COMPETITION RULES
COMPETITIVE DIVISIONS
ID Dance Competition has five different competitive divisions: Novice, Intermediate, Iconic, Pro-Am (19&up) and *New for 2024*Glow(special needs only division). The Novice division is for dancers who train a maximum of three hours per week with little to no competition experience. Intermediate division is for dancers who study 4-7 hours per week and have limited competition experience. The Iconic division is for dancers who train more than 8 hours per week and a few years of competition experience. The Pro-am is our adult division for ages 19&up. The Glow division is for special needs dancers only.
There is no possible way for the competition to know how many hours a week dancers train. The placement of dancer level is left to the discretion and trust of the teachers when entering them into the competition. ID Dance has a 1/3 rule with competitive divisions. If 1/3 of the dancers are entered in a higher division, the routine will be automatically entered in the higher competitive division. Line/Productions are excluded from this 1/3 division rule. However, if you have a dancer in the Iconic Division that dancer cannot compete in the Novice Division in a group, line/production and/or duet/trio routine. We will not accept level changes at the event. ID Dance Judges have the right to promote dancers to an higher competitive level.
The ID Dance Title Competition is available in the INTERMEDIATE AND ICONIC LEVELS. This is a great opportunity for intermediate and advanced levels of dancers to be able to participate in a Title Competition. Soloists who go up for Title are also included in the Overall Awards.
ENTRY DIVISIONS
Category
Solo
Duet/Trio
Small Group
Large Group
Line/Production
# of Dancers
1
2-3
4-9
10-18
19 or more
Time Limit
3 minutes
3 minutes
3 minutes
4 minutes
8 minutes
*IF your routine goes over the time guidelines by 30 seconds or more, you will pay a fee for the extended time.
AGE LEVELS
The age divisions for all routines are determined by the average age of performers as of January 1st. Ages are averaged from all dancers in a routine and that average age will determine the level.
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ADJUDICATION AWARDS
All solos, duet/trios, and groups in each Competitive Division (Novice, Intermediate, Iconic, Pro-Am) will be adjudicated on a point system.
1. Performance is 35 points
2. Technique is 35 points
3. Choreography/Dynamics is 20 points
4. Overall Impression is 10 points
Based upon the total score of three judges, a ranking of Ultra Iconic, Iconic Platinum, Platinum, and High Gold will be given to each entry based on their score. The Nationals Showdown has the same adjudication point system.
Scoring Scale:
IMPROV DANCE OFF CHALLENGE
Want to SHOW OFF your Improv Skills and have the opportunity win even MORE scholarships? Participate in our IMPROV DANCE OFF for the additional opportunity to receive incredible scholarships! The Improv Dance Off Winner will also receive a $50 CASH PRIZE!
Dancers will improv to songs chosen by ID Dance. Dancers must sign up at the registration desk before the challenge begins. The dance off has a $30 participation fee. Dancers can pre-register for the Improv Dance Off on the Parent Portal. The Improv Dance Off is offered 11&under and 12&over. Scholarships presented include: Millenium Dance Complex LA, Fuzion Force LA, Broadway Dance Center NY & more! Dancers will be awarded a banner, scholarship and cash prize for winning the Improv Dance Off. Runner ups will be awarded and announced.
TITLE DIVISION + ID ARTIST OF THE YEAR
ID TITLE
Soloists can enter more than one solo for the ID Dance Competition Title. The Title Competition is a separate division and is in addition to the Overall Awards. Title recipients will receive a crown, Title banner, and a Title jacket. Title recipients hold the ID Dance Title for one full season. If there are 3 or more soloists running for title in the same division, a runner-up Title recipient will be awarded. The Title Competition is available for intermediate and iconic(advanced) level soloists. Title is judged based on showmanship, costuming, performance quality and technique. Dancers can go up for Title in more than one regional per season. There is no Title Winner regional pre-qualification for going up for Title at an ID Nationals.
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NATIONAL TITLE COMPETITION
Title Pageant: Top 2* Title in each Title Division will be called back to the National Title Pageant. Dancers will be asked a series of questions that will determine National Title holder for each division. Question samples will be given out at the Event. Dancers will need a gown/dress for the Title Pageant. *Must be at least 2 in Division.
Soloists can enter more than one solo for the ID Dance National Title. The Title Competition is a separate division and is in addition to the Overall Awards. If there are 10 or more in the Title Division, 2 Runner-Ups and 2 Title Finalists will be awarded.
Title Holders will receive a crown, Title banner, Title jacket & scholarship. National Title recipients hold the ID Dance Title for one full season. The Title Competition is available for intermediate and iconic(advanced) level soloists. Title is judged based on showmanship, costuming, performance quality and technique. Title Pageant score is judged based upon interview.
4 Adjudicators will be on the ID Panel for the Title Pageant. The highest score will be dropped out of the 4 adjudicators.
TITLE PAGEANT JUDGING CRITERIA
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IMPACT - Scoring is based on the overall first impression, sense of confidence, PERSONALITY (35 Points)
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INTERVIEW - SCORING IS BASED ON COMMUNICATION ABILITY OF: PERSONALITY, INTELLIGENCE, VALIDATED OPINIONS, inspiration (35 points)
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Stage presence, walk/ posture AND ATTIRE (20 points)
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OVERALL IMPRESSION - SCORING IS BASED ON IF THE CONTESTANT HAS THE OVERALL CHARACTERISTICS AND ABILITY TO BECOME THE ID NATIONAL TITLEHOLDER (10 POINTS)
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ID ARTIST OF THE YEAR
ID will recognize the prestigious ID Artist of the Year at each Nationals event. The Artist of the Year scouting begins at Regionals. Qualifications include taking advantage of the great opportunities that ID has to offer including but not limited to: participating in the ID Title Competition, master classes, opening number, faculty assisting, dance offs, photogenic & further proving the artists' commitment to the art of dance.
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**New for 2024** Senior age division dancers can nominate themselves up for ID Artist of the Year at Regionals. Dancers can do so by FILLING OUT THE ARTIST OF THE YEAR FORM BY CLICKING HERE. ID Judges will also be nominating dancers at each Regional event for the Artist of the Year.
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Qualifications that must be met are as follows:
1. Dancer attends one or more Regional events in a given season.
2. Dancer attends one or more National events in a given season.
3. Dancer is of senior age division (15-18 years old).
4. Dancer does not need to be nominated by a Judge at Regionals, dancer can nominate themselves.
5. Dancer fills out Artist of the Year form virtually or in person at Nationals.
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ENTRY FEES
Please click HERE to contact us for entry fees. All fees must be paid by credit card or certified check. You can locate the registration and entry fee deadline on the Tour page. Payments made within one month of the event must be paid by credit card or certified check only. Any payments made after the registration deadline will only be accepted by overnight cashiers check or credit card. Any payments or entries added after the registration deadline has passed will be subject to a late fee. There is a $40.00 fee for returned checks.
ENTRY + SCHEDULE + CHECK-IN RULES
Schedule
The preliminary schedule will be sent out prior to the final schedule. Changes made after the entry change deadline will result in a $5 change fee. Changes made at the competition will result in a $10 change fee. To avoid these fees, please make your changes by the given deadline. Please check the preliminary schedule and make sure your routines are entered in the correct competitive level. NO LEVEL CHANGES can be made at the competition. We will not accept level changes at the event. We will accept category changes for a $10 fee per change.
There will be at least 3 routines for costume changes. If your dancers have quick changes, please do not worry; our backstage manager will make it work. Once the final schedule is released, the program will be available on our website under the designated Event page and the DanceBug app for parents to access. The schedule will be able to download and print the program from the ID website if interested. Physical schedules will not be available for purchase at the event.
Directors will receive printed out schedules of the event for their staff in the ID Teacher Bag.
**ID Events may start Friday morning dependent upon schedule.
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Director Check-In
When you arrive at the event, please have the studio competition director check-in at Registration in the ID Lobby. If the studio director is sending a representative to check-in, please let us know so we can update the check-in name for your studio. You will be receiving an ID Teacher Bag which includes printed out schedules for the event & special gifts from us!
Entry Check-In
ALL entries must be checked-in with our Backstage Manager prior to performing. The Emcee will not announce a routine unless that routine has been checked-in backstage with the Backstage Manager. Parents are not allowed to check-in routines unless they are representing the studio staff. If so, ID must be notified.
Backstage Staff
If you are studio staff, please meet our awesome Backstage Staff! The ID Backstage Manager will help you with anything you may need for the duration of the event! This includes entry check-in, prop assistance, & a friendly face to help you through the weekend! :)
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Entries are registered through DanceBug, our online registration system.
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Log in or create your free DanceBug account HERE.
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Choose your desired event and enter dancers/routine information. You will have to enter a competitive level for each dancer.
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Mail in a certified/cashiers check at least 30 days before scheduled event or pay 3-3.5% processing fee with credit card.
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Log in to your account at any time to review your entries or make any changes before the 30 day registration deadline. After the 30 day registration deadline, any changes will have to be emailed to info@iddancecomp.com. Once an event sells out, registration will close and the event will go on a waitlist. Registrations that are in progress without full payment submission are not qualified as entered and we will not hold your reservation.
PLEASE NOTE: Every competitor who takes the stage must be registered, regardless the amount of time the dancer is present on stage. In order to register for an event, payment must be received. You are not entered into the event until full payment is submitted.
AWARDS
ID Dance is proud to provide the industry's best awards! From huge trophies to big banners, we have it all to commemorate you and your dancers!
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Adjudication Awards - All routines will be provided a trophy for the adjudication award.
Overall Awards - All placements will receive a banner for the Overall.
Top Overall Award - First Place will receive a huge banner for the First Place Overall.
ID ICON Award - Soloist ID ICONS will receive a huge trophy. Duet/Trio, Group, Line Production ID ICONS will receive a large banner. The ID Icon Award is a recognition of a dance that stands out and is not directly based on routine score.
TRNDSTTR Award - Presented to routines that stand out in technique, costuming, choreography and entertainment.
UTOPIAN Award - One Utopian Award will be awarded to one routine at each ID Event. This routine will be the highest scoring routine out of all the small/large group/line-production at the event.
Artistic Execution Award - Presented to routines that exhibit artistic execution.
Ultimate Entertainment Award - Presented to routines that stand out in entertainment quality.
Studio Spirit - ID Dance presents this award to a studio at each Regionals and Nationals the ID staff and judges will be on the lookout to see who has the most studio spirit throughout the event.
Highest Scoring Award - ID Dance presents this award to the highest scoring routine in each entry division.
Utopian Award - ID Dance presents this award to the highest scoring routine out of small groups, large groups, & line/productions.
Technique Award - Presented to routines that exhibit an excellence in technique.
Improv Dance Off Award: Awarded for Improv Dance Off Winners.
Photogenic: Photogenic winners receive banner.
ID Cash Awards - Nationals
Nationals Invitation - Dancers who receive this award are invited to our Nationals and receive a coveted spot in our Nationals Opening Number.
Choreography Award - Routines chosen with outstanding choreography will receive a medal.
Special Awards - Special awards are presented with a certificate by the Judges.
Scholarships - ID Dance offers $100,000 in scholarships throughout the season. Scholarships presented include: Millenium Dance Complex LA, Fuzion Force LA, Broadway Dance Center, Trill Dance Convention & more!
In all competitive divisions, ID Dance Competition will award the highest scoring soloist in each age division in all categories. In all competitive divisions, ID Dance Competition will award the highest scoring overall group in each division in all categories.
Teacher Appreciation Award Raffle: At each event there will be a huge Teacher Appreciation Gift raffled out. Each studio will be entered in the raffle and the gift will be drawn at an Awards Ceremony during the weekend.
Nationals: ID Cash Awards awarded to large groups and the top line/production at the Iconic Showdown.
Nationals: Ultimate Choreography awarded.
MUSIC + PROPS + STAGE PROTOCOL
MUSIC: Please upload your music to your DanceBug account before the event by the 30-day registration deadline. We will not be able to connect a phone for music if an error occurs at an Event. IF you have a music issue at an Event, please email designated song to info@iddancecomp.com with entry # and routine #. Music uploading to DanceBug is required.
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PROPS: NEW FOR 2024**Props will have no set up fee if under 90 seconds. Any routines over the 90 second time set up will be $50 per additional 30 seconds to construct props. Payment will be owed immediately and if payment is not remitted, the routine will not be eligible for Overalls.
Please load in props the day of the performance. Props cannot be stored inside the venue overnight. This is for the safety of all performers and staff. Please see ID Backstage Manager when you arrive if you need a large prop load in door.
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STAGE MALFUNCTION PROTOCOL:
To ensure a fair competition, any routine that takes the stage will be scored one time. The routine is not allowed to re-compete for a new score. The only exception to this rule is a technical error.
Routines may be eligible to perform again for no score, if schedule allows.
CATEGORIES
Please see the following categories we offer at ID Events. ​
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Acro: Routine demonstrating gymnastic/tumble technique.
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Ballet: Routine that exhibits ballet or pointe technique.
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**New: Ballroom: Routine exhibiting ballroom technique and style.
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Contemporary: A routine that demonstrates contemporary dance style.
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Clogging: A routine performed in clogs with rhythmic beating of the feet.
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Folk: Routine exhibiting cultural style.
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Hip Hop: Routine exhibiting hip hop technique and style.
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Open: A routine that exhibits a fusion of dance styles.
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Jazz: Routine that exhibits jazz technique and style.
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Jazz Funk: Routine combining jazz and hip-hop techniques.
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Lyrical: Routine demonstrating the combination of ballet and jazz styles.
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Modern: A routine that demonstrates ballet and contemporary styles.
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Musical Theatre: A style deriving inspiration from national or folk dances, or interpreting and representing a particular profession, mode of living, or personality. Dancers have the option to lip sync.
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Line/Production: A routine showing any or a mix of dance styles. Time limit of 8:00 minutes in the production category.
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Pom/Cheer: Routine demonstrating clear and sharp movement with tumbling/acro/gymnastics.
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Song & Dance: A routine that will be adjudicated on both singing and any style of dance.
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Tap: Routine using tap technique.
Soloists are allowed to compete multiple solo routines. However, are not allowed to compete in the same category.
PHOTO AND VIDEO
Photo and video can be preordered or ordered anytime during the event through the DanceBug website or mobile app that can be downloaded from the App Store. Make a dancer account and choose your desired pictures/videos. Please regard that photos and videos will be available approximately 1 week after your event. Persons at the event are not authorized to take photos or videos during the entire event of any routine. Dancebug offers an "All Access Pass" to dancers who are interested.
FAQs - RULES
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ID takes pride in offering the best staging in the industry! The dimension of the ID Stage in ballrooms/convention centers is 42x38ft with wing space extending to 60ft. The dimension of the stage in theatres will vary by theatre.
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Unlimited amount of entries per dance company unless the event has reached capacity.
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Top Overall award placements will vary by event and by division.
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Participants can compete in multiple cities.
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All performances must be appropriate for a family audience.
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Instruction from teachers in the audience is not permitted.
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Dangerous props are not permitted.
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General props are allowed. Maximum of 5 minutes set up time or an upcharge will apply.
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Dancers are permitted up to 5 tricks over the head before a routine should be considered "Open".
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Only one routine is permitted to place in Overall per soloist.
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Soloists can compete multiple solo routines, however can only perform one solo per category.
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One scholarship is accepted per dancer per ID Convention event.
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ID Events can run multiple stages at any Event.
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Independent registration is not available for ID Competitions. Each dancer must be affiliated with a studio. Independent registration is allowed for ID Conventions. Please create an account as an independent for convention registration.
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Scholarships presented include: Millenium Dance Complex LA, Fuzion Force LA, Broadway Dance Center, & more! Scholarships vary per event.
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Nationals: Please check the Nationals extras document on the Nationals page for eligibility rules.
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Showdown: if a Top 2 routine removes voluntarily from the Showdown, the next eligible routine is automatically added to the Showdown.
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Nationals qualifier - we can accept up to 10 entries for ID Nationals without a Regional qualification. After 11 entries, you must qualify at a Regional competition.
PHOTOGENIC
ID's photogenic contest includes the following age divisions:
Mini/Petite Age Division
Junior Age Division
Teen/Senior Age Divison
Photogenic entries are registered for/paid for on the PARENT PORTAL PAGE or at the event. Photos MUST be turned in at the event and NOT emailed. Photos will not be returned. Photogenic winners automatically eligible to become ID Ambassadors. Learn more about ID Ambassadors HERE.
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PHOTOGENIC JUDGING CRITERIA
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PRESENTATION & CLARITY
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TECHNICAL QUALITY
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LIGHTING
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CREATIVITY/ORIGINIALITY
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IMPACT
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COMPOSITION/ARRANGEMENT
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PHOTO REQUIREMENTS
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1. PHOTOS PREFERRED IN 8X10 SIZE
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2. PHOTOS CAN BE COLOR OR BLACK/WHITE
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3. PHOTOS CAN BE HEADSHOT/DANCE SHOT
Each photogenic entry will be scored by the stated judging criteria. Photogenic results will be posted to the individual event page. Please allow up to 2 weeks after the event.
TIES
Ties will be broken by the technical score of each routine. If there is a technical score tie, the tie will remain.
TOUR AND RELEASE
ID Dance Competition has the right to adjust/modify the rules of the competition at anytime, for any reason, at the discretion of the Director. ID Dance Competition has the right to adjust the tour at any time for any reason, including dates, times and venues. Stage and venue sizes will vary by location, professional equipment is used.
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By entering ID Dance Competition, it is understood that ID Dance Competition and all of its employees, staff members and staff contractors are not and will not be held liable for any injury, accident or financial responsibility. The own insurance policy of the competitor will be the only source of reimbursement. This is the same for audience participants, guests, family, friends, spectators, studio owners and teachers. ID may use photos and videos from events, competitions, conventions and nationals for promotional use indefinitely. Official studio representative agrees he/she has informed all parents/guardians and spectators of these policies.
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RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK
This Release of Liability and Assumption of Risk (“Release”) is entered into by and between ID Dance Competition (“Company”) and (“Parent”) on behalf of (“Child”) and is effective on the date of the event. In consideration of Child being permitted by Company to participate in dance competitions (the “Activity”), Parent agrees to the following terms and conditions in this Release:
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Parent represents and warrants to Company that: (a) Parent is the legal guardian of Child; (b) Parent has legal authority to execute this Release on behalf of Child; (c) Parent has read, understands, and agrees to be bound by the terms and conditions of this Release; and (d) Parent will promptly notify Company if Child suffers from epilepsy or any other medical condition prior to Child being entered into any Activity. I, Parent, on behalf of myself and my Child, do hereby fully understand that I must notify ID Dance of Dancer Name, Studio Name, Event Name, Event Date and Routine Name(s) of which my epileptic Child is a participant of. I understand that ID Dance Competition can only shut off light strobing for my Child's routine. Any other routine during the event, even though my Child is in attendance, is subject to light strobing at anytime. I, Parent, hereby agree that I will keep my Child out of the main stage area where lights may strobe at anytime, and understand that ID Dance can only stop strobing lights during my Child's performance, not at any other time for the duration of the event.
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I, Parent, on behalf of myself and my Child, do hereby grant to Company a royalty free, irrevocable, worldwide, sublicensable and transferrable license to Company to take and use photographs and video captured of my Child to promote Company, the Activity, dance, or dance competition. I, Parent, acknowledge and agree that such pictures and videos may be posted or otherwise made available, on or through Company's or its licensees social media platforms and websites.
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I, PARENT, ON BEHALF OF MYSELF AND MY CHILD, AM AWARE AND UNDERSTAND THAT THE ACTIVITY THAT I AM AUTHORIZING CHILD TO PARTICIPATE IN IS A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS ACTIVITY AND INVOLVES THE RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY, DISABILITY, DEATH, AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE. I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT ANY INJURIES THAT MY CHILD SUSTAINS MAY RESULT FROM OR BE COMPOUNDED BY THE ACTIONS, OMISSIONS, OR NEGLIGENCE OF THE COMPANY, INCLUDING NEGLIGENT EMERGENCY RESPONSE OR RESCUE OPERATIONS OF THE COMPANY. NOTWITHSTANDING THE RISK, I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I AM VOLUNTARILY PERMITTING CHILD TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ACTIVITY WITH KNOWLEDGE OF THE DANGER INVOLVED AND HEREBY AGREE TO ACCEPT AND ASSUME ANY AND ALL RISKS OF INJURY, DISABILITY, DEATH, AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE ARISING FROM MY CHILD'S PARTICIPATION IN THE ACTIVITY, WHETHER CAUSED BY THE ORDINARY NEGLIGENCE OF THE COMPANY OR OTHERWISE.
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I, Parent, on behalf of myself and my Child, acknowledge and agree: (a) that participation in the Activity may include possible exposure to illness and infectious disease, including, without limitation, influenza, COVID, and MRSA, which may result in serious illness or death despite following rules and protocols instituted at the Activity; (b) to comply with all rules, protocols, and requirements instituted for the safety of the Activity and the participants; and (c) if I observe any unusual or significant hazard during my presence or participation, I will remove myself from participation and bring such to the attention of the nearest official immediately.
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I, Parent, on behalf of myself and my Child, hereby expressly waive and release any and all claims, now known or hereafter known, on behalf of myself and my Child against the Company, any host venue, owner, licensee, sponsor, advertiser, or promoter and their respective officers, directors, managers, employees, agents, affiliates, heirs, successors, and assigns (collectively, "Releasees"), on account of injury, disability, death, or property damage arising out of or attributable to my Child's participation in the Activity, whether arising out of the ordinary negligence of the Company or any Releasees or otherwise. I covenant not to make or bring any such claim against the Company or any other Releasee, and forever release and discharge the Company and all other Releasees from liability under such claims. This waiver and release does not extend to claims for gross negligence, willful misconduct, or any other liabilities that Ohio law does not permit to be released by agreement.
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I, Parent, on behalf of myself and my Child, shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the Company and all other Releasees against any and all losses, damages, liabilities, deficiencies, claims, actions, judgments, settlements, interest, awards, penalties, fines, costs, or expenses of whatever kind, including attorney fees, fees, the costs of enforcing any right to indemnification under this Release, and the cost of pursuing any insurance providers, incurred by or awarded against the Company or any other Releasees, arising out or resulting from any claim of a third party related to my Child's participation in the Activity, including any claim related to my own negligence or the ordinary negligence of the Company.
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I hereby consent to my Child receiving medical treatment deemed necessary if my Child is injured or requires medical attention during my Child's participation in the Activity. I understand and agree that I am solely responsible for all costs related to such medical treatment and any related medical transportation and/or evacuation. I, on behalf of myself and my Child, hereby release, forever discharge, and hold harmless the Company from any claim based on such treatment or other medical services.
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This Release constitutes the sole and entire agreement of the Company and me with respect to the subject matter contained herein and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous understandings, agreements, representations, and warranties, both written and oral, with respect to such subject matter. If any term or provision of this Release is invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability shall not affect any other term or provision of this Release or invalidate or render unenforceable such term or provision in any other jurisdiction. This Release is binding on and shall inure to the benefit of the Company and me and their respective successors and assigns. All matters arising out of or relating to this Release shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Ohio without giving effect to any choice or conflict of law provision or rule (whether of the State of Ohio or any other jurisdiction). Parent agrees on its own behalf and on behalf of Parent's Child to submit any dispute, controversy, matter of interpretation or other proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Release to binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association's Commercial Rules. Any such arbitration shall be conducted before a single arbitrator in Delaware County, Ohio. The arbitrator shall issue a written opinion stating its essentially findings and conclusions on which the arbitrator's award is based. The judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court have jurisdiction thereof. By entering into this agreement on arbitration, the parties acknowledge and agree they are waiving all rights to have their disputes covered by this Release heard or decided by a jury or in a court trial.
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