FAQ

Before the Competition:

How do we register? All entries must be submitted from a verified studio through Online Registration. We do not accept Independent Entries. Phone, fax or e-mail entries will NOT be accepted. Entries are limited to the amount of performance time available at each event. Dancers can only compete with one studio per event unless there is prior authorization from StarQuest and both Studio Owners. Regional and Finals Fees can be found on each studio’s StarQuest Online Registration Home Page. Please see your Online Registration Profile for further details. All deposits and fees are non-refundable. A reservation deposit is required to reserve your spot. If an event sells out and you are NOT RESERVED and/or not paid in full, even if you are attached in online registration, your routines are not guaranteed. Please reserve your entries as soon as possible. Our Event Concierges are always here to help.

Where is the exact location of the competition? Go to our Regional Schedule and click on your competition city. That will have the most up-to-date street address of the venue as well as hotel information.

What is the Media Package? StarQuest is proud to continue its ALL-INCLUSIVE MEDIA PACKAGE. The pre-paid Media Package covers ALL photos & videos associated with each dancer, plus a free digital program, and a free livestream of the event whenever possible. This extremely low-cost fee is separate from entry fees and is calculated on the studio’s Online Registration page. The Media Package is required for all dancers and studios. Dancers who attend multiple StarQuest regional events only pay for the Media Package at their first event; all additional regional events that year are complimentary.

What are your Entry Fees & Ancillary Fees? Regional and Finals Fees can be found on each studio’s StarQuest Online Registration Home Page. Please see your Online Registration Profile for further details. All fees are released to studio owners or competition directors only.

How do I know when my child is dancing? The schedule is available at least nine days prior to your competition date. Go to our Regional Schedule and click on your competition city. Here you will see the schedule link. Specific entry numbers are sent directly to the Studio Director.

Do you accept independent entries? No.

I noticed a mistake in the schedule. What do I do? Contact your studio director and tell them to call us at 919-363-2900 or to email us at concierge@starquestdance.com

When do I need to get to the competition? Please ask your studio director to find out when they want you to arrive at the competition. Because we tend to run early, we ask that all dancers be ready to dance at least 1-2 hours prior to their scheduled time. Anyone in the audience hoping to watch a particular dancer should be there at least one hour ahead of time as well.

What happens when StarQuest runs ahead of schedule? Should the event run ahead of its scheduled time, performers should still plan to be ready to perform early.

Do you have different levels of competition? Yes, we have 3 levels.

What is the cut-off date for the age categories? Regional and Finals ages are as of January 1, 2025.

For Duet/Trios, Small Groups, Large Groups, Lines & Mega Lines, the average age determines the age class into which you may enter. To determine the age class and age range of a dance – Add the ages of all the contestants, then divide by the number of contestants. When the average age ends in a decimal, always round DOWN.

Mini – Age 5 & Under

Petite – Age 6-8

Junior – Age 9-11

Teen – Age 12-14

Senior – Age 15-18

Progressive – Age 19-24 *Progressive routines automatically compete in the Select level.

Adult – Age 25+ *Adult routines automatically compete in the Select level.

Where can I find StarQuest’s 2025 rules? Our rules can be found at: www.starquestdance.com/rules or you can click on the tab at the top of this page that says “Rules.”  

During the Competition:

Do you assign dressing room space? Yes, we assign each studio/school a dressing room space. Any of our staff members will gladly show you where your dressing area is located. This is your space for the entire competition.

Do you permit the use of fog machines as props? No form of liquid, gel, aerosol, paint, chalk, glitter, or other material that can adversely affect the dancing surface may be used.

When Can I bring props? Prop storage is different at every venue. Studio Directors please check in with your Event Director as to when to bring in props.

Where do I bring my props when I get to the competition? When you arrive, please check immediately with the Stage Manager (typically located backstage left) for prop placement and to be logged in the Stage Manager’s program.

Will there be a snack bar open at the competition? Some venues provide a concession stand. If concessions are not provided, someone at the facility will be able to tell you the nearest place to find food/snacks. Water is usually allowed inside the facility. Whenever available, venue food policies can be found by clicking your city’s  Regional Schedule. If you have a specific dietary need or questions please email us at concierge@starquestdance.com

What does it mean to go up for title? How is it judged? A Select level soloist may enter as many as three regional solo routines for the regional “Elite Dancer” title. A Classic level soloist may enter as many as two regional solo routines for the regional “Classic Emerging Artist” title. A Nova level soloist may enter as many as two regional solo routines for the regional “Nova Emerging Artist” title. Elite Dancer, Nova Emerging Artist, and Classic Emerging Artist routines scores are separate and not related to their adjudication score. The score is based on the performer’s overall performance ability, personality, and entertainment skills, in addition to technique. Simply choose the routine(s) you wish to enter for the StarQuest regional title by selecting it in online registration. All StarQuest titles are gender inclusive.

My family wants to come watch the competition. Is it free to watch? Yes. Admission is complimentary for all participating Studios and their families. A Digital Pass will be required to enter the venue and you must be verified by a participating studio to attend.

Is videotaping/taking photographs allowed at the competition? Video recording or photography is not allowed during performances as well as in dressing rooms and lavatories. Photography and videography are allowed during award ceremonies; flash photography is never allowed. Unauthorized video recording or unauthorized photography may lead to an entry being “adjudicated only,” the photos and/or videos being confiscated, and those involved possibly being escorted from the event. We have the exclusive right to notify legal authorities, if necessary, as well as deny any person(s) or studio(s) access to the competition – and possibly future StarQuest competitions – due to misconduct, misuse, or otherwise. We urge all studio owners, teachers, and especially parents to keep our performers photographically safe by reporting suspected photographic violations.

Once I get onsite how do I check in/register if I am a Studio Director/Teacher? All Studio Directors or representatives must check in at the registration counter located in the lobby at our Media Center. There, you will receive your StarQuest Owner/Director Badge, specific dressing room assignment, complimentary program, and other goodies.

What is the scoring breakdown for awards?

Select                                                                      Nova/Classic

300-291                    Ultimate Platinum              N/A

290.99-276              Platinum Plus                   300-276

275.99-264              Platinum                            275.99-264

263.99-246              High Gold                          263.99-246

245.99-228              Gold                                    245.99-228

 After the Competition:

How do I get my photos and videos from the media package? Click here to learn more about how to access your photos & videos.

How do I order a plaque or trophy? Visit our online store at www.ShopStarQuestDance.com to order any of our awards.

What’s your mailing address? Phone number? Fax? StarQuest International 2521 Schieffelin Road • Suite 106 Apex, NC 27502 Phone: 919-363-2900 Fax: 919-363-9837

How do I get my judges’ critiques? Judges’ critiques are available to Studio Directors by direct download Tuesday evening after the event. Log in to your Studio Profile link & click on the critiques link. You can also get to your Studio Profile by clicking HERE.

I have questions about my merchandise purchase. What should I do? Call us at 919-363-2900 ext. 3 or email us at merchandise@starquestdance.com

Are videos & photos posted on the StarQuest website? SQ Website: Photogenic winner’s photos can be viewed by clicking the media tab at the top of the SQ website. Click on the Photogenic link.

SQ Facebook: Additional photos & videos from every event are posted on our Facebook Page, generally within one week of the competition.

SQ Instagram: Additional photos & videos from every event are also posted on our Instagram Page, generally within one week of the competition.

What is the content of the StarQuest Release Form?

By registering, attending, viewing or participating in a StarQuest International Inc. (“StarQuest”) event or entering the venue of a StarQuest event, you ________________________ (hereinafter “Studio” or “you”) acknowledge full responsibility and forever release and discharge StarQuest, and any of their affiliates, directors, officers, employees, agents, contractors, volunteers, and venues/theaters from any and all contracts, claims, suits, actions, and liabilities arising from or relating to injuries, illnesses, accidents or damages, by you and/or any Studio participant, faculty, administrative personnel, participant’s family and/or friends and any and all other individuals in any way affiliated or appearing on behalf of a as a result of the Studio, from their participation or viewing the StarQuest event. If injury or illness occurs, you understand that StarQuest, and any of their affiliates, directors, officers, employees, agents, contractors, volunteers, and venues/theaters are NOT financially or in any way responsible and will NOT offer any reimbursement. By registering, attending, viewing, or participating in a StarQuest event or entering this venue, you release all liability and agree with all policies set by StarQuest. By registering, attending, viewing, or participating in a StarQuest event, it is agreed that your insurance policy will be the only source of any reimbursement in case of injury, illness, or any other instance to you, any Studio participant, faculty, administrative personnel, participant’s family and/or friends and any and all other individuals in any way affiliated or appearing on behalf of an as a result of the Studio.

If a studio owner/director or authorized staff member is not in attendance on site to make decisions for the studio, the StarQuest staff will refer to the next closest authority, whether it be a teacher or parent, to make any decisions on behalf of the studio.

You acknowledge that StarQuest, its contractors, consultants & sponsors, have the right to use any forms of media, including but not limited to photographs and video in any and all promotional-related materials indefinitely. You understand that StarQuest from time to time produces audio-visual programs, promotions, and other materials relating to its Events. The Studio hereby grants StarQuest and its agents, successors, licensees, contractors, consultants & sponsors the perpetual right to use the name, likeness, biographical information, photographs, voice, personal characteristics, and other personal identification (collectively “Likeness”) and any digital, videotape, sound and audio-visual recordings in any way (collectively “Recordings”) in any and all manner and media, now known or hereafter devised, throughout the world, for any and all purposes including, without limitation, in productions and in connection with the advertising and promotion of productions and/or Company, provided that Company is under no obligation to exercise any of the foregoing rights of any Studio participant, faculty, administrative personnel, participant’s family and/or friends and any and all other individuals in any way affiliated or appearing on behalf of a as a result of the Studio.

The use of music within any performance by a studio or studio participant (hereinafter and collectively “You” or “Your”), at  StarQuest events, used by You without the copyright owner’s permission to use such music for performance or any video production of said performance is illegal. Therefore, prior to any performance by You that contains music, You must certify that You have properly obtained written permission from the copyright owners, by either written agreement or license, to reproduce and/or use any material owned by third parties, for use with your performance to include any videos made of said performance prior to the airing of any possible video of Your performance publicly to include any StarQuest’s platforms.

Moreover, such licenses or other rights shall be at Your sole cost and expense and the party obtaining such licenses or other permissions shall be solely responsible for observing and complying with the terms and conditions under which such Third-Party Intellectual Property is licensed, or right is otherwise obtained from the applicable third party.

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless StarQuest, its respective affiliates, officers, agents, employees, and permitted successors and assigns against any and all claims, losses, damages, liabilities, penalties, punitive damages, expenses, reasonable legal fees, and costs of any kind or amount whatsoever, which results or may result from Your failure to acquire either a license or written agreement to use any copyrighted material.

COVID-19 RELEASE: The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, has been declared a worldwide pandemic by the World Health Organization. COVID-19 is extremely contagious and is believed to spread mainly from person-to-person contact. StarQuest has put in place preventative measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19; however, StarQuest cannot guarantee that you or your child(ren) will not become infected with COVID-19. Further, attending StarQuest events in person will increase your risk, and any Studio participant, faculty, administrative personnel, participant’s family and/or friends, and any and all other individuals in any way affiliated or appearing on behalf of and as a result of the Studio, risk of contracting COVID-19.

By signing this agreement, you acknowledge the contagious nature of COVID-19 and voluntarily assume the risk that you and any Studio participant, faculty, administrative personnel, participant’s family and/or friends, and any and all other individuals in any way affiliated or appearing on behalf of and as a result of the Studio, may be exposed to or infected by COVID-19 by attending any StarQuest in-person events, and that such exposure or infection may result in personal injury, illness, permanent disability, and death. Although StarQuest has taken measures to keep all guests, attendees, and participants safe, you understand that the risk of becoming exposed to or infected by COVID-19 at a StarQuest event may result from the actions, omissions, or negligence of myself and others, including, but not limited to, StarQuest, or any of their affiliates, directors, officers, employees, agents, contractors, volunteers, venues/theaters, other dancers and their families.

You voluntarily agree to assume all of the foregoing risks and accept sole responsibility for any injury to any Studio participant, faculty, administrative personnel, participant’s family and/or friends and any and all other individuals in any way affiliated or appearing on behalf of and as a result of the Studio (including but not limited to personal injury, disability, and death), illness, damage, loss, claim, liability, or expense of any kind, that you or any Studio participant, faculty, administrative personnel, participant’s family and/or friends and any and all other individuals in any way affiliated or appearing on behalf of a as a result of the Studio may experience or incur in connection with any Studio participant, faculty, administrative personnel, participant’s family and/or friends and any and all other individuals in any way affiliated or appearing on behalf of and as a result of the Studio attendance at a StarQuest event. You hereby release, covenant not to sue, discharge, and hold harmless StarQuest, and any of their affiliates, directors, officers, employees, agents, contractors, volunteers, and venues/theaters of and from the Claims including all liabilities, claims, actions, damages, costs or expense of any kind arising out of or relating thereto. You understand and agree that this release includes any Claims based on the actions, omissions, or negligence of StarQuest and any of their affiliates, directors, officers, employees, agents, contractors, volunteers, and venues/theaters whether a COVID-19 or any other infection occurs before, during, or after participation in a StarQuest event.

By signing you agree that you, any Studio participant, faculty, administrative personnel, participant’s family and/or friends, and any and all other individuals in any way affiliated or appearing on behalf of and as a result of the Studio are NOT:

• Experiencing cold/flu symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle pain, headache, cough or sore throat

• Positive for COVID-19

• Awaiting COVID-19 test results

You further agree that any and all claims, causes of actions, or lawsuits arising out of or relating to this agreement shall be litigated only in the state or federal courts sitting in Wake County, North Carolina, and each party hereby submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of each of such courts for such purposes. In connection with any litigation arising from this Agreement, StarQuest, if the prevailing party, shall be entitled to recover all costs incurred, including but not limited to reasonable attorneys’ fees for such litigation and any subsequent appeals. The parties waive any right to assert any claims against the other party as a representative or member in any class or representative action, except where such waiver is prohibited by law or deemed by a court of law to be against public policy.

The undersigned, including all signatories agree to abide by all rules and regulations pertaining to StarQuest, and companies and contractors that work with StarQuest and agree to all terms and rules for their participants, child(ren), and/or wards and they are aware of all policies. The undersigned agrees all policies will be those of StarQuest and the laws of the state in which you are participating. StarQuest may change or adjust policies as needed. A signature below means that all policies, procedures, and releases are understood and agreed to.

By signing below you and the parents and/or guardians of any Studio participant are acknowledging that an inherent risk in any public place where people are present. By attending any StarQuest event, you, your participants, and any guests voluntarily assume all risks related to a StarQuest event and agree not to hold StarQuest, and any of their affiliates, directors, officers, employees, agents, contractors, volunteers, or venues/theaters liable for any illness or injury.

You also attest that you have provided this release to all studio participants and parents and/or guardians of any minor studio participants, that they fully understand and accept all the provisions herein, on behalf of themselves, their children and/or wards, and any family and/or friends they bring to the event.