Kerri’s Dance Studio Take Flight Competition Team
Auditions 2019-2020 season
Ever consider competitive dance? Does your dancer learn quickly and really enjoy being on stage? Does your little one want to perform more than once a year and get bored learning only a few dances each season? If so, competitive dance might be for you and your child. The KDS competition team will be holding our annual auditions in late May at the studio. There will also be a last chance audition date on June 10th by appointment only. Following the schedule listed in this packet, dancers will come in and be observed through a teacher led ballet class and learn a short combination for various styles of dance. They will have some time to think through and work on the combo. Dancers will then return to perform the dance combo as well as technical skills across the floor for a panel of judges and KDS staff. Dancers will be judged on technique, execution, and showmanship.
After auditions, in late June/early July dancers will receive a packet in the mail listing the routines they are being offered based on the scores they earned. The packet will list the name and style of each dance, the rehearsal time and commitment, and other specifics. Dancer will be asked to either accept or decline each offered routine and return the paper with payment due to KDS by a specified date. At this time they will also need to register for these competitive class through our online registration system.
What exactly does the competition team do?
The KDS competition teams compete in 3-5 regional competitions each season between February and May. We will also attend a national competition in a location yet to be determined in June (generally in Kansas City or near Minneapolis). Rehearsals for team members begin in August and continue through May with one additional rehearsal day in June prior to Nationals. In general small and most large groups will rehearse once a week Monday through Thursday evenings. Production number, very large groups, and specialty dances will rehearse on Saturday mornings from 9:00am – 12:30pm based on a published schedule.
Class requirements for competitive dancers are as follows-
All competitive dancers will be required to take 1 (30-45 minute depending on level) technique/leaps/turns class and 1 classical ballet class (45-90 minutes depending on age and level)
All competitive dancers will be required to attend a back to dance master classes session August 20th, 2019. These classes will be taught by Sarah Jo Fazio and Angie Sellers. A minimum of two classes must be attended. The entire day of classes is strongly suggested and will cost $175.00. Indiviual classes will be $35 each. Please see summer intensive information for further details.
All competitive dancers must as well attend 1-3 technique, core, and strength training sessions scheduled in August.
*** New this season – Competition apprentices
This is a new portion of our program designed for a dancer looking for prepare themselves for future competitive work or the recreational dancer who needs a bit more of a challenge but is not able to commit to being on the team. These dancers will train with our competitive team in classes and be pushed to the same level of expectation. However, they will not be expected to attend competitions unless specifically asked to fill in for an injured or missing team member. Apprentices will perform with the team in the annual recital at 1 (if not 2) of the 4 shows. They will receive the same costumes and be expected to purchase the same shoes and tights.
For more information or questions about this program please contact Kerri.
For dancers ages 5-7 years with 0-1 years competitive experience we offer our shooting stars program. This is an awesome way to get your little one started in competitive dance and develop a strong work ethic and a love for the stage. Please see the “Shooting Stars” paperwork for an application to become part of this fun program.
All dancers must take the class that coordinates with their competitive selections – Example - if a dancer competes in a hip hop group they must take a hip hop class.
Competitive dancers must have excellent attendance to rehearsals. Dancers will only be allowed 3 absences from rehearsals before they go on a probationary status. After 5 missed rehearsals they will be evaluated and possibly removed from competing. This attendance policy will also apply to ballet and technique classes. Make-up classes are available and charges will apply.
The competitive team is often invited to perform at other events like fundraisers, benefits, dance shows, etc. These are not required, but attendance to these events is strongly encouraged.
Fundraising opportunities are available for all. There are 2 required fundraisers to participate in the KDS teams. There is a Ladies Night Out Shopping event and a Spaghetti feed that dancers and parents are assigned jobs for. If for some reason you cannot attend, a monetary fee will apply.
Fees to participate on the KDS Take Flight competition teams are as follows –
$130.00 annual participation fee - $30.00 will be returned to a dancers account after parent completes volunteer work hours required (2 hours).
$30.00 per routine fee (for choreography and added rehearsal time ect).
Competition fees (per competition) - competition charges are different for each competition, most are app. $50-$60 per routine, per dancer. If you dancer participate in 3 team dances the fees would be app. $170.00 each competition.
Costumes/tights/shoes – There will be a separate costume for each routine and dancers will be required to always have the correct tights with no runs/snags, as well as the decided upon shoes.
If a dancer participates in a jazz dance for the team it will replace their jazz dance for the recital so you will not be required to “double up” on classes, fees, and costumes. Same will be true for tap and ballet/lyrical unless are line/large group Saturday rehearsing dance.
Competitions are held on weekends. They can begin as early as Friday morning. Schedules for the competitions are not published until app. 7 days prior to the event weekend. We will know potential competition dates in August and will make the list official by Thanksgiving. The team will have a preview performance in January and begin competing in February. Dancers will be expected to participate in the competition regardless of the schedule when published. To be excused from a competition, KDS must be notified 60 days in advance and the reason must be family, religious, or school related.
KDS strives to compete with sportsmanlike conduct and strong studio spirit. Dancers making negative, belittling, or rude comments to other team members or other studios will receive a warning, if there is a second incident they will be dismissed from the team. We encourage the kids to work hard and goofing around and lack of focus will constantly be corrected. If a dancer has continued problems with talking in class and focus they too may be asked to leave the team. It is not our goal to win, it is our goal to make good use of time, continue toward goals, be respectful of the learning habits of other dancers, and to be respectful of the staff and their time. The KDS staff reserves the right to refuse service at anytime.
If a dancer elects to no longer participate with the teams after the accept/decline deadline for any reason other than medical there will be a $150.00 drop fee per routine to cover re-choreographing, staff and rehearsal time. Medical drops must be accompanied by the proper documentation. There are no refunds for costumes, annual fees, or entry fees.
All dancers wanting to be considered for our team must compete the technique and jazz audition portion of the auditions. Those wanting to be considered for lyrical must also complete the lyrical section. ***NEW THIS SEASON – Dancers who have NOT PREVIOUSLY been competing in a tap or musical theater small group must attend the tap and musical theater learning/audition section to be considered. The learning session will be observed and serve as the audition as well, it will be very much like a master class. YOU MUST attend to be considered for a tap or musical theater small or large group. Production is not considered part of this. If you were already in a tap small group or Adamms you will not need to attend and will be judged off your weekly class/rehearsals.
***NEW THIS SEASON – If you have been in the Shooting Stars program for two previous years and are going into 2nd grade you will be offered an opportunity to be observed and considered for additional dances outside of the Shooting Stars offerings. Please see schedule for time and details.
Those dancers who wish to participate with solos or duo/trios within the competitive team will need to comply and agree to the following –
Take a weekly private class at KDS or
To compete under the heading of KDS the dance routine must be choreographed by a KDS staff member (full or part time). The proper payment and paperwork must be on file with and through KDS. The staff does not choose soloists, it is a choice you will make with your dancer.
Notification that a solo or duo/trio would like to be entered in a competition must be received 40 days in advance by signing up on the team bulletin board on provided signup sheets.
KDS will suggest duets and trios and offer them on accept/decline papers, however dancers may also choose to compete with a duet or trio. To do so you may register for a duet/trio through the KDS desk. Those offered a duet/trio on their paperwork can register through the online portal. When the assigned teacher feels the duet/trio is ready it will be allowed to enter competition by the same process as solos.
Any rehearsal time outside of a regularly scheduled solo class time must be scheduled through the studio (at the desk) and appropriate payment must be made. All additional rehearsal time for solos and duo/trios will be at the rate of $18.00 per 30 minutes. Again this time outside your scheduled weekly class or your 3 hours included in the choreography fee (see solo form for more details).
Soloist should carry their own back up and rehearsal music with them at competitions.
All solo or duo/trio costumes must be approved by KDS prior to going on any stage under the KDS heading. Missed solo lessons due to a students’ conflicts are not open for make-ups. You can schedule a makeup but there will be a charge.
The audition schedule is listed below. You must attend the learning session for your age group. ALL DANCERS should audition in their age bracket – DO NOT ASK TO AUDITION UP. The audition system is designed to show if a dancer should dance out of their age bracket… as staff we will make those decisions and calls as needed. There will be audition forms to fill out at learning sessions. They will need to be returned at the time of the audition attached to a 3X5 or 4X6 head and shoulder photograph of the dancer for judge’s reference. Please list dancer’s full name and age on back of photo, photos will not be returned.
KDS Take Flight Competition Team Audition Schedule 2018-2019 season!!!
For dancers entering grades 1-2 with 2 years competitive experience
Observation session – Tuesday, May 21st – 6:15 – 6:45 – Mall of the Bluffs location
For dancers entering grades 3-5
Learning session – Monday, May 20th – 5:15 – 6:15pm - at Main studio
Audition Session – Wednesday, May 22nd – 4:45 – 6:15pm – at Kirn Middle School
For dancers entering grades 6-8
Learning session – Monday, May 20th - 7:45 – 9:15pm - at Main studio
Audition Session – Wednesday, May 22nd – 5:45 – 7:45pm – at Kirn Middle School
For dancers entering grades 9-12
Learning sessions – Monday May 20th – 6:15 – 7:45pm – at Main studio
Audition session – Wednesday. May 22nd – 7:15 – 10:00pm – at Kirn Middle School
*** If you have not competed with our team in Tap and/or Musical Theater and would like to be considered for these genres you will need to attend this separate learning session.
Tuesday, May 21st - Mall of the Bluffs studio
Grades 3-12 – Tap – 6:45 – 7:15pm
Grades 3-12 - Musical Theater – 7:15 – 7:45pm.
All current KDS team dancers auditioning will also be observed/evaluated during their weekly ballet class as allowed - All dancers auditioning should wear all black dance attire for the audition session as well as their issued number. Hair should be pulled back in a bun & no jewelry or accessories should be worn.
Last Chance Auditions – These auditions will be held on Monday, June 10th. All auditions must be scheduled in advance through the studio. Auditions will begin at 9:00am. You must make an appointment in advance.
Please let us know if you have any questions or to schedule a last chance audition. These should only be used if you are absolutely not available for the regularly scheduled days and times.
Thanks – Hope to see you there!!
Auditions 2019-2020 season
Ever consider competitive dance? Does your dancer learn quickly and really enjoy being on stage? Does your little one want to perform more than once a year and get bored learning only a few dances each season? If so, competitive dance might be for you and your child. The KDS competition team will be holding our annual auditions in late May at the studio. There will also be a last chance audition date on June 10th by appointment only. Following the schedule listed in this packet, dancers will come in and be observed through a teacher led ballet class and learn a short combination for various styles of dance. They will have some time to think through and work on the combo. Dancers will then return to perform the dance combo as well as technical skills across the floor for a panel of judges and KDS staff. Dancers will be judged on technique, execution, and showmanship.
After auditions, in late June/early July dancers will receive a packet in the mail listing the routines they are being offered based on the scores they earned. The packet will list the name and style of each dance, the rehearsal time and commitment, and other specifics. Dancer will be asked to either accept or decline each offered routine and return the paper with payment due to KDS by a specified date. At this time they will also need to register for these competitive class through our online registration system.
What exactly does the competition team do?
The KDS competition teams compete in 3-5 regional competitions each season between February and May. We will also attend a national competition in a location yet to be determined in June (generally in Kansas City or near Minneapolis). Rehearsals for team members begin in August and continue through May with one additional rehearsal day in June prior to Nationals. In general small and most large groups will rehearse once a week Monday through Thursday evenings. Production number, very large groups, and specialty dances will rehearse on Saturday mornings from 9:00am – 12:30pm based on a published schedule.
Class requirements for competitive dancers are as follows-
All competitive dancers will be required to take 1 (30-45 minute depending on level) technique/leaps/turns class and 1 classical ballet class (45-90 minutes depending on age and level)
All competitive dancers will be required to attend a back to dance master classes session August 20th, 2019. These classes will be taught by Sarah Jo Fazio and Angie Sellers. A minimum of two classes must be attended. The entire day of classes is strongly suggested and will cost $175.00. Indiviual classes will be $35 each. Please see summer intensive information for further details.
All competitive dancers must as well attend 1-3 technique, core, and strength training sessions scheduled in August.
*** New this season – Competition apprentices
This is a new portion of our program designed for a dancer looking for prepare themselves for future competitive work or the recreational dancer who needs a bit more of a challenge but is not able to commit to being on the team. These dancers will train with our competitive team in classes and be pushed to the same level of expectation. However, they will not be expected to attend competitions unless specifically asked to fill in for an injured or missing team member. Apprentices will perform with the team in the annual recital at 1 (if not 2) of the 4 shows. They will receive the same costumes and be expected to purchase the same shoes and tights.
For more information or questions about this program please contact Kerri.
For dancers ages 5-7 years with 0-1 years competitive experience we offer our shooting stars program. This is an awesome way to get your little one started in competitive dance and develop a strong work ethic and a love for the stage. Please see the “Shooting Stars” paperwork for an application to become part of this fun program.
All dancers must take the class that coordinates with their competitive selections – Example - if a dancer competes in a hip hop group they must take a hip hop class.
Competitive dancers must have excellent attendance to rehearsals. Dancers will only be allowed 3 absences from rehearsals before they go on a probationary status. After 5 missed rehearsals they will be evaluated and possibly removed from competing. This attendance policy will also apply to ballet and technique classes. Make-up classes are available and charges will apply.
The competitive team is often invited to perform at other events like fundraisers, benefits, dance shows, etc. These are not required, but attendance to these events is strongly encouraged.
Fundraising opportunities are available for all. There are 2 required fundraisers to participate in the KDS teams. There is a Ladies Night Out Shopping event and a Spaghetti feed that dancers and parents are assigned jobs for. If for some reason you cannot attend, a monetary fee will apply.
Fees to participate on the KDS Take Flight competition teams are as follows –
$130.00 annual participation fee - $30.00 will be returned to a dancers account after parent completes volunteer work hours required (2 hours).
$30.00 per routine fee (for choreography and added rehearsal time ect).
Competition fees (per competition) - competition charges are different for each competition, most are app. $50-$60 per routine, per dancer. If you dancer participate in 3 team dances the fees would be app. $170.00 each competition.
Costumes/tights/shoes – There will be a separate costume for each routine and dancers will be required to always have the correct tights with no runs/snags, as well as the decided upon shoes.
If a dancer participates in a jazz dance for the team it will replace their jazz dance for the recital so you will not be required to “double up” on classes, fees, and costumes. Same will be true for tap and ballet/lyrical unless are line/large group Saturday rehearsing dance.
Competitions are held on weekends. They can begin as early as Friday morning. Schedules for the competitions are not published until app. 7 days prior to the event weekend. We will know potential competition dates in August and will make the list official by Thanksgiving. The team will have a preview performance in January and begin competing in February. Dancers will be expected to participate in the competition regardless of the schedule when published. To be excused from a competition, KDS must be notified 60 days in advance and the reason must be family, religious, or school related.
KDS strives to compete with sportsmanlike conduct and strong studio spirit. Dancers making negative, belittling, or rude comments to other team members or other studios will receive a warning, if there is a second incident they will be dismissed from the team. We encourage the kids to work hard and goofing around and lack of focus will constantly be corrected. If a dancer has continued problems with talking in class and focus they too may be asked to leave the team. It is not our goal to win, it is our goal to make good use of time, continue toward goals, be respectful of the learning habits of other dancers, and to be respectful of the staff and their time. The KDS staff reserves the right to refuse service at anytime.
If a dancer elects to no longer participate with the teams after the accept/decline deadline for any reason other than medical there will be a $150.00 drop fee per routine to cover re-choreographing, staff and rehearsal time. Medical drops must be accompanied by the proper documentation. There are no refunds for costumes, annual fees, or entry fees.
All dancers wanting to be considered for our team must compete the technique and jazz audition portion of the auditions. Those wanting to be considered for lyrical must also complete the lyrical section. ***NEW THIS SEASON – Dancers who have NOT PREVIOUSLY been competing in a tap or musical theater small group must attend the tap and musical theater learning/audition section to be considered. The learning session will be observed and serve as the audition as well, it will be very much like a master class. YOU MUST attend to be considered for a tap or musical theater small or large group. Production is not considered part of this. If you were already in a tap small group or Adamms you will not need to attend and will be judged off your weekly class/rehearsals.
***NEW THIS SEASON – If you have been in the Shooting Stars program for two previous years and are going into 2nd grade you will be offered an opportunity to be observed and considered for additional dances outside of the Shooting Stars offerings. Please see schedule for time and details.
Those dancers who wish to participate with solos or duo/trios within the competitive team will need to comply and agree to the following –
Take a weekly private class at KDS or
To compete under the heading of KDS the dance routine must be choreographed by a KDS staff member (full or part time). The proper payment and paperwork must be on file with and through KDS. The staff does not choose soloists, it is a choice you will make with your dancer.
Notification that a solo or duo/trio would like to be entered in a competition must be received 40 days in advance by signing up on the team bulletin board on provided signup sheets.
KDS will suggest duets and trios and offer them on accept/decline papers, however dancers may also choose to compete with a duet or trio. To do so you may register for a duet/trio through the KDS desk. Those offered a duet/trio on their paperwork can register through the online portal. When the assigned teacher feels the duet/trio is ready it will be allowed to enter competition by the same process as solos.
Any rehearsal time outside of a regularly scheduled solo class time must be scheduled through the studio (at the desk) and appropriate payment must be made. All additional rehearsal time for solos and duo/trios will be at the rate of $18.00 per 30 minutes. Again this time outside your scheduled weekly class or your 3 hours included in the choreography fee (see solo form for more details).
Soloist should carry their own back up and rehearsal music with them at competitions.
All solo or duo/trio costumes must be approved by KDS prior to going on any stage under the KDS heading. Missed solo lessons due to a students’ conflicts are not open for make-ups. You can schedule a makeup but there will be a charge.
The audition schedule is listed below. You must attend the learning session for your age group. ALL DANCERS should audition in their age bracket – DO NOT ASK TO AUDITION UP. The audition system is designed to show if a dancer should dance out of their age bracket… as staff we will make those decisions and calls as needed. There will be audition forms to fill out at learning sessions. They will need to be returned at the time of the audition attached to a 3X5 or 4X6 head and shoulder photograph of the dancer for judge’s reference. Please list dancer’s full name and age on back of photo, photos will not be returned.
KDS Take Flight Competition Team Audition Schedule 2018-2019 season!!!
For dancers entering grades 1-2 with 2 years competitive experience
Observation session – Tuesday, May 21st – 6:15 – 6:45 – Mall of the Bluffs location
For dancers entering grades 3-5
Learning session – Monday, May 20th – 5:15 – 6:15pm - at Main studio
Audition Session – Wednesday, May 22nd – 4:45 – 6:15pm – at Kirn Middle School
For dancers entering grades 6-8
Learning session – Monday, May 20th - 7:45 – 9:15pm - at Main studio
Audition Session – Wednesday, May 22nd – 5:45 – 7:45pm – at Kirn Middle School
For dancers entering grades 9-12
Learning sessions – Monday May 20th – 6:15 – 7:45pm – at Main studio
Audition session – Wednesday. May 22nd – 7:15 – 10:00pm – at Kirn Middle School
*** If you have not competed with our team in Tap and/or Musical Theater and would like to be considered for these genres you will need to attend this separate learning session.
Tuesday, May 21st - Mall of the Bluffs studio
Grades 3-12 – Tap – 6:45 – 7:15pm
Grades 3-12 - Musical Theater – 7:15 – 7:45pm.
All current KDS team dancers auditioning will also be observed/evaluated during their weekly ballet class as allowed - All dancers auditioning should wear all black dance attire for the audition session as well as their issued number. Hair should be pulled back in a bun & no jewelry or accessories should be worn.
Last Chance Auditions – These auditions will be held on Monday, June 10th. All auditions must be scheduled in advance through the studio. Auditions will begin at 9:00am. You must make an appointment in advance.
Please let us know if you have any questions or to schedule a last chance audition. These should only be used if you are absolutely not available for the regularly scheduled days and times.
Thanks – Hope to see you there!!
Kerri’s Dance Studio “Take Flight” Competition Team
Shooting Stars program
Hello young dancers and families! We are excited to introduce you to a new part of our “Take Flight” competition team… introducing a new team called “Shooting Stars”. This group will be compiled of dancers with noticeable potential between the ages of 4-7 years old. (younger than entering 3rd grade)
We think your dancer has the potential and skills needed to be a part of this fun and unique opportunity!
No auditions will be held for these team, placement will be based on teachers experiences with dancers in class as well as the recital performances.
These dancers will be placed in groups based on age and level and rehearse app. 30-45 minutes per week in addition to their regular weekly dance classes. These rehearsal times will be determined by the group’s schedules as a whole.
This team will compete in 3-4 regional competitions in the Omaha/Council Bluffs area. There will be 1 competition options in Des Moines and/or Kansas City. There will be nationals in Minneapolis as well, but this will be completely optional. The competitive season begins in September with learning choreography and rehearsals, in January the team will have a show for friends and family. Competitions will begin in February and complete in early May. Exact competitions/dates will be selected based on the team members schedules and availability.
Each Shooting Star dance group rehearsals will be led by Miss Kerri and staff and have a 1-2 teenage assistants. This assistant will be available for optional rehearsal times, mentoring, and moral support for these young dancers. The KDS Take Flight competition team prides itself in offering a supportive, fun filled, friendship and growth driven team experience. We want the kids to focus on technical growth, increased comfort and confidence on stage, learning the elements and meaning of teamwork and sportsmanship, and make lifelong friendships.
If you are interested in your child participating in this exciting new team please fill out the attached paperwork and return to the studio by June 10th, 2019. After the 10th paperwork will be mailed out with offers for groups. Upon receiving this packet, you will fill out the accept/decline forms stating what your commitment for the season will be based on the rehearsal time and investment. These forms will be returned to the studio upon completion and rehearsals for the team will begin in late August/early September. You are not committed to anything until the return of these forms, there will be an option to decline regardless until this time.
Below/attached is a general list of the financial commitments and a form of interest. Please fill out and return to the studio by June 10th, 2019
We are so excited and look forward to hearing back from everyone!
Thanks Kerri and Staff
App. Investment –
Monthly fee for rehearsal time - $28.00 - $36.00 (in addition to regular weekly classes)
Annual Team Participation Fee - $100.00 (covers additional rehearsal time as needed, choreography fees, master classes matriculation, staff time at competitions, and music editing fees).
Costume – App. $60.00 each
Competitive Fees– Per competition (3-4 per season) app. $55.00 each (this money is paid directly to the competition companies hosting the events)
Shooting Stars program
Hello young dancers and families! We are excited to introduce you to a new part of our “Take Flight” competition team… introducing a new team called “Shooting Stars”. This group will be compiled of dancers with noticeable potential between the ages of 4-7 years old. (younger than entering 3rd grade)
We think your dancer has the potential and skills needed to be a part of this fun and unique opportunity!
No auditions will be held for these team, placement will be based on teachers experiences with dancers in class as well as the recital performances.
These dancers will be placed in groups based on age and level and rehearse app. 30-45 minutes per week in addition to their regular weekly dance classes. These rehearsal times will be determined by the group’s schedules as a whole.
This team will compete in 3-4 regional competitions in the Omaha/Council Bluffs area. There will be 1 competition options in Des Moines and/or Kansas City. There will be nationals in Minneapolis as well, but this will be completely optional. The competitive season begins in September with learning choreography and rehearsals, in January the team will have a show for friends and family. Competitions will begin in February and complete in early May. Exact competitions/dates will be selected based on the team members schedules and availability.
Each Shooting Star dance group rehearsals will be led by Miss Kerri and staff and have a 1-2 teenage assistants. This assistant will be available for optional rehearsal times, mentoring, and moral support for these young dancers. The KDS Take Flight competition team prides itself in offering a supportive, fun filled, friendship and growth driven team experience. We want the kids to focus on technical growth, increased comfort and confidence on stage, learning the elements and meaning of teamwork and sportsmanship, and make lifelong friendships.
If you are interested in your child participating in this exciting new team please fill out the attached paperwork and return to the studio by June 10th, 2019. After the 10th paperwork will be mailed out with offers for groups. Upon receiving this packet, you will fill out the accept/decline forms stating what your commitment for the season will be based on the rehearsal time and investment. These forms will be returned to the studio upon completion and rehearsals for the team will begin in late August/early September. You are not committed to anything until the return of these forms, there will be an option to decline regardless until this time.
Below/attached is a general list of the financial commitments and a form of interest. Please fill out and return to the studio by June 10th, 2019
We are so excited and look forward to hearing back from everyone!
Thanks Kerri and Staff
App. Investment –
Monthly fee for rehearsal time - $28.00 - $36.00 (in addition to regular weekly classes)
Annual Team Participation Fee - $100.00 (covers additional rehearsal time as needed, choreography fees, master classes matriculation, staff time at competitions, and music editing fees).
Costume – App. $60.00 each
Competitive Fees– Per competition (3-4 per season) app. $55.00 each (this money is paid directly to the competition companies hosting the events)