2021 NATIONALS FORMAT + SCHEDULE
Hi, Spotlight family!
WE ARE NEARING THE END OF OUR REGIONAL TOUR, WHICH MEANS IT’S TIME TO RE-PACK THOSE COSTUMES AND GET YOUR SWIMSUITS & SUNGLASSES READY, BECAUSE WE’RE HEADING TO NATIONALS! This year has brought so many challenges to us all, and while things may change slightly between now and our National Tour, we want to send out our current plans so that you can begin preparing your studios for Nationals!
Format + Schedule:
We are planning to run all 3 of our Nationals in either a Hybrid or Standard Format, in order to give your dancers an exceptional Nationals experience. We will be required to follow the latest local governmental regulations at the time of the event. You may be sharing blocks for group routines with a few other studios, as needed, and to keep the quantity of people within a reasonable capacity within the same Division and Age Group, if required. This will allow dancers to compete against each other within the same section. Solos and Duos/Trios will be all studios within the same Division and Age Group.
Below is an outline of the tentative schedule. Please note that while we will do our best to stick with this outline, it is subject to change depending on registration received.
As you will see, Novice Gems and Future Gems dancers will complete on Days 1 through 4, and Elite Gems dancers will compete on Days 3 through 7.
Day 1: Novice Gems + Future Gems Solos & Duos/Trios
Day 2: Novice Gems + Future Gems Solos, Duos/Trios & Groups
Day 3: Novice Gems + Future Gems Groups / Future Gems Master Classes / Elite Gems Solos
Day 4: Novice Gems + Future Gems Championship Extravaganza / Elite Gems Solos, Duos/Trios & Groups
Day 5: Elite Gems Solos, Duos/Trios, Groups & Productions
Day 6: Elite Gems Solos, Duos/Trios, Groups & Productions / Elite Gems Master Classes
Day 7: Elite Gems Championship Extravaganza
Hotel Rooms: Many of our hotel room blocks are currently sold out. Please encourage your parents to modify their reservations as quickly as possible to match the outlined schedule, should they not intend to stay the entire week. This will allow other families to book at our host hotels that have been unable to make reservations due to the sold-out status.
CHAMPIONSHIP EXTRAVAGANZA:
Novice Gems (Small Groups, Large Groups, + Lines):
The Diamond Overall Winner in each Age Category and Group Size, receiving a Diamond Adjudication, will be invited to exhibition their winning routine at the Championship Extravaganza mid-week.
Future Gems (Small Groups, Large Groups, + Lines):
Up to the top 4 highest scoring routines, per Age Category and Group Size, will be invited to re-compete in the Future Gems Championship Extravaganza on Day 4. If unable to re-compete, the routine will automatically be awarded the overall Sapphire award. Routines must score at the diamond level to qualify to re-compete.
Future Gems (Solos + Duos/Trios):
If time permits, Future Gems overall Diamond solo and duo/trio winners may be invited to exhibition. Again, please note that the routine must score at the diamond level to exhibition.
Elite Gems (Small Groups, Large Groups, + Lines):
Up to the top 4 highest scoring routines, per Age Category and Group Size, will be invited to re-compete in the Championship Extravaganza on the final day of competition for the National Championship Titles. If unable to re-compete, the routine will automatically be awarded the Sapphire overall award. Routines must score at the Diamond level to qualify to re-compete.
Elite Gems (Solos & Duo/Trios):
If time permits, up to the top 4 highest scoring routines, per Age Category and Group Size, will also be invited to re-compete in the Championship Extravaganza on the final day of competition for the National Championship Titles. If unable to re-compete, the routine will automatically be awarded the Sapphire overall award. In the case that time does not permit, the Diamond solo and duo/trio winners in Petite, Junior and Teen Age Category will be invited to exhibition their winning routine while ONLY Senior Age Category will recompete. Each routine must score at the Diamond level to qualify to re-compete or exhibition.
Productions:
Up to the top 4 highest scoring Productions will be invited to re-compete in the Championship Extravaganza on the final day of competition for the National Championship Title. If unable to re-compete, the routine will automatically be awarded the Sapphire overall award. Routines must score at the Diamond level to qualify to re-compete.
Specialty Division (Adult & Vocal):
The Diamond Overall Winner receiving a Diamond Adjudication may be invited to exhibition their winning routine at the Championship Extravaganza, time permitting.
Prop Storage:
Due to health and safety regulations in place at each venue, we will require more space than normal for social distancing and will NOT have prop storage available in the venue throughout the week. Please plan to only bring in props within two hours of the performance time on the day they are being used. Once the performance is complete, the props MUST be removed from the performance area immediately. AGAIN, WE WILL NOT HAVE PROP STORAGE AVAILABLE WITHIN THE VENUE, SO PLEASE PLAN ACCORDINGLY.
Additional Offerings:
Spotlight Elite + Title Promenade:
Spotlight Elite and Title Promenade will continue to be a Nationals highlight. Dancers participating in these events should still plan to be in attendance the entire week for rehearsals.
All 2020 or 2021 Top 10 regional soloists, dance down winners, and any regional title competitor receiving a Ruby or higher are invited to participate.
Dance Down:
We are excited to offer Future Gems, Junior, Senior, and Freestyle Dance Downs! A full explanation as to how the Dance Downs will be run at each specific Nationals will be sent closer to the event. The specific date and time of the Dance Downs will be determined when our competition schedule is complete but note that they are typically held in conjunction with group performances of the particular Division. Freestyle Dance Down is typically held immediately following Teen or Senior solos.
Parties + Social Media Contests:
We have some new and exciting activities to offer this year that will differ in each of our Nationals cities, as well as fun and interactive social media contests! More information for these activities will be sent out closer to the event.
Master Classes:
We will offer FREE Master Classes for all competitors during the week. The final schedule for Master Classes will be determined once our competition schedule is complete; however, they will be held the day before each Championship Extravaganza as outlined above. Master Classes will be limited, so when registration becomes available, please be sure to register quickly to reserve your spot for the class.
Spectator Limits:
When health and safety regulations for each of our National Events are finalized for us by the venue, we will be sure to share this information with all registered studios so that you can plan accordingly with your dance families.
Mask Regulations:
We will be required to follow the latest local governmental regulations at the time of the event.
You will be notified in your Nationals Teacher Packet with your city specific health and safety guidelines.
Livestream:
All 3 of our Nationals will be livestreamed through our website on the specific event page.
Special Requests:
We are not able to accept special requests for our National events. If a routine is not able to perform in the scheduled section of their competition, it can be judged at a different point during the week for adjudication only.
Discount + Closing Dates:
Please be sure that you have double- and triple-checked your registration before the Closing Date. Nationals this year will require more planning and scheduling time than in previous years and we greatly appreciate your understanding and cooperation for on-time registration and payment completion. Please note that registration is considered accepted upon receipt of payment on a first-come, first-served basis. We anticipate some potentially “sold out” Nationals, so please submit payment as quickly as possible to secure your spot.
Midwest Nationals June 20th-26th in Branson, MO:
Discount Date: Monday, May 10, 2021
Closing Date: Monday, May 17, 2021
West Coast Nationals July 4th-10th in Las Vegas, NV:
Discount Date: Monday, May 24, 2021
Closing Date: Monday, May 31, 2021
Pacific Northwest Nationals July 11th-17th in Seaside, OR:
Discount Date: Monday, May 31, 2021
Closing Date: Monday, June 7, 2021