Competition

Competition Philosophy

ROOTS Dance Summit chooses to include healthy competition as part of our educational program because we believe that when guided by professionals with the right intentions, it can teach dancers valuable lessons about themselves and help prepare them for careers - either in the arts or otherwise. We believe in the transformative power of dance as both an art form and a means of personal and collective growth and as such, we implement healthy dance competition by incorporating the following principles:

Respect for the Art: Dance, in its myriad forms, is a profound expression of culture, emotion, and human experience. Competitions should honor the artistry and history of dance, fostering an environment where creativity and technical skill are celebrated equally.

Personal Growth: Healthy competition is a catalyst for self-improvement. Dancers are encouraged to strive for personal bests, recognizing that the true measure of success is not merely in trophies or accolades but in the progress made, the challenges overcome, and the joy found in the journey of dance.

Respect and Integrity: Competitors, coaches, and judges should uphold the highest standards of integrity and sportsmanship. Mutual respect among all participants, regardless of skill level or background, is essential. Constructive feedback, offered with kindness and received with an open mind, promotes growth and learning.

Community and Collaboration: While competition can be individualistic, it should also foster a sense of community. Dancers, though competing, are part of a larger dance family that thrives on support, encouragement, and shared passion. Collaboration and camaraderie enhance the competitive experience, transforming it into a collective celebration of dance.

Health and Well-being: Physical and mental well-being are paramount. Competitions should prioritize safe practices, ensuring that training and performance demands do not compromise a dancer’s health. Mental resilience and emotional balance are nurtured through positive reinforcement and a supportive environment.

Inclusivity and Diversity: Healthy competition embraces and celebrates diversity in dance styles, cultures, and participants. An inclusive environment where all dancers feel valued and seen enhances the richness of the competition and broadens the perspectives of all involved.

Lifelong Learning: Dance is a lifelong journey. Competitions should instill a love for learning and a passion for continuous improvement, encouraging dancers to explore new styles, techniques, and artistic expressions beyond the competitive stage.

Joy and Passion: At the heart of dance is joy. Competitions should be a celebration of the passion and exhilaration that dance brings, fostering an atmosphere where the love of dance shines through every performance.

By adhering to these principles, ROOTS Dance Summit becomes a nurturing and inspiring arena where dancers can thrive, grow, and find fulfillment, not just as competitors but as artists and individuals.

Eligibility

Registration is on a first come, first serve basis for students ages 10-18 and final payment in-full is the only method to guarantee your spot for classes and for competition entries.. There are a limited number of spots available for each level. Student attendance at ROOTS will be limited to a maximum of 300-350 dancers and we do expect these spots to sell out.

Any parent, teacher or director may register to attend the Summit as long as their child or student is registered to participate in ROOTS.

Dancers are strongly encouraged to compete with their studio or school. Priority will be given to students attending with their school or studio team. A limited number of solo spots may be available to independent dancers depending on space availability.

Students are not required to enter the competition to attend ROOTS. Regardless of whether they are competing or attending with their studio or school, any dancer may register for ROOTS Dance Summit to attend classes, forums, workshops,and to watch the competition performances.

CLASS & Competition LEVEL GUIDE

Juniors: Ages: 10 - 12
Teens: Ages: 13 - 15
Seniors: Ages: 16 - 18

All dancer ages will be set as of January 1, 2025. This age calculation applies to classes and competition.

Style Categories

Traditionally rooted genres are invited to enter the competitive component of the Roots Dance Summit. Examples include western concert dance and traditional forms of dance. Following are the selected areas of codified techniques acceptable for the event.

Ballet

Classical ballet is any of the traditional, formal styles of ballet that exclusively employ classical ballet technique. It is known for its aesthetics and rigorous technique, its flowing, precise movements, and its ethereal qualities. For this category, 60% - 70% of choreography must be from the ballet idiom. Ballet or pointe shoes must be worn. The following genres are welcome: Classical, Neoclassical, Contemporary Ballet.

MODERN

Any work that references classical modern idioms or based on traditional techniques Graham, Cunningham, Horton, Taylor, Limon for example as well as hybrid styles based on these techniques.

CONTEMPORARY

A melting pot of styles with ballet and modern foundations, A fusion of styles with a focus on a current interpretation, including and referencing other traditional styles and body kinesis methods.

JAZZ

This high-energy dance has a liveliness and unique style. Classical, technical, may also include: Classic jazz, musical theater, contemporary jazz and lyrical jazz.

Improvisation

Free flowing self expression through movement. Music can be pre-selected.

Time Length Limits

Solo: up to 2 minutes and 30 seconds.
Ensemble (duet, trio, small group: 4-8 dancers, large group): up to 4 minutes.
Production: up to 6 minutes.

Small groups are composed of 4-8 dancers.
Large groups are composed of 9 - 15 dancers.
Production numbers are composed of 16 dancers or more.

Small groups, large groups, and production numbers may be extended up to two additional minutes with a fee of $60/minute. This fee will also be assessed as a penalty for those going over the prescribed time limits.

MUSIC

Music should be uploaded to your TourPro account during entry of competition pieces. MP3 or M4A formats are permitted. Music must be uploaded 15 days prior to the event. Please bring a backup USB with all routines titled and in numerical order. Music on CDs, iphones, androids, or MP3 players will not be accepted.

Competition Policies & Regulations

  1. All competing dancers MUST be registered for the Summit classes and workshops in order to be eligible for the competition component.

  2. Registration is on a first come, first served basis and final payment in-full is the only method to guarantee your spot for competition. There are a limited number of entries available for each age group.

  3. Each dancer is eligible to compete one solo. If room allows, an additional solo may be competed. A final determination on an allowed second solo will be made within two weeks of the Summit.

  4. Duets and trios qualify as groups. Any routine with more than one dancer is considered an ensemble. Ensemble is equivalent to group.

  5. Performances must be age appropriate and suitable for family audiences. Costuming and music selection must also be appropriate. If there are any questions on this, they should be addressed to the Roots Dance Summit staff prior to the work going on stage. Violations as determined by adjudicators may result in disqualification.

  6. If a prop is used, dancers and studio staff are responsible for both set up and tear down. The stage must be clear immediately following the performance. Points will be deducted if prop set up or tear down causes time length to exceed the limit.

  7. Teachers and professional dancers are not permitted to compete for adjudication.

Adjudication

Dancers will be adjudicated on the following elements:

Technique:
Control
Body and Arm Lines

Artistry:
Exploration of Space
Expansion
Phrasing
Dynamics

Stage Presence/Performance:
Commitment
Focus
Clarity

Choreography:
Intention
Staging
Movement Vocabulary
Arc

Musicality:
Timing
Precision
Textures

Overall Appearance:
Design
Originality
Impact

Scoring

Scores are weighted. Judges will write down one score. The tabulator will calculate the average.


30% – Technique
30% – Artistry
10% – Choreography
10% – Musicality
10% – Costuming
10% – Stage Presence & Performance

Feedback

Individual judges’ critiques

All studio directors/representatives will receive critiques from each judge following the Summit’s conclusion.

Feedback forums

Town hall format hosted by then Director, Francisco Gella. This forum will provide feedback based on what the judges have observed during competition. Professional perspectives, opinions, critiques, and ideas, will be offered. Adjudicators will give assessments in a live format.


Each judge will be able to give their summation which will include their unique perspective of what needs to be worked on.

Once the judges are done providing solutions, the floor will be opened to students for specific questions, and to teachers, and studio owners as time allows.

Awards & Class Scholarships

Awards

Based on the criteria outlined under the adjudication section above, solos and group numbers will be ranked into the following: Top 10 Soloists for each age group and Top 10 Ensembles for ALL age groups. The Top 10 soloists and ensembles will be announced at the opening ceremony on Saturday afternoon. From the Top 10, the Top 5 Soloists for each age group and Top 6 Ensembles for ALL age groups will then be announced and invited to compete on Sunday for the Awards Gala and Closing Ceremony where Gold, Silver and Bronze medals will be awarded.


Additionally, special categories of awards will be given to dancers, choreographers, teachers and schools/studios based on selections from ROOTS faculty.


  •  Individual student awards will be selected based on class participation, as well as leadership and character demonstrated throughout all activities during the Summit.

  • Choreographer awards will be based on artistic excellence as demonstrated during the competition.

  • Studio and teacher awards will be based on a combination of their students’ participation in class and performance in competition over the weekend.


Class Scholarships

Year round scholarships for FGDW intensives and workshops as well as other nationally known programs will be awarded. These partial and full scholarships can be used for a variety of programs hosted throughout the season by Francisco Gella Dance Works. Winners will be announced at The Closing Ceremony.


Closing Ceremony Performances

The Closing Ceremony is the culmination of ROOTS; a highly entertaining performance made up of a collection of the highest-scoring (group) performances from the competitive event giving recognition to the participants attending the summit. Throughout the weekend, in addition to all of the valuable time spent learning with their peers and teachers, dancers are competing for top awards, honors, and recognition. Outstanding student dancers, choreographers, teachers, and studios will be acknowledged for more than competitive success, recognition will also come for what is observed and demonstrated throughout weekend classes and activities. The Closing Ceremony is free and open to participants’ family and friends even if they are not registered for ROOTS.

Entry Fees FOR COMPETITION

Before Earlybird Deadline

  • Solo – $150
  • Duet – $80 pp
  • Trio – $80 pp
  • Small Group – $60 pp
  • Large Group – $55 pp
  • Production – $50 pp

After Earlybird Deadline

  • Solo – $175
  • Duet – $90 pp
  • Trio – $90 pp
  • Small Group – $70 pp
  • Large Group – $65 pp
  • Production – $60 pp

Small groups, large groups, and production numbers may be extended up to two additional minutes with a fee of $60/minute. This fee will also be assessed as a penalty for those going over the prescribed time limits.

*Earlybird registration deadline: September 30
*Final registration deadline: 7 days prior to the start of the Summit date and location.
*Competition entry fees are non-refundable.

ROOTS Summit Registration Fees

School and Studio Directors/Owners:

Entry to ROOTS is free for one person per studio or school.


Students & Teachers:

  • $225 Earlybird Registration
  • $250 Regular Registration
  • 10 students Registered = 1 free teacher entry


Includes entry into all Summit events with the exception of competing for students. See competition fee structure above.


Parents & Guardians:

  • $145 Earlybird Registration
  • $175 Regular Registration


Includes:

  • Opening Ceremony Entry
  • Closing Ceremony Entry
  • Competition Entry
  • Forum Entry and Participation
  • Feedback Session
  • Parent Sessions
  • Other workshops that are open to parents


*No observers in classes unless space is available.


Note: The Closing Ceremony is free and open to participants’ family and friends even if they are not registered for ROOTS.

SIGNED WAIVER REQUIREMENTS

All participants are required to complete the Photography Release Form, the Waiver and Release of Liability Form, and the Behavior and Conduct Agreement. This will be completed through the registration process.

COMMITMENT TO NON-DISCRIMINATION

ROOTS Dance Summit does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status in activities or operations.

SAFETY & SECURITY CODE OF CONDUCT

ROOTS Dance Summit is committed to providing a safe and secure training environment for every dancer and this is a top priority for every event. As such, the following expectations and rules are in place and must be agreed upon by students, parents, teachers and directors:


  1. All dancers, parents, dance teachers, and studio owners are expected to treat each other with the utmost respect at all times throughout the Roots Dance Summit. Disrespectful behavior in class, on stage, or to any event staff member are grounds for dismissal and disqualification.

  2. All dancers, parents, dance teachers, and studio owners are expected to treat the backstage area and dressing rooms with the utmost respect by cleaning up behind themselves.

  3. No alcoholic beverages, smoking or use/possession of illegal substances are allowed on stage, backstage, or in dressing rooms at any time during the event. Studios are automatically subject to disqualification if this rule is violated.

  4. Firearms or other deadly weapons are not permitted at any ROOTS Dance Summit event. Possession will result in immediate dismissal.

  5. While attending ROOTS, studios should expect workshop classes with age-appropriate music, class content, and movement choices.

  6. Sexual misconduct, harassment, and/or intimidation will not be tolerated and will result in immediate dismissal. When applicable by law, any such behavior or violation will be reported to the local authorities. All other forms of misconduct, harassment, and/or intimidation will not be tolerated and may also result in immediate dismissal.

  7. It is our intention to build a community of positive progress in the industry which requires commitment from every participant.

  8. Photos and videos are allowed during classes and workshops at the appropriate times but not during competition. As outlined in the Photography Release Form, Roots Dance Convention reserves the right to use any images taken during the convention for promotional purposes.

  9. Students under the age of 15 must be accompanied by a chaperone to ROOTS Dance Summit.

  10. Everyone is required to treat the venue with respect. All attendees are expected to pick up their trash and follow venue/theater rules. Failure to follow these guidelines will result in disciplinary action and disqualification.

  11. Food and drinks are only allowed in designated areas.

  12. Everyone is expected to follow any local, state, national or venue health and safety rules and regulations, which will be communicated in your event information packet.


*Also see the ROOTS Dance Summit statement, ‘A Place of Belonging’ on our About Us page.

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