COVID-19 Safety Protocol

• Solo (1 performer) - 3:00 minutes • Duo / Trio (2 to 3 dancers) - 3:00 minutes • Small Group (4 to 9 dancers) - 3:30 minutes • Large Group (10 to 17 dancers) - 4:00 minutes • Line Group (18+ dancers) - 5:00 minutes • Productions Groups (18+ dancers) - 12:00 minutes Important Notes: • Time limits include entrances, exits, and all set-up/tear-down for props, including any pre-set items. • Extended time options are available for Groups only (not Solos, Duos, or Trios). Groups may purchase up to 1 or 2 additional minutes for an added fee. Studios may pre-purchase 1 additional minute of time for any Group for $50 per routine or 2 additional minutes of time for any Group for $100 per routine. • Groups involving a significant number of props must request a time slot following a break before the draft schedule is created. Please note that availability for these slots is limited. In some cases, Productions may be scheduled to perform earlier in the event (“dance ahead”) to accommodate set-up needs. Any entry exceeding its designated time limit will be subject to a score deduction. To ensure fairness and keep the event running smoothly, routines exceeding their allotted time limit will receive a 0.1 deduction per judge for every 15 seconds over the maximum time. Please review time limits carefully when registering to avoid penalties.

• Acro • Ballet (all styles except Character & Pointe) • Character Ballet • Contemporary • Hip Hop • Jazz • Lyrical • Modern • Musical Theater (including lip-syncing, no vocals) • Open (other styles or combo of styles) • Pointe (all styles) • Song & Dance (vocals) • Street Jazz • Student Choreography • Tap **Dancers can enter ONLY ONE solo per style. **We DO NOT count the number of tricks in a performance. **Soloists can place only once in the overalls with their highest scoring solo entry. **Soloists performing 3 or more solos at the Elite Level will be eligible to win the SDC Title Winner award.

• Mini - 7 & Under • Petite - Ages 8 & 9 • Junior - Ages 10 to 12 • Teen - Ages 13 to 14 • Senior - Ages 15 to 19 • Adult - Ages 20 & Over **All ages are as of January 1 of competition year.

• NOVICE LEVEL (Beginner) • Recommended for: Dancers new to competition • Typical scoring range: 80 - 89.99 • Dancers who have previously received scores higher than 89.99 should enter COMPETITIVE level. • COMPETITIVE LEVEL (Intermediate) • Recommended for: Dancers with 1 year + of competition experience. • Typical scoring range: 84 to 92.99 • Dancers who have previously received scores of 95+ must enter ELITE level. • ELITE LEVEL (Advanced) • Recommended for: Dancers training 6+ hours weekly in technique classes. Soloists who receive a score of 93 or higher are strongly encouraged to register in the Elite Level, even if not yet required. • Mandatory for: Soloists who received a score of 95+ in previous seasons. • Typical scoring range: 90 - 100 • Soloist Title Champion Awards are reserved for Elite dancers. • SOLO LEVEL PLACEMENT DISCLAIMER • Mandatory Advancement: Soloists who performed on the Summit Stage and received a score 95 or higher (Summit High Platinum) will be advanced to the Elite level in your studio's roster the following season. • Responsibility: It is the responsibility of studios and dancers to ensure soloists are entered in the correct level before the final schedule is published. Incorrect entries may result in disqualification. • Other Competitions: If a soloist receives a score of 95 or higher at another competition in the same season before competing at Summit, they are not required to advance levels until the next Summit season. PLACING DUOS/TRIOS/GROUPS: • When registering, studios must assign each dancer an individual level. • For duets, trios, and groups, our registration system automatically recommends a level based on the dancers registered. • How the system works: Each level is assigned a numeric value: • Novice = 1 • Competitive = 2 • Elite = 3 • The system calculates the average value of the group to recommend a placement. Example: A small group has: • 4 Elite dancers → 4 × 3 = 12 • 2 Competitive dancers → 2 × 2 = 4 • Total = 16 ÷ 6 dancers = 2.67 → Elite Level • Level change requests: • If a studio disagrees with the recommended placement, they may request a change. • Requests are only considered if 60% or more of the dancers are registered at a lower level than the system’s placement. • Example: A group with 55% Elite and 45% Competitive must remain in Elite. Additional notes: • Judges reserve the right to “bump up” a dancer or routine based on performance quality. • If unsure, we encourage studios to register at the higher level or schedule a call with us for guidance. This process helps ensure fairness while recognizing exceptional performances.

• All music must be submitted by digital upload as is due two weeks before event. Admin fee will apply to studio account if music is sent late. • Technical issues are rare. Should a music technical issue arise, performers would be given the option to perform again. • All studios should have backup music on hand during events. Music on backup devices should be downloaded directly on the device and not rely on internet connection. • SDC is a family-friendly competition. Any performance that includes music with explicit language, or offensive content as determined by SDC and/or judges will be deducted points and not eligible for special awards. Please make sure your music is clean.

PROP SET-UP TIME Prop set-up time must be included in the entry's time limit (see above). For props requiring extended set-up, add the set-up time to the routine length. A fee applies for up to 2 minutes of additional time. On-site, a $200 fee is charged for extended prop set-up if not pre-purchased. Immediate payment is required, or the routine may be disqualified. SAFETY & CARE OF FACILITY PROP POLICIES: • If props are to be used, they must be stated in the registration system • Props must be free standing • Props should be essential to the performance • Balloons MUST be weighted security and be checked prior to going on stage. Charges will apply to balloons released inside the facility. • Dancers may have help with the placement of props by assigned studio prop assistants. Assistants should be trained to place props safely and quickly. SDC staff cannot assist with prop placement. • No performers may stand, lay, or be ABOVE 6ft from the stage at any time during the performance. • No loose debris may be thrown from the stage. If the stage is littered (feathers, leaves, flowers etc.) at any point during the performance, dancers must be prepared to clean it up IMMEDIATELY following the performance and under 30 seconds. • All props must have protective bottom surfaces to ensure no damage to flooring. • Props must be placed and removed within 2 minutes. **If props require more time, the studio must contact us prior to scheduling and may be subject to additional time charge.** • Please take care when placing props. If the props damage SDC’s or theater property (Marley, backdrop, legs, etc.), the studio will be financially responsible for the damage. • Prohibited props: • Real fire, swords, knives, or other weapons • Anything that alters the stage such as confetti, glitter, sand, liquids, and powders • Smoke or fog machines • SDC has the right to reserve the use of specific props according to each venue’s guidelines and restrictions. ASSUMPTION OF RISK: **All props used are at the assumption of risk to their studio. SDC cannot be held accountable for damage or injury from use of props. In addition, attending studios agree to assume all responsibility for any damages caused by props to venue, stage, or equipment or to injuries of their dancers.

Summit Dance Challenge wants every dancer to feel accomplished. We know how much work these dancers and teachers put into preparing for these competitions and encourage everyone to congratulate the one another on a job well done. All competitors, teachers, family and audience members should treat the dancers and one another with respect and courtesy, and the hard work of the performers, and directors, and choreographers, judges, and event staff should be acknowledged. Any and all persons exhibiting unsportsmanlike behavior or not following the rules will be required to leave the premises. SDC also reserves the right to impose additional penalties to the affiliated studio such as point deductions, disqualifications, and banning from attending future events. Summit events are about celebrating each dancer's successes, promoting personal growth, inspiring kindness within our dance communities.

At SDC, transparency, fairness, and high quality are the standard of our company and the expectations of our judges. More frequently, dance adjudicators are accepting invitations as guest instructors at dance schools across the country. Even though SDC works hard to ensure a fair competition experience for all participants in choosing our adjudicator panels, it is not impossible that a situation may arise that could be considered a potential conflict of interest. Even the perception of potential conflicts of interest can pose negative outcomes for dancers, studios, adjudicators, and dance competitions alike. To ensure that all parties know that their competition results are not influenced by any outside factors, SDC has the following conflict of interest policy in place: 1. Adjudicators are not informed of studio names for any performances. Adjudicators are only provided a studio code. 2. Adjudicators and studio directors are entitled to bring any potential conflicts of interest to the attention of the competition director, prior or during a competition. 3. When it is determined that there could be a perception of potential conflict of interest between a dancer/studio and an adjudicator on a panel, this particular adjudicators score will be dropped, and the average of the other two adjudicators will be used to determine the dancers score. The dancer will still receive their critique from all 3 adjudicators, however the third judges score will not impact final placement.

All performers will be awarded a RIBBON award based on their adjudication score:

Overall Awards will be presented for each category as follows: **Soloists with Multiple Solos – Overall Placement Policy: Soloists performing multiple solos can only place once in the overall rankings. If a soloist is representing more than one school, it is the responsibility of both schools to notify the competition. Please include a note during the registration process to inform our team. **Solo Limit: Soloists can enter only 1 solo per style. **Cross-Discipline Competition: All disciplines will compete against one another for overall awards within their respective age group and level. Overall winners will receive: **SCD Cash Scholarships are awarded for categories that place to TOP 10.

At each awards session one of the judges will present their JUDGES CHOICE AWARDS. These awards include special qualities in dance that caught their eye. For example, emotional expression, excellent clarity in tap sounds, super staging in a large group etc, excellent potential in a dancer, etc. Judges specials also present a CHOREOGRAPHY AWARD OF EXCELLENCE at each award session to a teacher / choreographer.

Top Scoring Entries of the competition will receive a $50 SDC Scholarship and Trophy, presented at the Grand Award Session: • Top Scoring NOVICE ENTRY • Top Scoring STUDENT CHOREO • Top Scoring ACRO • Top Scoring BALLET • Top Scoring HIP HOP • Top Scoring JAZZ • Top Scoring CONTEMPORARY / MODERN • Top Scoring LYRICAL • Top Scoring MUSICAL THEATRE / SONG & DANCE / OPEN • Top Scoring TAP • Top Scoring PRODUCTION STUDIO STANDOUTS - Top Scoring Entry Of Each Studio! Each studios top scoring entry will receive a special invitation to performing in SUMMIT NATIONALS 2026 OPENING NUMBER!

TOURNOUT by THE UNDERGROUND (https://www.turnnout.com/)Training Scholarship - One Month Unlimited Classes! Voted #1 Best Online Dance Classes. Experience the world's best dance classes for any level delivered right to your home or studio! ACROBATIC ARTS (https://old.acrobaticarts.com/#/welcome)Training Scholarship Teacher Certification Scholarship - One lucky studio will will be selected to receive $750 scholarship towards Acrobatic Arts teacher certification courses! THE VEGAS SUMMER,(https://www.dancevst.com/) THE HOLLYWOOD SUMMER,(https://www.dancehst.com/) THE LONDON SPRING (https://www.dancelst.com/)Dance Tour Scholarship - One or More $500 Dance Tour Scholarships will be awarded by the judges at every event. Provided by our friends at THE VEGAS SUMMER TOUR, THE HOLLYWOOD SUMMER TOUR, THE LONDON SPRING TOUR. HARBOUR DANCE CENTRE (https://harbourdance.com/summer-intensive-2023)Summer Intensive - Full tuition for Five days of summer intensive training at Canada's infamous dance centre! (awarded at select Western Cities) LIGHTNING ELITE (https://www.lightningelite.ca/)Workshop Scholarship - Up To Three $1,000 Dance Tour Scholarships will be awarded by the judges at every event. Provided by our friends at LIGHTNING ELITE. NUVO Dance Convention (https://gonuvo.com/)Scholarship - One Full Tuition to ONE NUVO REGIONAL CITY BEFORE JUNE 1, 2022 IN-PERSON OR VIRTUAL. JUMP Dance Convention (https://jumptour.com/)Scholarship - One Full Tuition to ONE JUMP REGIONAL CITY BEFORE JUNE 1, 2022 IN-PERSON OR VIRTUAL. 24 SEVEN Dance Convention (https://24sevendance.com/)Scholarship - One Full Tuition to ONE NUVO REGIONAL CITY BEFORE JUNE 1, 2022 IN-PERSON OR VIRTUAL. RADIX Dance Convention (https://radixdance.com/)Scholarship - One Full Tuition to ONE NUVO REGIONAL CITY BEFORE JUNE 1, 2022 IN-PERSON OR VIRTUAL. Scholarship - One Full Tuition to ONE NUVO REGIONAL CITY BEFORE JUNE 1, 2022 IN-PERSON OR VIRTUAL. **Scholarships are not based on marks, and are awarded at the judges or SDC crews discretion.** **SDC reserves the right to change or replace scholarships provided by our sponsors without notice.**

Title Awards Divisions • Junior Title Winner: Ages 12 & Under • Senior Title Winner: Ages 13 & Over Title winners will receive a large trophy and exclusive SDC swag! To be considered for a title, contestants must enter 3 solos at the Elite Level (from the same school). The dancer with the highest cumulative score will be awarded the title. Note: • If no dancers qualify in the Elite Division, the award will be given to the soloist in the Competitive Division with the highest average score from 3 solos. • All 3 solos must be entered under the same studio to be eligible for the title.

The judges will select a MAXIMUM of 5 entertaining group entries to return for the Encore Challenge Dance-Off! The top routine chosen by the judges will be awarded a Banner and be titled: • JUNIOR ENCORE CHAMPION - Groups ages 12 & Under • SENIOR ENCORE CHAMPION - Groups ages 13 & Over All selected Encore performers will receive an LIVE ADJUDICATION! **Selections are not selected based on scores or technical skill level of the dancers. Routines are selected based on entertainment value and overall passion onstage. **Novice entries are not eligible unless the studio has no competitive or elite group entries. **Judges cannot select more than one entry from a particular studio. **Announcements of the current judges selections for the Encore Challenge will be made at each award session, but can be "bumped" by future performances. **Encore performers must be in the venue 1 hour before the event. Late performers will be disqualified!

https://static.wixstatic.com/media/undefined Prize: Pizza Party for your Dance Team | $300 SDC Cash Award To Studio Owner | Championship Banner to Display with pride! Sportsmanship, professionalism, ethics, and kindness are at the heart of our competition! We are watching to see how each teacher, dancer, and parent interacts with each other, other studios, and our staff. Each individual can earn points for their studio by showing little acts of kindness. Individuals can lose points for their studio too. To increase your studio's chance of winning... We encourage dancers to show their studio pride by displaying posters in the audience or onstage during awards. Studios will be judged on overall spirit and sportsmanship to others throughout the competition.

https://static.wixstatic.com/media/undefined Prize: Top Studio Grand Trophy | $300 SDC Cash Scholarship Studio Award is presented during the Grand Award Session by averaging each studio’s 5 highest scoring GROUP entries.

Every Studio will be appointed a separate time slot on the SDC stage for professional filming of entries. No crossovers with other studios. Entry granted to registered participants and pre-approved studio support staff only. No spectators.

Studios will receive a detailed schedule order for their entries. Routine videos will be rearranged into their categories, adjudicated, scored, and prepared for broadcasting.

Studios will receive a virtual broadcasting schedule where all entries can be watched in their entirety along with award sessions. Studios, dancers, family and friends will be able to turn in to watch the entire competition or just their favorite dancer!

Adjudication will be available to studios shortly after the filming and video processing has finished.

Awards will be announced during broadcast and posted to our website. Applicable awards will be sent directly to studios.

Adjudicators will select a handful of entries to automatically re-enter their video in our National Encore Challenge competition. The videos of these selections will be aired in our special event this summer broadcast on social media.

Calgary #1 & Calgary #2 have been postponed to July 22-26, 2021 due to studio closures and studio owner feedback. Venue: Martha Cohen Theatre https://static.wixstatic.com/media/undefined

Calgary #1 and #2 have been postponed to July 22-26 due to studio closures and studio owner feedback. Venue: Telus Convention Centre https://static.wixstatic.com/media/undefined

Edmonon Live Event for 2021 has been cancelled due to studio closures and studio owner feedback. Studio's may carry forward 2020 credits to 2022, attend another event in another city, or partake in our NEW VIRTUAL COMPETITIONS! Event Venue: Horowitz Events Centre https://static.wixstatic.com/media/undefined

NEW VENUE ANNOUNCEMENT: Cowichan Exhibition Center (Mellor Hall) - Pending approval from Island Health WHY THE CHANGE IN VENUE? Current restrictions at CPAC do not allow participants from outside of the Cowichan area. This effects 75% of our registered studios. Studio owners will be notified with updates. A tentative date of March 17 has been set to reassess if the competition will be able to run as scheduled. OTHER INFO: Large Groups, Lines, and Productions permitted. Up to 40 dancers / teachers per studio session. NO AUDIENCE PERMITTED. ____________________________________________________________________________ Backup postponement dates: July 7-11, 2021 at Cowichan Performing Arts Centre **Should we not receive approval to run in April, we will be moving event to July. Original Venue: Cowichan Performing Arts Centre https://static.wixstatic.com/media/undefined

Event Status: Over 75% Sold Out Registration / Video Submission Deadline: April 9 Click Here For More Info(undefined) https://static.wixstatic.com/media/undefined

NEW VENUE ANNOUNCEMENT: Sheridan Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel ( Grand Ballroom ) - Pending approval from Vancouver Coastal Health WHY THE CHANGE IN VENUE? Current restriction at KMAC do not allow for more than 6 dancers in relation to social distancing space capacity. New venue has ample space for 3 meter social distancing, and larger stage area. OTHER INFO: Large Groups, Lines, and Productions are expected to be permitted in this venue. Up to 40 dancers / teachers in single studio sessions. NO AUDIENCE PERMITTED. _________________________________________________________________________ Potential Backup Dates On Hold : June 14-18th Venue: Kay Meeks Arts Centre https://static.wixstatic.com/media/undefined

Event Status: Event Approval Pending from Island Provincial Health Venue: Mary Winspear Centre Stage Size Limit: 6 dancers **Working to approve transforming the Bodine Family Hall into a larger stage area to allow more dancers. OTHER INFO: Group sizes limits TBA Up to 40 dancers / teachers per studio session. NO AUDIENCE PERMITTED https://static.wixstatic.com/media/undefined

Event Status: Event Approval Pending Venue: Canadian Museum Of History https://static.wixstatic.com/media/undefined

FOR DUOS, TRIOS, AND GROUPS! Event Status: Over 40% Sold Out Registration / Video Submission Deadline: May 7th Click Here For More Info(undefined) https://static.wixstatic.com/media/undefined

Event Status: Event Approval Pending Venue: The Culture Link Theatre OR Bella Rose Theatre https://static.wixstatic.com/media/undefined

Greetings. Please see attachment for our Covid-19 Safety application for approval of children's program to take place on April 8-11, 2021. Additional copies of this application will be sent to ActSafe Safety Association, and Worksafe BC to see additional approval or guidance. I look forward to hearing from you. STATUS: Pending approval from PHO WHY DO WE HAVE NEW SUMMER DATES FOR CALGARY? A studio owner survery was sent out to all registered studios who were signed up to attend Calgary Events in March. At that time, studios were just reopening after a lenghty shut down. By overwhelming responce, studios provided feedback that they would not be ready in March for competition. OTHER INFO: Large Groups, Lines, and Productions are expected to be permitted at venue. Up to 40 dancers / teachers per studio session. NO AUDIENCE PERMITTED. Venue: Telus Convention Centre https://static.wixstatic.com/media/undefined

All studios will receive our health and wellness questionnaire 24 hours prior to scheduled arrival date. All attendees / guardians will be REQUIRED to complete and submit the HEALTH AND WELLNESS QUESTIONNAIRE and PARTICIPANT WAIVER before permitted entry. CONTACT TRACING will be collected from everyone onsite.

If you are experiencing any flu like symptoms, please stay home and contact your studio representative.

Masks are mandatory on and off of stage. Face shields are not acceptable.

Bring your own water. Water stations will not be provided this season inorder to maintain social distancing. Food consumption on location is prohibited.

Dancers should bring their own bin or basket to place their personal belongings in.

Studios are required to review the safety plan protocols with their dancers prior to start date and ensure guardians receive a printed copy.

Dancers must arrive ready, in their first costume, and with hair and make-up done.

Every studio will be assigned a check in window of time. There will be no entry permitted early or late. No exceptions.

Entrances and exits will be clearly marked. Dancers are to be dropped off with their pre-approved studio representative oustide of the venue at their check in time. Only dancers and pre-approved studio staff will be permitted to enter venue for check in. Congregating outside of the venue, including parking lots is not permitted. Reminder: Ensure dancers have their WELLNESS QUESTIONNAIRE and WAIVER completed by their guardian.

There will be no re-entry once an individual exits their designated area. Please ensure you have all your belongings upon departure.

At check in, your temperature will be taken and then you will be directed to hand sanitize. Once completed, please follow signage to your holding area. We kindly request that you wash your hands or use hand sanitizer frequently.

Please respect social distancing requirements and stay 6 feet apart in lobby and holding areas.

Once your studio has checked in, an SDC crew member will brief you on safety protocols.

When it is time for you to join us onstage, you will check in at the set. Prior to entering the stage firming area, you will be asked to sanitize your hands.

Masks are mandatory at all times, INCLUDING ONSTAGE. Should masks not be mandated in certain locations or provinces, studios will be notified in advance.

Under current BC regulations, choreography must be non touch. There will be no point deductions for social distancing choreography, and choreography not adhering to rules will be disqualified. Studios may submit choreography that does not meet this criteria by video submission.

Dancer number limits both within the venue and on the stage, are restricted to 3 meters of social distancing space per person. Number details will be posted on our website for each event location.

Provincial restrictions currently only permit children’s only programming activity. Adult entries are welcome to submit videos for our National Virtual Competitions.

After you have completed your time on set, you must return immediately to your holding area.

Costumes are NOT mandatory this season and there will be no point deductions for performances without costumes. We also understand that dancers may have many costume changes in a short period of time. We will provide additional time for costume changes when necessary. We are not able to accommodate additional time for hair and make-up changes. Please keep hair and make-up the same for all of your dances. Each studio will be allotted enough time for their entries based on data provided. Should a studio run over their allotted time, unfortunately it would be necessary to end the studios time at the venue regardless if all entries have completed. It is important for directors to have accurate data on their studios registrations such as routine length and time for prop placement. Any concerns should be brought forward prior to schedule creation.

All props must be listed in detail by the studio under the studios registration in their online account. Prop assistants need to be pre-approved in order to be permitted entry. Please note that prop assistants count towards a studio's number limits. SDC staff are not permitted to assist with props. Studio prop assistants must wear proper protective equipment and adhere to the same safety protocols as the dancers.

Once a studio has completed their time with us, we kindly ask that all studio members exit the venue quickly. Be sure to double check that you have all of your belongings before exiting as re-entry will not be permitted and SDC staff cannot touch personal belongings.

All common areas will be sanitized and have ventilation time before use by the next studio.

Safety Protocols are in effect for everyone's health and safety, and to comply with local restriction or mandates. Failure to comply is a detriment to others, therefore we cannot make acceptions. Additional safety protocols may be added at any time. Any persons not in compliance, are required to vacate the venue immediately.

Please ensure any outstanding payments are submitted no later than 6 weeks prior to start date. Signed studio waiver is also due at this time.

All music must be submitted in digital format two weeks prior to start date through our online portal. Charges apply for late music submission.

Ensure that your dances have access to the Health and Wellness Questionnaire and Waiver, and understand these forms are required for participation.

Be sure to submit a full list of studio representatives who will be assisting your dancers. There is a maximum of 4 studio staff permitted in the venue, and friendly reminder studio staff count towards your overall studio number of permitted attendees.

SDC reserves the right to implement any additional requirements deemed mandatory by local health, work, community, or venue authorities.