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FESTIVAL RULES

Please note, that we will be running the Festival and our dance categories in line with All England Dance.

ENTRY IS DEEMED TO BE AN ACCEPTANCE OF THESE RULES

ENTRIES

  • Detailed genre descriptors for each style have been developed by AED. Teachers/choreographers must read these carefully and ensure their work fits into the published guidelines, which can be freely accessed on the AED website and also detailed as part of Centre Stage Dance Festival’s syllabus.

  • The Festival may combine sections or classes where entries are small, divide a class where entries are large, and have the power to make any other regulations or interpret or qualify any of these rules as occasion may arise.

  • No refunds of entry fees shall be made.

  • Competitors enter the Festival with the understanding that no guarantee can be given at the time of entry as to which days classes shall be held.

  • If the Festival is over-subscribed the Festival reserves the right to return entries from the over-subscribed classes. In this instance, entry fees will be refunded accordingly.

  • Competitors must dance in correct programme order, report to the stage 20 minutes before they are due to dance and be ready before their number is announced: absentees risk disqualification.

  • A minimum of 5 and a maximum of 10 dancers constitutes a Small Group and a minimum of 11 and a maximum of 30 dancers constitutes a Large Group.

  • Solo dancers may not be substituted but in the event of the unavoidable absence of a partner one substitute will be allowed in a duet, trio, or quartet; two in a small group; three in a large group. 

DANCERS

  • Centre Stage Dance Festivals are for amateurs and students who do not derive the main part of their income from the teaching or performance of dance.

  • No entry under an assumed name is permissible.

  • Competitors must comply with the age limits set by the festival. The age of the competitor is taken as their age on 31st August preceding the competition (i.e. for a competition held in October 2024 the age submitted will need to be the age of the dancer on 31st August 2024). Submission of incorrect ages may lead to disqualification. In any case of dispute competitors may be asked to produce their birth certificate. 

  • No dancer in a solo section may dance in a higher age category. 

  • The age of the eldest competitor in a Duet, Trio, Quartet or Group determines the correct age group. 

  • Dancers under 13 may not be included in Contemporary or Modern Ballet classes. 

  • Where teachers wish, for artistic reasons, to include a younger dancer in a Contemporary or Modern Ballet group, they should enter the group in the Classical section. 

  • Pointe work is not allowed for any competitor under 13 years old. 

  • The use of rosin needs to be carefully considered. You will be advised of any venue-specific policies and will be expected to adhere to them.

  • It is necessary for teachers and parents to be aware of their responsibilities in entering any performers/supporters with limited physical capabilities and/or additional needs given the potential limitations imposed by the stage and surrounding environment i.e. should the disability be considered in determining room allocation.

  • It is necessary (preferably at the time of entry) for teachers/parents/entrants to inform Festival administrators of any relevant information with regards to the entry that could impact the adjudicators work i.e. any circumstances of which the adjudicator needs to be aware of.

ADJUDICATORS

  • Alternative or additional adjudicators may be appointed as necessary.

  • Communication with the Adjudicators concerning any matters relating to the competition by competitors, teachers, or any other interested parties prior or during the competition is strictly prohibited.

  • The Adjudicator’s decision is final and no discussion or correspondence concerning such decision may ensue.

  • Awards may be withheld if, in the opinion of the Adjudicator a) sufficient merit is not shown, or b) competitors infringe the rules.

TIME LIMITS

  • Time limits must not be exceeded. These are set by AED and must be adhered to. Performances which overrun by more than 15 seconds will receive an adjudication but no mark shall be awarded and the dance will not be able to qualify for AED regional finals (in qualifying years). 

  • Times will be checked from the first note or word of the accompaniment, or – if it should occur first – the first movement of the dancer, to the dancer’s last movement at the completion of the dance.

  • A musical exit may be included on the recording, provided it falls within the time limit.

  • When requested in advance, the steward will announce the title of the dance and a short synopsis not exceeding 30 words is permitted. Words over that amount may be edited. Spoken or recorded narratives after the steward’s announcement will be included within the time limit for the dance.

MUSIC

  • The Festival does not accept liability for the infringement of copyright, recording or performing rights arising out of any competitor’s accompaniment, choreography, or performance. It contributes to a Group Licence to cover payment of fees for the use of recorded music at its events. Teachers and choreographers using music created from commercial recordings are advised that they are responsible for seeking permission to re-record from the recording companies concerned.

  • According to the British and International of Festivals the Festival is not covered by the blanket copyright agreement in respect of music/songs from shows and as a result, teachers / performers need to obtain their own license for such items from Phonographic Performance Ltd. Teachers should contact PPL on 020 8068 1054, with any queries on this matter.

  • The Adjudicator takes into account the whole performance including the choice and interpretation of the accompaniment, the quality of recordings and suitability of recorded vocals.

  • Pre-recorded music used in ANY Song & Dance performance must NOT include any singing or chanting.

  • Pre-recorded music used in ANY tap sections must not include any recorded tap or similar sound effect.

PROPS

  • Scenery, sets, and staging are not allowed.

  • Props are allowed but any prop that needs assembling side of stage, and any glass or breakable props will not be permitted. The weight limit is 10kg.

  • The use of strobe lighting, smoke, pyro, and naked flame during any performance is not allowed. All props must be rendered fire-resistant before arrival at the theatre.

  • All props to be brought at the start of the session for which they are required and removed at the end of the same session. We have no facilities for storage.

  • The stage management will be responsible for setting and striking the stage – the time allowed is 20 seconds and this will be rigorously enforced.

  • All props are the responsibility of the teacher and are used at their own risk. AED will not accept any responsibility for accidents caused by props either on or off stage.

  • The use of talc and / or oil or any other substance anywhere on the body or a prop, which could leave a residue on the floor compromises safety and is strictly prohibited. 

AWARDS & TROPHIES

  • Certificates and adjudication sheets will only be released to Teachers/persons nominated by the relevant Dance School.

  • Winners of trophies MUST sign a receipt. Winners under the age of 16 must obtain the signature of a legally responsible person on the trophy receipt form. In accepting a trophy the winner undertakes to keep it safely and return it in good, clean condition to the Trophies Secretary by the date requested on the form. Failure to do so may incur a penalty. Lost trophies must be replaced and damaged trophies repaired. A trophy may be engraved with the winner’s name at his, or her, arrangement & expense.

  • Competitors placed 1st will receive a 1st prize medal and certificate. 2nd and 3rd certificates and medals will also be awarded. If certificates cannot be collected by the close of the Festival, they can be sent if an addressed envelope is left with the administrators along with a fee of £2.00 to cover postage.

  • Winners of Overall Dance Trophies will be notified at the conclusion of the Festival so that they can be collected during the awards ceremony.

  • A school with a Small Group or Group placed 1st at the National Finals may enter a Group with the same choreography in the next competition, but thereafter not for the subsequent two competitions, regardless of the placing achieved on the second occasion. A change of age group or genre will not circumvent this rule.

MISCELLANEOUS

  • Unreasonable/unacceptable behaviour from competitors/supporters will not be tolerated towards organisers/volunteers and may result in disqualification & future entries refused.

  • The stage and stage wings are out of bounds to all except authorised persons and competitors about to perform.

  • Photography, filming, video or tape recording, and the use of mobile phones during any performance are prohibited. However, by entry to the Competition, competitors agree to perform before the cameras of the media or agents of the Competition.

  • It is not Festival policy to take mobile phones from dancers or stop them using these to take photographs or videos, but Parents/Guardians/Carers/Teachers are asked to ensure that mobile phones are used responsibly and to ensure that their use does not cause disruption in the backstage area.

  • The taking of photographs on any device is strictly prohibited in any dressing rooms/areas and toilets.

  • Centre Stage Dance Festival is happy for schools, parents and supporters to cheer group performances as long as all groups are supported equally, encouragement is always welcome. However, there should be NO cheering during solos, duet, trios and quartets. Centre Stage Dance Festival wish to respect the integrity of the art form.

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