THE 45^th GULGONG PRINCE OF WALES
                               EISTEDDFOD 2026 DANCE   

                                        PROPOSED DATES SUBJECT TO NUMBER OF ENTRANTS

Sunday 3^rd May 2026 – Saturday 9^th May 2026

                                                 Sunday 3^rd  May 2026 GROUP DAY and some Solos/Duos

                              JUNIOR is 12years & Under

                  SENIOR is 13 yrs & Over / OPEN

               DATES ADVERTISED ALL SUBJECT TO ENTRIES

MORE ABOUT US

Each May Gulgong hosts the Gulgong Prince of Wales Eisteddfod. Gulgong is a New South Wales gold rush town which is located approximately 300km North West of Sydney and 30km from Mudgee.

Today Gulgong is a small town rich with history and with a population of around 2,500 people. It is a popular tourist destination which boasts a rich culture of music and annual community events like the Henry Lawson Festival and our own Gulgong Prince of Wales Eisteddfod.

The Gulgong Prince of Wales Eisteddfod was started by Gulgong Musical and Dramatic Society (MADS) in 1980. Gulgong MADS are an active performing group who work together to maintain the historical Prince of Wales Opera House located in Mayne Street Gulgong.  

Gulgong MADS developed the Eisteddfod as a suitable event to be held in their beautiful, historic Gulgong Prince of Wales Opera House.

Over the decades, The Gulgong Prince of Wales Eisteddfod has expanded and become an important cultural event for Gulgong and the Central West. The Eisteddfod has grown so much it is now held at two locations The Gulgong Prince of Wales Opera House and the Gulgong Memorial Hall.

The Gulgong Prince of Wales Eisteddfod is a subsidiary of Gulgong MADS. Our main aim is to raise funds for the continuing restoration of the Prince of Wales Opera House.

Known as the friendly Eisteddfod which kicks off the Eisteddfod season each year in our region, The Gulgong Prince of Wales Eisteddfod gives local children and those in our rural community an opportunity to showcase their talents in a range of creative arts.

Local schools and those across the Mid-Western Region also participate in a range of classes within the syllabus. On average, we have twelve schools participate in our Eisteddfod each year across dance, speech and music.

The Gulgong Prince of Wales Eisteddfod is run by a sub-committee with Gulgong MADS continued support. The Eisteddfod committee would like to thank Gulgong MADS for supporting this annual showcase of young talent.


THE GULGONG PRINCE OF WALES
EISTEDDFOD COMMITTEE PRESENTS
THE 45^th EISTEDDFOD 2026

at

THE GULGONG MEMORIAL HALL

 Herbert Street, Gulgong

NB: Gulgong Memorial Hall does not have mobility access to the stage areas students are welcome to perform in front of the stage at each venue

www.gulgongeisteddfod.com

gulgongeist@hotmail.com

www.facebook.com/gulgongeisteddfod

PATRON Mrs Edyth Lewis

CONVENORS

Dance     Peta Stanford   0407 418 955

ADJUDICATOR

Dance   TBA

ENTRIES CLOSE

DANCE - Friday 10th April 2026, 11:59pm

ENTRY FEES & PRIZES FOR DANCE SECTIONS

Except where otherwise stated, fees & prizes for the Eisteddfod are:

DANCE ENTRY FEES

ALL SOLO CLASSES

SECTION ENTRY FIRST SECOND / THIRD, HC

12. yrs & under $10.00         Medal, Certificate Certificates
13. yrs & over $10.00         $15, Certificate              $10/ $5, Certificates

Open $10.00         $20, Certificate              $15/ $10, Certificates

DUET, DUO & TRIO CLASSES

SECTION ENTRY FIRST SECOND / THIRD, HC

12. yrs & under $10.00         Medals, Certificates Certificates
13. yrs & over $10.00         $24.00, Certificates   $18/$12, Certificates Open $10.00         $30.00, Certificates          $24/$18, Certificates

ALL OTHER GROUP CLASSES  

  ENTRY FIRST SECOND / THIRD, HC

  $15.00         Certificates Certificates

SCHOLARSHIPS  

  ENTRY  

  $20.00         Junior - $150 Senior - $300

CHAMPIONSHIPS

ENTRY FEE

ALL AGES   $15 per class or Section

MAJOR & SPECIAL PRIZES - SEE THE BEGINNING OF EACH SECTION

If a first prize winner in a 13yrs and over section wishes, they may purchase a medal for $6.

PAYMENT OF ENTRIES

This year the payments are due by COB ( 5pm ) Wednesday 15^th April 2026. IF ENTRIES ARE NOT PAID ON TIME THEY WILL BE DELETED. Please leave competitors name as the reference when making direct deposit.

APPROXIMATE TIMETABLE FOR 2026 EISTEDDFOD

This timetable will be followed as closely as possible but is offered as a guide only - it may be subject to change as the Committee deems appropriate & according to number of entries received. Please note the dates for each section may vary slightly each year to accommodate factors such as community events, naplan and other eisteddfods we will do our best to accommodate everyone.

Sunday 3^rd May 2026 – Saturday 9^th May 2026

                             Sunday 3^rd  May 2026 GROUP DAY and some Solos/Duos

PLEASE NOTE: Confirmation of entries will not be sent out prior to the start of competition.  All necessary information is contained in the programs, available on our official website www.gulgongeisteddfod.com in May 2026.

Programs will be available to download from our website to save onto your smart device or print on home computer.

Copies of the rules are in the 2026 Syllabus and will not be reprinted in the programs.  

Copies of the 2026 Syllabus is available on our official website www.gulgongeisteddfod.com or visit our Facebook Page “Gulgong Eisteddfod “

ADMISSION

DANCE GROUP DAY tickets will be available to purchase online only.

GROUP DAY TEACHER allocation of 4 tickets per studio

 Tickets prices for group day to be advised closer to event.

     Teacher’s Pass will be provided. Children under 18 are Gold Coin Entry fee Ticket sales at the door only for

Solo/Duo/Trio Sections .

  Bookings cannot be taken.

Perpetual Trophies are retained by the Committee and are held at the Opera House. Winners will be given a trophy to keep.

ACCOMMODATION IN GULGONG

RULES GOVERNING COMPETITION

Failure to comply with any of the following rules and conditions may involve disqualification and withholding of prizes. The decision of the Committee in all questions of dispute arising out of, or not provided for by, these Rules and Conditions shall be final.  All entries are received subject to this decision, which shall not be subject to any appeals by law, as such could be contrary to the spirit of friendly competition upon which the Eisteddfod is based.

Bad language and bad sportsmanship by entrants, their relatives or friends will not be tolerated, and offenders will be asked to leave the venue. Entrants related to or associated with offenders may be disqualified.  

1. Venue -  All of the Dance section will be held at the Memorial Hall, Herbert Street, Gulgong.  
2. Amateurs - All competitions are intended for amateurs only, except for those listed in the syllabus as being open to professionals as well. Where group classes are open to professionals, no more than 50% of the group may be professionals.  An amateur is one who does not, or has not, obtained his or her living by performing or teaching that branch which is subject to competition.
3. Entries - Close on the closing dates and times listed. No entry will be accepted from any person who is or was, during the six months preceding the end of the Eisteddfod, taught or coached by the Adjudicator for that Section. A breach of this rule will result in disqualification. Entries are via www.stardom.com.au. The names of all competitors in duos and trios must be listed on the entry .
4. Cancellations / Alterations - The Committee reserves the right to cancel a class if there are fewer than three entries or to combine it with the next age group.  Prize money in any class may be lowered or not awarded if there are fewer than 4 entries or if the standard of performance is not adequate. The number of places awarded in a class may also be reduced according to the number of entrants.  The Committee has the right to amend the program at any time, to appoint a substitute adjudicator, to divide or couple any class or award, and/or to alter competition times.
5. Prizes - Senior prizes and all Championships will be awarded on the following scale:          One to three entries in class           1^st prize

  Four to five entries                          1^st & 2^nd prize   

Six or more entries      1^st, 2^nd & 3^rd prize

Where classes are combined, the prizes given are those applicable for the class of the oldest contestant or highest grade. If one competitor is the sole competitor in a number of classes, a certificate may be the only prize awarded

6. Entrants - Must make themselves available for the full session (morning, afternoon or night) to allow for any necessary changes. Entrants must be ready to perform at least 15 minutes before class entered is due to commence.  Entrants requiring costume changes between consecutive classes are exempt from this rule.
7. Order of Competition - Competitors shall compete in the order in which their names appear on the official program, subject to any variation the Committee may deem necessary. In exceptional circumstances, out of class performance may be permitted, at the discretion of the convenor.  
8. Upon Arrival - ALL competitors (including those in improvisation) must report to the session clerk on arrival
9. Age / Grade Limit - The competitor’s age or grade level is recognized as at the 1^st MAY each year.  Date of birth/grade level (which is currently being studied) must be stated on the entry form where age/grade limits apply.  Where competitors of different ages compete in duets or groups, the age limit for entry to that class will be based on the age of the oldest competitor.  The Committee reserves the right to call upon any competitor or their teacher to furnish at the competitor’s own expense, proof of age, and to withhold any prizes until such proof has been obtained.
10. Open - Means there is no age restriction, except where noted.
11. Restricted - Dance: “Restricted” means not having won a first place in that dance style at any eisteddfod or dance festival up until the closing date of entries. A restricted dancer may only compete in a restricted section only. If a restricted dancer chooses to enter an open section, they forfeit the opportunity to dance in the restricted section for that class ie a restricted dancer can only dance in either open or restricted for a particular class not both.
12. Adjudicators - The Adjudicators reserve the right to terminate a performance at any stage. The Adjudicator’s decision is final unless a protest is lodged under Rule 18, in which case the Committee’s decision is final.  The Adjudicator also reserves the right to vary the allocation of prizes within a class, or if a satisfactory standard is not reached, to reduce or withdraw prizes. No competitor, teacher, parent or relative of a competitor may approach the adjudicator. Any communication must be through the Session Convenor.  
13. Adjudicators’ Reports -These will be available free of charge after the final adjudication of each session and may be obtained from the session clerk. They will not be forwarded afterwards. Group reports to be collected by a teacher, not an entrant or parent without permission. Any Reports not collected at the end of the eisteddfod will be disposed of.
14. Prompting - No prompting or assistance of any kind may be given to any competitor, except from the Adjudicator.  Special Needs groups are exempt. No teacher or parent shall be allowed on the stage area with a competitor. (Special Needs group exempt). Disregarding this rule will result in disqualification of the competitor.
15. Rehearsals - Once a section has commenced, no rehearsals may be held in the Prince of Wales Opera House or the Memorial Hall. A rehearsal is defined as any form of conducted performance, or planned performance, or any part of performance that exceeds one minute.   
16. Duplication of items - No competitor may compete more than once in any solo class. The exception is where the committee has combined two classes a particular competitor is in. No competitor may render the same item in more than one class, except where otherwise stated.
17. Minimum Props - Only those props required to enhance the performance are permitted. These must be able to be carried on stage by the competitor without extra assistance. Props must not obstruct passageways and must be removed from the backstage area as soon as possible after the performance. Before the commencement of the session, stage manager must be advised of the props stored backstage.  
18. Protests - Any protests must be lodged verbally to the Session Convenor or the rostered Committee Member within ten minutes of the adjudicator’s decision.  A written explanation outlining the reasons for the protest must be submitted before the end of the Session, accompanied by a deposit of $20. The protest will be decided by an ad hoc Protest Committee of a minimum of three, comprising the Session Convenor and two or more Eisteddfod Committee members (whoever is willing or available at the time). Their decision will be final. Should the protest be upheld, the deposit will be refunded. Verbal grievances or complaints to individual committee members or eisteddfod workers are not in the spirit of Eisteddfod competition. They will not be tolerated and could lead to exclusion from any further participation in the Eisteddfod.
19. Admission - Competitors will be admitted free to the hall only when they are actually competing during that session.
20. Rules - Please read the rules carefully and check all entries as no alterations can be made once the program has been printed.  We recommend you keep a copy of your entry to verify the details are correct.
21. Private Video Recording and Photography - It is the policy of the Gulgong Prince of Wales Eisteddfod Committee that there is no private still photography or image recording of any performance.
22. Scholarships - The scholarship is awarded by the Adjudicator to a competitor who displays the ability to further their studies in their chosen field. Scholarship monies are intended for this purpose. Age limit for junior scholarship is 12 years and under, senior scholarship 13 years and over. Competitors must compete in at least Five solo classes to be eligible.  A winner is ineligible to enter the same scholarship for the following year’s Eisteddfod.  A minimum of 8 entrants is required for Dance before the Full Scholarship Amount will be awarded or a smaller Amount will be awarded at the Committee’s discretion. NO PERFORMANCE IS REQUIRED IN THIS CLASS

         It is based on the competitor’s performance throughout the Dance section.  

23. Own Risk - All competitors perform at their own risk and the Gulgong Eisteddfod Committee is unable to accept any responsibility for performers, their equipment and/or personal belongings.
24. Responsibility of Syllabus, Entry Form and Program - While every care is taken in compiling the syllabus, entry form and programs, the Committee will not be responsible for any omissions, alterations or errors that may occur.  The entrant is responsible for ensuring their entries are correct.
25. Acceptance of Rules & Conditions - All entries are received according to the conditions and rules of the Gulgong Eisteddfod Committee as stated above.    
26. Copyright Requirements - The Law of Copyright applies to all sections of the Eisteddfod – Dance.  It is the responsibility of each competitor, teacher & school to adhere to the Act. Competitors are responsible for all royalty and copyright payments and liabilities (if any). Any music copied from copyright is the responsibility of the competitor and not the Eisteddfod.
27. Performance Etiquette - Good sportsmanship is expected from all competitors and audience at all times. There must be no applause, whistling, stamping of feet etc. before or during a performance. Applause and encouragement are to be reserved for the end of a performance.
28. Requests to Move Classes – once the program has been released, classes CAN NOT be moved.  

ADDITIONAL RULES & REGULATIONS FOR DANCE

Adjudicators now have the power to stop a dance performance if the lyrics, dress or choreography are considered inappropriate, or dance practice is not safe.

The stage area will be covered with Tarkett dance floor.  No resin or glitter is permitted.

Professional dancers may only enter solo classes specified as open to professionals. Dancers who have completed their secondary schooling (finished Year 12) and/or are 19 years and over are required to enter OPEN classes.

29. Championships - To compete in a Championship the competitor must have danced in the following classes below for the style they wish to enter: Championship Dances are NOT A REPEATED PERFORMANCE they must have another dance to do this. Tap Championship - Tap Improvisation plus one other tap solo class  (Tap Solo, Fast or Slow/Waltz Tap, Song & Dance Tap).

Classical Championship – Classical or Demi Improvisation plus one other classical solo class (Classical, Demi-Character, National Character).

Jazz Championship - Jazz Improvisation plus another Jazz Solo class.

Modern/Contemporary Championship – Modern or Contemporary Improvisation plus one other Modern or Contemporary solo class

         (Modern Solo or Contemporary Solo).  

30. Improvisations - All classes are to be danced in leotards and tights (stockings) only.  

Music will be chosen by the Adjudicator. Demi-Character Improvisations are 1.5 minutes long. Other Improvisations 1 minute.

31. Spraying and Resin - The spraying of shoes and the use of resin in the dressing rooms will lead to disqualification.  Please leave rooms tidy at all times.  No tap shoes to be worn in the hall unless covered.
32. Time Limits - Competitors must comply with the times stated.

DANCE - Minimum time for a Solo: 1.5 minutes. Maximum time limits: Restricted Solos:  2.5 minutes; Unrestricted Solo: 3 minutes; Duo/Trio: 3 minutes; Groups: 5 minutes. Own

Choreography Group Min 2.5 minutes - Max 5 minutes. In case of non-compliance, adjudication will be at the discretion of the adjudicator.   

33. No Accompanist - Competitors must upload their music.  A CD deck and operator will be provided by the Eisteddfod Committee if the uploaded music doesn’t work, it is always handy to have a copy of your music incase this happens. Competitors must bring music on a USB or phone ( iphone the best to use ) if not uploaded by due date. National Character and DemiCharacter & Demi Character must upload name when uploading music. No other person may approach, interfere with, or operate the official equipment used by the Eisteddfod Committee.  The Adjudicator reserves the right to downgrade or disqualify any competitor who does not comply with our rules and regulations.
34. PROMPTING - This is NOT permitted, except in the Baby Dance and Additional Needs classes. No teachers or parents to remain backstage or in the wings, except in the Baby Dance and Additional Needs classes. We encourage you to sit down in the front row of seats.
35. Tags - There are to be no ‘tags’ on dance performances. At the completion of the item, dancers are to bow and exit the stage.
36. Curtains - will remain open at all times.  Students are expected to know how to place themselves on stage.
37. Re-runs - A ‘run-off’ will not be eligible for a placing or a prize, nor will a re-run (if allowed). The entrant may receive adjudications. This DOES NOT apply to 6 Years & Under Sections in

DANCE ONLY

38. Stockings - Stockings/tights are to be worn by all female dancers in all sections for solo and group performances. Failure to do so will lead to disqualification.
39. ALL MUSIC is to be uploaded through the STARDOM website this cannot be done until after entries have closed when the link is ready we will post to our facebook page or check your stardom entries for the link around 1 – 2 weeks after entries have closed.
40. Mystery Improvisation – GO WILD HAVE FUN Any Style
41. Musical Threatre Improvisation – Props will be provided must use at least 2 different props
42. ANY STYLE IMPROVISATION DUO/TRIO – competitors will be put with a partner/s on the day depending entries

DANCE SECTION  

MAJOR PRIZES – SCHOLARSHIPS

( Minimum of 8 Entrants for full amount to be awarded)

The Scholarship winner is selected by the Adjudicator based on all performances during the Dance Section. No additional performance is required for this class. Entrants must complete in a minimum of 5 Solo Entries to be eligible to enter. Entry Fee $20

Jazz Championships, Modern/Contemporary Championships:

MOST PROMISING DANCER

These selections are judged over two or more solo or duo / trio classes and are chosen by the Adjudicator.

6. yrs & under - Trophy, Certificate + $30 Encouragement Trophy, Certificate + $20
7. & 8 yrs    -   Trophy, Certificate + $30 Encouragement Trophy, Certificate + $20

  9 & 10 yrs - Trophy, Certificate + $30 Encouragement Trophy, Certificate + $20

11 & 12 yrs - Trophy, Certificate + $30 Encouragement Trophy, Certificate + $20

13 & 14 yrs   -   Trophy, Certificate + $50 Encouragement Trophy, Certificate + $30

15 yrs & over -   Trophy, Certificate + $50 Encouragement Trophy, Certificate + $30

Encouragement Award for a Mid-Western Region Dancer

$100, Trophy + Certificate. Sponsored by Peta’s Kuts ‘n’ Kurls.  

Girlie Honeysett Memorial Encouragement Award

Dancer who receives tuition in Gulgong. Trophy + Certificate.

Most Promising Classical Dancer Trophy + Certificate.

Most Promising Jazz Dancer Trophy + Certificate.

Most Promising Tap Dancer Trophy + Certificate.

Most Promising Modern/Contemporary Dancer

Trophy + Certificate.

Kurtis Herd Male Dancer Encouragement Award Trophy + Certificate.

Mandy Flynn Memorial Female Dancer Encouragement Award

Trophy + Certificate.

Junior Rising Star Award  Trophy + Certificate.

Senior Rising Star Award Trophy + Certificate.

All the above awards are selected by the Adjudicator.

RESTRICTED & SOLO CLASSES See Rules 11 ( Restricted Ruling )

GROUP CLASSES

Open to Amateurs Only.

Maximum time 5 minutes. Minimum of four dancers in all classes.

GROUP SECTIONS ARE

Classical Ballet/Neo, Jazz, Tap, Modern/Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Entertainment/Musical Comedy, Acro, Baby Dance,

Public Schools Dance Group & Own Choreography ( Any Style )  

Dance Group Entertainment / Musical Comedy/Song and Dance  

This category includes dance styles such as cabarets & musicals. One or more members of the group may add a solo piece to the group act e.g. dance routine or vocal.

School Dance Group OPEN

Public and Private Schools only, not Dance Schools Open

Dance Group Own Choreography OPEN  

This category is open to all ages. A dancer or dancers from the troupe, must choreograph the dance without any assistance from any teacher, parent or choreographer. The dance can be in any style.       

Baby Dance Group Any Style

This category is open to dance troupes with dancers aged 6 years and under. The dance can be in any style. Maximum of two helpers are allowed on stage during performance. Helpers are to be under 18 years.

Do you have a spare couple of hours, a day or more that you would like to be part of our amazing team of volunteers that make the magic happen?

We have many roles available to suit all skills and ages send us a message via our Facebook page or Alternatively email us at gulgongeist@hotmail.com.   We would love to hear from you!

CHAMPIONSHIPS See Rule 29 ( NO REPEATS )

Entry Fee Junior $15    Intermediate $15 Senior    $15

Classical Ballet Championship ( JUNIOR – Soft Pointe ONLY SENIOR Soft or Pointe )

Competitors to perform a classical ballet (wearing a classical tutu) followed by a demi-character.

 NO REPEATS

CLASS 168 - JUNIOR 12 yrs & Under

CLASS 169 - SENIOR 13 yrs & Over

Tap Dance Championship

CLASS 170 - Junior 12 yrs & under

 Competitors to perform one tap dance.   NO REPEATS

CLASS 171 - Senior 13yrs & over: Competitors to perform two tap dances, one slow/waltz followed by one fast. NO REPEATS

Jazz Championship

Competitors to perform one dance only. NO REPEATS

CLASS 172 JUNIOR – 12 yrs & Under

CLASS 173 INTERMEDIATE – 13 & 14 Years ONLY

CLASS 174 SENIOR 15 yrs & Over

Modern/Contemporary Championship

Competitors to perform one dance only, either modern or contemporary. NO REPEATS

CLASS 175 JUNIOR – 12 yrs & Under

CLASS 176 INTERMEDIATE – 13 & 14 Years ONLY

CLASS 177 SENIOR – 15 yrs & Over

SCHOLARSHIPS See Rule 22

Scholarship winners are to be selected by the Adjudicator based on all performances during the Dance Section.   

CLASS 178 Junior Scholarship

CLASS 179 Senior Scholarship

DANCE HOUSE RULES  

Here are the house rules to help things run smoothly on dance group day and throughout our dance Eisteddfod week. These guidelines have been created to help make it enjoyable for all, and we ask that everyone consider the following points.

• No entry is permitted into the hall whilst the music is playing.
• Please have entry payment ready when in line to assist with prompt payment as you enter to help the queue keep moving.
• NO prams inside the hall on Group Day.  
• Please nurse children under 5 to assist with more seating for adults .Otherwise you will need to purchase a ticket for your child if they want a seat.

Group Day audience tickets are only sold online prior to event NO TICKET NO ENTRY and all must be seated to watch performances.  

• No standing in walkways or in front of clerk’s desk.
• No movement is permitted within the hall when performers are on stage. Please show the performers the respect they deserve and assist them in giving their best performance by not distracting them.
• No photography or videoing permitted of performances. Doing so may result in disqualification of the dancer involved.
• Please respect our volunteers and members of the community at our event. No disrespectful behaviour especially threats or swearing will be tolerated. Breaches will lead to being asked to leave the venue and associated dance schools or dancers may be disqualified.
• Please put rubbish in the bins provided. If they are full, please notify the clerk’s desk.  
• If toilets need attention, please notify clerk’s desk.
• Please take care with hot food and beverages. Advise of any spillages or mess that needs attention to the clerk’s desk.  
• When improvisations are in progress, there will be no access to downstairs changerooms.
• Programmes will be available to download from our website to save onto your smart device or print at home.
• If you have an issue or a question, please enquire at the clerk’s desk we are more than happy to be of assistance.  

END OF DANCE SECTION