2019 RULES

Brindabella Dance Festival Rules

1)      General

a)      The Brindabella Dance Festival is open to amateurs only with exception to the Adult Troupe Section.  An amateur is any school aged person whose main source of income is not derived from dance.

b)      The Brindabella Dance Festival is a family eisteddfod.  Music, choreography and costumes must be suitable for family viewing.  Failure to comply will result in disqualification.

2)      Age

a)      Solo, Duo, Trio Age: is as at the first day of competition (see cover page for dates). The committee reserves the right to request from any competitor a copy of their birth certificate (supplied at competitors expense), and can, at their discretion, withhold any prizes until this is produced.

b)      Troupe Age: is age as at 1 January year of competition. The committee reserves the right to request from any competitor a copy of their birth certificate (supplied at competitors expense), and can, at their discretion, withhold any prizes until this is produced.

c)       Competitors may only enter in their own age group (dancing up an age group is not permitted unless there is not an appropriate section within the competitor’s age group).

d)      Duos/Trios – all competitors must be within the stated age limit.

e)      Groups – all competitors in a nominated age group must be within the age limit.  An average of ages is not acceptable with exception to Adult troupes where the average age of competitors must be over the age of 20 years.

3)      Category Definitions

a)      Restricted – means a competitor has not won first place in that category in any competition up to the closing date of Brindabella entries.

b)      Open – competitors who have won first place in any previous competition in that discipline, but is still open to those who have not and who choose to compete at this level.

c)       Troupes – must contain a minimum of four competitors. A maximum of four entries per section per studio.

d)      Adult Troupes – The average age of competitors must be over the age of 20 years.  If your average age is under 20, please enter open age troupes.

e)      School Groups – To qualify as a school group, the routine must be learned at school in a school environment, not as part of a dance school environment. The group may contain students from a dance school. School Groups wear school uniform, not costumes.

f)       Studio Class Groups – Routines must have been prepared in a class environment with no additional practices. This is to encourage non-troupe students to participate. A troupe that is already rehearsed in a class must compete in the normal troupe section and does not constitute a Studio Class Group. Studio Class Groups wear class uniform, not costumes.

g)      Improvisation – Music will be chosen by the Adjudicator.  The competitors in this section are sequestered and not able to hear the music whilst sequestered. Competitors are taken separately to the backstage area and have one opportunity to hear the music once through and compose their routine. They then perform on stage to the Adjudicator immediately. Dress requirements for improvisation are plain dance attire.  i.e. plain leotard with ballet skirt is appropriate, plain pants and top, scrunchie, flower or hair ribbon, tights and shoes where appropriate to the style. No sequined costumes or additional hair accessories allowed.

4)      Duo/Trios

a)      Dates of birth and names of all competitors must be declared on one entry - and all competitors must be within the stated age category.

b)      An individual may enter a duo or trio with a different partner.  The maximum number of times an individual can enter the same duo/trio section is two.

c)      Full payment must be received in one complete entry. The Committee reserves the right to refuse entry if full payment is not received.

5)      Student Choreography

a)      The routine must be totally choreographed and performed by the student.

b)      No teacher assistance may be given. We rely on your honesty for this section.

c)       The student may enter a maximum of 2 student choreography routines, providing they are of different dance styles.

d)      The time limit for student choreography routines is a maximum of 2 minutes.

6)      Championships

a)      Competitors must have qualified in the general sections as referred to below.

b)      There must be a minimum of two competitors in a Championship for it to proceed. In the event that only one competitor is entered the Committee reserves the right to cancel the section or move the competitor up an age grouping if available.

c)       Duo/Trio sections are not qualifying sections for Championships.

d)      Ballet Championships

i)        To qualify, competitors must have performed in two previous Open sections, one of which must be a Classical and one other chosen from Demi-Character or National Character.

ii)      To qualify, competitors must have performed in a ballet improvisation section.

On Championship Day:

iii)     Competitors will be required to perform two solos a Classical and Demi-Character.

iv)     One item may be repeated. A change of costume and/or music does not constitute a change of routine.

e)      Tap Championships

i)        To qualify, competitors must have performed in two previous Open sections in the categories of Slow Tap, Waltz Tap or Fast Tap.

ii)       To qualify, competitors must have performed in a tap improvisation section.

On Championship Day:

iii)     Competitors will be required to perform two solos, one must be a Fast Tap and the other Slow Tap or Waltz Tap.

iv)     One item may be repeated. A change of costume and/or music does not constitute a change of routine.

f)       Jazz Championships

i)        To qualify, competitors must have performed in two previous Open sections in the categories of Jazz, Broadway Jazz or Hip Hop.

ii)       To qualify, competitors must have performed in a jazz improvisation section.

On Championship Day:

iii)     Competitors will be required to perform two solos, one must be a Jazz and the other a Broadway Jazz.

iv)     One item may be repeated. A change of costume and/or music does not constitute a change of routine.

g)      Contemporary/Lyrical Championships

i)        To qualify, competitors must have performed in two previous Open sections in the categories of Contemporary and Lyrical.

ii)       To qualify, competitors must have performed in a lyrical improvisation section.

On Championship Day:

iii)     Competitors will be required to perform two solos, one must be a Contemporary and the other a Lyrical.

iv)     One item may be repeated. A change of costume and/or music does not constitute a change of routine.

h)      Entertainment Award

i)        To qualify, competitors must have performed in three previous Open sections in the categories of Jazz, Broadway Jazz, Any Tap style or Acrobatics and also an Open section in the categories of Song and Tap or Song and Soft Shoe (4 qualifying routines in total for example - Song and Tap, Jazz, Fast Tap and Broadway Jazz).

On Championship Day:

ii)       Competitors will be required to perform one solo of high entertainment value, not previously performed. Dance styles can be Jazz, Broadway Jazz, Fast Tap, Acrobatics, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Student Choreography, Demi-Character or Song and Dance (any style). Classical, Lyrical and National Character routines cannot be performed in this section.

iii)     Section will be adjudicated on entertainment value and originality.

iv)     There must be a minimum of two competitors in this section for it to proceed. In the event that only one competitor is entered the Committee reserves the right to cancel the section or move the competitor up an age grouping if available.

7)      Copyright

a)      The law of Copyright applies to the Dance Festival. It is the responsibility of each competitor to adhere to the Act. Your studio APRA number must be included on your entry. This number is available from your studio teacher.

8)      Entries

a)      All entries to be lodged on-line via the Stardom website by the closing date (see cover page for dates). Payments to be made electronically at the time of submitting the entry.

i)        Please note: an APRA/AMCOS music playing fee will be added for each item at time of entry (improvisations excluded).

b)      If entries are not paid by the time of closing (even in the event of closing prior to the listed date) the entry will not be honoured, entries must be paid in full to be included in our program.

c)       No refunds will be given once entries are received unless the Committee cancels a section.

d)      No late entries will be accepted.

e)      Competitors may enter each Solo Section once only with the exception of Student Choreography sections.  However, if Sections are combined and the competitor is required to perform more than once it will be the responsibility of the competitor to ensure that costume changes do not delay the festival proceedings on the day.

f)       Routines must be entered in the correct sections, (e.g. a Broadway Jazz cannot be performed in the Jazz section unless there is no Broadway section offered, or unless the committee decides to combine sections). Failure to comply may result in disqualification.

g)      The number of entries in each section may be limited depending on total number of overall entries.  In the unlikely event that limits are imposed competitors will be included in order of entries being lodged.

9)      Social Media
The Brindabella Dance Festival is run by a volunteer committee who make all efforts to ensure that the Festival is a fun and friendly environment for all.  We welcome feedback and opportunities for improvement.  Such feedback must be given directly to the committee either in person or by email to brindabelladf@yahoo.com.au.

a)      Any dancer, parent or friend that posts negative or inappropriate comment regarding Brindabella Dance Festival on social media including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram may be excluded from competing without refund and may be banned from entering future festivals.

b)      Any dance teacher or representative from a dance school that posts negative or inappropriate comments regarding Brindabella Dance Festival on social media including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram may have their troupe and any dancers from their dance school excluded from competing without refund and may be banned from entering future festivals.

10)   The Committee:

a)      Reserves the right to refuse any entry.

b)      Invests the Adjudicator with the power to withhold a prize if he/she does not consider the standard of competition warrants one.

c)       Reserves the right to amend the program at any time.

d)      Will do all in its power to maintain the advertised adjudicator however it reserves the right to make any changes deemed necessary.

e)      Officials of the Committee ONLY may approach the Adjudicator.

f)       Reserves the right to combine or cancel sections if insufficient entries are received.

g)      Reserves the right to adjudicate in any protests and their decision is final.

h)      All powers of the legal entity incorporated as Brindabella Dance Festival Inc. have been delegated to the Committee as elected from time to time.

i)        Reserves the right to add age groups dependent on entries received.

j)        The Committee will make the final decision on any issues that are not covered in the Rules.

11) Dance Style Definitions
For clarification, the Committee provides the following guidance as to styles of dance:

a)      Classical Ballet:  traditional formal style of ballet.  The Brindabella Dance Festival does not stipulate the age that Competitors may dance en pointe however any competitors who choose to dance en pointe will be expected to have the required technique and ability to dance safely en pointe.  The adjudicator may at his/her discretion ring the bell and request a dancer to change shoes and perform at the end of the section.  

b)      Broadway Jazz: also known as Musical Theatre the dance must be to a song/music that has been used in a theatre production/show however the version of the music does not need to be the one used in the production.  Broadway is also a particular style of dance and the adjudicator will expect to see Broadway style steps in the routine.  Miming is permitted.

c)       Lyrical:  also known as modern expressive, lyrical dance uses movement to express strong emotions such as love, joy and anger.  This style of dance is usually to music with lyrics and the lyrics inspire the movement and expression. It is characterised by fluidity and grace.

d)      Contemporary: is a style of expressive dance that draws from both classical ballet technique and other dance genres including modern, lyrical and jazz.  Contemporary dance stresses versatility and improvisation, unlike the strict, structured nature of ballet. Contemporary dancers focus on floor work using gravity to pull them down to the floor. This dance genre is often done in bare feet. Contemporary dance can be performed to many different styles of music and is characterised by its versatility. 

e)      Fast tap:  tap to a fast piece of music with fast timing.  Competitors may enter straight tap in this section.

f)       Slow tap: done to a ballad or slow piece of music, usually has a lyrical quality to the routine

g)      Waltz Tap:  tap dance to 3/4 time music

h)      Troupe Variety/Production Number:  A spectacular dance performance which may include a variety of music and dance styles.  It can incorporate singing and can also be in a musical theatre style.  Miming is permitted. Generally the performance is longer than 5 minutes.

i)        Song and Dance (including song and tap and song and soft shoe): performance must be relatively equal in both song and dance. Competitors cannot just sing.

j)        National Character: must comprise traditional dance movement from one specified nation/country.

13)   Adjudicator

a)      The Adjudicator’s decision is final.

b)      Any competitor who has been taught regularly by the Adjudicator within the preceding six months will not be eligible to compete and must withdraw immediately, or be disqualified. This excludes workshop classes and/or industry briefings.

c)       Any competitor currently represented by an agency affiliated with the Adjudicator declare this to the committee prior to entry.

d)      The Adjudicator has the right to withhold a prize if he/she does not feel a sufficient standard has been reached.

e)      The Adjudicator must not be approached by any competitor/parent/teacher for any reason or that competitor will be disqualified.

f)       The Adjudicator may apply a penalty if time limit is exceeded.

14)   Backstage

a)      No parent is permitted backstage except if placing/removing props. Please let the stage manager know your procedure and if assistance is required.

b)      For 6/U sections a teacher or parent may be permitted backstage.

c)       Anyone causing a disturbance backstage may be asked to leave by the stage manager and must comply.

d)      No children permitted backstage unless waiting to compete.

15)   Competitor Breakdown
a) In the case of a competitor breakdown, a repeat of the routine is allowable at the sole discretion of the Adjudicator. However, the competitor will not be eligible for any prize except highly commended, at the discretion of the Adjudicator.

16)   Dressing rooms

a)      No changing is permitted in the auditorium toilets or auditorium.

b)      Dressing rooms must be kept clean and free of rubbish at the end of each session.

c)       Dressing rooms will be allocated on Troupe Days

d)      Troupe dressing rooms must be left clean at end of troupe completion or prize money will be withheld. In the event no prize money has been awarded a cleaning fee will be invoiced to the offending studio.

17)   Safety and disclaimer

a)      Every care will be taken for the safety of competitors however parents and guardians including teachers are also required to supervise their children when they are not backstage (i.e. in the dressing rooms, the theatre foyer and surrounds)

b)      Basic first aid facilities will be available. Please inquire at the canteen, backstage or ask a Committee Member.  Any accidents or injuries must be reported and all first aid will be administered with the assistance of the Venue staff.

c)       Brindabella Dance Festival Inc, the Committee, the Members and all parties involved with the Brindabella Dance Festival will not accept any liability for loss, damage, injury or inconvenience that might occur to any person or goods as a consequence of their participation in the Festival or attendance at it.

18)   Music

a)      The Brindabella Dance Festival is a family eisteddfod. Music, choreograph and costumes must be suitable for family viewing. Failure to comply will result in disqualification.

b)      CDs Only – WITH ONLY ONE ROUTINE PER CD.

c)       All CDs must be labelled clearly with section number and competitor number.

d)      All CDs must be cured and cut appropriately for the routine.  .

e)      Vocals are permitted to Tap CDs, however please ensure they do not overwhelm the tapping.

f)       Competitors may not accompany pre-recorded vocals in song and dance routines.

g)      CDs must be lodged with music registration at the start of the session.

h)      Backstage staff only will operate all music equipment.

i)        It is the responsibility of the competitors to ensure that CDs will play on all equipment. It is recommended that CDs are not rewritable as these often will not play in the Theatre equipment.

j)        If a CD does not play, a back-up may be provided, however competitors or a representative of the competitor will have a 3 minute time limit to present the back-up to the back stage announcer, if a suitable back-up has not been provided the competitor will forfeit their opportunity to dance unless otherwise directed by the Adjudicator.

k)      If more than one track per CD a 5 point deduction will apply to the competitor’s routine.

l)        The Committee reserves the right to change the format in which music is received prior to the competition start date.

19)   Perpetual Trophies

a)      Perpetual Trophies may be awarded in some sections.

b)      Where perpetual trophies are awarded, these trophies must be returned by the closing date of entries the following year.

20)   Photography

a)      No photographs may be taken in the theatre at any time.

b)      Only the official photographer nominated by the Committee is permitted to take photographs in the theatre.

c)       Failure to comply with this may result in disqualification.

21)   Prompting

a)      No prompting is permitted in any section other than 6/U sections.

22)   Protests

a)      The Adjudicators decision is final.

b)      The Committee reserves the right to adjudicate in any conflict and their decision is final.

c)       Protests much be lodged within thirty minutes of the section’s adjudication. The protest must be in writing, handed to a Committee Member and must be accompanied by a $20.00 fee, which is non-refundable if protest is not upheld.

23)    Program

a)      Once finalised, changes to the program, such as incorrect section entered, are at the discretion of the Committee. Where a change is permitted an administration fee will be charged, exception is if the error is the fault of the Committee or a printing error.

b)      Brindabella Dance Festival uses competition management software to take online entries and develop the program.  Competitors will be allocated to sections by the program and generally the order will not be changed except to allow for quick changes between successive sections.  This may mean that a competitor is the same competitor number in every section they compete in.

24)   Refunds

a)      No refunds will be given once entries are received unless the Committee cancels a section.

b)      If a section is cancelled, the Committee will refund the entry fee for that section.

25)   Teachers

a)      Teachers may accompany 6/U solos/duos/trios and any age troupe backstage.

b)      If distressing other competitors, Teachers may be asked to leave by backstage manager and must comply immediately.

c)       A complimentary season ticket is available for all teachers as requested by the studio director (with the exception of student teachers).

26)   Theatre

a)      No eating, drinking or smoking in the theatre.

b)      Fire Exits must be kept clear at all times.

c)       No entry/exit is allowed to/from the Theatre auditorium whilst an act is on stage.

d)      In circumstances where the theatre seating is full, non-paying competitors must give up their seat for a paid ticket holder.

27)   Tickets

a)      Season tickets cover all solo sections and troupe days.

b)      Session – applies to morning, afternoon or evening only.

c)       All tickets must be shown before entering the Theatre.

28)   Video

a)      Absolutely no videoing or recording is permitted in the theatre.

b)      No use of mobile phones to video record or capture photographs allowed.

c)       Only the official videographer nominated by the Committee is to be used.

d)      Failure to comply with this may result in disqualification.