Rules and Regulations

AGE CATEGORY

• Solo
  Based on the age of the dancer as of December 31st.
• Duo/Trio
  Based on the average age of the dancers as of December 31st. To find the average age, drop the decimal point. For Example: if the average = 11.8, the average age is 11 years.
• SMALL GROUP, LARGE GROUP, LINE, EXTENDED LINE
  Based on the average age of the dancers as of December 31st. To find the average age, drop the decimal point. For Example: if the average = 11.8, the average age is 11 years.

MUSIC / AGE APPROPRIATENESS

MUSIC & AGE APPROPRIATENESS

• Performances exceeding the maximum time limit will incur a 1-point deduction for every 5 seconds over the limit unless prior approval is granted.
• Additional time can be purchased before the performance. Please contact the Breaking Bounds Director to make a request.
• All music must be edited precisely from start to finish to prevent confusion.
• Music must be uploaded to DanceBUG at least 3 weeks before the competition.
  • After this deadline, no uploads will be accepted.
  • A $2.50 per entry administrative fee applies for late submissions.
  • Any music changes after the deadline require direct approval from the Breaking Bounds Director and administrative fee payment.
• Family-Friendly Content:
  • Music, choreography, and costumes must be appropriate for all audiences.
  • Explicit lyrics, references to violence, or inappropriate content will lead to the performance being adjudicated but excluded from awards and overall placements.

Ensure music is clean and age-appropriate to avoid disqualification.

PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEOS

•  No photography or videography by audience members is allowed during performances.
  • This rule ensures the safety of dancers on stage and protects choreography.
  • Violation of this rule may result in routine disqualification.
• By participating, choreographers, teachers, students, and parents grant Breaking Bounds permission to use photos/videos for marketing and promotional purposes, including advertising, television, social media, and print.

RE-DANCING

• Re-dancing is at the discretion of the Director and depends on schedule availability.
• Part-Time, Novice, and Mini dancers who do not complete their routine may re-dance and still receive an award based on their score. However, they may be ineligible for overall awards.
• Junior, Teen, and Senior Competitive dancers who choose to re-dance will not be eligible for placement in their category or overalls and will receive judges’ comments only.
• Re-dancing due to technical difficulties is allowed without penalties.

PROHIBITED PROPS

• Dangerous props such as fire, fireworks, swords, knives, or weapons are strictly prohibited.
• Breaking Bounds reserves the right to restrict props based on venue guidelines.

BACKSTAGE GUIDELINES

• Only Studio Directors, Dancers, and Teachers are permitted backstage.
• Parents are not allowed backstage.
• Dancers may wait backstage for up to 5 numbers before their performance.
• No dancers are allowed in the wings between routines.
• Studios are responsible for maintaining a clean backstage area and must assist with the orderly loading/unloading of props.
• No negativity or booing toward performers will be tolerated.

DANCE COMPETITION TERMS & CONDITIONS

General Rules

• These rules govern registration and participation in Breaking Bounds events.
• Participation in a Breaking Bounds event constitutes acceptance of these rules.
• Studios registering dancers must ensure all participants and parents know the rules.

Competitor Guidelines

• Each competitor may only compete with one studio.
• Competitors may not compete against themselves.
• Independent entries are allowed and eligible for overalls.
• The improv category is not eligible for an overall award.
• Adult categories are not eligible for an overall award.
• Breaking Bounds reserves the right to adjust event days based on the number of registrations.
• Large props must be noted in the DanceBUG registration form, including setup times.
• Studios, dancers, or parents who abuse dressing areas may be disqualified.
• All participants must clean their areas and dispose of trash properly.
• Competitors should be ready to perform 2 hours before their scheduled time in case the competition runs ahead.
• No routines will be held for missing dancers.

Scores and Awards

• All scores are final.
• Cash prizes are awarded to studios only.
• Awards are based on scores, not placement, meaning multiple medals may be awarded in the same age category.
• In case of a tie:
  • The dancer with the highest individual judge’s score will place ahead.
  • If the highest score is still tied, judges will break the tie.
  • Only one cash prize will be awarded if an overall award is tied.
• Penalties:
  • Tap sounds on recordings of tap routines = 5-point deduction.

Registration & Payments

• All registrations must be completed through DanceBUG.
• Entries are first-come, first-served.
• All studios receive a tentative schedule for confirmation before finalizing.
• Payment Methods:
  • Credit Card / Wire Transfer
  • E-transfer to [email protected]
  • A certified cheque or money order payable to Breaking Bounds Dance Inc.
• Payment Deadlines:
  • All fees must be received by January 15th.
  • Late payments are subject to additional fees.
  • Deposits and fees are non-refundable

REGISTRATION CHANGES

• Your registration and right to participate in a Breaking Bounds event is non-transferable, non-assignable, non-sublicensable, and personal to the studio and each of the competitors who the studio registers.
• The registration will be final upon the studio’s selection of a date and location as part of the event registration. It cannot be changed without the prior written consent of Breaking Bounds, which consent may be arbitrarily withheld at the sole and absolute discretion of Breaking Bounds.
• Any changes to the registration permitted by Breaking Bounds, including any variations to routine or transfer or substitution of competitors, will be subject to additional fees.
• No refunds of deposits or fees will be issued for any reason.

WAIVER & LIABILITY

• Participation is voluntary, and all participants assume inherent risks.
• Breaking Bounds is not responsible for injuries, damage, or lost/stolen property.
• Videography and photography by third parties are strictly prohibited.
• Breaking Bounds reserves the right to use images/videos for marketing purposes.
• A Release of Liability and License Agreement must be signed before participation.

DISCLAIMER

• Breaking Bounds reserves the right to adjust schedules, categories, and awards based on registration.
• No refunds will be issued for any reason.
• Birth certificates may be required to verify a dancer’s age if questioned.
• Any abuse of dressing rooms or competition spaces will result in disqualification.
• All competitors must be ready 2 hours before their scheduled time.
• The Director makes final decisions for Breaking Bounds.