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SPECIFIC DANCE RULES

INAPPROPRIATE COSTUMING – Please note that the use of inappropriate costuming, lyrics or choreography may lead to disqualification from that section.

Following recommendations by Adjudicators, the following rule now applies: TIGHTS MUST BE WORN BY ALL GIRLS IN ALL DANCE PERFORMANCES (except School Groups), or the competitor will not be eligible to perform. Tights can be footed, footless, stirrup, knee or mid-thigh length.

DISRESPECTFUL AND INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOUR – Disparaging remarks and Inappropriate behaviour towards volunteers, committee members, fellow competitors or teachers, will NOT be tolerated. Such incidents may lead to disqualification (withholding of prizes, monies, trophies, and scholarships) and/or exclusion from the venue,

SOCIAL MEDIA – Please be aware that defamation of character on social media towards any person involved in our Eisteddfod will not be tolerated and may result in disqualification or legal ramifications.

THEATRE ETIQUETTE – Show respect for competitors during and after their performances e.g. no whistling, yelling etc. Please do not enter or leave the theatre/auditorium when performers are on stage. This creates a distraction for all. Listen quietly to the adjudicator’s comments.

RESTRICTED means never having won a FIRST PRIZE in that section at any age at any previous Eisteddfod up to the closing date of entries 24th May 2026. (This refers to the title of the section, not the routine/piece) Competitors eligible are permitted to enter RESTRICTED or Non-RESTRICTED sections, or both, but must not repeat the same routine.
OPEN SECTIONS. Competitors of any age may enter these sections.

If there are fewer than three (3) competitors in any section, the section may be cancelled or combined with the next age group or a similar section.

MUSIC – Please note 2026 music requirements

SCHOOL GROUPS will be required to upload their Music to Stardom. Teachers will be notified with instructions on this process.

All other groups and solos:

All dance music will be uploaded to Stardom for FREE in 2026. Following the completion of the Eisteddfod program you will be emailed instructions on how to upload your music.
You must bring a music backup on a phone or thumb drive.
The sound system at the Civic Theatre must be used for playing of all music. The Committee will provide a competent person to play music.
Any specific instructions must be submitted with your music upload.
It is the competitor’s responsibility to upload music on time.
NO VOCALS ON ANY DEMI-CHARACTER OR SONG AND DANCE ROUTINES.

Important Back Stage Information:

All electrical equipment brought into the Eisteddfod venues must be checked by a certified electrician prior to the Eisteddfod and have a current electrical tag in place. Any electrical equipment not meeting the Workplace Health and Safety guidelines will not be allowed to be used. This includes CD players, hair dryers and curlers.

Please leave DRESSING ROOMS and GREENROOM tidy. No responsibility will be taken for lost or damaged property. Please ask at Eisteddfod office for lost property.
Spraying of shoes within the Theatre is PROHIBITED.
Groups who are not competing in the current section will not be allowed in the Green Room.
Prompting, except by the adjudicator, will not be permitted.
Presentation of prizes will be on stage for Major prizes – Championships, Scholarships and trophy awards. All other prizes are to be collected from the Eisteddfod office following adjudication – i.e. report sheets, medals, monies, certificates.

PROPS RULING:

Props will be limited to ONE prop PLUS a choice of either a small prop OR a hand-held prop. A chair will be allowed if needed to complete a set. (i.e., table and chair set together etc). This ruling excludes Entertainment/Theatrical and all Group Sections.
Props to be placed on stage by the competitor where possible.
NO straw, glitter, or any naked flame will be permitted. For further clarification, please contact a dance committee member.
ALL EQUIPMENT MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE BACKSTAGE AREA AT THE CONCLUSION OF EACH SESSION.

IMPROVISATIONS.

Ballet Improvisations to be danced in plain dance attire e.g. single coloured one-piece leotard and tights. (a short sheer ballet skirt is permissible – NO HAIR ACCESSORIES PERMITTED).
Jazz/Tap/Modern/Contemporary Improvisations to be danced in a plain dance attire e.g. single-coloured one-piece leotard and tights. (a short sheer ballet skirt or jazz shorts is permissible – NO HAIR ACCESSORIES PERMITTED).

PHOTOGRAPHY

Hatch Media (on stage photographs) and KEA Video producers will be in attendance for the Dancing Sections of the eisteddfod.
Videos may be ordered by filling in an order form available at the venue or by emailing philip.keavidpr@optus.net

NO VIDEOS OR PHOTOGRAPHS ARE TO BE TAKEN DURING THE PERFORMANCES

WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS. This includes the use of

mobile phones, iPads or tablets which is in contravention of Child Protection Laws.

Photography of any kind in dressing rooms is strictly prohibited and in violation of Child Protection Laws.

POINTSCORE TROPHIES – will no longer be awarded. An adjudicator’s Choice Award will be awarded for each age group. (6yrs & under, 8yrs & under,

10yrs & under, 12yrs & under, 14yrs & under and Open). Regency Jewellers $50 Gift Voucher is awarded to the Open Adjudicators Award.

DANCE SCHOOL POINTSCORE TROPHIES.

New Generation Dance Studio - 12yrs & under and 13yrs & over (all solo/duo sections included).
Colour City Dance - All age groups (all solo/duo sections included).
Dance HQ – All age groups (all solo/duo sections included)

SPECIAL AWARDS

Lyndi Walley Shield for Senior Groups will be awarded to the best overall Jazz Group.
Cox Family Shield for Junior Groups will be awarded for the best overall Jazz Group.
Shield awarded for Small Groups best overall Jazz Group
Schools’ Group Trophies will be awarded to Small Schools; Infants K-2; Primary 3-6; Secondary & Additional Needs Group.
The John Hull Trophy will be awarded to a male dancer. (Donated by the Hull Family)
Betty Callaghan Memorial Trophy to best overall entertaining dancer – 13yrs & over
Collins Family Trophy – awarded for consistent effort by a senior competitor.
Kurtis Herd Award for Creative and Artistic Expression – Senior Competitor
Most promising Ballet Dancer – 12yrs & under, 13yrs & over
Most promising Jazz Dancer – 12yrs & under, 13yrs & over
Most promising Tap Dancer – 13yrs & over - Garry Stocks Trophy
Most promising Tap Dancer – 12yrs & under
Adjudicator’s Award Trophies – will be awarded for each age group (6yrs & under, 8yrs & under, 10yrs & under, 12yrs & under, 14yrs & under and Open)

TIME LIMITS - unless otherwise stated
6YRS & UNDER SOLOS	up to 2.5mins	DUOS/TRIOS	up to 3.5mins
7YRS & OVER SOLOS	up to 3mins	GROUPS	up to 5mins
SONG & DANCE SOLOS	up to 3.5mins	SCHOOL GROUPS	up to 5mins
MUSICAL THEATRE SOLOS	up to 3.5mins	SONG & DANCE GROUPS	up to 8mins
CHAMPIONSHIPS	up to 3.5mins	MUSICAL THEATRE GROUPS	up to 8mins

Time limits will be strictly adhered to.

SOLOS

9th August 2026 to 23rd August 2026

PLEASE Note the following important information:

NO VOCALS on any Demi-Character or Song & Dance Music
Please refer to props ruling for all solo routines – this ruling excludes Group sections.
Age for entry is taken on 31st December 2026 i.e. the age the competitor will be on 31/12/2026
Championships and Scholarships - Refer to specific rules.
Time Limits will be strictly adhered to

6YRS & UNDER SOLOS up to 2.5mins

7YRS & OVER SOLOS up to 3mins

SONG & DANCE SOLOS up to 3.5mins

MUSICAL THEATRE SOLOS up to 3.5mins

NO POINTE SHOES TO BE WORN BY ANY COMPETITOR ENTERED IN ANY 12 YEARS AND UNDER SECTIONS.

*Do not forget to enter the Scholarships: Check specific rules to see if you qualify.*

Section 137 - Ballet Scholarship$2,000
Section 138 -Jazz Scholarship$1,000
Section 139 - Tap Scholarship$1,000
Section 136 - Senior Local Scholarship$800
Section 135 -Intermediate Local Scholarship$600
Section 134 -Junior Local Scholarship$500
Section 133 -Sub-Junior Local Scholarship$400

No refund will be made for an entry fee paid after the entry has been accepted.

Please Note- 8years & under solos - The size of the stage will be decreased by closing the MIDDLE CURTAIN.

CHAMPIONSHIPS SOLOS

No refund will be made for an entry fee paid after the entry has been accepted.

Section			Age Group	Entry Fee					Qualification & performance requirements
BALLET CHAMPIONSHIP
116			Junior 12 Years & Under (soft shoes only)	$ 12.00					Dancers entering the Ballet Championship must have entered and danced in their own age Classical solo section PLUS one of the following solos sections: Demi-Character or Ballet Impro (Excludes Répertoire & Duo/Trio items) COMPETITORS IN EACH CHAMPIONSHIP ARE TO PERFORM A CLASSICAL BALLET & A DEMI-CHARACTER ROUTINE. Time limits up to 3.5minutes per dance. NO ROUTINES TO BE REPEATED.
122			Intermediate 13 & 14 Years	$ 15.00
127			Open	$ 17.00
CONTEMPORARY CHAMPIONSHIP
120	Junior 12 Years & Under				$ 12.00					Dancers entering the Contemporary Championship must have entered and danced in their own age Contemporary Solo and Contemporary Improvisation sections. COMPETITORS IN EACH CHAMPIONSHIP ARE TO PERFORM ONE CONTEMPORARY ROUTINE. Time limits up to 3.5minutes per dance. NO ROUTINES TO BE REPEATED.
126	Intermediate 13 & 14 Years				$ 13.00
131	Open				$ 14.00
JAZZ CHAMPIONSHIP
119	Junior 12 Years & Under				$ 12.00					Dancers entering the Jazz Championship must have entered and danced in their own age solo section in at least two of the following: Jazz, Cabaret, Hip Hop or Jazz Impro. COMPETITORS IN EACH CHAMPIONSHIP ARE TO PERFORM ONE JAZZ ROUTINE. Time limits up to 3.5minutes per dance. NO ROUTINES TO BE REPEATED.
125	Intermediate 13 & 14 Years				$ 13.00
130	Open				$ 14.00
MODERN CHAMPIONSHIP
118	Junior 12 Years & Under				$ 12.00					Dancers entering the Modern Championship must have entered and danced in their own age Modern Expressive solo and Modern Expressive Improvisation sections. COMPETITORS IN EACH CHAMPIONSHIP ARE TO PERFORM ONE MODERN EXPRESSIVE ROUTINE. Time limits up to 3.5minutes per dance. NO ROUTINES TO BE REPEATED.
124	Intermediate 13 & 14 Years				$ 13.00
129	Open				$ 14.00
NATIONAL CHARACTER CHAMPIONSHIP
121		Junior 12 Years & Under				$ 12.00		Dancers entering the National Character Championship must have entered and danced in their own age solo National Character section. COMPETITORS IN EACH CHAMPIONSHIP ARE TO PERFORM ONE NATIONAL CHARACTER ROUTINE. Time limits up to 3.5minutes per dance. NO ROUTINES TO BE REPEATED.
132		Open				$ 14.00
TAP CHAMPIONSHIP
117	Junior 12 Years & Under				$ 12.00		Dancers entering the Tap Championship must have entered and danced in their own age solo section in any two of the following: Tap 4x4, Waltz Tap, Fast Tap, Tap Ensemble or Tap Impro. COMPETITORS IN EACH CHAMPIONSHIP ARE TO PERFORM A SLOW TAP ROUTINE AND A FAST TAP ROUTINE. Time limits up to 3.5minutes per dance. NO ROUTINES TO BE REPEATED.
123	Intermediate 13 & 14 Years				$ 15.00
128	Open				$ 17.00

LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS SOLOS

CONDITIONS OF ENTRY:

WINNERS OF PREVIOUS SCHOLARSHIPS ARE INELIGIBLE TO ENTER THE SAME SECTION. However, if a competitor has won a lower age Scholarship, they may enter in the next age scholarship when of eligible age.

Prize money to be used for further tuition at an Orange Dance School.

Competitors will perform in the scheduled allocated time for identification to the adjudicator.

Time limit appropriate to own age section.

No refund will be made for an entry fee paid after the entry has been accepted

LOCAL SCHOLARSHIP SECTIONS
Section		Entry Fee
133	BALE FAMILY SUB-JUNIOR LOCAL SCHOLARSHIP – 10yrs & under ($400)	$13
	Conditions of entry & performance requirements To qualify, competitors must enter and perform in any 2 own age solo sections - any style of dance. Note that ballet performances in this scholarship must be danced in soft ballet shoes. Competitors must be a permanent student of an Orange dance studio. COMPETITORS TO PERFORM 1 ROUTINE OF OWN CHOICE (ANY STYLE) - THIS ROUTINE MAY BE REPEATED.
134	JUNIOR LOCAL SCHOLARSHIP – 11yrs & 12yrs ($500)	$14
	Conditions of entry & performance requirements To qualify, competitors must enter and perform in any 2 own age solo sections - any style of dance. Note that ballet performances in this scholarship must be danced in soft ballet shoes. Competitors must be a permanent student of an Orange dance studio. COMPETITORS TO PERFORM 1 ROUTINE OF OWN CHOICE (ANY STYLE) - THIS ROUTINE MAY BE REPEATED.
135	HATCH MEDIA INTERMEDIATE LOCAL SCHOLARSHIP– 13yrs & 14yrs ($600)	$15
	Conditions of entry & performance requirements To qualify, competitors must enter and perform in any 3 own age solo sections - any style of dance. Competitors must be a permanent student of an Orange dance studio. COMPETITORS TO PERFORM 1 ROUTINE OF OWN CHOICE (ANY STYLE) - THIS ROUTINE MAY BE REPEATED.
136	KINGFISHER SCHOOL GEAR SENIOR LOCAL SCHOLARSHIP –15yrs & over ($800)	$17
	Conditions of entry & performance requirements To qualify, competitors to enter and perform in any 4 own age solo sections - any style of dance. Competitors must be a permanent student of an Orange dance studio. COMPETITORS TO PERFORM 1 ROUTINE OF OWN CHOICE (ANY STYLE) - THIS ROUTINE MAY BE REPEATED.

SCHOLARSHIPS SOLOS

MAJOR SCHOLARSHIPS SOLOS

No refund will be made for an entry fee paid after the entry has been accepted

MAJOR SCHOLARSHIP SECTIONS
Section			Entry Fee		Conditions of entry & performance requirements
137	BETTY KEIRNAN MEMORIAL BALLET SCHOLARSHIP 13yrs & over		$29		Major Prize: $2,000 for winner of scholarship. (Must be used within 12 months) Open to competitors entered in 13yrs & over sections.
	CONDITIONS OF ENTRY: Previous winners of the Betty Keirnan Memorial Ballet Scholarship are INELIGIBLE to enter. Competitors must have entered and performed in their ballet championship. The adjudicator will conduct a closed class on the stage of the Orange Civic Theatre. Plain coloured leotard and ballet tights, pointe and flat shoes will be required. (Short sheer ballet skirts are permissible). Finalists will be chosen from this class to compete in the Scholarship Dance-off. COMPETITORS ARE TO PERFORM (A) ONE CLASSICAL AND (B) A CHOICE OF EITHER A DEMI-CHARACTER OR A MODERN EXPRESSIVE – ROUTINES MAY BE REPEATED. Time limit – up to 4mins for each routine. The adjudicator may withhold the prize money if he/she/they feel the standard is not high enough. This award is to further competitor’s study at a major dance studio.
138	KINGFISHER SCHOOL GEAR JAZZ SCHOLARSHIP 13 yrs & over		$20		Major Prize: $1,000 for winner of Scholarship (Must be used within 12 months) Open to competitors entered in 13yrs & over sections.
	CONDITIONS OF ENTRY: Previous winners of the Jazz Scholarship are INELIGIBLE to enter. Competitors must enter and perform in the Jazz Championship. The Adjudicator will conduct a closed class on the stage of the Orange Civic Theatre (plain coloured one-piece leotard to be worn – jazz shorts allowed). Finalists will be chosen from this class to compete in the Jazz Scholarship Dance-off. COMPETITORS ARE TO PERFORM ONE JAZZ ROUTINE – THIS ROUTINE MAY BE REPEATED. (THESE MAY INCLUDE JAZZ, CABARET, HIP HOP) Time limit – up to 4mins for each routine. The adjudicator may withhold the prize money if he/she/they feel the standard is not high enough. This award is to further competitor’s study at a major dance studio.
139	KEA VIDEO PRODUCERS TAP SCHOLARSHIP 13 yrs & over	$20		Major Prize: $1000 for winner of Scholarship (Must be used within 12 months) Open to competitors entered in 13yrs & over sections.
	CONDITIONS OF ENTRY: Previous winners of the Tap Scholarship are INELIGIBLE to enter. Competitors must enter and perform in the Tap Championship. The Adjudicator will conduct a closed class on the stage of the Orange Civic Theatre (plain coloured one-piece leotard to be worn – jazz shorts allowed). Finalists will be chosen from this class to compete in Tap Scholarship Dance-off. COMPETITORS ARE TO PERFORM ONE TAP ROUTINE – THIS ROUTINE MAY BE REPEATED. Time limit – up to 4mins for each routine. The adjudicator may withhold the prize money if he/she/they feel the standard is not high enough. This award is to further competitor’s study at a major dance studio.

DUOS & TRIOS

Time limits - DUOS/TRIOS up to 3.5mins.

Competitors may enter twice in each section providing it is a different style of dance – e.g. Jazz and Classical
An individual dancer may compete a maximum of twice in a duo/trio style provided each entry is with a different partner e.g. If an individual dancer wishes to perform in a second Duo/Trio in the same section and both routines are ballet, then their partner/s must be different.
Sections may be combined if insufficient entries. Time Limit – up to 3.5mins
Names of Duo/Trio competitors and their dates of birth must be indicated on entry form or entry will not be accepted – once program is published partners cannot be altered unless the Committee is notified prior to commencement of Eisteddfod.
Duos/Trios do not count as qualifying dances for championships and scholarships.
NO Pointe Shoes to be worn by any competitor entered in any 12 years & under sections.

No refund will be made for an entry fee paid after the entry has been accepted

GROUP SECTIONS

Dates: Saturday 8^th August 2026 - 6yrs, 8yrs and Small groups

Sunday 9^th August 2026 – 5yrs & under

Saturday 15^th & Sunday 16^th August 2026 - 10yrs to Open groups

Tickets for Groups (except school groups) will go on sale through Ticketek – Orange Civic Theatre approximately 3 weeks prior to performances. Schools will be notified of further details.

NO Pointe Shoes to be worn by any competitor entered in any 12 years and under sections.

GROUP RULES

Time Limit for all groups (including School Groups) – up to 5mins unless specified.
Entertainment Groups – up to 8mins.
Groups must consist of 4 or more dancers.
13yrs & over Groups – ALL competitors MUST be 13yrs & over as at the 31^st December 2026 (Time Limit – up to 8mins)

SMALL GROUPS

Dance groups must consist of 4 to 12 dancers to be eligible for the Small Groups Sections 187 to 203
If a dance school enters a small group section, they are ineligible to enter the same age and genre group on our main groups weekend. Eg if you enter section 193 (12yrs & Under Jazz small group) you cannot enter section 161 (12 yrs & Under Jazz Group)

TEACHERS PLEASE NOTE: When choreographing please consider the following.

An individual competitor may only compete once in each group section.

Except for the following sections.

145 – Any Style Group - 5yrs & under group

164 – Song & Dance/Theatrical – 12yrs & under group

165– Variety / Any Style of Dance - 12yrs & under group

178 – Song & Dance/Theatrical – Open group

179 – Variety / Any Style of Dance - 13yrs & over group

180 – 186 School Groups

194– Variety / Any Style of Dance - 12yrs & under group

203 – Variety / Any Style of Dance - 13yrs & over group

Each competitor may only compete a maximum of twice in these sections.

CURTAINS MAY BE USED FOR 8 YEARS AND UNDER ONLY at the beginning of routines if needed, only if time permits and at the discretion of the Committee.

CURTAINS WILL NOT be used at the end of routines and WILL NOT be used for all other groups.

Group sections will be combined if insufficient entries.
Competitors will not be allowed in the theatre during the Groups Weekend, unless holding a seat ticket.
All electrical equipment to be used in the theatre during the Eisteddfod MUST be tagged by a certified electrician.
Strictly no videoing or still photography in the theatre except for official photographers. This is a breach of Copyright and contravenes Child Protection Laws
HATCH MEDIA will be in attendance for still photographs.
KEA VIDEO PRODUCTIONS will be in attendance for video performances at the Civic Theatre.
Ruling for vocals on music tracks does not apply to Groups Sections.
A list of competitors’ taking the stage in each group must be handed to the office person, prior to group taking stage (WH&S rulings). If a list is provided prior to the Eisteddfod, the list must be updated to reflect the competitors present on the day.
Students & teachers must also abide by the City of Orange Eisteddfod’s Code of Conduct.

No refund will be made for an entry fee paid after the entry has been accepted

SCHOOL DANCE GROUPS (Must be entered by School – NOT a Dance School)

SCHOOL GROUP SECTIONS:

Orange Function Centre: Thursday 6^th August: Primary, Small Schools & Additional Needs

Orange Civic Theatre: Friday 7^th August: Secondary Schools

Time Limit – up to 5mins
Competitors may perform any style of dance.
Schools may enter more than one group in each section. EACH INDIVIDUAL COMPETITOR MAY ONLY COMPETE A MAXIMUM OF TWICE IN EACH SECTION (for further clarification please contact a member of the Dance Committee).
The committee MUST BE NOTIFIED of any such GROUPS & CROSSOVER COMPETITORS when entering to allow time for programming.
Teachers, please note that curtains will only be used at the beginning of routines if time permits & at the discretion of Committee.
Curtains WILL NOT be used at the end of routines.
A list of competitors’ taking the stage in each group must be handed to the office person, prior to groups taking stage. (WH&S rulings). If a list is provided prior to the Eisteddfod, the list must be provided on the day if needed.
Students & teachers must also abide by the City of Orange Eisteddfod’s Code of Conduct.
KEA Video Producers will be available on the day to video performances.
Music for school groups at the Orange Function Centre must be uploaded to Stardom. Teachers will be notified with instruction on this process.
The sound system at the Orange Function Centre must be used for playing of all music. The Committee will provide a competent person to play music.
Please ensure a backup copy is available via phone or thumb drive.

No refund will be made for an entry fee paid after the entry has been accepted