Open to everyone 20 years and under

Please read all rules and conditions carefully and abide by them at all times

Failure to follow rules and conditions will involve loss of points or disqualification and withholding of prizes. The decision of the Verve Dance Festival Officials in all questions or disputes arising out of, or not provided for, by these rules and regulations will be final. All entries are received according to this condition and in the spirit of friendly competition upon which this competition is based; no dispute shall be entered into.

ALL COMPETITORS COMPETE AT THEIR OWN RISK

DATES

ENTRIES

Open – October 1, 2019 @ 6.00am
Close – November 30, 2019 @ 11.59pm or when full whichever is first    NO LATE ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED

PROGRAMS OUT – January 1, 2020

COMPETITION – January 16 – 20, 2020

GENERAL

1. Admission into the auditorium is FREE for everyone, not just competitors.

2. We encourage cheering and support for all competitors however any disrespectful or negative commentary will not be tolerated.

3. Mobile phones and hand held games must be switched off whilst in the auditorium.

4. Recording Devices of any kind are strictly prohibited as per privacy and copyright laws, (Audio, Video, Photographic). Anyone recording will be asked to leave and recordings will be deleted in the presence of a Verve Dance Festival Official.

5. No practicing will be permitted on, around or behind the stage area, before, during or after sessions. Should a competitor wish to do this, you will be required to make a private booking with Theatre Management, and does not interfere with the program. Verve Dance Festival will not be responsible for any costs incurred.

6. Choreography, Music and Costuming must be suitable for a family audience.

7. It is the competitor’s responsibility to collect all trophies, medals, music and awards before leaving the theatre. None of the above will be held once the event has concluded.

8. When entering this completion you agree that competitors, including students, parents, family and friends, teachers and other spectators, will not hold Verve Dance Festival Organisers, Volunteers or Burdekin Theatre Management liable for injuries sustained, illnesses contracted, or loss of property whilst in attendance and/or participating in activity related to this event. You also acknowledge abiding by the rules and conditions set out below.

9. If a competitor leaves the stage for reasons other than faulty music, they will be offered a second chance to perform, at the Adjudicators digression. However the competitor will receive an adjudication but not eligible for a placing.

   10. All protests are to be made in writing and submitted to an official at the official table within 30 minutes of adjudication, accompanied by a fee of $50.00. In all cases the fee will be forfeited if the protest or dispute is considered unsubstantial.

   11. No Competitor Cards will be issued.

   12. No curtain will be in use throughout the event.

   13. No food or drink will be allowed in the auditorium, this is Burdekin Theatre protocol.

AMATEUR STATUS

This competition is open to amateurs up to the age of 18 years, 19 years and 20 years are not subject to the amateur status. Student teachers who are still attending school fall under the amateur status.

Definition of “Amateur” for those competing in the Verve Dance Festival is: Any person who does not derive nor has ever derived his or her main income or a substantial income as a teacher and/or performer in the professional theatre.

ENTERING

1. The entering process is the parents or teachers responsibility so please ensure you have entered the correct sections and information.

2. Please check receipts immediately after entering in case wrong sections have been entered into.

3. You can add to an existing invoice even if it has been paid, as long as it’s before the closing date.

4. Entries are to be made on or before the closing date above via Stardom at www.stardom.com.au.

5. No late entries will be accepted - please don’t ask.

6. No entry will be accepted until payment has been made in full by the entry closing date. Entries can be paid online via Debit or Credit Card upon entry.

7. If you have an existing account with Stardom, please use those details to login to your account.

8. When entering please keep a copy of your login details, you will need them to login to get your reports. You must use the same login details to be able to view reports.

9. Multiple children can be listed on the same invoice.

   10. Entry fees are non refundable.

   11. Verve Dance Festival is unable to offer a credit if you withdraw or simply don’t turn up to compete.

   12. Competitors are not permitted to perform in any section under a different name to the one stated on the entry.

   13. Competitors can only perform once in the same section.

   14. Competitors can only perform a routine once throughout the event.

   15. Competitors can only enter in their own age group. Competitors are not eligible to dance up in age.

   16. When entering online you will be required to tick 2 boxes to accept the following:
       a) We hereby release all officials and volunteers of Verve Dance Festival from any claims for damages or

       injuries sustained whilst performing or any activity related to this competition. I understand all rules stated in this schedule. I also understand and agree that entries are non-refundable and no credit will be given including withdrawals for medical reasons. This policy is also for when a competitor is a no show, a withdrawal or simply changes their mind not to perform.

       b) Parents and Competitors give permission to Verve Dance Festival, to use photographs or videos of them in our local paper and to advertise the event. Parents and Competitors also agree to have their photos published on Facebook controlled by Verve Dance Festival Officials.

AGE

1. Open to all competitors age 20 years and under.

2. Competitors must not be older than the age stated in each section as of the 1st January of the current year.

3. Competitors are not permitted to perform up in age.

4. Proof of age may be required. Verve Dance Festival reserves the right to withhold prizes until such proof is supplied.

FEES

1. Entry Fees

   Solos @ $20.00 per section
   Duo/Trio @ $30.00 per section Championships @ $30.00 per section

2. Stardom Admin Fees

   1 entry @ $3.00
   2 – 5 entries @ $6.00
   6 – 10 entries @ $10.00                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 11 – 20 entries @ $15.00

      3. Programme @ $6.00 emailed
      4. Teacher Running Sheets @ $12.00 emailed

SPONSORSHIP

Sponsorship is vital to run the competition, please consider taking 1 of the sponsorship options available. This can be done throughout the entry process online or by contacting Machelle Slatcher on 0407 834 953 or vervedancefestival@bigpond.com. If you are interested in corporate packages please contact Machelle form further information.

1. Solo Section @ $35.00 per section.
   Naming of the Section, to appear on the prizes for that section, acknowledgement in the Program.

2. Duo / Trio Section @ $70.00 per section
   Naming of the Section, to appear on the prizes for that section, acknowledgement in the Program.

3. Awards Sponsorship @ $40.00 per award. Please refer to page 9 for awards on offer. NO perpetual trophies will be awarded just a take home trophy. First in best dressed.

4. Championship Section @ $60.00 per section. Please refer to page 9 for championships on offer. First in best dressed. Naming of the Championship, to appear on the prizes for that section, acknowledgement in the Program.

TIME LIMITS

Competitors must adhere to the time limits. Anyone exceeding time limits will receive adjudication but will not receive a mark. Timing commences at the start of the music or first step whichever is first. Tags and exits are included.

DUOS / TRIOS

1. The age of the eldest competitor is the age of the section they must enter.

2. Competitors in Duos or Trios can perform in different age sections with different partners, as long as they are not over the age stated for the section.

3. Competitors can only perform once in any one section.

4. If any competitors in Duos or Trios are unable to perform due to a withdrawal of one partner, a substitute can be

   used. Marshals must be notified when checking in.

5. Trios can be reduced to Duos where necessary. These changes will be accepted provided all criteria is met. Name and date of birth of substitute/s must be handed to the Marshals when checking in.

      6. Any changes to Duos or Trios must be submitted upon checking in. No changes will be accepted if this does not occur.

CHAMPIONSHIPS

EXPLAINATION –

Verve Dance Festival champs are a little different to championships of an eisteddfod.
The competitor must have performed in each of the dances in the QUALIFYING headings below. Dancing in the Championships themselves, competitors only need 1 routine NOT 2 as you would in an eisteddfod. This routine can be of any style and cannot be a routine previously danced in another section of this years comp. Routine must show off the Dancers technique, style, maturity, versatility and flexibility.

TO QUALIFY –

1. VDF Mini Champion Of The Year - 6 years & under
   To qualify a competitor must have competed in each of the following sections –
   1 Classical or Tiny Tot, 1 Tap, 1 Jazz or Broadway/Cabaret Jazz, Lyrical or Contemporary

2. VDF Petite Champion Of The Year - 7 & 8 years
   To qualify a competitor must have competed in each of the following sections – 1 Classical, 1 Tap, 1 Jazz or Broadway/Cabaret Jazz, 1 Lyrical or Contemporary

3. VDF Junior Champion Of The Year – 9 to 12 years
   To qualify a competitor must have competed in each of the following sections – 1 Classical, 1 Tap, 1 Jazz or Broadway/Cabaret Jazz, 1 Lyrical or Contemporary

4. VDF Teen Champion Of The Year - 13 to 15 years – 1 Routine Any Style
   To qualify a competitor must have competed in each of the following sections –
   1 Classical, 1 Tap, 1 Jazz or Broadway/Cabaret Jazz, 1 Lyrical or Contemporary, 1 Student Choreography

5. VDF Senior Champion Of The Year - 16 to 18 years – 1 Routine Any Style
   To qualify a competitor must have competed in each of the following sections –
   1 Classical, 1 Tap, 1 Jazz or Broadway/Cabaret Jazz, 1 Lyrical or Contemporary, 1 Student Choreography

6. VDF Open Champion Of The Year – 19 & 20 years – 1 Routine Any Style
   To qualify a competitor must have competed in each of the following sections –
   1 Classical, 1 Tap, 1 Jazz or Broadway/Cabaret Jazz, 1 Lyrical or Contemporary, 1 Student Choreography

PERFORMING IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP –

Required to perform 1 routine only, the style of your choice, in any of the championships. Cannot repeat a dance performed in another section. Routine must show off the Dancers technique, style, maturity, versatility and flexibility.

DEMI – CHARACTER

Whilst Titles and Stories are not compulsory, if you which to submit them please follow the guidelines below:

1. We would appreciate you uploading your Title and Story to your Stardom account. This is the preferred method.

2. Otherwise please give it to a Marshal when checking in no later than 30 minutes prior to the section. If using this method you will have to advise VDF prior to the commencement of the competition.

3. Must be kept to a maximum of 3 lines.

4. Font size 12 or larger.

5. Typed in block letters using double line spacing. Absolutely no handwritten copies will be accepted.

STUDENT CHOREOGRAPY SECTIONS

1. Absolutely NO teacher assistance.
2. Students are to choreograph 100% of their own routines. 3. Choreography must be family friendly.
4. Costumes are required for this section.

PROGRAMMING

1. Programs and Teacher Running Sheets will be emailed out once entries close and program has been finalized.

2. Verve Dance Festival reserves the right to amend the program at any time. Including combining, splitting or changing sections due to number of entries received. If sections have been changed, competitors must perform in the division allocated.

3. Positions allocated in programme will be strictly adhered to. Competitor’s appearance on stage is in no particular order to receipt of entries.

4. Whilst Verve Dance Festival takes everyone into account when building the program, we are unable to make special arrangements for out of town competitors to compete at a time other than that shown in the programme.

5. Verve Dance Festival will take into account religious beliefs but is unable to guarantee such placement in the program. If this is the case please advise upon entry.

CANTEEN

There will be a canteen open from 8am daily with a variety of foods throughout the competition. Menus could change daily so be sure to pop in and check what is on offer today. If using the tables provided, please take the time to clean up after yourself and dispose of rubbish. There are bins provided in the foyer as well as theatre grounds.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Keeara & Reece Photography will be available to take onstage photos if you wish. Keeara & Reece are from Mackay and have been taking onstage photos at competitions for years. They can be booked at the venue.

MUSIC

1. Please ensure music is age appropriate and suitable for a family audience.

2. Music with Lyrics is not permitted for Classical or Demi-Character Solos.

3. Music is to be provided via Drop Box in Stardom.

4. Teachers are responsible for all copyright and music licensing. Verve Dance Festival holds no responsibility for copyright issues.

5. A back up copy on CD must be available at the event in case required. Please Note: CDWR Disks will NOT operate at the theatre.

6. Only a single track per CD. THIS RULE WILL BE ENFORCED.

7. All recordings must be marked with Competitor’s Name and Section number.

8. Please check your music carefully before submission. Verve Dance Festival holds no responsibility for incorrect music being submitted.

9. Competitors are responsible for the production of their own music. The Verve Dance Festival and Burdekin Theatre while providing adequate playback equipment, accepts no responsibility for quality of the reproduction.

10. If music is faulty during a performance music will be turned off and the competitor will be given the option to repeat their dance at the end of the section (with back up music), without disqualification.

11. If backup music has been used, it is to be collected after each section. No music will be held after the completion of the festival.

SCORING
The score is out of 100 and is broken down into:

DEDUCTION GUIDELINES

No correspondence will be entered into the adjudication of the event, you can also not approach the adjudicator to discuss or question the outcome of the event.

AT THE THEATRE...

CODE OF CONDUCT

We are a friendly competition therefore by entering into the Verve Dance Festival you acknowledge the following:

1. a)  Offensive behavior and offensive language of any kind will not be tolerated anywhere inside the theatre and theatre grounds by anyone. This includes competitor’s, competitor’s families and friends, teachers and students, Verve Dance Festival officials, adjudicator, theatre staff, “Friends of the Theatre” and volunteers.

2. b)  Volunteers, Adjudicator, Theatre Staff, “Friends of the Theatre” and Officials are to be treated with the utmost respect at all times.

3. c)  Theatre facilities and grounds are to be respected and left the way you found them.

4. d)  We encourage cheering and support for all competitors however any disrespectful or negative commentary will not be tolerated.

Failure to comply with any of the above could result in those responsible being asked to leave and competitors may be disqualified. The decision of the Verve Dance Festival officials will be final.

There should be no reason for anyone being asked to leave, as we want your experience at Verve Dance Festival to be fun and memorable.! !!

CHECKING IN and WITHDRAWALING

1. Check in will be through the Theatre Greenroom at the base of the ramp to the backstage door.

2. Theatre Backstage will be open at 7.30am daily throughout the competition, no earlier.

3. Competitors must check in with the Marshal upon arrival but NO LATER than 30 minutes prior to their section beginning. Penalties apply for late check in.

4. If performing a Demi-Character, please give your title and story to the Marshal 30 minutes prior to the section. Remember stories are a maximum of 3 lines and to be typed out, not handwritten, refer to page 4.

5. Once checked in competitors are to remain backstage.

6. Competitors must be backstage, dressed and ready to perform when called and must compete in order of the program.

7. Competitors not present when called will be deemed as a Withdrawal. Late competitors will be able to perform at the end of the section. No mark will be awarded, however a report will be given.

BACK and SIDE STAGE AREAS

1. No persons are allowed sidestage. With the exception of persons placing props on and off stage and anyone authorized by a VDF Official.

2. Parents are allowed backstage (Dressing Room areas) but are not permitted sidestage.

3. Prompting from any persons in the auditorium or sidestage is PROHIBITED.

4. Penalties will be incurred if instructions set out by Theatre Staff are not followed.

PLACINGS
Placing’s will be announced and awarded to place getters at the END of the SESSION not section.

DRESSING ROOMS

1. Dressing Rooms are to be left clean and tidy. Failure to do so may result in disqualification and a $200 cleaning fee being issued to those involved.

2. Photography is strictly prohibited in all changing areas.

REPORTS

1. Online adjudication reports of all performances including non-place getters will be available by logging into your Stardom account.

2. You must login using the same login details as you used to enter. So be sure to bring it with you.

PROTECTING THE CHILDREN

Anyone in or around sidestage areas will need to produce a Blue Card when asked, this is a legal requirement of working with children. This includes teachers and their assistants as well as VDF Officials, Volunteers and Theatre Staff. You may be ask to show your Blue Card if necessary, if you cannot show your Blue Card you will be ask to remove yourself from these areas. Please have this card handy at the competition if you wish to be sidestage with children. Eg: to place props sidestage etc.

SOCIAL MEDIA

1. Please respect everyone around you.

2. Please do not post any content containing obscenity, explicit material or defamatory comments. This also includes negative posts about this event, Theatre Staff, VDF Officials or Volunteers that are deemed incorrect or offensive and also affecting our sponsors to the event.

3. You compete at your own risk so please be careful not to publicly share personal information or personal information of others.

4. Treat everyone fairly and only post encouraging and positive comments. Kids live by social media, please keep them protected and guided by our actions.

If such material has been published on any social media platform, you will be asked to leave and remove such material in the presence of a VDF Official.

There should be no reason for anyone being asked to leave, as we want your experience at VDF to be fun and memorable.! !

PROPS

1. All Props must be brought to the OP side of stage, 30 minutes prior to the beginning of their section and collected immediately after the conclusion of that section.

2. Props are limited to those that can be placed on stage and removed from stage within a time limit 1 minute timeframe and well constructed. This timeframe includes any clean up eg: picking up flowers, feathers etc.

3. ABSOLUTELY NO - glass, china, powder, paint, oil, confetti, feathers, sand, water, cream, hay or straw, bubbles, glitter, fresh fruit, fresh vegetable, fresh flowers, lit candles, sparklers, lit cigarettes or naked flames are permitted.

4. NO curtain will be in use to place or remove props from stage.

5. During the dance, props are to be handled by the competitors ONLY.

6. All due care, but no responsibility, will be taken by VDF for props on or off the stage.

ADJUDICATORS

1. Competitors must not have any tuition at all from the Adjudicator in the 6 months prior to the festival.

2. Communication with the Adjudicator before or during competition, by a Competitor, Family Member, Teacher or Friend of a competitor during the Festival is strictly prohibited, with the exception of the VDF Officials. Such behavior will result in disqualification of competitor.

3. The Adjudicator has the power to withhold or divide prizes according to merit.

4. The Adjudicators decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

AWARDS

1. Selection of all awards will be by the Adjudicator, not VDF officials.
2. Awards will be presented at the completion of the festival.
3. VDF will endeavor to contact the winners before presentation begins.
4. If the winner is unable to attend the presentation, awards will be forwarded at a later date. 5. Awards cannot be collect by anyone other than the awardee.