Dance Rules

 

All participants in the Maryborough Eisteddfod do so in a spirit of friendly competition and enhancement of performance abilities in a forum where stage experience can be gained and learned. 

The event is staged with mutual respect amongst organisers, adjudicators, competitors and supporters, maintaining the spirit and integrity of the Eisteddfod tradition. 

Please read the following rules and regulations carefully to ensure competitors are not disadvantaged. A breach of any rule may lead to disqualification.   

1.       GENERAL RULES: 

1.1               Entry dates are final. Only under exceptional circumstances and at the discretion of the Executive Committee will any late entries be accepted.

1.2               Entry and payment will be via the Stardom Competition Online Entry System.

The Stardom System can be accessed directly from http://www.stardom.com.au. Payment is required at time of entry. Secure payment is offered online via credit card. Direct deposit is also available. Your entry is not confirmed until payment is received. 

Before logging in to Stardom it is useful to peruse the schedule and print or record the sections that you are interested in entering. If competitors are entering individually, please ensure that duos/trios are only recorded on one entry.

Log in to Stardom (first time users will need to register with Stardom. Record your username and password to enable you to check results and to enter in future years).
Once logged in, Stardom will guide you through the entry system.

If you haven’t used the system before and are experiencing difficulty, please don’t hesitate to contact Danielle Michel on 0497 642 245. Danielle will be happy to assist you as soon as practicable; please leave a message if you receive no answer. 

1.3               The section description is to be considered part of the Rules and Regulations.

1.4               The Committee reserves the right to refuse an entry.

1.5               All Eisteddfod participants are that at their own risk.

1.6               The age section of the Eisteddfod is for amateur competitors only. All ‘Open’ items may have competitors of any age and ability.

1.7               Competitors must be within the specified age limits as at 1st January in the year of competition.  Competitors in groups may be younger than the age range but must not be older. The Committee reserves the right to request proof of age from competitors.

1.8               All items are open to male and female competitors unless otherwise stated.

1.9               Places for competitors will be drawn before the programme is printed and competitors will appear in the order shown. However, the Executive reserves the right to make any alterations to the programme if and when it becomes necessary.

1.10            If a section has an increased or decreased number of competitors entered, the section will be divided or combined at the discretion of the Committee.

1.11            Refunds of entry fees will only be granted when an item is cancelled by the Executive Committee.

1.12            Solo competitors may only enter one item per section.

1.13            Groups: A maximum of four (4) groups only per studio are permitted to enter in any one section. Competitors are permitted to appear in 4 items only per section.  Group Sections are determined by the age of the eldest competitor in the group. The minimum number in any group is four (4) dancers. Some discretion regarding numbers may be given based on extenuating circumstances, such as, illness or injury.  A decision will be made in consultation with relevant members of the Committee and the adjudicator.

1.14            The teacher has the responsibility of checking in their groups and ensuring they are ready to dance when required. On competition day, the Convenor reserves the right to amend the programme to allow for costume changes.

1.15            Schools groups are open to State Government and Private Education students, a general education, not a dance school.

1.16            Due to the importance of Eisteddfod competitions in the development of young performers, a separate section has been created for full time dance students. The definition of ‘full time dance students,’ for the purpose of competing in this Eisteddfod is any dancer enrolled in a full time education dance course in any dance discipline, regardless of actual hours involved.

1.17            No competitor may use the same performance selection in more than one item except for championships.

1.18            Copyright (conventional and electronic) remains the property of the contributing author.

1.19            Time limits are a maximum of:

Solo: 3 minutes
Duo/Trio: 4 minutes
Song and Dance: 4 minutes
Groups: 5 minutes

Times are to be strictly adhered to. Penalties will apply at the discretion of the adjudicator.

1.20            Use of recording devices of any kind is strictly prohibited in the Auditorium, Federation Room, Dressing Rooms and Backstage.

1.21            Competitors wishing to withdraw are reminded that it is courtesy to inform the Convenor before commencement of the Eisteddfod, or the Backstage Manager before the commencement of the session.

1.22            The Adjudicator’s decision will be final.

1.23            No prize will be awarded in any contest unless there is sufficient merit. All awards in every section will be at the Adjudicator’s discretion. Certificates and prizes may be awarded for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Highly Commended in each item.

1.24            No public protest will be entered into during the sessions. Written protests will be accepted by the Convenor or Executive within 30 minutes of the protest issue arising, accompanied by a $50.00 fee which will be forfeited if the protest is rejected after consideration by the Executive. Decisions regarding protests will be notified in writing within 7 days.

1.25            The Maryborough Eisteddfod is a family orientated Eisteddfod; therefore costumes, routines and lyrics must be age appropriate to the competitor.

1.26            All competitors must avoid the over-extended (turned-in/inverted) leg mount/kick with the crotch facing the audience. Penalties may be applicable. HOSIERY must be worn.

1.27            HOSIERY: The Maryborough Eisteddfod adheres to the rule, “No Tights, No Dance”. The dancers, Female and Male, are to wear ‘dance tights’ and should be to the knee (knee length) in all genres of dance.

1.28            No person, other than the entrant(s), will be permitted to take the stage. Teachers are permitted to Backstage area for the performance then must leave the area.

1.29            The Adjudicator must not be addressed during the whole Eisteddfod except via an Eisteddfod official. All inquiries or requests are to be made with the Convenor.

1.30            The Brolga Theatre has workplace safety guidelines in place for all stage and Backstage activities. If these guidelines are deemed, by the theatre, to have been breached you may be asked to leave the premises. A competitor asked to leave the theatre will be disqualified.

1.31            Entry and exit to the Auditorium or Federation Room during performances is restricted.

1.32            For Solos, Duos and Trios, an individual may only appear once per section.

1.33            Adjudication sheets will be available after the session has been completed. Competitors will have the option to purchase a stamped, self-addressed envelope and the adjudication sheets will be mailed.

1.34            Volunteers and Committee members are to be treated with the utmost respect. Abuse of any kind will not be tolerated. Any concerns or complaints must be to the Dance Convenor and not any volunteers.

2.       DANCE 

2.1               By entering this Eisteddfod the competitor agrees to Maryborough Eisteddfod rules. The competitor enters at their own risk and will satisfy her/himself as to the safety of the competition area and surface to be used. All competitors will follow all directions and set rules stated by the competition organiser and waives any claims for liability against any organiser (whether an Association or Individual), participant, official, steward, judge, visitor, employee or invitee (the “participants”). By entering, the competitor releases the participants from all liability that may arise out of the competition to the competitors. Such liability may include any personal injury, property loss or damage.

2.2               Only the teacher and two assistants are permitted in dressing rooms during group competition days.  Passes will be given to teachers at registration prior to the competition. Under certain circumstances special considerations can be considered by the Committee, however, these must be discussed prior to the start of competition date.

2.3               The Backstage door and adjacent car park is out of bounds. Teachers make arrangements with parents/caregivers to meet students at the front foyer of the theatre. 

3.       BACKSTAGE RULES AND CONDITIONS 

3.1               Competitors of any section must report to Backstage Manager a minimum of 30 minutes before the start of the section or be deemed not present and withdrawn from the competition.

3.2               Competitors will be required to sign in at front counter upon entry.

3.3               Only competitors in the current section will be allowed in the Backstage area.

3.4               Do not walk behind the back curtain while another competitor is performing.

3.5               Do not walk behind back curtains of stage.

3.6               No curtain will be used.

3.7               No one other than Eisteddfod officials, designated teachers, current performer and prop helper are allowed Backstage. Teachers must abide by all rules and take directions from Backstage Manager. Teacher’s Backstage pass must be worn at all times. Dancers 10 yrs and under are permitted one support person Backstage.

3.8               The stage area will not be available for rehearsal during the course of the Eisteddfod unless the Committee is satisfied that special circumstances justify such a rehearsal.

3.9               Dancers are allowed a helper for props. Props must not obstruct passageways and must be removed from the Backstage area as soon as possible.

4.       DRESSING ROOM RULES AND CONDITIONS

4.1               Dressing rooms can have limited space so we ask that you have a respectful amount of people in dressing rooms. Solo/Duos/Trios are allocated one helper who will be permitted to enter dressing room only. Groups are allocated 2 teachers and 2 assistants per studio. Only teachers are permitted Backstage. Passes are to be worn by teachers and assistants at all times.

4.2                In shared dressing rooms all competitors and associated parties are expected to demonstrate respect for the space, costumes and belongings of others at all times. Supervision is required at all times.

4.3               All electrical equipment used must be tagged and tested by a certified electrician.

4.4               Adhering items to walls, windows, doors, mirrors or any surface in the Auditorium or surrounds is not permitted.

4.5               Each studio/school will be responsible for keeping their dressing space clean and tidy. Any studio/school that leaves their dressing space in an unclean/untidy state will be charged a $200 cleaning fee.

4.6               Any studio/school found to have caused damage to their dressing space will be charged relevant repair costs. If pre-existing damage is noted when you arrive in your dressing area the Convenor must be advised immediately.

5.       MUSIC

5.1               Groups: CD’s and USB’S are allowed. Music must be checked in at front desk a minimum of 30 minutes prior to your section. Music will be played on your behalf by our technician. Only one routine per CD or USB will be accepted. All competitors must have backup copies of all music. Music provided on USB’s are to be in mp3 format.

5.2               Solos: CD’s and USB’s are allowed. Music must be checked in at front desk a minimum of 30 minutes prior to your section. Music will be played on your behalf by our technician. Only one routine per CD or USB will be accepted. All competitors must have backup copies of all music. Music provided on USB’s are to be in mp3 format.

5.3               Solo, Duo & Trio and Group competitors: Please label your music with the following information, this is required for both CD’S and USB’S.  Copies of these labels will be emailed with your program.

- SECTION NUMBER
- NAME
- COMPETITOR NUMBER
- DANCE GENRE AND AGE GROUP
- ON/OFF STAGE START

Don’t forget to collect your music at the sign on desk after you have completed your section!

5.4               Any special instructions must be given to the Backstage Manager. Where there are no special instructions the music will start immediately after the competitor number is announced. No responsibility will be taken for any errors.

5.5               MUSIC: No dancer(s) will be penalised for technical difficulties beyond their control. 

6.       SECTIONS

6.1               Improvisation Sections: Competitors will hear the music only once before performing. No Teacher/Parent is allowed on or near the stage during these sections. Regulation leotard for ballet and plain coloured dancewear for Jazz. Appropriate footwear to be worn.  Please Note: all competitors are requested to be in the marshalling area no less than 15 minutes before the start of this section. Maximum time limit is 1 min for 12yrs and under and 1 min 30 sec for 13yrs and over.

6.2               Championships competitors do not have to complete an entry. The Committee record the top 5 combined scores and these dancers will be invited to compete. There will be 2 genres offered Classical and Modern in both 12yrs & under and 13 & over. To be eligible you must compete in 3 of the nominated sections for each genre. An entry fee of $10 must be paid before dancing. The same or different routine may be performed.  Eligible sections- Classical- Classical Ballet, Demi character, National and Classical Ballet Improvisation Modern- Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical Solo or Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary improvisation

6.3               Prohibited: Powder rosin, Ajax or similar; sand; water; fire and electrical props.

7.       CODE OF CONDUCT 

7.1               A copy of the Code of Conduct will be available Backstage and will be enforced by the Committee.  This applies to any land, building, venue or equipment being owned, hired, leased or otherwise utilised by the Maryborough Eisteddfod Incorporated or any of its agents or employees in the execution of the business and objectives of the Maryborough Eisteddfod any time of the year.

7.2               Zero Tolerance: The Committee of the Maryborough Eisteddfod Incorporated (the Committee) will not tolerate any unacceptable conduct (including, but not limited to, verbal abuse of any person, obscene language, loud or boisterous conduct), which is deemed unacceptable by the Committee. This includes all persons attending at any venue of the Maryborough Eisteddfod.

7.3               Refusal of a directive: Any member of the Committee or designated official, may give a directive at any time, to any person to whom this code applies to ensure the smooth and efficient running of the Eisteddfod. Any person who refuses to obey such directive may be asked to leave the venue, and Failure to do so may result in the Committee taking such action including the calling of police to ensure the Eisteddfod’s unimpeded operation.

7.4               Child Behaviour: Any child behaving in a manner that is unacceptable will be removed if it be deemed appropriate by the official. If that child is a competitor, they may be disqualified from competing in that section and other sections.