Star Systems is a globally recognized talent competition, founded in 1987 by veteran dancer and stage performer Marcy Tuttle. At age 21, Marcy took the once failing competition business and turned it into a sold-out event. To date, Star Systems offers 36 performance categories, 9 age divisions, and 3 competition levels. With vast performance opportunities, this is a beloved competition by studios across the nation. For instance, studios like the infamous Abby Lee Dance Company, which the show Dance Moms is based on, compete in various cities on tour. Another element that makes Star Systems truly fabulous is their staff, which happens to be relatives or close family friends. Marcy chooses to bring people together she is certain share her same dedication and vision, as opposed to hiring people from the internet, hoping they succeed.
This season release the inner star shining inside you, and join Star Systems at one of over 30 venues on tour, like Pittsburgh, PA. But remember; register quickly because Marcy’s love of dance turned this once dwindling business into an exhibition of superior talent that no one wants to miss.
Get to know Star Systems’ founder
Not many people can say they’re thankful for a family disagreement, but Marcy is one of them. When she was a child, her parents argued over what activity she should participate in. Her mother encouraged baton, while her father saw a dancer in his 3-year-old little girl. It is obvious which option prevailed. Marcy danced from stage to stage until she was 21, then she decided to share her passion for education with others. With her parents ready to help, Marcy opened 2 studios in Florida and then a golden opportunity fell into her lap. With a $250,000 investment, two speakers and a tape deck, she took over a deteriorating business plan and turned it into Star Systems.
Over 30 years later, Star Systems still uses Marcy’s family and a little help from her
friends to run the business. Most of them are dancers who grew up competing and practicing in studios for hours on end. Her son, Casey, is the National Director and is described by fans as supportive and fun. When he senses stresses are running high, he asks all the dancers to get on stage and let loose. He grew up with Star Systems and fondly recalls “helping my grandmother at the boutique, and then helping my grandfather build trophies in our warehouse.” According to Casey, what makes this company separate from the rest is this family bond. Even though some may not be blood related, Star Systems sees everyone as their kin.
All ages welcome!
For every competition on tour, Star Systems welcomes 3- year- old dancers, all the way to adults 40 and over. Everyone is welcome to come and flaunt what they got, no ageism here! Performances may classify as solo, duet/trio, groups (large and small), and lines. Groups should average their age to determine what division they compete in, and drop the decimal point (if there is one). However, if one third of the group is more than 2 years older than the division, the group needs to compete in the next highest age division.
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Star Systems 3 competition levels
There are 3 competition levels, Shining Star, Shooting Star, and Super Star, which range in difficulty and experience. After some trial and error, Star Systems now assigns certain age groups to specific competition levels. For example, dancers 6 and younger may only compete in the Shining Star level; however dancers age 7 and older have access to all 3 competition levels. The reason Star Systems appoints dancers 6 and under to Shining Star is to be fair. After all, most dancers in this age group are competing for the first time. Therefore they deserve an introduction to this art form that’s exciting and focuses on good sportsmanship. Not one that’s discouraging and forces them to compete against dancers way out of their league. Check out the end of the article for events arranged by month, and join Star Systems this competition season!
Talent to be seen in 36 Performance Categories
Going to a competition that offers 36 performance categories may seem overwhelming at first, but look at it as a great opportunity to showcase the many talents dwelling within your studio. Aside from numerous dance categories like tap, ballet, pointe, modern, character, etc., Star Systems also offers modeling and vocal categories. The reason for including so many categories is to see multiple talents, rather than limit participants to certain options.
If you’re looking for some extra brownie points, try to incorporate some ballet, here’s why…When asked by Dance Studio Life if there’s a trend she would like to see more or less of in competitions, Marcy replied, “I, along with many judges we work with, would like to see beautiful, technical lyrical come back and would like to make a push for ballet.” In fact, they missed this dance style so much, that in 2014 Star Systems offered free ballet entries. According to Marcy, this was in effort to hopefully “encourage dancers to take more ballet classes to improve their technique in all genres.” As many dancers know, ballet is considered the foundation for many forms of dance and it’s difficult to master other styles without knowing basic ballet.
Get Star Systems ready with Shock the Intensive
Shock the Intensive is Star Systems’ single-day day dance convention, packed with master classes taught by professional choreographers. Rather than pay through the nose for a two-day event, Shock gives students everything they need in one day. There is no competition involved, meaning students can rest comfortably knowing they won’t be judged. Star Systems also gives studios the chance to have a professional visit their location and teach a class the night before the intensive. Or, you can a request to have faculty member teach classes or choreography after the event is over.
The best part about this intense event is the professionals don’t teach the same routine to several studios (even if they live in different parts of the country). Marcy knows the devastation that results from having multiple studios perform identical routines at Nationals or Regionals. All Star Systems want is to create a welcoming environment for students to learn and get some scholarships along the way. Who wouldn’t want to experience this shock wave sweeping the nation?
Taking any business from the ground up and turning it into a success is a difficult feat, but Marcy did it with grace and passion. Growing up dancing all over the country, she knows what dancers and parents want out of a competition. From family style treatment, beautiful venues (like Hot Springs Convention Center) on-time events, and fair judging Star Systems has it all. With family and friends helping her run Regionals and Nationals, every detail is administered with her ambition in mind. Whether you specialize in dance, singing or modeling, Star Systems welcomes you and your many talents this season.
December
Star Systems – Millstone –Millstone Township PAC – Millstone, NJ
February
Star Systems – Hartford – The Performing Arts Center at CREC – Hartford, CT
Star Systems – Hot Springs – Hot Springs Convention Center – Hot Springs, AR
Star Systems – Louisville – Louisville Memorial Auditorium – Louisville, KY
Star Systems – St. Louis – Purser Center at Logan University – St. Louis, MO
Star Systems – Lakeland – Lakeland Center – Lakeland, FL
Star Systems – Fort Lauderdale – Omni Auditorium – Fort Lauderdale, FL
Star Systems – Houston – Stafford Centre – Houston, TX
March
Star Systems – Woodbridge – Freedom High School – Woodbridge, VA
Star Systems – East Brunswick – Jo Ann Magistro PAC Hammarskjold Middle School – East Brunswick, NJ
Star Systems – Indianapolis – Zionsville PAC – Indianapolis, IN
Star Systems – Raleigh – Duke Energy Center – Raleigh, NC
Star Systems – Hayward – Chabot College Performing Arts Center – Hayward, CA
Star Systems – Youngstown – Edward W Powers Auditorium, Deyor PAC – Youngstown, OH
Star Systems – Pittsburgh – Cornell High School – Pittsburgh, PA
Star Systems – Redondo Beach I – Centinela Valley Center for the Arts – Redondo Beach, CA
Star Systems – Downey – Downey Civic Center – Downey, CA
Star Systems – Worcester – DCU Center – Worcester, MA
April
Star Systems – Upland – Highlander Auditorium – Upland, CA
Star Systems – Sevierville – Sevierville Convention Center – Sevierville, TN
Star Systems – Lenoir – Broyhill Civic Center – Lenoir, NC
Star Systems – Birmingham – Alabama Theater – Birmingham, IL
Star Systems – Chicago – Governor’s University PAC – Chicago, IL
Star Systems – Detroit – Mott High School PAC – Detroit, MI
Star Systems – Charleston – Municipal Auditorium, Charleston Civic Center – Charleston, WV
Star Systems – Columbus – Westerville North High School – Columbus, OH
Star Systems – Rochester – The Auditorium – Rochester, NY
Star Systems – Athens – The Classic Center – Athens, GA
Star Systems – Overland Park – Overland Park Convention Center – Overland Park, KS
May
Star Systems – Supply – Odell Williamson Auditorium – Supply, NC
Star Systems – Minneapolis –Kennedy High School – Minneapolis, MN
Star Systems – Redondo Beach II – Centinela Valley Center for the Arts – Redondo Beach, CA
June
Star Systems – Las Vegas Finals – The South Point Resort – Las Vegas, NV
July
Star Systems – Pigeon Forge – Black Fox Lodge –Pigeon Forge, TN
Star Systems – Myrtle Beach – Myrtle Beach Convention Center – Myrtle Beach, SC
*For updated tournament information, please visit Star Systems.