TYPES OF ENTRIES
Solo
Duet/Trio (Duets and Trios will compete against each other)
Small Group (4-9 performers)
Large Group (10-19 performers)
Line (20 or more performers)
Super Line (15 or more performers – may comprise of performers from all levels and ages excluding TEACHERS / ADULTS)
Production (15 or more performers – may comprise of performers from all levels and ages including TEACHERS / ADULTS)
Division types are determined by the actual number of participants competing on stage at the competition, regardless of participants originally registered. An entry that changes its division type during the competition may be subject to compete as “adjudication only” at the Competition Director’s discretion.
REGIONAL DANCER OF THE YEAR COMPETITION
The Dancer of The Year competition is an additional competition open to all soloists in the Starz of Tomorrow, Rising Starz and Elite Starz levels who pre-register for their respective Regional competition and are listed in the digital program. Solo performances added at the event or listed as “Adjudication only” are ineligible to register for the Dancer of the Year competition. Limitless Starz level dancers and dancers age 20 and above are ineligible to compete in the Dancer of the Year competition. Studios can pre-register soloists in the Studio Center prior to the Regional competition or register at the Regional competition prior to their scheduled performance. All on-site Dancer of the Year registration and fees must be submitted at the competition at least one-hour prior to the scheduled performance. No exceptions. Soloists may enter multiple performances in the Dancer of the Year Competition. A separate entry fee will apply for each Dancer of the Year Performance.
**NEW FOR 2023**
Dancer of the Year (DOY) entries can now be submitted online through the Parent Center. All contestants must be pre-registered at the Regional event to enter the Dancer of the Year competition. Online DOY entries must be submitted one-hour prior to the scheduled performance.
Finalists will be selected in each level and age category as follows:
- Starz of Tomorrow Mini Dancer of the Year – Soloists age 5 & Under
- Starz of Tomorrow Petite Dancer of the Year – Soloists age 6 - 8
- Starz of Tomorrow Junior Dancer of the Year – Soloists age 9 - 11
- Starz of Tomorrow Teen Dancer of the Year – Soloists age 12 - 14
- Starz of Tomorrow Senior Dancer of the Year – Soloists age 15 - 19
- Rising Starz Mini Dancer of the Year – Soloists age 5 & Under
- Rising Starz Petite Dancer of the Year – Soloists age 6 - 8
- Rising Starz Junior Dancer of the Year – Soloists age 9 – 11
- Rising Starz Teen Dancer of the Year – Soloists age 12 – 14
- Rising Starz Senior Dancer of the Year – Soloists age 15 – 19
- Elite Starz Petite Dancer of the Year – Soloists age 6 - 8
- Elite Starz Junior Dancer of the Year – Soloists age 9 – 11
- Elite Starz Teen Dancer of the Year – Soloists age 12 – 14
- Elite Starz Senior Dancer of the Year – Soloists age 15 – 19
Once a dancer has won a 2023 Regional Dancer of the Year title, they are no longer eligible to register and compete for Dancer of the Year Competition at additional 2023 Regional events.
All qualifying Regional DOY winners and finalists may compete in the 2023 National Finals DOYCompetition with one routine of their choosing that competed during the 2023 RAINBOW Regional season.
All 2023 Regional Dancer of the Year winners and finalists will be eligible to compete for the 2023 National Dancer of the Year Competition at National Finals as long as the Studio registers at least 1 group performance at National Finals. Only sponsored winners from Australia, Mexico and Canada are exempt from this rule.
All 2022 National Dancer of the Year winners are ineligible to compete for the exact same division for the 2023 competition season. National Dancer of the Year winners may only re-compete the following season if they have moved up in age division and/or level.
AGE DIVISIONS
Age divisions are as follows: 5 & under, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 & above. AGE DIVISIONS ARE DETERMINED AS OF THE JANUARY 1ST CUT OFF DATE.
The average age of the dancers registered in a performance will determine the age division for Duet/Trios, Groups, Lines, Super Lines and Productions. When determining the average age of a performance, always drop the decimal. Nonconsecutive Level Duet/Trios will compete in the age division of the oldest competitor. Contestants will be responsible for showing proof of age to the Competition Director should a question arise.
For National Finals, substitution of dancers from the Regional qualifying entry is permitted in all divisions/categories except Solos. Performances must consist of at least 75% of the original dancers from the Regional qualifying entry. When substituting dancers in a performance, be aware that any modifications may change the level or age average. All music must remain the same.
LEVELS AND GUIDELINES
The appropriate level of performance (LIMITLESS STARZ, STARZ OF TOMORROW, RISING STARZ, and ELITE STARZ) should be determined by using the LEVELING and TECHNICAL SKILL SET GUIDELINES located below. PLEASE NOTE: TEACHER / ADULT are not considered a LEVEL, they are NOW considered a combined CATEGORY.
***Levels should also be determined based on the number of non-rehearsal, technical based classes per week, however, keep in mind that there is more than just class hours that define a dancer’s placement. Levels should be determined by the dancer’s overall ability in accordance with the Leveling and Technical Skill Set Guidelines below. Please refer to all of these guidelines when determining level placement.
***A Technical Class is an instruction based class that teaches and enforces all technical elements of any dance discipline. These are non-rehearsal based class instruction.
Please keep in mind the following variables may affect level placement:
- Years of dance experience
- Years of competition experience
- Magnitude, variety and quantity of technical training hours
- Dancer’s capacity of individual ability, retention and work ethic
- Regional differences of the choreography, style, creativity and artistic expression
***IMPORTANT*** A performer’s performance level may NOT be adjusted after the competition schedule is SET FINAL. The only exceptions to this rule include:
1.) The judging panel deems a performance to be promoted to the next level on site at the competition through our Level Promotion Program.
2.) The original combination of dancers in the performance changes on site, which therefore alters the level of a performance.
At National Finals, any changes to a performance that alters the original level, high point age division and/or performance type listed in the digital program will be deemed as adjudication only.
If you have any questions or concerns with leveling and placement of dancers, please contact our Customer Care Specialists for assistance.
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Level Promotion Program
Dancers may now be promoted to a higher Level with the recommendation of our judging panel and Competition Director. At every Regional competition, the esteemed judging panel will have the ability to promote dancers to a higher level based on the overall skill set, technical ability and performance quality of each performance.
In order for a performance to be officially promoted, it must meet the following criteria:
- Receives the approval of the LEAD Judge
- Earns a superior score by the judging panel
- Executes Technical Skill Sets that are more advanced than the current level guidelines
- Receives the Competition Director’s approval to be promoted
If a soloist is promoted into a higher level, all performances in which the promoted dancer is registered must be updated with the Level Calculator.
If a change occurs to a promoted performance that violates any of the Leveling Guidelines, the performance will compete for adjudication only.
If a performance is promoted and the new division has not taken place, the promoted performance may re-compete in its appropriate division and will still be eligible for Overall High Point awards.
If a division has already been completed and presented Overall High Point awards, the promoted performance will be deemed as adjudication only and remain ineligible for Overall High Point awards.
All promoted performances must compete the remainder of the Regional season as well as National Finals in their new promoted Level.
If a group performance is promoted to a higher level, the individual dancers comprising the performance will each remain in their current level.
If a dancer is promoted to a higher level in which their age division is not eligible, the dancer will compete in the lowest eligible age division offered in the promoted level.
***All decisions of the Judging panel and Competition Director are final and cannot be contested.
The Level Promotion Program is only available at Regional Competitions. There will be no Level Promoting at National Finals, unless a performance is coming from Australia, Mexico or Canada.
Voluntary Level Promotion - If a performer voluntarily promotes themselves to a higher level, all performances in which the promoted dancer is registered must be updated with the Level Calculator. All Awards and Titles from the original level are null and void for National Finals registration. Dancers must re-qualify in their promoted level in order to be eligible to compete in their promoted level for any National Finals.
Level Calculator
Performances containing dancers from multiple levels must follow the LEVELING SYSTEM to determine the performance level. All group performances with dancers from multiple levels must be consecutive, with no skipping of levels. Each level has been assigned a numeric value that will be used to determine the performance level.
Limitless Starz = 1
Starz of Tomorrow = 2
Rising Starz = 3
Elite Starz = 4
Examples:
Small Group (4 dancers)
3 STARZ OF TOMORROW dancers (3 x 2 = 6)
1 RISING STARZ dancer (1 x 3 = 3)
6 is greater than 3, therefore the level determined is STARZ OF TOMORROW.
Large Group (10 dancers)
6 RISING STARZ dancers (6 x 3 = 18)
4 ELITE STARZ dancers (4 x 4 = 16)
18 is greater than 16, therefore the level determined is RISING STARZ.
Large Group (15 dancers)
4 STARZ OF TOMORROW dancers (4 x 2 = 8)
6 RISING STARZ dancers (6 x 3 = 18)
5 ELITE STARZ dancers (5 x 4 = 20)
20 is greater than 18 and 8, therefore the level determined is ELITE STARZ.
Line (24 dancers)
14 STARZ OF TOMORROW dancers (14 x 2 = 28)
6 RISING STARZ dancers (6 x 3 = 18)
4 ELITE STARZ dancers (4 x 4 = 16)
28 is the greatest number; however, ELITE STARZ dancers are not permitted to compete in STARZ OF TOMORROW. This performance would be placed in RISING STARZ.
If a tie exists between levels when applying the Level Calculator, the performance will be placed into the highest level option.
HOURS OF DANCE CLASS PER WEEK
AGE DIVISIONS PERMITTED AND HIGH POINT PRESENTATION
Limitless Starz |
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No limit of Technical Based Class*
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Recommended for Dancers with SPECIAL NEEDS
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5 & Under
6 - 8
9 - 11
12 - 14
15 - 19
20 & Above
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Solo, Duet/Trio, Small Group, Large Group and Line Categories
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No Cash Prizes
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The LIMITLESS STARZ level is designated to celebrate dancers that have exceptional mental and/or physical disabilities or special needs.
If registered in the LIMITLESS STARZ level, all solos must compete in the LIMITLESS STARZ level. A LIMITLESS STARZ Duet/Trio or Group performance must have at least one performer registered as LIMITLESS STARZ in order to compete as a LIMITLESS STARZ performance. LIMITLESS STARZ dancers may perform in the STARZ OF TOMORROW, RISING STARZ and ELITE STARZ levels as well as the non-leveled Super Line and Production Categories. LIMITLESS STARZ performers will not affect the leveling of any other performances.
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INSPIRATIONAL
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Starz of Tomorrow |
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3 Hours or less of Technical Based Class*
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Recommended for recreational dancers with minimal to no competition experience
- Basic knowledge and mastery of simple technical skills
- Basic understanding and execution of body lines, placement, flexibility, control, stage presence and timing
- Clean execution of simple choreography with beginning level performance quality
TECHNICAL SKILL SET:
- Dance Skills - executes clean single and double pirouettes, simple leaps, elevations and extensions
- Tumbling - executes basic tumbling skills such as floor rolls, cartwheels, roundoffs, walkovers, single side aerials, single back handsprings, and roundoff back handsprings
- Tap - executes rudimentary tap steps/combinations. Phrasing should be basic and not syncopated
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5 & Under
6 - 8
9 - 11
12 - 14
15 - 19
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Solo, Duet/Trio, Small Group, Large Group and Line Categories
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No Cash Prizes
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If registered in the STARZ OF TOMORROW level all solos must compete in the STARZ OF TOMORROW level. The STARZ OF TOMORROW dancer CAN move up a level (RISING STARZ) and perform in a higher Duet/Trio and Group performance based on the LEVEL CALCULATOR. The STARZ OF TOMORROW dancer CAN skip a level and perform in the ELITE STARZ level with a maximum of 2 performances. A STARZ OF TOMORROW dancer CAN perform in the non-leveled Super Line and Production Categories.
A STARZ OF TOMORROW dancer may only register 1 SOLO performance.
A STARZ OF TOMORROW dancer may only register in a maximum of 7 total performances.
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PRIMARY
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Rising Starz |
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3-5 Hours of Technical Based Class*
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Recommended for dancers with moderate competition experience
- Progressive knowledge and mastery of technical skills
- Progressive understanding and execution of body lines, placement, flexibility, control, stage presence and timing
- Developed spatial awareness, performance quality and clean execution of moderately difficult choreography
- Developed understanding of style and quality of movement
TECHNICAL SKILL SET:
- Dance Skills - executes clean double and triple pirouettes, leap and elevation sequences, sustaining leg extensions and leg hold turns, beginning more complex turn combinations including simple fouettés and/or à la seconde combinations
- Tumbling - executes tumbling passes including layouts, tucks, aerials, front aerials, multiple back handsprings
- Tap - executes progressive tap combinations with clarity, timing, accuracy and musicality, beginning intricate footwork and rhythms, time steps, maxi turns, cramp roll turns, paddle turns, pullbacks and wings
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5 & Under
6 - 8
9 - 11
12 - 14
15 - 19
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Solo, Duet/Trio, Small Group, Large Group and Line Categories
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Cash Prizes
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If registered in the RISING STARZ level all solos must compete in the RISING STARZ level. The RISING STARZ dancer CAN move down and compete in the STARZ OF TOMORROW level based on the LEVEL CALCULATOR. The RISING STARZ dancer CAN move up a level (ELITE STARZ) and perform in a higher Duet/Trio and Group performance based on the LEVEL CALCULATOR. A RISING STARZ dancer CAN perform in the non-leveled Super Line and Production Categories.
A RISING STARZ dancer may only register a maximum of 3 SOLO performances.
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INTERMEDIATE
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Elite Starz |
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5 Hours or more of Technical Based Class*
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Recommended for dancers with significant competition experience
- Advanced knowledge and mastery of technical skills
- Advanced understanding and execution of body lines, placement, flexibility, control, stage presence and timing
- Advanced mastery of spatial awareness and executing intricate choreography
- Professional, sophisticated and polished quality of movement and style
- Experienced and refined elements of performance quality
TECHNICAL SKILL SET:
- Dance Skills - cleanly executes numerous pirouettes, continuous turn sequences with mastery of fouettés and/or à la seconde combinations, mastery of turn combinations using arm variations, ambidexterity and advanced mastery of turns, elevations and extensions, multiple leg hold turns, mastery in sustaining all movements while projecting professional expression and intent
- Tumbling - cleanly executes multiple roundoff back handsprings, tumbling passes, layout combinations, tucks, side aerials, front aerials
- Tap - accurately executes complex tap combinations with clarity, timing and musicality, displaying mastery of intricate footwork such as pullback sequences, various time step sequences, wing combinations, intricate quick rhythms executed in syncopation
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6 - 8
9 - 11
12 - 14
15 - 19
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Solo, Duet/Trio, Small Group, Large Group and Line Categories
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Cash Prizes
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If registered in the ELITE STARZ level all solos must compete in the ELITE STARZ level. The ELITE STARZ dancer CAN move down and compete in the RISING STARZ level based on the LEVEL CALCULATOR. An ELITE STARZ dancer CANNOT perform in the STARZ OF TOMORROW level. If the LEVEL CALCULATOR determines the performance level to be STARZ OF TOMORROW in a multiple level routine, the performance must compete in a maximum of 1 level below the highest level (ELITE STARZ) therefore the performance level becomes RISING STARZ. An ELITE STARZ dancer CAN perform in the non-leveled Super Line and Production Categories. If the average age of the performance falls below the lowest age division (6-8), the performance will compete in the 6-8 age division.
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ELITE
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DUET/TRIO NONCONSECUTIVE LEVEL RULE
The Duet/Trio Nonconsecutive Level Rule only applies to Duet/Trios that are NOT consecutive and are skipping a level. A nonconsecutive Duet/Trio may contain dancers of any level and any age. They must perform at the highest level & age division of the registered dancers.
Examples: A STARZ OF TOMORROW and ELITE STARZ Duet must compete in the ELITE STARZ level with the age of the oldest dancer.
A Trio with 2 STARZ OF TOMORROW dancers and 1 ELITE STARZ dancer must compete in the ELITE STARZ level with the age of the oldest dancer.
Duet/Trios WITH consecutive levels will use the LEVEL CALCULATOR to determine the level and average age division.
Please contact our office at 714-995-5883 or info@rainbowdance.com if you need further clarification of our levels and guidelines. Any infractions of the rules and regulations may result in point deductions and/or disqualification.
CATEGORIES OF DANCE
BALLET – Performance must contain ballet technique incorporating formal classical movements. No pointe shoes are allowed in the ballet category. No acro/gymnastic tricks are permitted.
POINTE – Performance must use pointe shoes and consist of pointe/toe technique. STARZ OF TOMORROW level dancers may not compete in this category. No acro/gymnastic tricks are permitted.
JAZZ – Performance must consist of jazz technique. Up to three acro/gymnastic tricks are permissible.
TAP – Performance must use taps on shoes and display tap technique. Up to three acro/gymnastic tricks are permissible.
LYRICAL – Performance must have dynamic emotion and expressive movements demonstrated with fluidity, balance, extension and control. Up to three acro/gymnastic tricks are permissible.
MODERN – Performance must consist of interpretive movements using modern technique such as natural movements focused on the “core” of the body with coordination between breathing and movement as well as a dancer’s relationship with the floor. Up to three acro/gymnastic tricks are permissible.
CLOGGING – Performance must use clogging shoes and consists of clogging technique. Up to three acro/gymnastic tricks are permissible.
***In the above categories, lip-syncing and talking should be kept to a minimum, so as not to portray a character.
SONG AND DANCE – Performance must consist of both singing and dancing of any type. Rainbow will provide one handheld microphone. No additional sound equipment or microphones may be used or connected to Rainbow’s sound system. Up to three acro/gymnastic tricks are permissible.
***In the above dance categories, a limited number of acro/gymnastic tricks are permissible. An acro/gymnastic trick is defined as movements that pass through or stop at a fully inverted (upside down) position with both feet off the floor (the torso and or hips passing or stopping directly over the top of one’s head/shoulders).
Acro/gymnastic tricks include:
- forward rolls / backward rolls
- headstands
- handstands
- handstand rolls
- chin stands
- shoulder rolls / chest rolls
- tinsicas
- cartwheels
- roundoffs
- walkovers
- aerials
- handsprings
- tucks
- pikes
- layouts
- fulls
Acro/Gymnastic Trick Clarification:
- A tumbling pass is considered one acro/gymnastic trick.
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If all dancers perform the same trick at the same time and on the same count, it’s considered one trick. This would also include a canon or roll off in consecutive intervals. If there is a lapse of time in-between the trick then it’s considered multiple tricks.
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Lifts with other dancers are not considered acro/gymnastic tricks. Lifts that incorporate any of the acro/gymnastic tricks listed above within the lift, would then be considered an acro/gymnastic trick.
- If a performance violates this rule the act will not be recategorized. A one point deduction will be applied to the total cumulative score.
CONTEMPORARY – Performance must consist of a combination of modern dance, lyrical and classical ballet elements. Any number of acro/gymnastic tricks are permissible.
ACRO/GYMNASTICS – Performance must use a combination of dance technique and acro/gymnastic movements and tricks. Any number of acro/gymnastic tricks are permissible.
TRADITIONAL/CULTURAL– Performances which are to a significant degree bound by tradition with strong cultural roots. Any number of acro/gymnastic tricks are permissible.
POM-PON – Performance using pom-pons incorporating precise and definite movements. Any number of acro/gymnastic tricks are permissible.
CHARACTER – Performance featuring any style of dance that is novelty or theme based and portraying a recognizable character. Any number of acro/gymnastic tricks are permissible.
MUSICAL THEATER – Performance featuring any style of dance from a Broadway, Movie or Television Show. Any number of acro/gymnastic tricks are permissible.
HIP HOP/FUNK – Performance demonstrating street style jazz incorporating hip hop and/or funk choreography. Any number of acro/gymnastic tricks and breakdancing are permissible.
OPEN – Performance demonstrating any style of dance or a combination of dance styles. Any number of acro/gymnastic tricks are permissible.
SUPER LINE – Performance must contain at least 15 dancers incorporating any style of dance or combination of dance styles. Any number of acro/gymnastic tricks are permissible. This category may comprise of performers from all levels and ages excluding TEACHERS / ADULTS. Overall High Point awards and cash prizes will be presented to the top scoring act. Super Line performances can portray a theme or style of dance, but should not portray a storyline, plot or narrative. Each Super Line has a 5:00 minute time limit for performance and is given a maximum of 4:00 minutes total for set-up and removal of props.
Super Line Performance Example: WATCH VIDEO.
PRODUCTION – Performance must contain at least 15 dancers incorporating any style of dance or combination of dance styles. Any number of acro/gymnastic tricks are permissible. This category may comprise of performers from all levels and ages including TEACHERS / ADULTS. Overall High Point awards and cash prizes will be awarded to the top scoring act. Production performances MUST portray a storyline, plot or narrative throughout, resembling that of a film, book, play, musical, etc. Props are mandatory and must be hand-held or free standing. Each Production has an 8:00 minute time limit for performance and is given a maximum of 5:00 minutes total for set-up and removal of props.
Production Performance Example: WATCH VIDEO.
TEACHER / ADULT CATEGORY – Any performance that contains a teacher and/or adult 20 years of age or above must compete in the TEACHER / ADULT CATEGORY. A student teacher age 19 and under must compete a solo in one of the other competitive levels. All TEACHER / ADULT CATEGORY performances are ineligible for overall highpoint awards and cash prizes.
MANDATORY MUSIC UPLOAD
Rainbow uses an electronic music file upload system for all performances. Studios have access to their own Music Manager upload page within their Studio Center on the Rainbow website. It is mandatory for all studios to submit their competition music electronically using the Music Manager.
- Music files can only be uploaded after entries have been registered.
- The Music Manager will assign the file names automatically once upload is complete. However, please label the file with the name of each act.
- Please be sure to upload the exact version of your performance music, because pitch/speed of music cannot be adjusted at the event.
- Rainbow supports MP3, M4A, and MP4 files. The maximum file size is 20MB.
- Uploaded music files must be DRM free.
- Music Manager will be closed 3 - 5 days prior to the start of competition. Rainbow will not accept new versions of music files at the competition. Rainbow will only use backup media formats (iPod, USB) if there are technical difficulties.
- Rainbow requires that all studios bring a backup iPod or USB for all performances in the event of a malfunction of the original music submitted. Music can be picked up at the registration table at the conclusion of each presentation of awards.
Changes to performances at an event will incur a $10 fee per change. These include music files submitted on site. Please submit and confirm all music electronically through the Music Manager at least 3-5 days prior to the start of competition.