What Is the “Pinnacle Cup”?

It is the highest award possible from the FDC, and is presented to the studio that has accumulated the most points throughout the regional season.  This cup will have your studio name inscribed on it and you keep it in your studio for a year until next year’s points champion is crowned.

Can I Earn Points At A Competition That Is Not A Member Of The FDC?

No, you may only earn points from an FDC competition.

How Do I Earn Points This Year?

Tiered Points are given out at all FDC regionals and are earned from the top level of competition within 4 Age Classes & 5 Divisions:

Petite	Solo	Duet/Trio	Small Group	Large Group	Line
Junior	Solo	Duet/Trio	Small Group	Large Group	Line
Teen	Solo	Duet/Trio	Small Group	Large Group	Line
Senior	Solo	Duet/Trio	Small Group	Large Group	Line

What Is The Tiered Point System (TPS)?

The revolutionary TPS is based on the # of entries at an FDC regional competition. This updated process of valuation enhances a studio’s ability to earn a feasible number of points proportionate to the number of routines at the competition, especially at larger, fiercely competitive regional events.

Tiered Point System (TPS) based on # of entries at the competition:

(Top Level Only)	550 Entries (or less)	551 Entries (or more)
1st Place	5	6
2nd Place	4	5
3rd Place	3	4
4th Place	2	3
5th Place	1	2

How Do I Track My Points?

The FDC tracks your points for you. When you check the FDC website at www.fdcdance.com the Top 50 studios from each of the 6 US Regions and the Top 10 studios from the International Region will be posted in alphabetical order. This list is updated periodically during the Regional Season.

What Are The FDC Pinnacle Regions?

All 50 states have been divided into 6 US Regions plus 1 International Region. (View Map)
The Top 10 Studios from each of the 6 US Regions plus the Top 1 International Studio
ultimately comprise the Top 61 FDC Studios from the country and abroad.

Why Have FDC Pinnacle Regions?

The newly created Pinnacle Regions insure a more equitable cross-representation of high performance studios from across the entire nation. The configuration of these regions is based on population, the number of competitive studios in the region, and the number of FDC competitive events scheduled in that particular region.

How Do I Determine The Region Of My Studio?

Your studio’s region is based on the physical address of your studio, regardless of where you choose to compete.

In Which Region Are My Pinnacle Cup Points Tallied?

Your Pinnacle Cup Points & Ranking are ALWAYS in your Studio’s Region no matter where you compete.

Can I Also Earn Pinnacle Cup Points At FDC Nationals?

No, “Pinnacle Cup” Points are earned during the regional season only.
The coveted “Studio Excellence” Points are earned at FDC National Events only.

What Is The “Studio Excellence” Award? (Nationals Only)

The “Studio Excellence” Award is earned at every FDC national championship only.
The point structure is the same as Pinnacle Cup but applies to the “Studio Excellence” Award only.

What is the FDC “Judges’ Choice” Award?

One ““Judges’ Choice”” Award routine is nominated at every single regional FDC competition. A video of each nominee’s routine will be posted on the FDC Web Site throughout the regional season. Viewers nationwide vote for their favorite routine at the conclusion of the regional season via the FDC Web Site during a specified window of time from June 14-June 25, 2010. The 13 FDC members will each invite their respective highest voted nominee to represent their competition organization at the FDC Gala as their guest.

Who Will Be In Attendance At The 2010 FDC Awards Ceremony?

The FDC will invite and pay (airfare+hotel+gala) for each of the top 61 Studio Owners and one (1) guest to the awards ceremony. Each of the 13 FDC members will invite and pay (airfare+hotel+gala) for their Highest Studio Excellence point winner and one (1) guest to the awards ceremony. Each FDC member will also invite and pay (airfare+hotel+gala) for their “Judges’ Choice” Award Studio Owner and one (1) guest to the awards ceremony.

Can I Bring Additional Guests To The FDC Gala & Awards Ceremony?

Yes, you are welcome to invite additional guests to attend the FDC Pinnacle Cup Gala at your own expense. Detailed information, cost and procedures will be provided for you at the time of booking.

What Awards Are Presented At The FDC Awards Ceremony?

The FDC will recognize its “Studio Excellence” Award winners; honor its Top 10 studios from each US Region, plus present a “Top Studio” Award from each of the 6 US Regions as well as a “Top Studio” Award from the International Region. The Overall Top 10 Studios from among all 61 Studios will also be revealed based on overall points followed by a presentation of Overall 5th Place thru 2nd Place Awards. The Gala will culminate with the presentation of the coveted 2010 Pinnacle Cup plus a monetary award to the Overall Top FDC Studio. The “Judges” Choice” Awards are presented at a separate ceremony.

Can I Also Win A “Studio Excellence” Award or “Judges’ Choice” Award If I Am One Of The 61 “Pinnacle Cup” Studios?

No. “Studio Excellence” Award winners and ““Judges’ Choice”” Award winners are separate from the 61 “Pinnacle Cup” Studios.