers assume all risk when dancing in socks or dancing with bare feet.  Dancers should also pack some healthy snacks and bottled water. Water stations may or may not be available in the hotel ballrooms due to Covid.  Please bring your own.

CAN I WATCH THE CLASSES? Depending on capacity restrictions, observers may not be allowed in the classes.  Teachers and Studio Owners with credentials are allowed in all classes.

ARE CHAPERONES REQUIRED?  Yes, chaperones are required for any dancer under 18 years of age and staying at the hotel.  HOLLYWOOD CONNECTION IS NOT REPSONSIBLE FOR THE SUPERVISION OF DANCERS.

ARE WE ALLOWED TO DECORATE OUR HOTEL DOORS?  NO! Please respect the hotel property and do not decorate the doors.  You may be charged a damage fee upon check out and this is beyond our control.  In addition, a sign on your door is telling the public that there is a child in your room.  For your own safety, do not decorate doors. There are many other ways to show your team spirit!

WILL CLASS SIZE BE LIMITED?  Capacity will be determined by the venue.  We will follow local protocols and mandates.

WHAT HAPPENS IN THE ROOM DURING AN AUDITION?  Dancers will learn a combination prior to the audition. Dancers will review a few times and be called out by name, to dance in a small group on the floor.  We use names rather than numbers for a couple reasons.  One, everyone likes hearing their name called!  Two, it keeps them focused during the audition process.  Three, it makes the experience a personal one for both the dancer and for the panel.  Dancers will “audition” the routine and the panel will discuss the audition.  Please don’t second guess the decision-making progress.  Your child may come out and say “They were talking during my audition”.  The panel may talk amongst themselves during the audition process.  This is completely normal.  This does not mean anything BAD!  Decisions must be made and many times it requires a bit of discussion.  Scholarships are a way for us to give back to dancers, their families and the studio owners. Teachers and studio owners will be in the room.  If you have questions, please ask your studio owner or teacher for more information.

WHAT IS AUDITIONING 101? WHO IS BILL BOHL? Bill is a former professional dancer/choreographer and is currently the owner and talent agent of THE MOVEMENT TALENT AGENCY representing dancers for film, TV, commercials, music videos, live stage, Broadway and more. Bill created Auditioning 101 class for the Producers (Seniors) ages 14 and up as a way to help them understand the audition process and what a panel looks for during an audition. Dancers may receive individual critiques to help them improve their auditioning skills. Bill will also discuss the entertainment industry as it pertains to obtaining a dance career. The intention of the class is to help dancers develop their audition technique, control their nerves and put their best foot forward during any demanding or stressful situation. The class is taught in a positive way to help dancers get beyond their fears and shine!

HOW ARE SCHOLARSHIPS DETERMINED?  There are many factors when deciding who gets a scholarship.  Every dancer is different and the reason a dancer receives an award can be just as diverse.  Don’t second guess the outcome.  Focus on the learning experience.  Auditioning is a technique.  The more a dancer auditions, the better they get at it.

WHAT IS THE FAMILY DANCE CLASS?  Join one of the HC faculty for a fun filled class.  No dance training is required.  This is your chance to get up and move. Have fun with other family members and find out why your child LOVES to dance. The family dance class is free to all parents and family members 16 yrs and up.

BROADWAY BABIES This half day workshop is an introduction to convention classes for 5-6 year old dancers.  Dancers will learn 3 routines from a Broadway show and/or movie musical soundtrack.  They will perform these routines on stage at the conclusion of the workshop and it will be recorded.  A link to download the performance will be emailed after the event.

CAN I WATCH THE COMPETITION?  Yes, the competition is open to the public and is free of charge.  This year, competition will be in blocks of time so each studio can perform all their routines at once.  Parents may watch the competition and may be required to physically distance based on venue and local guidelines.  Chairs will be reserved for studio owners and handicap.  Hotels must follow CDC guidelines and County mandates, therefore, do not move chairs in the room.  They are set for your safety and the safety of others.

WILL COMPETITION RUN ON TIME AND IN ORDER?  Studios will perform in time blocks and studios may create their own performance order to best meet the needs of the team.  Competition will be livestreamed for those that prefer to watch at home or in the comfort of their hotel room.

ARE PHOTOS AND VIDEO TAPING ALLOWED?  There is no flash photography or video taping during the competition.  The flashes can be disruptive and uncomfortable for some and a hazard to the dancers on stage. Teachers want their choreography protected, so please do not video tape or you may be asked to leave the theater. ABSOLUTELY NO PHOTOS OR VIDEOS IN THE DRESSING ROOMS.  In all cities, the competition will be professionally photographed and video taped.  Your studio routines and photos are available for purchase on our website.

WILL THERE BE FOOD AND BEVERAGE FOR PURCHASE? Although most hotels do not offer sit down dining, many offer to go service. Remember, the restaurants and room service can get very busy in the mornings and during lunch so plan to order your food ahead of time or pack your lunch to save time and money!  In some cases, hotels and convention centers DO NOT allow outside food or beverage in the public spaces.  However, you may eat outside food in the comfort of your hotel room. Absolutely no cooking devices of any kind will be allowed in hotel rooms or public spaces of the hotel or venue.   Please be respectful of the rules at each venue.

WHAT IS THE WRAP PARTY?  The Wrap Party is our end of weekend show where we will announce high scores from the competition, our title winners for the weekend and some other special awards.  Faculty will perform. The wrap party may be livestreamed in select cities.