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Biloela Dance Festival 2025 Rules

RIGHTS OF THE COMMITTEE

The BDF Committee reserves the right to:

Refuse an entry.

Disqualify a competitor who, or whose parent, guardian, or teacher, in its opinion, has any communication with the Adjudicator during the Festival unless requested. Please note: As some of our Executive Committee are also parents of competitors, it may be necessary for them to speak with the adjudicator during or before the Festival on business matters.

To appoint a substitute Adjudicator should unforeseen circumstances the appointed Adjudicator is unable to perform his/her duties.

Combine sections where there are not at least three entries in the section. No younger entrant would be disadvantaged in this instance.
Alter or amend the program at any time.
Allocate trophies and prizes where it sees fit.

GENERAL

Age is taken from the 1^st of January 2025.

Competitor/s may perform no more than twice in a Duo, Trio, or Group Section, provided there is a change of performer/s (excluding school groups). School groups are eligible to enter multiple genres within their age-appropriate section. Competitors performing more than one genre in a duo/trio section (ie combined Jazz/Hip Hop) may perform both routines – provided the nominating person contacts the committee via email to confirm and complete entries.

Inappropriate and suggestive movement and/or obscene language is not permitted. Failure to adhere to this rule may result in disqualification.

All competitors compete at their own risk.

All Competitions held under the auspices of the Biloela Dance Festival are open to amateurs only (except Open sections). The term "Amateur" is defined as one whose principal source of income is not derived from that branch of arts in which they compete. Studio Principals or person holding full dance teaching qualifications are NOT eligible to compete as amateurs.

By entering the Biloela Dance Festival you allow for the competitor to be interviewed and photographed during the Festival for official publicity purposes.

No Competitor may perform more than once in any SOLO section.

No Competitor may perform the same work more than once during the current Festival.

The adjudicator shall have sole say concerning results and, no competitor, parent, guardian or teacher may approach the Adjudicator to discuss results.

Pupils of the Adjudicator, within twelve months of the Festival, cannot compete in any sections to be judged by the said Adjudicator.

No competitor will be allowed to perform outside of the specified section at the time set down for that section, except in exceptional circumstances with agreement of the committee.

Prompting from the audience (including teachers) will result in disqualification of a competitor.

No teacher, parent or guardian will be entitled to enter or remain in the wings or backstage area during the performance item, except when performing committee duties.

The use of curtains will not be permitted.

No specialized lighting will be permitted.

Biloela Civic Centre and Festival signage must be strictly adhered to.

Members of the audience are requested to maintain silence and retain their seats during a performance. No-one will be permitted to enter or leave as the doors to the auditorium will be closed during a performance.

The order of the program sessions will be strictly followed.

No phones or electronic devices are allowed in the Auditorium.

The taking of photographs, and the use of a video or sound recording device is strictly prohibited.

Dance competitors are requested to wear suitable covering over dance costumes when not backstage.

Tap shoes must be covered when not on stage.

The painting of shoes between items will not be permitted backstage or in the dressing rooms.

Dressing rooms will be allocated to dance schools for groups day only. Competitors may use any dressing room during solo, duo or trio sections. One backstage dressing room will be allocated as a “boys only” dressing room. Dressing rooms must be left in a satisfactory state or a fee will be incurred.

Time limits apply to all dance items and will be strictly adhered to.

For Improvisation sections, competitors must be at the designated area backstage prior to their section commencing. Plain dancewear must be worn.

Stage props may be stored in the wings for the duration of the performance section only. ALL props must be removed by completion of the current Festival. Failure to do so will result in items being disposed of by Biloela Civic Centre and costs incurred will be passed on to individuals. Property left behind will NOT be the responsibility of BDF.

Rules specific to cheer sections - Groups will perform on a non-sprung matted floor- equivalent to 4 horizontal mats. Spotters must be used for all stunts and must be actively assisting for safety. Teachers only are permitted to contact Biloela Dance Festival committee for more detailed guidelines if required.

MUSIC UPLOADS

Music Uploads is used for music submissions. Please adhere to the due date given by the committee.

Music will not be accepted past this date.

No vocal backing is permitted in the ‘Song’ component of a Song & Dance routine.

Please ensure a backup copy of your music is available in case of technical difficulties.

Committee members only are permitted in the music booth.

The committee shall not be responsible for any infringement of copyright or royalty by individual performers or persons associated with the performance.

All dances must be based on original choreography. Any competitor who presents a dance merely copied from established works or films (YouTube etc.) will be disqualified – BREACH OF COPYRIGHT.

It is the responsibility of Individual Competitors (or the School/Studio) to obtain the appropriate permission or license for the making or recording of Copyright Musical Works.

Definitions

Lyrical is defined as dance movements not held by the rigid constraints of classical ballet, often shedding tutus for freer outfits, bare feet and untied hair; however, the movements should demonstrate a flowing effect of the human form while interpreting the words and/or feelings of the music or song.

Contemporary is defined as abstract dance movements not bound by the restrictive rules of classical ballet; stylized, abstract movements. A style of theatrical dance that rejects the limitations of classical ballet, and favours movements deriving from the expression of inner feelings.

Hip Hop is defined as energetic dance movements that are derived from break-dancing, but does not consisting wholly of break-dancing moves. Unlike most other forms of dance, which are often at least moderately structured, hip hop dance has few (if any) limitations on positions or steps. It is about the attitude and creatively of the dancer and choreographer.

Student Own Choreography. Routine must be 100% choreographed and performed by the competitor with NO assistance from any teacher. The dance may be in any style, but not necessarily entirely in the same style.

Jazz. Jazz dancing is a form of dance that showcases a dancer’s individual style and originality. Every jazz dancer interprets and executes moves and steps in their own way. Jazz dancing is energetic and fun, consisting of unique moves, fancy footwork, big leaps and quick turns.

National Dance sections include dances from specific countries or culture, often passed down through generations which demonstrate inherited tradition and show typical customs of a particular country, nation or ethnicity. National Dance could include European, Asian, American, South Pacific and African cultural styles. This section does NOT include Scottish or Irish Dancing due to specialised competitions for this style of dance.

AcroDance is a style of dance that combines classical dance technique with precision acrobatic elements. It is defined by the unique choreography which seamlessly blends dance & Acrobatics

Musical Theatre is a theatrical style of dance performance that combines music acting and dance.

Cheer is a group sport that welcomes participants of all ages, body types, strengths, and abilities. It combines jumps, tumbling, stunting, pyramids, and dance into a dynamic routine.

Pom is an energetic and dynamic style of dance incorporating jazz and hip-hop like high energy movements that places emphasis on precise and synchronised arm movements, formations, jumps, and skills. It is characterised by its use of poms, which dancers hold in their hands throughout the routine.