ENERGETIKS DANCE COMPETITION RULES
IMPORTANT: To be read in conjunction with General Conditions:
Venue: Her Majesty’s Theatre
Section Chair:
Kerryn Gledhill
Sub Committee:
Dr Tony Cole; Ray Puzzuti, Vivienne Edlund, Barbara Lowe & Virginia Wise
In 2020, we welcome back Energetiks who are in there 12th year of providing us with their generous support.
AGGREGATE TROPHIES:
Solo Aggregate ~ Winners of each age group
Grand Aggregate ~ Connell Perpetual Trophy & Replica
Teachers Aggregate Trophy ~ will be awarded to the teacher of the winning school with the highest aggregate points in groups/troupes’ sections.
$150 donated by Commonwealth Society of Teachers of Dancing Theatrical Dance Festival Victoria.
TROPHIES:
Classical Ballet Solo ~ Sections 330, 340, 350 ~ Donated by Dr Anthony Cole
Contemporary Solo ~ Section 535 ~ Donated by Sutton Family
Neo-Classical ~ Section 362 ~ Ballarat Trophies & Gifts
Tap Championship ~ Section 394 ~ June Plater Trophy
Intermediate Ballet Championship ~ Section 381 ~ Donated by Anita Coutts School of Dance
Junior & Intermediate Tap Championship ~ Sections 390, 391 ~ Donated by Ron & Dawn Harrington in memory of Mrs Eva Harrington
Junior Ballet Championship ~ Section 380 Donated by: Dance School of Distinction
Encouragement Trophy ~ Section 344 In memory of Jasmine Carpenter
Encouragement Trophy ~ Selected form over the whole competition Adjudicators choice
Balletic Classical Ballet ~ Winner of Section 960 Classical Ballet Group
Jazz Championship ~ Section 396 Junior, Section 397 Intermediate & Section 398 Seniors
PERPETUAL TROPHIES
In sections where perpetual trophies are presented annually, the trophies will be held by the winner for 11 months (August) when they must be returned to the RSSS Office, Eureka House, Lydiard St Sth, Ballarat.
All holders of trophies will be held responsible for their safe return, engraving and return at their own expense.
Waight Ballet Championship Trophy ~ Section 384 Courier Classical Ballet
Carol Trenfield Trophy ~ Section 384 Courier Classical Ballet
Bev Palmer Trophy ~ Section 395 Senior Tap Championship
Pirouette Trophy ~ Section 386 Senior Modern Solo
Greame Coombs Memorial Trophy ~ Section 976 Song & Tap Dance Troupe
Michelle Slater-Coyne Trophy ~ Section 976 Song & Tap Troupe
Marquis Family Trophy ~ Section 367 Overall winner of Song & Dance Solo
Yvonne Barrett Trophy ~ Section 366 Overall winner of Song & Tap Solo
Robyn Pascoe Memorial Trophy ~ Section 964 Jazz Troupe
Lily Piper Trophy ~ Section 940 Classical Group
Emma Kate McGrath Trophy ~ Section 972 Open Modern Group
The Barbara Lynch Memorial Trophy ~ Section 376 Song & Tap
RULES & SPECIAL CONDITITIONS
1) AGE:
The age of the competitor shall be taken as that on 31st December of the preceding year (2019). Birth certificate of proof of age may be requested at any time. See General Conditions 2. Solos in age levels, Groups/Troupes. ‘OPEN’ means any age level.
2) AGGREGATE WINNERS:
Points for aggregates will be awarded as follows.
First ~ 6; Second ~ 4; Third ~ 2; Honourable Mention (HM) ~ 1
Solo Aggregates ~ All sections exclude Novice are Scored
School Aggregates ~ All Groups & Troupes are scored
3) ASSISTANCE:
Teachers or non-members of groups, who are not on stage performing, are not to give assistance in singing to groups or solo performers who are performing.
4) CURTAINS:
1. House (Front) curtain will only be used for Demi-Character Solos and Demi-Character Duos or Trios.
2. All Group/Troupes work
3. Mid curtain may only be used for Group/Troupe work
4. No curtain for under 6 years, Novice Section which includes Demi-Character Solos
5. Scrim curtain may only be used for Groups/Troupes. There is a fee for using the scrim this will be advised prior.
5) ENTRIES:
1. Numbers ~ where entries in a section are excessive, extra divisions or heats and finals maybe arranged the Committee’s discretion. Where numbers are inadequate, sections maybe combined or cancelled.
2. Changing Divisions ~ Once the current guidebook is printed, competitors are not permitted to change between divisions of a section or their order in division, except in exceptional circumstances. Requests for changes must be made via email to julie@royalsouthstreet.com.au who will pass onto the section chair if allowed and accepted, the competitor will dance for Critique only however, the dance will still allow the competitor eligibility for a championship section.
6) LIMITED COMPETITION:
1. One Appearance ~ a competitor or Group/Troupe can only appear once in any one section. A Dancer cannot enter twice under different schools or re-appear in different Groups/Troupes of the same school in the one section.
2. NO REPEAT ~ An item by any Competitor, specifically the choreography, is not to be performed again by that competitor in any other section. (see General Conditions 1.)
3. DANCE COPYRIGHT ~ Competitors must be aware of copyright responsibilities. The Royal South Street Society Eisteddfod is in no way responsible for personal breach of copyright. If in doubt, APRA AMCOS may be contacted directly.
7) PROPERTIES and SCENERY:
1. All props for use must comply with safety regulations as stated on the RSSS website under “Props”. Failure to comply will result in the props being banned
2. These must be made to stand safely on a stage sloping at 37mm per metre length. They must not be attached to theatre curtains and must not damage the stage floor. See 16.5
3. Props & Scenery items should be kept to a minimum. All items should be labelled with competitor’s name or Dance School and Age group.
4. RSSS can provide a small table, a chair, 2 boxes (90cm x 60cm x 31cm high) and ballet barre 1.8metres long. Tiered steps are no longer available.
5. Scenery/backdrops may be hung from fly bars prior to the section, by arrangement with the Duty Technician. (Scene cloths should be 6.5 to 7 metres in height). Intention to fly scenery must be notified on the teacher’s “lighting cue sheet”. Choice of fly bar will be determined by order of request & operational limitations. Scenery must comply with safety standards such as anchor points and fire proofing or will not be hung.
6. All props, backdrops etc. must be removed from the Stage area after the time of use, and not stored backstage except with special permission from Stage Manager.
I 7. Internal combustion engines and not to be operated on stage. If present as part of a prop, it must be drained of all fuel and oil before entering the theatre.
8. WEAPONS such as Guns for use as props must NOT be real or look authentic. Swords, knives etc, used as props must be blunt and made of wood or plastic.
9. CHEMICALS Aerosol cans must not be used on stage unless prior approval is obtained from HMT Technician or RSSS Stage Manager. Talcum powder or similar is not to be used in props, costumes or hair. Rosin is not to be used on the stage. Stage must not be sprayed with any paint, lacquer, glue or similar. Similarly, no props to be spray painted, lacquered, glued or similar up behind the black curtain at the rear of the Stage, behind cyc curtain.
10. Glass or ceramic items are not allowed on stage.
8) PERFORMANCES:
1. REHEARSALS: No practice is allowed on stage during the dance competitions, except for prior Championship Sections when the Stage Manager will call performers to the stage.
2. STAGE CHECK: There shall be no warming up, no practice, no marking through, and no setting of formations during a “stage check”.
3. REGISTRATION: Dancers should book in with the registrar before the start of the morning, afternoon or evening session. Absolute deadline is 5 minutes before the start of section! Beyond that, Competitors may not be allowed to perform unless permission is granted by the Stage Manager.
4. WITHDRAWALS: As a matter of courtesy, please notify the RSSS Office of withdrawals.
5. SIDE STAGE HELPERS: Solo/Duo dances are limited to having 2 Teachers & 2 prop helpers/assistants side stage; so, a maximum of 4. Teachers (unless you have students in the next dance), and Helpers must leave the stage area as soon as dance is finished.
6. WARM UP: During Solo Sessions, only three (3) Competitors in performance order and their Teacher (Maximum of 2 allowed) may mark/warm up quietly backstage behind the black curtain. Never on OP side stage (stage right). No Jumping allowed.
Competitors and Teachers (unless Teacher has the next student onstage) are then required to exit through the Back-Stage Door when their dance is completed. Otherwise Competitors and Teachers are requested to wait quietly in the green Room to be called in turn to mark/warm up, by the Stage Manager. Competitors have plenty of time with this system, to get “into the zone” of the stage area before they perform.
7. ENTERING THE STAGE AREA: Competitors, Teachers and /or helpers are NOT permitted to enter through the Back-Stage Door at ANY time when the RED light is flashing, signifying that the stage is live. No exceptions, for Teachers or helpers with Props!
8. GROUP/TROUPE STARTS: When called on Stage prior to starting performance, Group/Troupe members must go straight to their start positions. There shall be NO marking, blocking of troupes, or rehearsal whilst waiting on the stage.
9. GROUP/TROUPE NUMBERS: In All Group/Troupe sections, the minimum number of dancers is 6. The maximum number of dancers on the performance area of the stage, at any one time in any one item, shall be 30.
10. DANCE SAFETY: Performances should be designed to be safe for everyone. Safety concerns will over-ride all Competition Rules. Performances will be stopped or disallowed if safety is deemed inadequate as determined by the Duty Technician, Adjudicator or Stage Manager. Any potentially unsafe choreographic movement e.g.: aerials, lifts etc may have an on-stage practice, by request to/of and under the supervision of the Duty Technician or Stage Manager.
11. DANGEROUS DANCING: Any dance requiring the use of wheels (e.g.: bicycles, tricycles, scooters, skateboards, roller-skates, mobile props), balls, ladders, throwing of items and any performance in front of the house curtain, must have a “Risk Assessment” form completed and lodged with RSSS Office on the day of performance. Forms are available on the RSSS website.
9) RESTARTS:
* A competitor who commences performing an item and stops, and is allowed to re-start the item, will receive a Critique only, with no official marks. Exceptions as follows:
Commencing with the wrong music may be tolerated, provided the fault is quickly corrected and the dance has not begun
* If serious interference, with the wrong or premature cessation of a performance is caused by a fault of RSSS management of equipment, or by an accident beyond anyone’s reasonable control, then that item may be repeated and adjudicated accordingly. See also Safety Rule 16 and General Rule Safety Rule 8. A performance-in-crisis (say injury or costume/prop malfunction) may be stopped by the Adjudicator, Teacher, Duty Technician or Stage Manager. A repeat performance will be allowed, subject to Adjudicator’s wish, safety and practical considerations. Adjudication will be made on the first performance up to the point of disaster, and on any work after that point, in the repeat performance.
* Once a performance has commenced and the music is faulty or ceases to play the dancer must continue. At the discretion of the Stage Manager, in consultation with the Adjudicator, the performance my be repeated for Critique Only.
10) DANCE GENRES DESCRIPTIONS:
CLASSICAL BALLET:
Shall be based on classical ballet techniques. In solos, short ballet tutus, romantic length tutus, or short skirts (Balanchine Style) to be worn by girls. Properties and handheld accessories ARE NOT to be used.
DEMI-CHARACTER:
A clear portrayal of a character or story by demonstrating acting and miming ability and expressive dancing using classical technique. Properties and handheld accessories ARE permitted.
MODERN DANCE:
Shall include Modern, Neo-Classical (which means ‘new’ Classical), and/or Spiritual/Liturgical. Not Jazz, Disco, Musical Theatre/Comedy, Funk or Hip Hop. NOTE: From 10 years to Under 12 up, Contemporary styles are separated to an individual section.
LYRICAL
Danced to music with lyrics. Competitor should tell the story of the lyrics with emotion, feeling through the body (artistry), as well as showing a clear understanding of the progressing dance technique according to age level.
CONTEMPORARY DANCE:
Shall include all styles of Contemporary technique or syllabi, demonstrating the melting pod of unconventional movement gathered from all dance styles – embracing freedom of space, trying to explore the absolute the absolute limits of the human from and visual expression of raw feelings/emotions. Ideally, should show the development of new forms and dynamics, such as quick oppositional moves, contractions, body rolls, shifting alignments, systematic breathing, standing or non-standing positions. Eg: using the floor as a suspended space. Can be executed with or without music.
SONG AND DANCE:
Any dance style can be used, but No Tapping allowed.
SONG AND TAP:
Shall be Tapping Only.
SONG AND TAP/SONG AND DANCE:
All vocal work must be performed live by members of the item. If recorded music is used, it must NOT contain any vocalization. EG: singing, speaking, shouts, harmony backing etc). No assistance with singing.
TAP:
No recorded Tapping in background music is allowed.
JAZZ:
Shall include Jazz, Disco, Cabaret, Musical Comedy (Musical Theatre) and Up-Tempo Modern styles. Teachers are encouraged in 10 to Under 12 years and 12 to Under 14 years to refrain from using inappropriate costuming for these underage groups eg: Showgirl; type of costume). Teachers are also encouraged to use age appropriate music with age appropriate lyrics.
GROUPS / TROUPES:
Minimum number of 6 (SIX) and Maximum number of 30 performers.
NOVICE:
A Competitor who at the time of entry, has NEVER previously won 1st, 2nd or 3rd place at any Competition/Eisteddfod, anywhere (at the time of entry).A novice dancer does not have to enter a Novice Section and is permitted to enter any Normal Non-Novice Section. A Novice dancer may choose to enter one or two dances in the Novice Sections. An entrant into a Novice Section, can only choose ONE style of dance from the “Classical Novice Section” (EG: Classical, Demi-Character or Modern) AND/OR Choose One style of dance from the Theatrical Novice Section. (EG: Jazz, Tap, Song & Tap or Song & Dance) Entering two dances from the one Novice Section (EG: Classical and Modern in Classical Novice Section or Tap and Jazz in Theatrical Novice Section) would not be allowed. Competitors entered in a Championship Section cannot enter a Novice Section.
A novice dance cannot be repeated in any other normal non-Novice Section.
11) SPECIAL EFFECTS:
1. Special lighting, scrim curtain, or other effects only to be used for Groups/Troupes
2. Special lightning by Duty Technician must have prior arrangement by way of Lighting Forms. Plotting sessions will be available the night before the Troupes/Groups commence. Please note that lighting sheets must be typed, if no lighting form is not submitted only standard lighting (as per solos) will be provided.
3. Protected lights may be attached to Competitors’ scenery and backdrops, but not to theatre curtains.
4. Naked flames, fuel lamps lighted cigarettes, fireworks or apparatus capable of causing fire or smoke are NOT permitted.
5.Smoke Machine can be hired from RSSS. Cost is $20 per item.
6: Bubble or Snow machines are Not Allowed.
7: Helium filled balloons are not permitted anywhere in HMT (Her Majesty’s Theatre)
12) DATA LIGHT PROJECTOR (DLP)
Is available for use in Group/Troup Sections. There is a hiring fee of $25 per DLP per item. The RSSS Laptop computer must be used. Images to be provide on a dedicated CD, DVD, USB Memory Stick, and be programmed to as Microsoft PowerPoint Presentation. Please only one item on each CD/DVD, however multiples can be placed on USB. Audio may also be submitted on the same devise as the PowerPoint presentation, these must be checked by Duty Technician during a pre-booked plotting session. In addition, a separate copy of the music must be provided as a backup, which is always wise to have a backup. Teachers must provide their own operator for the DLP.
13) STAGE:
1. Area:
The performing area of the stage is approximately 8.5m wide by 9.25 m deep (for Solos) or 10.80m deep for Groups/Troupes. Stage slopes (Raked Stage) towards the audience at 37mm per metre length. Height to below borders (top curtains) is 5 metres, to middle positions for fly bar is 6 metres.
2: ORCHESTRA PIT:
The area from the front curtain to the edge of the stage is 800mm. An orchestra pit lies across the front of the stage and it has a drop of 900mm to a solid surface. There shall be NO jumping into the orchestra pit as part of any performance. The pit is covered by an extended stage. This extension is not suitable for performance.
3: Tarquett RSSS owns an Ivy League 4mm Tarkett/Vinyl floor to fit the entire stage of Her Majesty’s Theatre. The Tarkett is manufactured to ‘cushion’ and protect feet, ankles, knee and hip joints and prevent injuries. It is also the preferred surface for pointe work. It is suitable for all the Classical, Modern, younger students. However, it is not suitable for large tap troupes. If we receive enough Tap and Theatrical style Troupe entries, these will be performed before the Tarkett is laid.
14) MUSIC:
1: A volunteer CD player operator will be provided for you. CD’S must be named and handed in at the time of Registration or to the volunteer by the Competitor/Teacher before the performance.
2: Do NOT put stick-on labels on the actual disc. There should be only 1 track per CD. Multiple CDS cannot be pb played for one performance item. Back-up music may be on CD or USB, but NOT digital music devices EG: iPod, iPad, Laptop or Smart Phone.
3: There will be a duplicate TASCAM CD player with headphones, identical to the one used side-stage, operational at all time in the Green Room for Competitors/Teachers to check music.
4: Music recordings must be made with a good quality programme on good quality CD’S preferably using wav, mp2 or mp3 file formats. Make sure your recording is ‘Finalised”. Please note that iPods, iPad, Laptops or smart phones CANNOT be used.
5: VOLUME: The Stage Manager, Music Operator or the HMT Duty Technician shall have the right to limit the volume level of the music to safe level. See General Rule 3.6
15) TIME LIMITS
1. Performance time is taken from the start of correct music or movement of the Competitor until the Competitor stops dancing, leaves the stage or the curtain falls. Timing does not include the reverence or tag
2. Novice Solos ~ 2 - 3 minutes maximum
3. Tap Solo, Duo’s or Trios ~ 2.5 minutes maximum
4. All other dance styles ~ Solo’s, Duo’s or Trio’s – 3 minutes
5. Song & Dance or Song & Tap ~ Solo, Duo or Trio – 4 minutes maximum
6. Special Tap Solo ~ Championships (sections 390, 391, 394, 39) – 4 minutes maximum
7. Groups and Troupes all styles ~ 5 minutes maximum
8. Preparation Time: Time allowed to prepare the Stage is limited to 1 minute for all solos, Duos or trios. Groups / Troupes have a maximum of STRICTLY 5 minutes set up time. Have Prop helpers ready to set up, dismantle and exit stage area quickly. Maximum of 4 Teachers (including assistants).
16) SAFETY
1. NO children unless in current performance item. NO babes in arms, pushers, prams allowed backstage at any time.
2. ELECTRICALS ~ All leads, appliances, lights and stage prop lighting for use on 240 volts within the Theatre, must a current Safety Compliance Tag. This includes and 240-volt circuit supplied by a battery inverter, and any electrical item used in the dressing rooms. EG: hair straighteners, curling wands, Hair dryers, portable CD players).
In service safety inspections and testing to Australian Standard 3760, can be performed by your local A or B Grade Electrician. See General Rule 5.7
Any batteries used in a performance, must be sealed and unspillable.
3. PROPS: Props must be designed for use on a sloping stage (37mm per metre), and to enable the use of sandbags for hold-down. Glass electrical globes and electrical wiring must be recessed or caged or protected to prevent damage or being touched. Ladders must be industrial and a Competitor (Soloist or a Group/Troupe member) can only climb the first two steps. In troupes, higher climbs require support, Risk Assessment Forms and approval.
5. THEATRE REQUIREMENTS: All Teachers/Competitors whether Solos, Groups/Troupes performing must read ‘HMT Theatre Rules’ and the “risk Assessment Checklist” on the RSSS website Competition Page and act where relevant: http://royalsouthstreet.com.au/competition/dance/.
6. DRESSING ROOMS: Competitors must change in their designated Dressing Room. No public area is to be used for changing. Dressing Rooms are to be left neat and tidy. Rubbish is to be placed in bins provided.
7. VANDALISM: There is to be NO graffiti, wanton damage, defacing of furniture or fixtures any act of vandalism made to Dressing Rooms, Auditorium or any part of the Theatre. Dance Teachers are requested to address this issue with their students prior to the competition. The consequence of any act of vandalism may result in offending Competitor(s) and /or the Dance School involved, being disqualified from the Competition, with costs of repair or damage applied.