Hollywood Connection Dance Convention and Competition includes two days of classes. Styles vary in each city including tap, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, jazz funk, hip hop, musical theater and progressions. Bonus Classes & Competition will occur on Friday. Students must register for convention to participate in auditions/competition. Competition is not required to take classes. In some cities, age groups may be combined.

CONVENTION INFORMATION

REGISTRATIONS are non-refundable. No exceptions. ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST SIGN A RELEASE FORM. Please register online at www.hcdance.com

EMAIL CONFIRMATION A confirmation, receipt and welcome letter will be emailed, once payment is received. Please bring the email confirmation and picture ID with you to the convention to pick up your wristbands. Any questions about your registration, please contact our office at 1-877 DANCE HC or email [email protected].

MULTIPLE CITY DISCOUNTS All teachers and studio owners attend second city for FREE. Call our office for details on student discounts for multiple cities!!!

INDEPENDENT DANCERS An independent dancer is one that is NOT affiliated with a dance team or studio. (For example, a dancer that attends Performing Arts High

School, or studies at professional studio like Millennium, Broadway Dance Center NYC, etc). Independent dancers may register for the event but studios that

attend as a team will be given priority in the competition. An INDEPENDENT RELEASE FORM will be required with registration.

INDIVIDUAL STUDENTS (Attending Independently) An individual dancer is one that IS affiliated with a studio or dance team, but the team is not attending. Even though you have an affiliation with a studio you will be considered an Independent if your studio is NOT attending. Individual dancers may register for the event but studios that attend as a team will be given priority in the competition. Dancers attending under their studio name must have permission from their studio owner they are attending. If your affiliated studio is attending you may not register as an Independent/Individual student. You will also be required to fill out the INDEPENDENT RELEASE FORM.

STUDIO GROUPS/SOLOS ROUTINES WILL BE ACCOMODATED FIRST!!! However, if the maximum amount of entries is not reached and time permits, independent and individual solo competition entries will be accepted. Please register your competition routines and we will notify you if we cannot accommodate your independent/individual solo entries. Your competition fees will be returned to you. If competition is sold out, please call our office to be put on wait list.

BROADWAY BABIES For dancers 5-6 years of age, this is a great workshop to introduce dancers to the convention experience. This program is not recommended for dancers 4 years of age and under. Workshop will be held for approximately three hours on Saturday afternoon. Styles of dance which may include jazz, tap, hip hop, ballet or lyrical all with a musical theater theme! Check your regional city schedule for exact class times. Dancers will perform their routines on stage prior to the competition. Each dancer receives a certificate of completion, a Broadway Babies t-shirt, and one free observer pass with their paid registration. BROADWAY BABIES are limited enrollment and in select cities only. First come first serve. Call our office if you are interested.

OBSERVERS Are allowed with paid students only. No teachers, studio owners or managers may register as an observer. Observers are exempt from viewing Director classes and auditions.

CHAPERONES are required for all participants who are attending the event. Chaperones are responsible for dancers at all times. Hollywood Connection is not responsible for the supervision of dancers.

HOTEL Please respect the privacy of hotel guests and hotel property. Decorations on hotel room doors is not allowed. No cooking devices of any kind allowed in hotel rooms. For your safety, wear shoes at all times during the event. Dancers should wear cover ups when leaving the ballrooms. Hollywood Connection is not responsible for injuries sustained if participants are dancing barefoot.

DIRECTOR ONLY CLASSES Hollywood Connection prides itself on bringing teacher classes and seminars to keep your business moving forward. Classes in marketing, advertising, budgets, organizing recitals, curriculum and technique are just some of the topics discussed! Business classes are for all registered Directors. For more information on our guest speakers, visit our website www.hcdance.com.

SPECIAL CLASSES Family Hip Hop and Parent Yoga/Fitness classes will be offered in select cities. Have fun with other parents and discover the joy of dancing again! HEELS CLASS is a jazz based dance class to introduce dancers 14 and older to the art of dancing in heels. Boys may take the class or opt for hip hop in another ballroom. AUDITIONING 101 class with Bill Bohl for Producers only. This class will take place during the Producer scholarship audition. Bill will explain what a panel looks for during an audition, and offer advice and industry tips so dancers can improve their audition technique and get better results.

AUDITIONS The audition process is unique at Hollywood Connection. Dancers will be called by name. We do not use numbers. Hollywood Connection will have a pre-printed list of dancer’s names for the audition. No sign in is required. All dancers will be considered for awards based on their age, regardless of which room they are dancing in. For instance, if you have a dancer that is dancing in a room higher than their actual age level, that dancer will audition in the higher level ballroom but be considered for the awards in their actual age category. A DANCER SHOULD NOT CHANGE ROOMS FOR THE AUDITION.

• Directors are allowed in the audition room. NO OBSERVERS.
• Students must be registered for the convention to audition for scholarships and awards.
• Dance combination for the audition will be taught during classes on Saturday. The audition will take place on Sunday.
• There are no eliminations. Dancers will stay in the room the entire time to learn from experience.
• Award winners will be announced at the wrap party.
• ICON title winners and runner ups must compete at nationals under the studio in which they received the award. ICON OF THE YEAR title winners must remain with their studio while they hold the title.

COMPETITION INFORMATION

SOLOS Solos will be allowed as time permits.

STUDIO SOLOS WILL BE GIVEN PRIORITY BEFORE INDEPENDENT/INDIVIDUAL SOLOS. A dancer does NOT need to perform a solo in a regional city to be eligible for awards and scholarships, including the ICON Title Award. All dancers may enter solos at the national competition without pre-qualifying in a regional city. For any dancer competing a solo under the age of 7, please email [email protected].

DOUBLE TAKE NATIONAL FINALS QUALIFICATION Each studio will be allowed to double their qualified routines at Nationals. For instance, if you bring 15 routines to a regional event (this included duo/trios & groups), you may bring 30 routines to Nationals. (of equal or lesser value). All routines must pay the national entry fees. Any routines above and beyond the Double Take will be required to prequalify and pay prequalification fees.

STUDIO CHOREOGRAPHY AWARD HC will honor choreography created by teachers or assistant teachers currently on staff at your studio. Each studio will be allowed to submit ONE routine to be considered for this special honor. We suggest selecting a routine choreographed by a teacher or assistant teacher that will attend the event. No additional fees apply. Commissioned choreography by professional choreographers or convention teachers brought in from outside the studio will not be considered. We want to honor YOU, the teachers for a job well done. All studio entries submitted will be considered, and one routine will be selected to receive a special award plaque.

MUSIC UPLOADS Please upload all of your music prior to the competition and check your files for accuracy. ALL MUSIC MUST BE UPLOADED. Back up music should be brought on a digital device such as phone, computer or flash drive. CD’s will not be accepted.

RULES AND REGULATIONS Please review the rules and regulations carefully.

• There are no refunds.

Directors:

• Must provide copies of birth certificates upon request. DO NOT MAIL BIRTH CERTIFICATES.
• May not perform with students. Assistant teachers may perform with students.
• Will have reserved seating during the competition.

Competition:

• Participants must be registered for the convention to compete.
• Entries must be received 30 days before the convention date.
• Misrepresentation of ages on entry forms will result in disqualification.
• Competition schedule will be listed by age, category and division. We may go out of the scheduled order.
• Talking, lip sync, and singing are acceptable, but mics will not be provided.
• Three (3) tumbling passes are acceptable in an entry. If a routine has more than three (3) tumbling passes, it must be entered in the Open category. Tumbling occurring continuously is considered 1 pass. No tumbling passes in tap category. Flips/twists greater than one rotation are prohibited.
• General lifts are acceptable.
• All music, choreography and costumes must be appropriate for family viewing. Inappropriate routines and music/lyrics may be penalized, disqualified or stopped at the sole discretion of the competition director and/or panel of judges of Hollywood Connection.

Judging/Awards:

• Judges may stop a number in progress and ask for it to be repeated.
• Judges scores and critiques are confidential and will be uploaded into the online account created at registration.
• Technical score will break a tie. In the event of a technical tie, placement will be determined by judges’ choice.
• Routines that win 1st place, including solos, may not place at another Hollywood Connection regional competition for the season. However, routines can perform for critique and medal only, but not place, if performing in a second regional city. If a routine placed 2nd, 3rd or did not place at all, that routine may compete again.
• High scores, overalls and cash awards will be announced at the Wrap Party.

The mission of The Teen Company is to support the in-studio training as well as enhance the student’s performance qualities, audition skills and team building. In addition, our mission is to educate dancers on the business of dance and the dance industry as a whole.

Mentor/Artistic Director: Alli Esposito

DO I NEED TO CHECK IN MY CHILD?
If you are registered with your studio, your teacher will pick up the registration packet. This will have your child’s wristband. Please ask your teacher what time and where to meet to pick up your wristband. If you did NOT register with a studio, you may pick up your wristband at registration.

WHAT SHOULD MY CHILD BRING TO THE EVENT?
A mask, proper dance attire, cover ups, sweats, costumes (if competing), hair accessories, band aids, socks and all appropriate dance shoes. Hollywood Connection recommends wearing shoes for all classes and competition. Dancers assume all risk when dancing in socks or dancing with bare feet. Dancers should also pack some healthy snacks and bottled water. Water stations may or may not be available in the hotel ballrooms due to Covid. Please bring your own.

CAN I WATCH THE CLASSES?
Depending on capacity restrictions, observers may not be allowed in the classes. Teachers and Studio Owners with credentials are allowed in all classes.

ARE CHAPERONES REQUIRED?
Yes, chaperones are required for any dancer under 18 years of age and staying at the hotel.

HOLLYWOOD CONNECTION IS NOT REPSONSIBLE FOR THE SUPERVISION OF DANCERS. ARE WE ALLOWED TO DECORATE OUR HOTEL DOORS?
NO! Please respect the hotel property and do not decorate the doors. You may be charged a damage fee upon check out and this is beyond our control. In addition, a sign on your door is telling the public that there is a child in your room. For your own safety, do not decorate doors. There are many other ways to show your team spirit!

WILL CLASS SIZE BE LIMITED?
Capacity will be determined by the venue. We will follow local protocols and mandates.

WHAT HAPPENS IN THE ROOM DURING AN AUDITION?
Dancers will learn a combination prior to the audition. Dancers will review a few times and be called out by name, to dance in a small group on the floor. We use names rather than numbers for a couple reasons. One, everyone likes hearing their name called! Two, it keeps them focused during the audition process. Three, it makes the experience a personal one for both the dancer and for the panel. Dancers will “audition” the routine and the panel will discuss the audition. Please don’t second guess the decision-making progress. Your child may come out and say “They were talking during my audition”. The panel may talk amongst themselves during the audition process. This is completely normal. This does not mean anything BAD! Decisions must be made and many times it requires a bit of discussion. Scholarships are a way for us to give back to dancers, their families and the studio owners. Teachers and studio owners will be in the room. If you have questions, please ask your studio owner or teacher for more information.

WHAT IS AUDITIONING 101? WHO IS BILL BOHL?
Bill is a former professional dancer/choreographer and is currently the owner and talent agent of THE MOVEMENT TALENT AGENCY representing dancers for film, TV, commercials, music videos, live stage, Broadway and more. Bill speaks to dancers within the audition as a way to help them understand the audition process and what a panel looks for during an audition. Dancers may receive individual critiques to help them improve their auditioning skills. Bill will also discuss the entertainment industry as it pertains to obtaining a dance career. The intention of the class is to help dancers develop their audition technique, control their nerves and put their best foot forward during any demanding or stressful situation. The class is taught in a positive way to help dancers get beyond their fears and shine!

HOW ARE SCHOLARSHIPS DETERMINED?
There are many factors when deciding who gets a scholarship. Every dancer is different and the reason a dancer receives an award can be just as diverse. Don’t second guess the outcome. Focus on the learning experience. Auditioning is a technique. The more a dancer auditions, the better they get at it.

WHAT IS THE FAMILY DANCE CLASS?
Join one of the HC faculty for a fun filled class. No dance training is required. This is your chance to get up and move. Have fun with other family members and find out why your child LOVES to dance. The family dance class is free to all parents and family members 16 yrs and up.

BROADWAY BABIES
This half day workshop is an introduction to convention classes for 5-6 year old dancers. Dancers will learn 3 routines from a Broadway show and/or movie musical soundtrack. They will perform these routines on stage at the conclusion of the workshop and it will be recorded. A link to download the performance will be emailed after the event.

CAN I WATCH THE COMPETITION?
Yes, the competition is open to the public and is free of charge. Parents/family may watch the competition as their is no charge to enter the competition ballroom. Chairs will be reserved for studio owners and handicap. Hotels must follow CDC guidelines and County mandates, therefore, do not move chairs in the room. They are set for your safety and the safety of others.

WILL COMPETITION RUN ON TIME AND IN ORDER?
Studios may create their own performance order to best meet the needs of the team as long as routines stay within the section/awards outlined. Competition will be livestreamed for those that prefer to watch at home or in the comfort of their hotel room.

ARE PHOTOS AND VIDEO TAPING ALLOWED?
There is no flash photography or video taping during the competition. The flashes can be disruptive and uncomfortable for some and a hazard to the dancers on stage. Teachers want their choreography protected, so please do not video tape or you may be asked to leave the theater. ABSOLUTELY NO PHOTOS OR VIDEOS IN THE DRESSING ROOMS. In all cities, the competition will be professionally photographed and video taped. Your studio routines and photos are available for purchase on our website.

WILL THERE BE FOOD AND BEVERAGE FOR PURCHASE?
Although most hotels do not offer sit down dining, many offer to go service. Remember, the restaurants and room service can get very busy in the mornings and during lunch so plan to order your food ahead of time or pack your lunch to save time and money! In some cases, hotels and convention centers DO NOT allow outside food or beverage in the public spaces. However, you may eat outside food in the comfort of your hotel room. Absolutely no cooking devices of any kind will be allowed in hotel rooms or public spaces of the hotel or venue. Please be respectful of the rules at each venue.

WHAT IS THE WRAP PARTY?
The Wrap Party is our end of weekend show where we will announce high scores from the competition, our title winners for the weekend and some other special awards. Faculty will perform. The wrap party may be livestreamed in select cities.

Bohld Award of Excellence

In each regional city Bill Bohl will acknowledge dancers who stand out in a unique way, pushing their limits as an artist and inspire others during the weekend.

The Diamond Award

Acknowledging Originality, Uniqueness and/or a One-of-a-Kind Performance

The Image Award

Outstanding Presentation, Theme, Execution of Style, or Costume

Studio Choreography Award

Honoring choreography created by studio owners and/or teachers. No Outside choreography is considered. Each studio nominates one routine for the award. Award is for combined age groups Superstar/Co-Star and Guest Star/Producer.

Spotlight Award

Stand out routine from the group competition that was a faculty favorite.

The winner was chosen based on performance, showmanship, and entertainment value.

VIP Award – Workshop Scholarship

Free tuition to one of Hollywood Connections’ 2026 regional 2-day events. Does not apply to Bootcamp event. Hotel, airfare, and competition fees are not included.

Celebrity Award – Yearlong Scholarship

Free tuition to any of Hollywood Connections’ 2026 regional 2-day events. Does not apply to Bootcamp event. Hotel, airfare, and competition fees are not included.

Stardom Award – National Finals Scholarship

Tuition for the 2025 National Finals workshop is paid for.

Hotel, airfare, and competition fees are not included.

Bootcamp Award – Training Workshop Scholarship

Free tuition to pre-season Bootcamp event in Sept 2025 event (includes lunch Sat/Sun). Hotel, airfare, and competition fees are not included.

The following awards are given out during the regional season and can be used at the 2025 national finals event. Awards are not transferrable to additional years.

Teen Company 2026 Season - Invited Audition Only invited dancers are allowed to audition. Dancer must have received this award at a regional event during the 2025 season. Teen Company auditions will be at our National Finals in San Diego, CA. You DO NOT need to be registered for the National Finals to audition for the Teen Company. Studio approval will be required. No fee required to audition. Must be present to be considered for the 2026 Teen Company - NO VIRTUAL AUDITION will be offered in 2025. Please note: Bring 4x6 photo for audition - No Resume Needed An email will be sent to sign up online if you are registered for the NF event. Otherwise you can sign up onsite day of the audition. Clothing/Shoes: Please wear dance clothes and bring shoes that allow for all dance styles including hip hop and tap. The mission of The Teen Company is to support the in-studio training as well as enhance the student’s performance qualities, audition skills and team building. Teen Company dancers will assist all levels of classes on Hollywood Connection conventions.

Hollywood Makeover Award – Headshot Photoshoot Dancer must be registered for the 2025 National Finals to participate. Each dancer will receive a mini headshot photo shoot at the 2025 National Finals. To participate, dancer must have received this award at a regional event during the 2025 season. Hotel, airfare, convention, and competition fees are not included. There is no additional fee for this photoshoot.

Hollywood Action Shoot – Action Dance Photoshoot Dancer must be registered for the 2025 National Finals to participate. Each dancer will receive a mini action photo shoot at the 2025 National Finals. To participate, dancer must have received this award at a regional event during the 2025 season. Hotel, airfare, convention, and competition fees are not included. There is no additional fee for this photoshoot.

HC Squad – Brooklyn Jai Performance Dancer must be registered for the 2025 National Finals to participate. All recipients will perform in a routine with Brooklyn Jai. To participate, dancer must have received this award at a regional event during the 2025 season. There is no additional fee to participate in the performance. You will be asked to bring clothing for a costume. Hotel, airfare, convention, and competition fees are not included.

Fame Award – Dance Agency Representation Audition Dancer must be registered for the 2025 National Finals to participate. All recipients are invited to attend a private audition with Los Angeles talent agent JIM KEITH from the Movement Talent Agency. Several performers will be handpicked to be represented in the dance industry for film, tv, commercials, music videos and live shows. To participate, dancer must have received this award at a regional event during the 2025 season. Hotel, airfare, convention, and competition fees not included. There is no additional fee to participate in the audition.

Bonnie Story’s Music Video Workshop - Video Shoot Dancer must be registered for the 2025 National Finals to participate. Bonnie Story (Emmy Award winning choreographer of High School Musical franchise) will be shooting a music video at the 2025 National Finals for all the pre-qualified winners of the Music Video Workshop Award. They will work directly with Bonnie, learn to work with the camera, how to be on set, dance and acting will be involved. Each dancer will receive a download of their music video and HC will premiere these videos at our wrap party. To participate, dancer must have received this award at a regional event during the 2025 season. Please register Music Video Workshop participants in your Hollywood Connection National Finals online account. Hotel, airfare, convention, and competition fees are not included. You will be asked to bring clothing for a costume. There is an additional fee of $95.00 to participate in the music video workshop for all dancers at national finals

Icon Title Award & Icon Runner Ups Dancer must be registered for the 2025 National Finals to participate. All title winners and runner-ups will be eligible to compete for the ICON of the YEAR at our 2025 National Finals in San Diego, CA. All dancers will rehearse for an opening number and you will perform a solo in the ICON of the YEAR competition. There is an ICON solo fee to participate in the ICON of the YEAR competition. This includes your opening number costume and all rehearsals with HC choreographers.

NO SOLO ICON – You may still participate in the ICON of the YEAR opening number and not do a solo in the competition. The Icon Solo fee still applies to cover the costume and choreographers’ fees. With this option, dancer will not be eligible to win ICON of the YEAR.

All ICON participants also receive the following awards:

THE FAME AWARD – Dance Agency + Representation Audition Dancer must be registered for the 2025 National Finals to participate. All recipients are invited to attend a private audition with Los Angeles talent agent JIM KEITH from the Movement Talent Agency. Several performers will be handpicked to be represented in the dance industry for film, tv, commercials, music videos and live shows. Hotel, airfare, convention, and competition fees not included. There is no additional fee to participate in the audition.

Bonnie Story’s MUSIC VIDEO WORKSHOP – Video Shoot Dancer must be registered for the 2025 National Finals to participate. Bonnie Story (Emmy Award winning choreographer of High School Musical franchise) will be shooting a music video at the 2025 National Finals for all the pre-qualified winners of the Music Video Workshop Award. They will work directly with Bonnie, learn to work with the camera, how to be on set, dance and acting will be involved. Each dancer will receive a download of their music video and HC will premiere these videos at our wrap party. There is an additional fee of $95.00 to participate in the music video workshop – This covers the cost of running this workshop. Hotel, airfare, convention, and competition fees are not included. You will be asked to bring clothing for a costume.