WHAT ARE YOUR REGIONAL AND NATIONAL RATES?

• Fee information is available to Studio Directors only. Please log into your studio account to view the rates.

DO YOU ACCEPT INDEPENDENT ENTRIES?

• Yes, we accept independent entries without any restriction! Simply create a studio account with the studio name: Independent – LastName (ex: Independent – Smith) and complete your registration.

WHAT ARE THE CRITERIA USED TO SELECT YOUR JUDGES?

• Spotlight judges are comprised of championship-caliber studio directors, professional dance center instructors, and performing dance professionals. Our judges are well-trained in multiple genres of dance and are sensitive to the various skill levels represented by the dancers’ differing ages. This mixture of age, breadth of dance experience, and extensive background in performing arts contributes to the diverse range of feedback offered.

WHAT IS THE ROYALTY REWARDS REBATE PROGRAM?

• All credit payments will receive a 3% rebate if payment exceeds $2,000 and is received in full by the regional event rebate date. Studio Directors can increase to 5%-8% rebate if payment is made by check or e-check, recognizing their loyal support. The same rules apply for registration total and payment date.

WHAT METHODS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?

Payment is required at the point of registration via our online payment system.

• PRIOR TO THE CLOSING DATE (32+ days prior to event): E-check, credit/debit card, studio check, cashiers’ check, money order and/or gift certificates.

• AFTER THE CLOSING DATE (31-21 days prior to event): E-check, credit/debit card, cashiers’ check, money order.

  • NOTE: NO personal or studio checks will be accepted past the event closing date. Post Close Rates apply and expedited shipping of cashiers’ checks and/or money orders is required.

• AFTER THE CLOSING DATE (20 or less days prior to event): Credit card only. Post-Close Rates apply.

• AT EVENT: For at-event additions only, subject to schedule availability. Credit/debit card, cashiers’ check, money order. Post Close Rates apply.

please NOTE:

• Returned checks are assessed a $35 fee; any applicable rebate is forfeited and delinquency charges and/or post-close rate will apply. Refunds for over-payment will be issued in the original form of payment within 10 days following the event.

• Payments received through the mail will be credited on the date of postmark. We recommend mailing payments a few days early or expedited service, to ensure the deadline is met. Please be aware that any payment received more than 6 days after the closing date will be applied to your account; however, Post-Close Rates will automatically apply, increasing the amount due, which you will also be responsible for settling prior to the event.

• If paying by the Rebate Date, ALL Gift Certificates must be submitted at the time of payment in order to receive the credit to your account.

when will the event schedule be available?

• Teacher Packets will be available approximately two weeks prior to the event on your account home page. Email notifications will be sent when they become available. Teacher Packets include event schedule, studio specific schedule with entry numbers, facility directions and any additional pertinent information. 

  • NOTE: Studio Specific Schedules will only be available when accounts are paid in full.

how do i submit music?

• Music may be submitted prior to the event via your studio account. If using the Music Upload feature via our online registration portal, upload must be completed the Tuesday prior to the event by MIDNIGHT. If using a USB flash drive, all music should be on one flash drive per studio and turned in at the start of the event.

do we have to stay at the host hotel?

• While it is not required that you stay at the host hotel, Spotlight highly recommends it. We research all lodging in your area in an attempt to find you the best value for your stay. We select hotels based on quality, price, and distance from event facility. If you need lodging, please call the host hotel and ask for the Spotlight Dance Cup rate to receive a special discounted price.

IF WE DO NOT ATTEND A REGIONAL EVENT, CAN WE STILL ATTEND YOUR NATIONALS EVENT?

• Yes, but we do require video qualification. Please contact our office at changes@spotlightevents.com for additional information.

AM I ALLOWED TO VIDEOTAPE OR PHOTOGRAPH MY CHILD DURING THE PERFORMANCE?

• All photo/video of performances is strictly prohibited. This is in order to abide by copyright law and protect the privacy of the participating dancers, as the competition is open to all spectators. We have a professional videographer and photographer at every event capturing images and video for your free media. No recording devices of any kind are allowed in dressing rooms. Failure to comply with these guidelines could result in penalties for studios, disqualification of routines, and/or immediate removal from the event.

I HAVE A DANCER WHO CANNOT PERFORM ON SUNDAY; CAN I MAKE A SPECIAL REQUEST FOR THEIR PERFORMANCE TIME?

• Yes, you will need your Studio Director to submit a special request, prior to the event closing date. There is a $20 fee per request, and payment is due at the time of the request. Spotlight will make every effort to meet each request, however, if we are unable to do so, the studio will be notified with alternatives which may include a refund for the affected routine.

  WHAT IS THE DEFINITION OF A TEACHER/PRO?

  • A teacher/pro is defined as one receiving payment for their choreography, performance, and/or instruction, but not student teachers ages 19 years or less. The Teacher/Pro entries will be scored separately and will not be grouped with other adult division entries for overall awards.

I HAVE A ROUTINE THAT IS OVER THE TIME LIMIT. WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?

• When registering, you will need to select the Extended Time box for the routine. Please refer to ‘Time Limits’ in our Rules maximum time limits for groups of all sizes. Additional fees apply.

WHAT KIND OF PROPS ARE WE NOT ALLOWED TO USE?

• Fire, knives, weapons, live animals, helium-filled balloons and fog machines are prohibited.

• Motor vehicles cannot be started.

• Special lighting requests are not permitted

• Props Involving Electricity.

WHAT ARE THE TRIPLE CROWN AND STUDIO ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS?

• These awards are a unique opportunity that Spotlight Dance Cup provides, designed to showcase your studio’s most talented dancers! Register for these awards in advance or at the event. These awards apply to the Elite Gems division only. You may register multiple combinations for each award; however a routine may only be used once. Highest combined score will receive a beautiful crystal trophy. Additional fee applies.

how do i access my free media?

PARENTS:

•• Via your app store, download the “Spotlight Events” app. (please note this app is NEW. If you have the old Spotlight Dance Cup app, or the Dakiki app, you no longer need these—please download the new Spotlight Events app)
• Once downloaded, log in with your account, or create a new account (“Sign Up” button on upper right).
• After signing in, at the bottom of the screen you will see “Add Event”. Select that option.
• Select “View All Events”, then “Past Events”. From here you can select the event you attended.
• You will then be taken to a blank screen that says “MY DANCERS”
• Select the “+” in the upper right-hand corner.
• Enter your dancer’s name and date of birth, and click “Confirm”
• You will see a list of all routines they have performed in, with access to previews of your media.
• From here you can click “Continue”, and create an account to download your full-length videos and high-resolution photos.

TEACHERS + DIRECTORS:

•Download the Spotlight Events app via your app store (please note this app is NEW. If you have the old Spotlight Dance Cup app, or the Dakiki app, you no longer need these—please download the new Spotlight Events app)
• Use the same login info you used to register for the event
• Find the Competition you attended
• Click Studio Media
• This will display a list of all your routines, you can also search for a specific routine with the search bar at the top of the list
• Tap any routine to view media - Share and enjoy!

PLEASE ALLOW UP TO TWO WEEKS POST-EVENT FOR YOUR MEDIA TO BE FULLY AVAILABLE.
IF AFTER TWO WEEKS TIME YOU STILL CANNOT ACCESS YOUR MEDIA, PLEASE MAKE A REQUEST USING THIS FORM.