countdown to comp march 2016

Thursday
March 3rd
to
Saturday
March 5th
2016
Elegant, contemporary, and environmentally friendly, the Boston Marriott Quincy provides a home
away from home for our event. The picture-perfect hotel location in central Quincy places the best
of the city at your doorstep and enables easy access to Boston, Plymouth, Cape Cod, and other
nearby areas. The sophisticated rooms and suites are filled with thoughtful amenities. Additionally
the hotel includes on-site dining at Hancock's and Kilroy's Irish Pub. You can also order room service, and enjoy a meal in the comfort of your hotel room during your Quincy visit.
Location & GPS Address
1200 Crown Colony Drive
Quincy MA 02169
Check in and Check out
Check in at 4:00 pm
Check out at Noon
Hotel Features
Complimentary Parking
Smoke Free Environment
Complimentary Wireless in Public Areas
THEME
Moulin Rouge
DRESS CODE
Daytime Sessions & Meals: Dressy casual
No jeans, shorts or sneakers
Evening Sessions: Dressy
Saturday’s banquet: Semi-formal to Formal
TENTATIVE SESSION START TIMES
Session 1:
Session 2:
Session 3:
Session 4:
Session 5:
9:00 am Thursday
6:00 pm Thursday
9:00 am Friday
6:00 pm Friday
8:00 am Saturday
2016 COMPETITIONS
New England Dance Extravaganza
June 17th – 18th
Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa, Groton, CT
New England Colonial Classic
August 18th – 20th
Hyatt Regency, Greenwich, CT
New England Tri-Star Championships
November 10th – 12th
Foxwoods Resort & Casino, Ledyard, CT
2017 Competitions (Tentative)
New England Dancesport Championships
March 9th—11th
New England Colonial Classic
August 17th—19th
New England Tri-Star Championships
November 9th—11th
STUDIO BANNERS
Super School: This studio does it all and does it all in a
super way! Staff and students participate in all sessions
and attend competition activities and meals. Studios
receive points for submitting the most entries at the
first deadline, having the highest number of new competitors and professional entries. The studio also gets
points for accuracy and timeliness of paperwork. Points
are earned throughout the competition for Team Spirit
and cheering spectators. The studio with the most
points at the end of Saturday wins Super School.
Top Studio: This is figured by the computer based on
points for number of entries and placements. It’s not
just about how many entries...but how well the dancers
place.
School Spirit: Based on creativity of decorations, presence in ballroom and at meals throughout weekend,
cheering spectators and display of team spirit.
Best in Show: Awarded to the studio that best represents the standards of Fred Astaire and the competition including a combination of use of theme in decorations, adhering to guidelines and deadlines, dancing in
the correct age and ability categories with students,
and generally representing the franchise and the competition and the studio team in a positive and enthusiastic way.
Officials Scheduled to Appear
Judge #1 Anastasia Abrashin
Judge #2 Jeannie Penatello
Judge #3 Elizabeth Joy
Judge #4 TBD
Judge #5 TBD
MC: Tad Joy
Chairperson of the Judges: Lyall Bradshaw
Invigilator: George Hendricks
Scrutineer: Bonnie Mackenzie
Registrar: Catherine Jaspersohn
Music Director: Jason Vespalac
Show Couple: Manuel Favilla and Natalia Maidiuk
WEDNESDAY, March 2nd, 2016
8:00 pm – 9:30 pm Competition Desk Open
THURSDAY, March 3rd, 2016
7:30 am – 10:00 pm Competition Desk Open
SESSION #1 Starts at 9:00 am
Open Gender Division
Country Western—All Ages
Argentine Tango—All Ages
International Standard– All Ages
International Latin—All Ages
Solo, Showcases, Novelty and Formation Division Part I
SESSION #2 6:00 pm
Solo, Showcases, Novelty, Formation Divisions Part II
Mixed Championship
Professional Division
FRIDAY, March 4th, 2016
7:30 am – 10:00 pm Competition Desk Open
SESSION #3
9:00 am
Rhythm Proficiency — ALL Ages INCLUDING Juniors
Social and Advanced Bronze Rhythm (Groups 1-7)
EXCLUDING Juniors
Social and Advanced Bronze Rhythm Championships
EXCLUDING Juniors
SESSION #4 6:00 pm
Social and Advanced Bronze Rhythm (Groups 1-7)
Junior Division
Social and Advanced Bronze Rhythm Championships
Junior Division
Silver, Gold and Open Rhythm (Groups 8-15) All Ages
Silver, Gold and Open Rhythm Championships All Ages
SATURDAY, March 5th, 2016
6:30 am – 5:00 pm Competition Desk Open
Session #5
8:00 am
All Smooth Including Juniors
GRAND BALL, BANQUET & SHOW 8:00 pm
GENERAL DANCING, TOP STUDENT, TOP TEACHER
& TOP STUDIO AWARDS (9:30 pm)
Plus Honor Dances from the Professional Division and a
Performance by Professional Couple (10:30 pm)
Fred Astaire Dining Options
Advanced Ticket Purchase Required
See competition menu page in this packet.
Thursday, March 3rd
6:30 am—9:30 am Breakfast at Hancock’s
11:30 am—1:30 pm Lunch Buffet
4:00 pm—6:00 pm Dinner Buffet
Friday, March 4th
7:30 am—9:30 am Breakfast at Hancock’s
11:30 am — 1:30 pm Lunch Buffet
4:00 pm—6:00 pm Dinner Buffet
Saturday, March 5th
7:00 am —9:00 am Breakfast at Hancock’s
12:30 —2:30 pm Lunch Buffet
8:00 pm Grand Ball, Banquet & Show
Sunday, March 6th
8:00 —10:00 am Breakfast Buffet at Hancock’s
Other
Dining
Options
Hancocks Restaurant for Dinner
Mon. – Sat. from 6 pm – 11 pm
Kilroy’s Pub
Mon. – Thurs. from 11:30 am – 10 pm
Fri. & Sat. from 11:30 am - 11 pm
Lounge open until 12:30
Adam’s Lounge
Mon. – Thurs. from 11:30 am – 10 pm
Fri. & Sat. from 11:30 am - 11 pm
Lounge open until 12:30
Room Service is open 6:00 am – 11:00 pm
BREAKFAST
SATURDAY BANQUET
Thursday, Friday, Saturday &
Sunday
Buffet in Hancock’s Restaurant
All entrees served with Salad, Chef’s
Suggestion of Seasonal Vegetable,
Rolls & Flatbread
LUNCH
Herb Crusted All Natural Chicken
Breast with Port Wine Demi Glaze
and Whipped Red Potatoes
Thursday
Soup of the Day; Red Skin Potato &
Fresh Bean Salad; Tuna Salad; Chopped
Greek Salad:
Sliced Swiss, Provolone, American
Cheese; Sliced Roast Beef, Turkey
Breast, Tavern Ham; Buffalo Chicken
Salad; Dill Pickles, Slice Vine-Ripened
Tomatoes, Red Leaf Lettuce, Marinated
Olives, Sliced Red Onions and Pepperoncini Peppers; Dijon Mustard, Creamy
Horseradish and Mayo, Vinegar and Oil;
Individual Bags of Potato Chips
Brownies and M&M Cookies
Coffee, Tea, Soft Drinks & Water
Friday
Soup of the Day
Chopped Vegetable Pasta Salad
Buffalo Chicken Salad
Caesar Salad ; Sliced Swiss, Provolone;
American Cheese; Sliced Roast Beef,
Turkey Breast, Tavern Ham; Buffalo
Chicken Salad
Dill Pickles, Slice Vine-Ripened Tomatoes, Red Leaf Lettuce, Marinated Olives, Sliced Red Onions and Pepperoncini Peppers
Dijon Mustard, Creamy Horseradish and
Mayo, Vinegar and Oil
Individual Bags of Potato Chips
Brownies and M&M Cookies
Coffee, Tea, Soft Drinks & Water
Saturday
Soup of the Day; Red Skin Potato; Fresh
Bean Salad; Fresh Fruit Salad
Traditional House Salad
Sliced Swiss, Provolone; American
Cheese; Sliced Roast Beef, Turkey
Breast, Tavern Ham; Buffalo Chicken
Salad; Dill Pickles, Slice Vine-Ripened
Tomatoes, Red Leaf Lettuce, Marinated
Olives, Sliced Red Onions and Pepperoncini Peppers; Dijon Mustard, Creamy
Horseradish and Mayo; Vinegar and Oil;
Individual Bags of Potato Chips
Brownies and M&M Cookies
Coffee, Tea, Soft Drinks & Water
DINNER
Thursday
Filet Mignon with Cabernet Black
Truffle Demi Glaze and Roasted Yukon Gold Potatoes
The Celebrate New England Buffet
New England Clam Chowder
Boston Bibb Salad
Grilled Marinated Veggies
Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Red Bliss Potatoes
Fresh Maine Lobster Roll
Grilled Chicken Breast
Teriyaki Steak Tips
Toll House Cookies and
Miniature Boston Crème Pies
Coffee, Herbal Teas, Decaffeinated Coffee, Soft
Drinks and
Spring Water
Seared Atlantic Salmon with Warm
Bean and Potato Salad Tarragon Vinaigrette
Vegetable Strudel: Mediterranean
Vegetables Wrapped in Phyllo Red
Pepper Puree
Children’s
Meal of
Chicken
Fingers and
French Fries
(includes
salad and
dessert)
Friday
Minestrone
Soup
Chilled
Tortellini Salad
Roasted
Eggplant Orzo
Salad
Caesar Salad
Antipasti
Baked Ziti with
Bolognese,
Ricotta &
Mozzarella Cheese
Eggplant Parmigiana
Chicken Parmigiana
Penne Mirabella with Sundried Tomatoes,
Mushrooms, Garlic and
White wine sauce
Assortment of Fresh Breads & Rolls
Fresh Fruit and Melons
Italian Cookies, Biscotti, & White Chocolate Mousse
Cappuccino
Coffee, Tea, Soft Drinks & Water
For children
under 14
only please
Dessert: Turtle Cheesecake
New York Style Cheesecake, Candied
Pecans and Rich Caramel with Belgian Chocolate
Coffee, Herbal Teas and
Decaffeinated Coffee
Registration: At the registration desk outside the ballroom of the hotel you will receive your most-up-to-date heat sheet, preordered tickets, plaques, programs and a welcome gift. The souvenir welcome gift is for those pro/am competitors preregistered with entries and sessions tickets. At the registration desk you can also get help with just about any crisis you come
up with. There is usually no problem that can’t be fixed so don’t panic — just ask!
Session & Meal Tickets: You will need a ticket to enter each session and any pre-purchased meals. For the sessions we will take
your ticket as you enter the ballroom area and give you one as you leave so you can come and go as you please. Keep track
of your tickets as they are like cash.
Plaques: Each competitor will receive a participation plaque at the registration desk. Your placement tabs (awards) will attach to
the plaque. A larger plaque is generally ordered when you have signed up for more than twenty-five dances. Plaques are not
given for those dancing in formations only.
Heats: The competition runs by “heats.” Your “heat sheet” will list all the dances you signed up for and the expected times
you will be dancing. (It is more up-to-date than the program so if there is a discrepancy, follow your heat sheet.) Each heat is
long enough for the judges to accurately evaluate each competitor on the floor, but would be no longer than one and a half
minutes. You will share the floor with others dancing the same dance, but they may be at a different level or age category than
you. Listen to the MC and the Deck Captain for what heats are dancing and lining up in the on-deck area. You should be in
the ballroom one half hour before you need to be on the floor – dressed, made-up and warmed up. If you lose your heat
sheet, you can get another one printed at the congratulation station. (See below)
Congratulation Station: When you are finished dancing in each session, grab your instructor and visit the “Congratulation Station” located in the ballroom foyer to receive a printout of your results and collect your prize tabs, your high-fives and hugs.
(Please note: The juniors and championship divisions will be called onto the floor at the end of each division to have their
placements called and receive their award tabs and medals.) You can also get your heat sheet re-printed here.
On-Deck Area: This is where you line up for your heats. You need to be in this area about 6-8 heats before your heat. Go by
the heat number, not by the time as we can run up to 30 minutes ahead of schedule. Listen very carefully for the Deck Captain
to call your name and your heat number. PLEASE RAISE YOUR HAND and GET IN LINE IMMEDIATELY when she calls your
name. Be respectful of the other dancers and be on time. We do our best to accommodate costume changes. If your teacher
is on the floor with another student, wait in line and they will take your arm as they come off the floor from the previous heat.
Ballroom A vs. Ballroom B: Sometimes, in order to accommodate several age categories on the floor at a time, the ballroom
floor will be “split” into “A” and “B” — usually with poles and stanchions or sometimes just a row of big plants. If you are assigned to “A” or “B” you must dance only on that side of the floor for that heat. Not all heats will be divided. Pay attention to
the MC and the Deck Captain as to which ballroom you are assigned and it will be on your heat sheet.
Call-backs or semi-finals: Sometimes the judges will “call-back” couples from a very large heat to determine winners of the heat.
You will have to go back on the floor and re-dance the heat. You must listen carefully if you have a notice in your registration
envelope that you entered a heat with a call-back. The MC and Deck Captain will announce when it’s time to go back on the
floor. Please do not leave the ballroom while waiting for a call-back. The final or call-back could be up to a half hour after the
semi-final.
Superior customer service is our number one priority. Please feel free to call our vendors
prior to the competition with any questions and be sure to visit them during competition
weekend. Our anticipated vendors are:
Front Row Video Productions
Contact: Bill Marshall
1-352-552-2088
Ryan Kenner Photography
Contact: Ryan Kenner
401.486.8465
www.ryankennerphotography.com
Pure Elegance
Contact: Oksana Blais
1-888-999-2959
Designs by Galina
Contact: Galina Tsybikova
1-781-801-3658
Gysybikova@comcast.net
Ooohlala! Hair & Makeup
Contact: Tara Raschello
1-860-235-9626
oohlala@ct.metrocast.net
Make your appointment early!
For entries and tickets, the best place to start is usually with your instructor or your studio owner/manager as they have the records of your entries and ticket purchases. But, the Competition Staff and the Competition Organizer, Karen Green, are completely at your service and are usually able to resolve any issues that arise.
Entries Bring any issues to the attention of your instructor or studio owner/manager immediately. He/She will work with the
Competition Registrar to resolve the issue. Heat Sheets should be reviewed prior to arrival to minimize changes after the competition begins. Corrections and additions must be made prior to each session beginning and cannot be accepted if they
make another heat or cause a semi-final.
Ticket Issues – Please keep track of your tickets like cash!
· Lost Tickets: See Karen Green, the Competition Organizer
· Wrong or Missing Tickets in Your Envelope: Bring to the attention of the Competition Registration Desk immediately. They
can swap session tickets and they can check the computer to see what the studio ordered for you. If what the computer
lists doesn’t match what you think you ordered, please see your studio owner/manager or Karen Green. Please don’t panic
— we can fix it!
Hotel Reservation Issues: See Karen Green. Again, don’t panic. We can usually fix any issues!
Wardrobe Mulfunctions We keep scissors, tape, pins and Crazy Glue at the Competition Registration Desk. The dress/
accessory vendors also usually can help with a ripped seam or a stuck zipper and carry a full line of accessories like fishnets and
heel guards.
Lost Heat Sheet or Lost Competitor Number The Congratulation Station is the fastest place to get a copy printed or a new
number if you lose yours.
Plaque is Missing or Has Name Misspelled Let the Competition Registration Staff know right away. Those performing in a Formation or Solo only, do not receive a plaque.
In all Pro/Am and Amateur Divisions students are classified according to age as well as level of accomplishment in the Fred
Astaire Trophy System. For amateur couples, the age classification is defined as the age of the older partner on the day of the
competition. Students may dance their ACTUAL age category and two lower. Juniors may dance one age category up EXCEPT
at the JD (14-17) level. You must be 17 to dance at the A1 level. A1 students may ONLY dance at A1.
JN = (0-6)
A1 = (18-25)
JR = (7-10)
A2 = (26-32)
JV = (11-13)
A3 = (33-38)
JD = (14-17)
for Pro/Am Regular Championship Divisions
LA & GA = (18-38) = A
LB & GB = (39-59) = B
LC & GC = (60 +) = C
Junior Categories are the same as above.
B1 = (39-45)
B2 = (46-52)
B3 = (53-59)
C1 = (60-67)
C2 = (68-75)
C3 = (76+)
Ladies and gents compete against each other in championship divisions. Amateur couples compete in the same ages as listed
above but they do not compete against pro/am couples.
ines for Ability Levels
Dancers may compete at their own level and TWO levels UP.
I, the undersigned, am a student/employee/guest at the_________________ Fred Astaire Dance Studio® and as such, participate in the teaching or taking of dance instruction and/or other dance studio activities such as parties, travel, seminars, dance
competitions and dance-related trips, including the upcoming March 2016 New England Dancesport Championships
(Collectively called the “Dance Activities”).
I warrant that I am physically able to participate in the Dance Activities. I recognize, however, the risks or injury inherent in
Dance Activities. I am participating in the Dance Activities at my sole risk and I assume any and all risk associated with the
Dance Activities.
In consideration for being permitted to participate in the Dance Activities, I hereby freely and voluntarily release, discharge,
waive and relinquish on behalf of myself, my heirs, executors, administrators or any person claiming on my behalf, any and all
claims, actions or causes of action whatsoever for personal injury and/or property damage, and any and all costs, liabilities or
expenses (including attorney’s fees and court costs), arising directly or indirectly from my participation in any of the Dance Activities, against the above named Fred Astaire Dance Studio®, Fred Astaire Dance Studios, Inc., Fred Astaire Dance Studios of
North America, Megadance USA Corp, New England Dance Promotions Inc., Maximize Your Impact LLC, Fairfield Dance Promotions LLC, their Events and their respective officers, organizers, employees, subsidiaries, affiliates, shareholders, directors,
agents, successors and assigns.
I also understand that all photographs taken at this event are the property the studios listed above and I grant my permission
for those studios to use my photograph for promotional use in their marketing materials.
Signed:_____________________________Print Name: __________________________________ Date:___________
The following form is optional but strongly encouraged. All information is confidential; is kept on file at Organizer’s Desk and is
shredded after each competition.
Medical Information for:_________________________________ Address:___________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
In case of emergency please contact:
Name____________________________________________
Medical Conditions and Allergies:
_________________________________________________
Relationship_______________________________________
_________________________________________________
Phone Numbers____________________________________
_________________________________________________
Physician:_________________________________________
_________________________________________________
Physician’s Phone:__________________________________
_________________________________________________
Contact Lens Wearer: Yes No
Blood Type:
Medications (Include Name, Dose, What For, When to Take)
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Please list anything else that would be important for emergency responders to know:
BALLROOM NECESSITIES
SMOOTH/STANDARD
RHYTHM/LATIN
___Highlighter
___Pen
___Program
___Instant Stain Remover
___Static Guard Spray
___Super Glue
___Safety Pins
___Needle/Thread
___Pain Reliever
___Tissues
___Camera
___Warm Shawl/Sweater
___Moleskin (for blisters)
___Band-aids
___Shoe Brush
___Slippers
___Sweat Towel
MEN:
___Tails
___Pants
___Shirt
___Collar
___Tie
___Waistcoat
___Cufflinks
___Studs
___Black Socks
___Black Patent Leather Shoes
___Extra Shoe Laces
MEN:
___Latin Pants & Shirt
___Black Socks
___Latin Shoes
LADIES:
___Makeup
___Eyelashes
___Nail glue/polish
___Hair products
& accessories
___Medication
___Snacks
___Water/Gatorade
___Directions to Hotel
___Cell phone & Charger
SHOWCASE NECESSITIES
___Costume
___Props
___Copy of Music
EMERGENCY CONTACT
___Ballroom Dress
___Trunks
___Stockings
___Smooth Shoes
___Heel Guards
___Earrings
___Necklace
DRESS CODE
Dressy casual for sessions and
meals. No jeans, shorts or
sneakers. The evening
sessions are dressier.
Saturday’s banquet is semiformal to formal.
Phone number of someone in
your studio (your instructor or
the studio manager) who will
be at competition, whom you
can contact in case of emerCHECK WITH YOUR
gency:
Studio Contact:__________
INSTRUCTOR TO SEE IF THERE IS
ANYTHING ELSE HE/SHE WANTS
YOU TO BRING.
LADIES:
___Latin Dress
___Fishnets
___Trunks
___Latin Shoes
___Heel Guards
MISCELLANEOUS
OTHER NOTES:
______________________
______________________
______________________
______________________
______________________
______________________
______________________
______________________
Can I videotape in the ballroom? No, but regular photography is fine. This is a strict policy as it would violate
our agreement with the videographer. Please let your guests know this as well. See the videographer, who will be
set up in the ballroom, if you want a DVD of any of your dances.
What are the policies for decorations?
We love all your team spirit, but for safety’s sake we cannot allow any
poles or stands etc. or decorations that will block the aisles between the tables. We also can not have any additional “structures.” Please limit decorations to signs and posters and items that can be displayed on the tabletops and
won’t interfere with visibility of guests at other tables. Also, please be courteous of the videographer, photographer and music director. Their equipment is expensive and cannot be used to hang or place decorations. For the
comfort and enjoyment of everyone, horns of any kind are not allowed. For the safety of everyone, weapons or anything resembling a weapon of any kind will NOT be permitted as part of a costume or decorations.
What is the dress code? “Dressy Casual.” Please no jeans, shorts or sneakers in the ballroom. The ballroom is
kept at a constant 65 degrees for the comfort of those dancing. If you are not dancing, YOU WILL BE COLD! Bring
a warm wrap or a sweater. Tell your spectators that we’ll welcome them warmly, but there will be a definite chill in
the air! Remind your guests to bring a sweater.
When is check in? It is at 4:00 p.m. Depending on when you arrive, your hotel room may or may not be ready.
Feel free to ask at the desk when you arrive and the hotel will get you your room as soon as they can. There will be
dressing rooms near the ballroom or ask the hotel front desk to store your belongings while you wait for your room
to be ready. There is no security in these rooms. Please make sure everything is labeled clearly. The hotel and
competition staff are not responsible for lost or stolen items. With an early start on Thursday, we strongly recommend arriving Wednesday evening.
What is the hotel’s policy on special room requests? It is established hotel policy that there is no guarantee
that the room you receive will be exactly what you requested. King bed, double beds, etc., are all considered requests not guarantees. If you don’t get exactly what you wanted, it doesn’t qualify you for a refund or a discount.
Competitors must book their rooms through their studio in order to qualify for the group rate. Those choosing to
use reward points, must make arrangements on their own. Guests may not use points AND book under the group
room block for the same night.
Is it also hotel policy that no outside alcohol is permitted in the hotel? The hotel’s liquor license requires that
alcoholic beverages only be dispensed by Hotel employees or bartenders. Alcoholic beverage service may be denied to those guests who appear to be intoxicated or are under age.
Can I bring spectators and buy tickets at the door? YES! We love spectators. Session tickets are always available at the door. Give the dates to your family and friends and invite them to come and cheer you on. Better yet,
buy them tickets and leave them at the registration desk. Cash or checks are accepted at the registration desk. Remind your spectators that we have two rules for them: Bring a sweater and they must cheer very loudly! At the
door, adults (17 and over) are $30, juniors ages 6-16 are $15 and children under 6 are free.
Does everyone need a session ticket? Session tickets will be required for entry for everyone into the ballroom
foyer area. Please make sure you get a session ticket before you leave the foyer area and that you have it for entry
into the foyer area. Session tickets are collected through the conclusion of each session and will not be discounted
at any time during the session.
Where can I find out my results? Results and awards tabs are available at the Congratulations Station throughout
the competition. After the competition, your studios will receive a link to the results and should post it on their
website. Please check with your studio on the Monday after comp for the link.