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INFORMATION BOOKLET, COMPETITION RULES and CONDITIONS

Please read all rules carefully and abide by them at all times

Failure to follow rules and conditions will involve loss of points or disqualification and withholding of prizes. The decision of the Verve Dance Festival Officials in all questions or disputes arising out of, or not provided for, by these rules and regulations will be final. All entries are received according to this condition and in the spirit of friendly competition upon which this competition is based; no dispute shall be entered in to.

ALL COMPETITORS COMPETE AT THEIR OWN RISK

LOCATION

Burdekin Theatre, 161 Queen Street, Ayr Queensland 4807

IMPORTANT DATES

COMPETITION DATES

January 15 - January 19, 2026

ENTRIES ARE CAPPED AT 1000

ENTRIES

Open – October 1, 2025 @ 6.00am

Close – October 15, 2025 @ 9.00pm or when full whichever is first

LATE ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED ONLY IF THERE IS ROOM UNTIL OCTOBER 22, AT AN EXTRA COST OF $10.00 PER SECTION

RUNNING SHEET OUT – December 1 - 7, 2025

PAYING FEES OFF FINAL PAYMENT DUE – December 15, 2025. If not paid in full payments that have been made will be forfeited and the competitors/s will be removed from the comp.

DEMI-CHARACTER STORIES DUE – January 2, 2026 ABSOLUTELY NO LATER

ALL MUSIC IS DUE – January 2, 2026 ABSOLUTELY NO LATER

PROGRAMS OUT – January 2, 2026

Your first official qualifying event for Showcase Australian Dance Championships

Everyone who places 1^st, 2^nd or 3^rd in any of their sections at Verve Dance Festival 2026 will automatically qualify to represent North Queensland at the SHOWCASE Finals on the Gold Coast in January 2027.

Verve Dance Festival has also been allocated 3 positions in each age group for “Dancer of the Year.”

GENERAL

1. Admission into the auditorium is FREE for everyone, not just competitors.

2. We encourage cheering and support for all competitors however any disrespectful or negative commentary will not be tolerated.

3. Mobile phones and handheld games must be switched off whilst in the auditorium.

4. Recording Devices of any kind are strictly prohibited as per privacy and copyright laws, (Audio, Video, Photographic). Anyone recording will be asked to leave and recordings will be deleted in the

presence of a Verve Dance Festival Official.

5. No practicing will be permitted on, around or behind the stage area, before, during or after sessions. Should competitors wish to do this, you will be required to make a private booking with Theatre

Management, and does not interfere with the program. Verve Dance Festival will not be responsible for any costs incurred.

6. Choreography, Music and Costuming must be suitable for a family audience.

7. It is the competitor’s responsibility to collect all trophies, medals, music and awards before leaving the theatre. None of the above will be held once the event has concluded.

8. When entering this competition, you agree that competitors, including students, parents, family and friends, teachers and other spectators, will not hold Verve Dance Festival Organisers, Volunteers

or Burdekin Theatre Management liable for injuries sustained, illnesses contracted, or loss of property whilst in attendance and/or participating in activity related to this event. You also acknowledge

abiding by the rules and conditions set out below.

9. If a competitor leaves the stage for reasons other than faulty music, they will be offered a second chance to perform, at the Adjudicators digression. However, the competitor will receive adjudication

but may not be eligible for a placing, depending on the Adjudicator.

10. There will be no protests the Adjudicators adjudication is final.

11. No Competitor Cards will be issued.

12. No curtain will be in use throughout the event.

13. No food is allowed in the auditorium, this is Burdekin Theatre protocol. Drinks are allowed.

AMATEUR STATUS

This competition is open to amateurs up to the age of 19 years.

Student teachers who are still attending education school fall under the amateur status.

Definition of “Amateur” for those competing in the Verve Dance Festival is: Any person who does not derive nor has ever derived his or her main income or a substantial income as a teacher and/or performer in the professional theatre.

ENTERING

1. The entering process is the parents or teachers responsibility so please ensure you have entered the correct sections and information.

2. Please check invoices immediately after entering in case wrong sections have been entered into. Once entries close you will not be able to change sections should they be incorrect.

3. You can add to an existing invoice even if it has been paid, as long as it’s before the closing date. This will save you paying for multiple programs.

4. Entries are to be made on or before the closing date above via Stardom at www.stardom.com.au.

5. Late entries will be accepted at an extra cost and only if there is room.

6. No entry will be accepted until payment has been made in full by the entry closing date. Entries can be paid online via Bank Transfer and Debit or Credit Card upon entry.

7. If you have an existing account with Stardom, please use those details to login to your account.

8. When entering please keep a copy of your login details, you will need them to login to get your reports. You must use the same login details to be able to view reports.

9. Multiple children can be listed on the same invoice.

10. Entry fees are non-refundable. Verve Dance Festival is unable to offer a refund or a credit if you withdraw, simply don’t turn up to compete or the routine isn’t complete.

12. Competitors are not permitted to perform in any section under a different name to the one stated on the entry.

13. Competitors can only perform once in the same section.

14. Competitors can only perform a routine once throughout the event.

15. Competitors can only enter in their own age group. Competitors are not eligible to dance up in age.

16. When entering online you will be required to tick 4 boxes to accept the following:

a) We hereby release all officials and volunteers of Verve Dance Festival from any claims for damages or

injuries sustained whilst performing or any activity related to this competition. I understand all rules stated in

this schedule. I also understand and agree that entries are non-refundable, and no credit will be given

including withdrawals for medical reasons. This policy is also for when a competitor is a no show, a withdrawal

or simply changes their mind not to perform.

b) Parents and Competitors give permission to Verve Dance Festival, to use photographs or videos of them in

our local paper and to advertise the event. Parents and Competitors also agree to have their photos published

on Facebook controlled by Verve Dance Festival Officials.

c) In the event of a natural disaster: If the venue is no longer able to be used, Verve Dance Festival

reserves the right to change dates and days, move venues or move to online video submission that are due to

unforeseen circumstances out of our control and entries will not be refunded when alternative options are put in

place, and we can replace the service.

d) Due to COVID 19: If in the event our event is required to modify, delay or be cancelled due to COVID19

government restrictions or venue issues, this includes border closures, the above terms and conditions will still

go into effect, and you agree to this when registering your entries. We will in most cases work to have the event

go ahead even if it’s delayed to a later date this will be the priority. Entries will not be refunded when alternative

options are put in place.

PAY YOUR FEES OFF

To make life a little bit easier Verve Dance Festival is now offering a Lay-By option so you can pay your entry fees off. When times are tough, we need work together for the kids.

To enter: Enter as normal then tick bank transfer and save. To pay them off login to your stardom account and make payments from there.

Terms & conditions are as follows:

1. Fees must be paid in full by December 15, 2024.

2. If fees are not paid in full at this time the entry will be null and void.

3. You will forfeit any payment that have been made.

WAITING LIST

If you are unable to enter before Verve is at full capacity or before entries close October 15, please email details to Machelle at vervedancefestival@bigpond.com to go on the waiting list. I will contact you if a spot becomes available in the section you want to enter. This does not guarantee you a spot in Verve.

AGE

THIS IS NOT A MISPRINT.

The ages are like this to come in line with the Showcase Finals 2027

1a. Competitors must not be older than the age stated in each section as of 31^st December 2026.

b. For those competitors still at school but will be turning 19 in 2026 you will compete in the 17 - 19 year old sections.

2. Competitors are not permitted to perform up in age.

3. Proof of age may be required. Verve Dance Festival reserves the right to withhold prizes until such proof is supplied.

Year Born	Age Group	Year Born	Age Group	Year Born	Age Group	Year Born	Age Group
2022	4 years	2018	8 years	2014	12 years	2010	16 years
2021	5 years	2017	9 years	2013	13 years	2009	17 years
2020	6 years	2016	10 years	2012	14 years	2008	18 years
2019	7 years	2015	11 years	2011	15 years	2007	19 years

FEES

1. Entry Fees

Solos @ $40.00 per section

Duo/Trio @ $45.00 per section

Championships @ $50.00 per section

2. Stardom Admin Fees (these fees are governed by Stardom not Verve)

1 entry @ $3.00

2 – 5 entries @ $6.00

6 – 10 entries @ $10.00

11 entries and over @ $15.00

3. Programme @ $6.00 emailed

4. Teacher Running Sheets @ $12.00 emailed

5. You can add to an existing invoice even if it has been paid. This will also save you paying for multiple programs.

6. Unfortunately, NO refunds or credits can be given if you withdraw, simply can’t make it, or the routine isn’t complete.

REFUNDS or CREDITS

Entries are non-refundable, and no credit will be given including withdrawals for medical reasons. This policy is also for when a competitor is a no show, a withdrawal, simply changes their mind not to perform or the routine isn’t complete. You have agreed to this by ticking the Terms & Conditions tick box when entering.

PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPGHY

Keeara & Reece Photography will be available to take onstage photos & videos if you wish. Keeara & Reece are from Mackay and have been taking onstage photos at competitions for years. Please contact Keeara & Reece directly to make your booking.

SONG & DANCE SECTIONS

Your routine must contain you singing and any style of dance. No lead vocals, contestant vocals or backing vocals are allowed on the track in the singing sections of your routine. Backing vocals and full vocals are allowed in the dance sections only.

SPONSORSHIP

Sponsorship is vital to run the competition, please consider taking 1 of the sponsorship options available. This can be done throughout the entry process online or by contacting Machelle Slatcher on 0407 834 953 or vervedancefestival@bigpond.com. If you are interested in corporate packages, please contact Machelle form further information.

1. Solo Section @ $40.00 per section.

2. Duo / Trio Section @ $75.00 per section

3. Awards Sponsorship @ $45.00 per award. Please refer to page 9 for awards on offer. NO perpetual trophies will be

awarded just a take home trophy. First in best dressed.

TIME LIMITS

CATEGORY	AGE GROUP	TIME LIMIT	CATEGORY	AGE GROUP	TIME LIMIT
Solo	Tiny Tots	2.30 minutes	Championship	9 – 12 years	3.00 minutes each
Solo	6 – 8 years	2.30 minutes	Championship	13 years & over	3.30 minutes each
Solo	9 – 12 years	3.00 minutes	Championship	Mini	2.30 minutes
Solo	13 years & over	3.30 minutes	Championship	Petite	2.30 minutes
Song & Dance Solo	All Ages	3.30 minutes	Championship	Junior	3.00 minutes
Duo/Trio	8 years & under	3.30 minutes	Championship	Teen	3.30 minutes
Duo/Trio	9 – 12 years	3.30 minutes	Championship	Senior	3.30 minutes
Duo/Trio	13 years & over	3.30 minutes

Competitors must adhere to the time limits. Anyone exceeding time limits will receive adjudication but will not receive a mark. Timing commences at the start of the music or first step whichever is first. Tags and exits are included.

HIGHLAND

New in 2025

Highland can now be entered into the Open, Student Choreography and the Duo/Trio Sections.

This is not a recognised RSOBHD Highland Dancing competition. Dancers entering in

these sections must be performing their own choreography based on Highland movements.

There will not be a separate adjudicator for these sections.

DUOS / TRIOS

HIGHLAND CAN NOW ENTER THIS SECTION PROVIDING ITS

100% SELF CHOREY AS PER

HIGHLANDS RULES. STARTING 2025

1. The age of the eldest competitor is the age of the section they must enter.

2. Competitors in Duos or Trios can perform in different age sections with different partners, as long as they are not over the age stated for the section.

3. Competitors can only perform once in any one section.

4. If any competitors in Duos or Trios are unable to perform due to a withdrawal of one partner, a substitute can be used. Marshals must be notified when checking in.

5. Trios can be reduced to Duos where necessary. These changes will be accepted provided all criteria are met. Name and date of birth of substitute/s must be handed to the Marshals when checking

in.

6. Any changes to Duos or Trios must be submitted upon checking in. No changes will be accepted if this does not occur.

STUDENT CHOREOGRAPY SECTIONS

HIGHLAND CAN NOW ENTER THIS SECTION

STARTING 2025

1. Absolutely NO teacher assistance.

2. Students are to choreograph 100% of their own routines.

3. Choreography must be family friendly.

4. Costumes are required for this section.

CANTEEN

There will be a canteen open from 7.30am daily with a variety of foods throughout the competition. Menus could change daily so be sure to pop in and check what is on offer today. If using the tables provided, please take the time to clean up after yourself and dispose of rubbish. There are bins provided in the foyer as well as theatre grounds.

DEMI – CHARACTER

TITLES & STORIES ARE DUE NO ABSOULTEY LATER THAN JANUARY 2, 2026.

Whilst Titles and Stories are not compulsory, if you wish to submit them please follow the guidelines below

1. Please upload your Title and Story into your Stardom account.

2. Stardom will only allow up to 300 characters including spaces. If you are over the allocation an error message will pop up.

3. I suggest you write your story in WORD to check the number of characters including spaces. Then copy and paste into Stardom once you know you have the correct number of characters.

4. All Props must be brought to the OP side of stage, prior to the beginning of the session and collected immediately after the conclusion of that session.

5. It is the parent or teachers responsibly to place props on and off the stage. If this is not possible, please advise the marshal when checking in.

MUSIC

MUSIC IS DUE ABSOLUTELY NO LATER THAN JANUARY 5, 2026.

1.Please ensure music is age appropriate and suitable for a family audience.

2.Music with Lyrics is not permitted for Classical and Demi-Character Solos.

3.No lead vocals, contestant vocals or backing vocals are allowed on the track in the singing sections of all Song and Dance routines.

4. Music is to be provided via your Stardom account.

5. Teachers are responsible for all copyright and music licensing. Verve Dance Festival holds no responsibility for copyright issues.

6. A back up copy on your phone or a USB must be available at the event in case required.

7. Please check your music carefully before submission. Verve Dance Festival holds no responsibility for incorrect music being submitted.

8. Competitors are responsible for the production of their own music. The Verve Dance Festival and Burdekin Theatre while providing adequate playback equipment, accepts no responsibility for

quality of the reproduction.

9. If music is faulty during a performance music will be turned off and the competitor will be given the option to repeat their dance at the end of the section (with back up music), without disqualification.

PROGRAMMING

1. Programs and Teacher Running Sheets will be emailed out once entries close and program has been finalized.

2. Verve Dance Festival reserves the right to amend the program at any time. Including combining, splitting or changing sections due to number of entries received. If sections have been changed,

competitors must perform in the division allocated.

3. Positions allocated in programme will be strictly adhered to. Competitor’s appearance on stage is in no particular order to receipt of entries.

4. Whilst Verve Dance Festival takes everyone into account when building the program, we are unable to make special arrangements for competitors to compete at a time other than that shown in the

programme.

5. Verve Dance Festival will take into account religious beliefs but is unable to guarantee such placement in the program. If this is the case please advise upon entry.

SCORING

The score is out of 100 and is broken down into:

Costume	10 points
Choreography	10 points
Content	20 points
Execution of Steps	20 points
Technique	20 points
Overall Performance	20 points

DEDUCTION GUIDELINES

No correspondence will be entered into the adjudication of the event, you can also not approach the adjudicator to discuss or question the outcome of the event.

Deduction	Result
Failure to place, remove props in 1 minute	- 5 points
Incorrect naming of music	- 5 points
Music in incorrect section	- 5 points
Music overtime	- 10 points
Incorrect category / section	- 10 points
Coaching or prompting during performance	- 20 points
Inappropriate Themes	No score
Inappropriate Behavior	No score
Approaching Adjudicator	No score

IMPROVISATION

1.The adjudicator selects the music for the improv sections.

2.The adjudicator will critique competitors on their ability as an improv soloist. The adjudicator will be looking to see how well competitors can perform to a piece un-choreographed, the ability to feel

the music and do what comes natural to them.

3.There will be NO lockout during the Improvisation sections.

4. What to wear –

CLASSICAL – plain coloured leotard and a short plain skirt (optional).

- plain coloured leotard and plain black fitted shorts or tights for male dancers are acceptable.

JAZZ – plain coloured leotard and plain black jazz pants / shorts (optional) or a plain coloured crop top and

black jazz pants / shorts.

- plain coloured T-Shirt / Singlet and black jazz pants / shorts for male dancers are acceptable.

TAP – plain coloured leotard and plain black jazz pants (optional)

- plain coloured T-Shirt / Singlet and black jazz pants / shorts for male dancers are acceptable.

5. NO headpieces are to be worn for any genre’.

VERVE DANCE FESTIVAL CHAMPION OF THE YEAR…..

Verve Dance Festival champs are a little different to championships of an eisteddfod. The competitor must have performed in each of the dances in the QUALIFYING headings below. Dancing in the VDF Championship itself, competitors only need 1 routine NOT 2. This routine can be of any style and cannot be a routine previously danced in another section of this year’s comp or Highland. Routine must show off the Dancers technique, style, maturity, versatility, and flexibility.

To Quality –

1.Verve Dance Festival Mini Champion of The Year – 6 years & under – 1 Routine Any Style