Rules
Styles & Style Descriptions
Jazz
Emphasis is on the importance of energy, rhythmical accuracy, and style. Jazz dance is a dynamic and expressive form of movement that captivates audiences with its energy and rhythm. Jazz is a technical dance style but must have a focus on musicality and artistry. Jazz dance should come across as effortless, even with its explosive movements. Its roots in musicality and the development of artistry are the real identifying features for excellence within the style.
Commercial
Drawing inspiration from urban dance styles, funk, street dance, and hip-hop elements into choreography, creating a more modern and urban vibe that is familiar across multiple different media outlets. It is most commonly seen in live performances and music videos. This dance style is high-energy with a focus on audience entertainment. Transitions and formations are a focus for entertainment value.
Musical Theatre
Musical theatre is a dynamic and entertaining form of storytelling that brings together multiple artistic disciplines to create a cohesive and emotionally engaging performance. It blends the following elements to create a distinctive style: characters are often well-defined and have distinct arcs. Songs are chosen or composed to convey characters’ feelings, and the choreography complements the emotional tone.
Ballet
Ballet is a classical and highly structured dance style known for its grace, precision, and adherence to tradition. It has a long history dating back to the Renaissance and has evolved into a rich and influential art form. The use of turnout, technical demonstration and musicality are the foundations of this dance style.
Acro
Acro dance, short for acrobatic dance, is a dynamic and captivating dance style that combines elements of traditional dance with acrobatics and gymnastics. It focuses on seamlessly blending dance movements with athletic, gravity-defying tricks and balances. These acrobatic movements are seamlessly integrated into choreography.
Contemporary & Lyrical
Lyrical and contemporary dance are two closely related dance styles that emphasize emotional expression, fluidity of movement, and storytelling through choreography. There is a focus on fluidity and flow, interpretation of music. Technique can be played with and explored in this style as well as experimenting with lines, stories, emotions, and feelings.
Open
Our open category is designed for every style that doesn’t fit into the categories mentioned above. We aim to provide every routine and performer with the opportunity to showcase their best talents. Each routine will be assessed against the expected technical standards and will follow the same mark scheme as all other categories.
This category is meant to be inclusive and may evolve to include additional subcategories as our event grows.
Age Divisions
Petite
Age 4-5
Mini
Age 6-9
Junior
Age 10-13
Inter
Age 14-16
Senior
Age 17+
All students must be that age at the date of the competition.
In a group, the age is taken from the oldest performer. Younger students are permitted in older categories.
Time Limits
Time limits are adhered to very strictly for our event. This is to ensure that our event stays on time and runs smoothly. There will be a point deduction for going over the time limit stated. Time limits begin from the start of the music, not the first movement or word of a musical theatre piece.
We do have a larger buffer of 20s for Musical Theatre as songs are generally longer, harder to cut and do not demonstrate the character arc if too short.
We will give a 5-10 second buffer for each dance piece, and after the 10 seconds, there will be 2 points deducted for each second over the time limit set.
Dance
Solos: 2 minute
Duos/Trios: 2 minute 30 seconds
Small Group: 3 minutes 30 seconds
Large Group: 5 minutes
Musical Theatre
Solos: 2 minutes
Duos/Trios: 2 minutes 30 seconds
Small Group: 3 minutes 30 seconds
Large Group: 5 minutes
Group Categories
Solo: 1 person permitted on stage for the entire piece.
Duo: 2 people permitted on stage throughout the performance.
Trio: 3 people permitted on stage throughout the performance.
Small Group: 4 – 9 performers permitted on stage throughout the performance.
Large Group: 10 – 30 performers permitted on stage throughout the entire performance.
Microphone Policy
Microphones will be available on the day at the event. We will not have time to rehearse with microphones; however, they will be standard head set: attached behind the ears and taped on the cheek. They have battery packs within a belt so they are secure and must be put on by one of the professional technical advisors side of the stage.
We have 3 head mics available, meaning soloists, duos, and trios all have access to a head mic should they wish to use it. We will also have two handheld mics available; these can be on stands to help with projection for group pieces or given to any main characters or cast. The 3 head mics will still be available.
Judges Mark Schemes
What are our judges looking for? Each judge is an industry professional, from a dance background encompassing a range of different styles. They all have their specialisms. We will have one specialist in each style for each section; however, all the other judges will have been trained and understand the style they are judgingOur judging criteria is based on a point system with a focus on musicality and artistry.
Technique
30
Musicality
30
Performance
20
Choreography
20
You will receive a percentage for each routine based on this mark scheme.
1st Place needs a minimum 88 marks.
2nd Place needs a minimum 78 marks.
3rd Place needs a minimum of 68 Marks.
The highest scoring in each category will come 1st with a 1st place trophy. Second highest will get a 2nd place silver medal. The third highest will get a 3rd place bronze medal. If you are the only competitor in the category you will be given placement based on your score.
Any routine gaining over 90% will automatically be entered for our Best Routine of the Weekend award.
Props & Tricks Rules
Props are permitted and encouraged for performances. We love a fully thought-out production!
Props must be able to be carried on by the students or teachers and taken off the same way. We cannot guarantee staff will be available to help with props at any given time; however, if there are, we would be happy to help.
We ask that if you are using confetti or glitter, you tell us in advance so we can arrange it to be performed at the end of a section and therefore can be cleaned during the break. We understand it is for a visual effect; however, we do ask that we use the minimal amount for it to be effective but easy to clean up so we can keep our day moving and on time.
We understand that the dance world has evolved over the last decade, and tricks have been incorporated into all different styles, routines, and add to the overall production value of a routine. However, we do have an Acro section to celebrate the art of AcroDance. We, therefore, want to inform you that only 3 tricks will be considered for marking within other styles. You can have more in the routine, but be aware they will not be counted towards overall score.
Awards
First to Third Place Awards:
1st Place: Trophy – Highest scoring routine in category
2nd Place: Silver Medal
3rd Place: Bronze Medal
If there is only one in the category they will be given an ward based against out point system.
Additionally, judges will have the opportunity to give a special Awards to outstanding students across any section based on exceptional talent, dedication, or artistic expression
These are at the discretion of the judges throughout the weekend:
Breakthrough Performer
x3 Available
Creative Choreography Award
x3 Available
Best Costume
x3 Available
Exemplary Performance Achievement
x3 Available
Technical Excellence
x3 Available