1. GENERAL POLICIES & CODE OF CONDUCT
1.1 General Information
- VRTX Dance Championship is a professional regional dance competition designed to provide dancers, educators, and families with a fair, exciting, and positive competitive experience.
- All participating studios, dancers, and families are required to read and agree to the VRTX Dance Championship Rules, Terms, and Conditions prior to participating in an event.
- Failure to comply with these rules may result in point deductions or disqualification.
- Harassment of any kind towards staff, judges, or other competitors
and families will not be tolerated. - Good sportsmanship is expected at all times from performers, teachers, and families.
- No alcohol, tobacco, or vaping is allowed on school properties.
- VRTX and the hosting venue are not responsible for personal injury or property loss.
- Photography and video recording is not allowed within Theaters, performance areas or dressing areas unless otherwise authorized by the show director. This policy protects both performers’ safety and intellectual property. VRTX has designated Photo & Video Personnel to document all of the incredible talent in and around the event.
1.2 VRTX reserves the right to:
- Modify schedules, Add Additional Competition Days, Modify event locations/ schedules, Change Divisions, and performance orders at its discretion due to unforeseen circumstances.
- Disqualify any routine for violation of rules, inappropriate conduct, or unsafe performance practices.
- Have final say in all matters regarding VRTX Productions and the Championship.Â
- Enforce all published rules and apply penalties where appropriate.
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2. REGISTRATION POLICIES
2.1 Eligibility
- All participants must be registered through a licensed dance studio.
- No independent entries will be accepted without written permission from VRTX.
2.2 Entry Information
- All entries must be submitted through the official registration platform.
- All dancer names, ages, and routine levels must be entered accurately.
- The name of a routine may not be identical to the studio name.
- Entries are processed on a first-come, first-served basis and may be limited by available performance time.
- A deposit is required to secure entries. Reservations without deposit do not guarantee participation. Deposits are calculated by number of entries. (Please contact the office for pricing)
- Level changes are not permitted after the schedule is finalized.
2.3 Payment Policies
- All entries must be paid in full 30 days before the scheduled event,Â
- Accepted payment methods: Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, Discover), Cashiers Check or E-Check.
- A 3% processing fee will be attached to all card transactions.
- Payments submitted within 30 days of the event must be in cash, cashier’s check or credit card.
- No personal checks, certified checks or money orders will be accepted.
- No phone, faxed, or mailed entries will be accepted.
- Payment tiering may apply depending on submission date.
- VRTX proudly offers a 50% entry fee scholarship for dancers with special needs at all events.
2.4 Studio Rebate Policy
VRTX offers Studio Rebates for eligible studios during the designated rebate window. Rebates are administered studio-to-VRTX only and are not handled through individual families or dancers.
- Rebate eligibility opens: August 1 (start of registration)
- Rebate request deadline: October 1
- Requests or submissions received after October 1 will not be eligible.
To retain rebate eligibility, studios must be paid in full no later than 30 days prior to the start of their event date.
- Failure to pay in full at least 30 days before the event start date automatically nullifies studio rebate.
- This policy is strict and non-negotiable. No exceptions will be made for late payment, partial payment, or outstanding balances.
All rebate specifications, confirmations, and processing are handled directly between the respective studio and VRTX.
- Rebate terms, qualifications, and payout logistics are coordinated through VRTX Internal Office Operations Management.
- For rebate-related matters, studios must contact the VRTX office team directly.
2.5 Entry Deadlines
- Entry deadlines vary per regional event and are strictly enforced.
- VRTX reserves the right to limit the number of solos per dancer depending on the venue and schedule capacity.
- No new entries will be accepted at the door.
2.6 Changes, Substitutions & Cancellations
- Changes to dancer names, ages, levels, or categories after scheduling may incur administrative fees.
- Substitutions must be approved by VRTX and may result in recalculation of age or level placement.
- No refunds for cancelled entries after the final deadline.
2.7 Independent Entries
- A dancer registered with a studio cannot simultaneously enter as an independent competitor.
- Dancers competing with multiple studios must have written authorization from both participating studios.
2.8 Media Release
By registering, all contestants grant VRTX Dance Championship permission to publish photos and/or videos for promotional use in print, web, television, and social media. Participants release VRTX from all claims of damages or injuries sustained during the event.
- A $20 Media Fee will be incurred by all participating contestants. This fee is per year, (contestants will not be charged twice if attending more than one event).Â
- Media fee allows for access to all Photo and Video assets for the studio contestants are registered with.
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3. AGE DIVISIONS
3.1 Age Calculation
- All ages are determined as of January 1 of the competition year.
- Average age is calculated by adding dancer ages and dividing by the number of dancers. Decimals are dropped.
3.2 Age Division Chart
LEVEL
DESCRIPTION
MAX SOLOS
Access Division (A1)
Designed for dancers with physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities. Eligible for Scholarship Opportunities and Awarded Studio Credit when applicable.
1
Division 3 (D3)
Dancers with no more than 4 numbers including solo. This division is for novice dancers looking to experience a competitive environment. Eligible for Scholarship Opportunities and Awarded Studio Credit when applicable.
1
Division 2 (D2)
Dancers with no more than 7 dances including solos. This division is for beginner to intermediate level dancers. Eligible for Scholarship Opportunities and Awarded Studio Credit when applicable.
2
Divison 1 (D1)
Advanced dancers with an unlimited amount of entries. Eligible for Scholarship Opportunities and Awarded Cash Prizes when applicable.
2
- Productions are routines that convey a theme AND/OR story and may use significant props or scenery.
- Productions compete against other productions regardless of level
6.2 Extended Time Rules
- Extended time is available for purchase ($5 per contestant):
- +1:00 minute for duos/trios, small/large groupsÂ
- +3:00 minutes for lines and productions
6.3 Time Penalties
- One (1) point will be deducted for every 10 seconds over the time limit without approved extension.
- Timing begins at the first movement or note of music and ends when the final dancer exits the stage
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7. MUSIC GUIDELINES
- Any music containing profanity or racial slurs will result in a point deduction.
- All music must be uploaded through the registration system at least 2 Weeks prior to the event.
- VRTX will not adjust or edit music tracks.
- Backup music must be readily available.
- Accepted formats may vary by event (USB or digital upload preferred).
- All music must be clearly labeled with the correct routine title.
- VRTX reserves the right to stop music deemed inappropriate.
- Timing begins at the first audible sound from music or first movement from dancers.
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8. PROPS, SETS & STAGE GUIDELINES
- All props must be freestanding and may not damage the stage. Prop height max: 7 ft.
- No substances (liquids, glitter, confetti, powder, or similar) may be left on the stage. A $350 fee will be incurred for materials that require additional clean up/ damage to facility.
- Fire, pyrotechnics, live animals, firearms, or dangerous materials are strictly prohibited.
- Props must be loaded in and out within a reasonable time, for props that take more than 3 minutes to set up or load out, a fee of $50 will be charged. For any additional time needed, please contact VRTX Productions ahead of event to find an appropriate solution.
- All prop cleanup is the responsibility of the studio and must be done quickly and thoroughly.
- Any studio, whos prop(s) causes damage to any aspect of VRTX Dance Championship, during an event, will be held responsible.
- Special lighting cannot be provided or altered for individual routines.
*As a reminder, Props should be used a majority of the time while contestants are performing. It is to be noted that, if contestants do not utilize the prop(s) or the prop(s) become too grandiose in size; the articles in use are considered “Set Pieces” which are best utilized during specialized performances (ie. Musicals, Recitals, Community Performances).Â
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9. VRTX Improvisation Competition
9.1 Improv Competition
- Open to dancers in Mini, Junior, Teen & Senior divisions.
- Minimum 3 dancers required per age group.
- Dancers receive numbers at check-in, are given music excerpts, and improvise in group rounds.
9.2 Improv Scholarships
- 1st place improv: $100 scholarship (VRTX CREDIT)
- Runner-up improv: $50 scholarship (VRTX CREDIT)
9.3 Studio Scholarships
- Scholarships are non-transferable and must be used at VRTX events.
- Full value in the following season, 50% in the second season, void after.
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10. CHECK-IN & BACKSTAGE PROCEDURES
- Performers must check in at least 1 hour prior to scheduled performance time.
- Failure to check in may result in disqualification.
- Backstage managers may adjust order due to unforeseen circumstances.
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11. EVENT OPERATIONS & SCHEDULING POLICIES
- A detailed schedule is emailed no later than 10 days before the event.
- All entry fees must be paid in full before a studio receives its schedule.
- Performance times are distributed privately to studio administrators; VRTX does not publicly post schedules.
- All routines must perform on the day and time assigned.
- Routines requesting to perform outside their scheduled time may be allowed adjudication only and may not be eligible for overall awards.
- Routines perform in numerical order; backstage managers, on rare occasions, may adjust order to allow on time operations.
- Performers must check in with the backstage manager at least 1 hour before scheduled performance. Failure to check in may result in disqualification.
- Unauthorized delays may result in point deductions.
- VRTX reserves the right to adjust scheduling, divisions, and categories as needed
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12. SPORTSMANSHIP & CONDUCT POLICIES
12.1 Performers must:
- Treat other dancers, staff, and attendees with respect.
- Keep dressing rooms neat and refrain from touching other performers’ belongings.
- Only authorized personnel allowed backstage.
- Avoid aggressive, harassing, or disrespectful behavior.
Violation may result in removal from the event or disqualification.
12.2 Audience members must:
- Refrain from any photography or video recording during performances.
- Follow venue rules regarding smoking, alcohol, and bag checks.
- Remain seated during performances.
- Conduct themselves with respect for performers, other audience members, and staff.
Disruptive individuals may be asked to leave the venue.
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13. JUDGING & SCORING
13.1 Judging Panels
- Each entry is evaluated by three qualified judges. Judges' decisions are final.
- Contact with judges is strictly prohibited during the duration of the event as well as any time after said event in any regard unless cleared with VRTX Dance Championship management.
13.2 Routine Appropriateness
- All routines must be family friendly.
- Judges may issue deductions or disqualifications for inappropriate movement, costuming, or cultural misrepresentation.
13.3 Adjudication & AwardsÂ
- Each judge scores out of 100 points for a total of 300:
Scoring Breakdown:
- Technique – 35%
- Showmanship – 25%
- Precision/Execution – 15%
- Choreography – 15%
- Overall Performance – 10%
