ALL ENTRIES ARE SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING RULES AND CONDITIONS

 

1. Entry numbers are capped to ensure EGPAE operates within the allocated days.  Priority entry will be given to affiliated schools, Volunteers from our 2025 event, and entrants in the All Abilities sections.  Affiliated schools are those schools with their primary location within the East Gippsland Shire.

 

2. Age of competitors will be determined as at 1^st January 2026.  The Committee reserves the right to request proof of age at any time.

 

3. A competitor who has placed 1^st or 2^nd in a competition during the past three years (as at 21 April 2026) may not enter as a ‘Novice’ in that style of dance at this competition.  Full responsibility rests with the performer for correct entry.  Performers who fail to disclose will dance for a ‘crit’ only.

 

4. Competitors may only appear only once in any section (including Duos/Trios and Troupes).  

 

5. Competitors must dance in their own age group, with the exception of Duos/Trios and Troupes, where the section entered will be determined by the age of the oldest entrant.

 

6. Competitors may enter a maximum of five (5) solo and three (3) duo/trio sections.  Troupes are not included within this limit.  If competitors incorrectly enter more than five solo sections or three duo/trio sections, additional entries will be cancelled by the Committee with no refund of fees.

 

7. Troupes must contain a minimum of 5 members.

 

8. All Abilities sections are open to performers who are enrolled or registered in either a supported community or education program, registered with or eligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

 

9. The Committee reserves the right to cancel or combine any section (e.g. Novice / Open, younger age groups in the same genre) at their discretion.  Where the Committee restricts entries, fees will be refunded.

 

10. This competition is intended for Amateur dance students, not Teachers.  For this competition, a Teacher is defined as a person aged 18 years or older who teaches classes or individuals unsupervised and is being paid.  This competition is not open to dancers enrolled in full time performing arts courses.  If there is any question regarding eligibility, the Committee reserves the right to determine a Competitor’s eligibility to compete.

 

11. Students taught by the Adjudicator in the past 12 months on a regular basis for more than 10 weeks will not be eligible to enter this competition.

 

12. Once entries are accepted, fees are not refundable.

 

13. By entering EGPAE all competitors, parents, family members and spectators agree to respect and follow the Code of Conduct.  EGPAE does not tolerate inappropriate or unsportsmanlike behaviour at any time by students, parents or teachers.  There will be zero tolerance of rude and aggressive behaviour.  This includes, but is not limited to, foul, rude or abusive language in any context; bullying; threatening or intimidating conduct; discourteous gestures; excessive celebration of success or violent actions of any degree.  In particular, Teachers, Student and Parents/Families who are found to be in breach of these rules and Code of Conduct may result in exclusion from the current event and all future Eisteddfod.

 

14. All performances must comply with the EGPAE Child Safety Policy and have regard to the Victorian Child Safe Standards.  This includes ensuring that music does not contain inappropriate language or themes, and that song selection, costuming, choreography and movement choices are appropriate to the age and developmental stage of the competitors.  

 

The over-sexualisation of children is unacceptable and inconsistent with Child Safety Standards.  Any performance element that may reasonably be considered inappropriate, suggestive or exploitative will not be permitted.  EGPAE is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for all children and young people.  

 

The full EGPAE Child Safety Policy, including codes of conduct and reporting procedures, is available on the EGPAE website.  Concerns relating to child safety, including the appropriateness of performances, may be raised with the EGPAE Child Safety Person.  Contact details for the Child Safety Person are published in the event program, and on the EGPAE website.

 

15. All competitors will dance at their own risk.  EGPAE, its committee and all associated parties will not be held responsible for any loss or injury.

 

16. Competitors must submit their music via Stardom, with music files to be uploaded by Friday 29 May 2026.  The committee reserves the right to refuse changes to or replacement of uploaded music files after this date.  Performers must bring a backup copy of their music on a mobile phone, computer or other electronic device for all performances.  Backup media will only be used in the event of technical difficulties with the uploaded music.  EGPAE will provide AUX, Lightning and USB-C connection cables only.  

 

17. Only one Teacher or Parent will be allowed side stage during their student’s/child’s item and must display their Teacher Pass or a Session Pass.

 

18. Communication with the Adjudicator is strictly prohibited, with the exception of the Committee or their helpers.  

 

19. Stage lights will remain on at all times.  There will be no blackouts for any sections.  The only exception will be for stylistic choices in troupe sections, but must be approved by the Committee prior to the commencement of the Eisteddfod.

 

20. A competitor who leaves the stage during an item can reappear for a ‘crit’ only, unless it was through no fault of their own.

 

21. All competitors must check in side stage for all sections in their session before the commencement of each section.  Failure to do so may result in the dander performing for a crit only.

 

22. Pointe shoes are only allowed to be worn on stage by competitors aged 12 years and over.

 

23. Dangerous props will not be allowed on stage, including but not limited to items made from or containing glass, sharp objects, fire and pyrotechnics. Props may be used in all sections but should be kept to a minimum.

 

24. Teachers excessively prompting dancers or replicating routines from side stage or the audience is not allowed.  Discretion will be afforded to All Abilities sections.

 

25. Competitors must appear in the program order.  This may only be varied at the discretion of the Committee.

 

26. Time limits will be strictly adhered to – timing of dance commences from start of music or movement, whichever comes first, and finishes at end of movement or leaving stage.

 

27. The Adjudicator’s decision is final.

 

28. Competitors will be judged to such standard which the Adjudicator deems appropriate, which may result in no 1^st, 2^nd or 3^rd places given.

 

29. Complaints and/or grievances must be made in writing, signed by the protestor and lodged at the Secretary’s table no more than 15 minutes after the adjudication.  Protests must be accompanied with a deposit of $20.00 which will be forfeited should the Committee deem the protest to be unsubstantiated.

 

30. Private audio/video recording or the taking of photos within the auditorium or change spaces by anyone is prohibited under Child Safety Standards, with the exception of video and/or photo personnel appointed by the Committee.  Photos may be taken in the foyer only, and a backing banner will be provided should you wish to use for this purpose.  Offenders may be removed and recorded material forfeited to the Committee, and the competitor(s) concerned may be disqualified.  Teachers entering students should advise their students’ families of this rule

 

31. Due to Copyright laws, all dancers must have the permission of the Choreographing Teacher to perform dance/s.  EGPAE will not be liable for any copyright infringements.

 

32. In the event of an accident or illness, an ambulance may be called at the expense of the parent/guardian.

 

33. The Committee will not be responsible for lost or damaged items.

 

34. The Committee reserves the right to appoint another Adjudicator should the need arise.

 

35. The Troupe Aggregate will be determined based on the following scores for each troupe section:  1^st place = 5 points, 2^nd place = 3 points, 3^rd place = 2 points, HM = 1 point.

 

36. The Committee reserves the right to disqualify any competitor, or eject any non-competitor for any action not in accordance with the rules.

 

37. Privacy – Performer’s names, dance school and sections entered will appear in EGPAE programs.  Results may also be shared on social media, our website or in media releases.  All personal information is stored securely and used for administrative purposes only.  Email addresses provided via Stardom will be provided to the official Videographer.  To opt out, please email egippsdance@gmail.com immediately following your entry in our competition.

 

38. Dance studios may be liable for a minimum $300 cleaning fee and repairs for any untidiness or damage in the change rooms.

 

39. Should the Eisteddfod be cancelled, all fees will be refunded with the exception of any admin fees.

 

40. Competitor badges will be provided to all dancers, available for collection from the Front Desk.  Badges must be worn by competitors off stage at all times.

 

41. Anything not covered in these rules will be decided by the Committee.

 

42. The decision of the Committee will be final in all questions or disputes arising out of, or not provided for, by these conditions.