COMPETITION RULES

Rules, Syllbus and COVID-19 Plan for 2020 have all been attached to the above buttons. Please read these thoroughly and make contact with the Brindabella Dance Festival Committee if you have any questions. 

2020 COMPETITION RULES

1. General
  a) The Brindabella Dance Festival is open to amateurs only with exception to the Adult Troupe Section. An amateur is any school aged person whose main source of income is not derived from dance.
  b) The Brindabella Dance Festival is a family eisteddfod. Music, choreography and costumes must be suitable for family viewing. Failure to comply will result in disqualification.

2. Age
  a) Solo, Duo, Trio Age: is as at the first day of competition (see cover page for dates).
  b) Troupe Age: is age as at 1 January year of competition.
  c) The committee reserves the right to request proof of age (supplied at competitors expense), and can, at their discretion, withhold any prizes until this is produced.
  d) Competitors may only enter in their own age group (dancing up an age group is not permitted unless there is not an appropriate section within the competitor’s age group).
  e) Duos/Trios – all competitors must be within the stated age limit.
  f) Groups – all competitors in a nominated age group must be within the age limit. An average of ages is not acceptable with exception to Adult troupes where the average age of competitors must be over the age of 20 years.

3. Category Definitions
  a) Restricted – means a competitor has not won first place in that category in any competition up to the closing date of Brindabella entries.
  b) Open – competitors who have won first place in any previous competition in that discipline, but is still open to those who have not and who choose to compete at this level.
  c) Troupes – must contain a minimum of four competitors. A maximum of four entries per section per studio.
  d) Adult Troupes – The average age of competitors must be over the age of 20 years. If your average age is under 20, please enter open age troupes.
  e) School Groups – To qualify as a school group, the routine must be learned at school in a school environment, not as part of a dance school environment. The group may contain students from a dance school. School Groups wear school uniform, not costumes.
  f) Studio Class Groups – Routines must have been prepared in a class environment with no additional practices. This is to encourage non-troupe students to participate. A troupe that is already rehearsed in a class must compete in the normal troupe section and does not constitute a Studio Class Group. Studio Class Groups wear class uniform, not costumes.
  g) Improvisation – Music will be chosen by the Adjudicator. The competitors in this section are sequestered and not able to hear the music whilst sequestered. Competitors are taken separately to the backstage area and have one opportunity to hear the music once through and compose their routine. They then perform on stage to the Adjudicator immediately. Dress requirements for improvisation are plain dance attire, scrunchie, flower or hair ribbon, tights and shoes where appropriate to the style. No costumes or hair bling or large logos.
    • Ballet, Lyrical and Contemporary:
       o Girls - simple leotard with optional ballet skirt,
       o Boys - plain top and shorts or ballet pants
    • Tap and Jazz:
       o Girls - simple leotard with optional shorts,
       o Boys - plain top and shorts/pants
    • Hip Hop:
       o Plain top and shorts/pants

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4. Duo/Trios
  a) Dates of birth and names of all competitors must be declared on one entry - and all competitors must be within the stated age category – See point 2.
  b) An individual may enter a duo or trio with a different partner. The maximum number of times an individual can enter the same duo/trio section is two.
  c) Full payment must be received in one complete entry.

5. Student Choreography
  a) The routine must be totally choreographed and performed by the student.
  b) No teacher assistance may be given. We rely on your honesty for this section.
  c) The student may enter a maximum of 2 student choreography routines, providing they are of different dance styles.
  d) The time limit for student choreography routines is a maximum of 2 minutes.

6. Championships
  a) Competitors must have qualified in the general sections as referred to below.
  b) There must be a minimum of two competitors in a Championship for it to proceed. In the event that only one competitor is entered the Committee reserves the right to cancel the section or move the competitor up an age grouping if available.
  c) Duo/Trio sections are not qualifying sections for Championships.

6.1 Ballet Championships
  • To qualify, competitors must have performed in two previous Open sections, one of which must be a Classical and one other chosen from Demi-Character or National Character.
  • To qualify, competitors must have performed in a ballet improvisation section.
On Championship Day:
  • Competitors will be required to perform two solos a Classical and Demi-Character.
  • One item may be repeated. A change of costume and/or music does not constitute a change of routine.

6.2 Tap Championships
  • To qualify, competitors must have performed in two previous Open sections in the categories of Slow Tap, Waltz Tap or Fast Tap.
  • To qualify, competitors must have performed in a tap improvisation section.
On Championship Day:
  • Competitors will be required to perform two solos, one must be a Fast Tap and the other Slow Tap or Waltz Tap.
  • One item may be repeated. A change of costume and/or music does not constitute a change of routine.

6.3 Jazz Championships
  • To qualify, competitors must have performed in two previous Open sections in the categories of Jazz, Broadway Jazz or Hip Hop.
  • To qualify, competitors must have performed in a jazz improvisation section.
On Championship Day:
  • Competitors will be required to perform two solos, one must be a Jazz and the other a Broadway Jazz.
  • One item may be repeated. A change of costume and/or music does not constitute a change of routine.

6.4 Contemporary/Lyrical Championships
  • To qualify, competitors must have performed in two previous Open sections in the categories of Contemporary and Lyrical.
  • To qualify, competitors must have performed in a lyrical improvisation section.
 On Championship Day:

Competitors will be required to perform two solos, one must be a Contemporary and the other a Lyrical.
  • One item may be repeated. A change of costume and/or music does not constitute a change of routine.

6.5 Entertainment Award
  • To qualify, competitors must have performed in three previous Open sections in the categories of Jazz, Broadway Jazz, Any Tap style or Acrobatics and also an Open section in the categories of Song and Tap or Song and Soft Shoe (4 qualifying routines in total for example - Song and Tap, Jazz, Fast Tap and Broadway Jazz).
 On Championship Day:
  • Competitors will be required to perform one solo of high entertainment value, not previously performed. Dance styles can be Jazz, Broadway Jazz, Fast Tap, Acrobatics, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Student Choreography, Demi-Character or Song and Dance (any style). Classical, Lyrical and National Character routines cannot be performed in this section.
  • Section will be adjudicated on entertainment value and originality.
  • There must be a minimum of two competitors in this section for it to proceed. In the event that only one competitor is entered the Committee reserves the right to cancel the section or move the competitor up an age grouping if available.

7. Copyright
  a) The law of Copyright applies to the Dance Festival. It is the responsibility of each competitor to adhere to the Act. Your studio APRA number must be included on your entry. This number is available from your studio teacher.

8. Entries
  a) All entries to be lodged on-line by the closing date (see cover page for dates). Payments to be made electronically at the time of submitting the entry. Without payment your entry will not be honoured
    • Please note: an APRA/AMCOS music playing fee will be added for each item at time of entry (improvisations included).
  b) If entries are not paid (even in the event of closing prior to the listed date) the entry will not be honoured, entries must be paid in full to be included in our program.
  c) If the Festival is cancelled as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic or other catastrophic/unforeseen event, refunds will be offered in line with the refund policy stated in the COVID-19 Plan.
  d) No other refunds will be given once entries are received unless the Committee cancels a section.
  e) No late entries will be accepted.
  f) Competitors may enter each Solo Section once only, with the exception of Student Choreography sections. However, if Sections are combined and the competitor is required to perform more than once it will be the responsibility of the competitor to ensure that costume changes do not delay the festival proceedings on the day.
  g) Routines must be entered in the correct sections, (e.g. a Broadway Jazz cannot be performed in the Jazz section unless there is no Broadway section offered, or unless the Committee decides to combine sections). Failure to comply may result in disqualification.
  h) The number of entries in each section may be limited depending on total number of overall entries. In the unlikely event that limits are imposed competitors will be included in order of entries being lodged and PAID.

9. Social Media The Brindabella Dance Festival is run by a volunteer committee who make all efforts to ensure that the Festival is a fun and friendly environment for all. We welcome feedback and opportunities for improvement. Such feedback must be given directly to the Committee either in person or by email to or via our website
  a) Any dance teacher, representative, dancer, parent or friend that posts negative or inappropriate comment regarding Brindabella Dance Festival on social media including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram may be excluded from competing without refund and may be banned from entering future Festivals.

10. The Brindabella Dance Festival Committee:
  a) Reserves the right to refuse anyone entry.
  b) Reserves the right to amend the program at any time.
  c) Reserves the right to combine or cancel sections should they deem necessary.
  d) Reserves the right to add age groups dependent on entries received.
  e) Will do all in its power to maintain the advertised adjudicator however it reserves the right to make any changes deemed necessary.
  f) Invests the Adjudicator with the power to withhold a prize if he/she does not consider the standard of competition warrants one.
  g) ONLY the approved executive members of the committee, as directed by the President may approach the Adjudicator.
  h) Reserves the right to adjudicate in any protests and their decision is final.
  i) All powers of the legal entity incorporated as Brindabella Dance Festival Inc. have been delegated to the Committee as elected from time to time.
  j) Will make the final decision on any issues that are not covered in the Rules.

11. Dance Style Definitions For clarification, the Committee provides the following guidance as to styles of dance:
  a) Classical Ballet: traditional formal style of ballet. The Brindabella Dance Festival does not stipulate the age that Competitors may dance en pointe. However, any competitors who choose to dance en pointe will be expected to have the required technique and ability to dance safely en pointe. The Adjudicator may at his/her discretion ring the bell and request a dancer to change shoes and perform at the end of the section.
  b) Broadway Jazz: also known as Musical Theatre, the dance must be to a song/music that has been used in a theatre production/show however the version of the music does not need to be the one used in the production. Broadway is also a particular style of dance and the Adjudicator will expect to see Broadway style steps in the routine. Miming is permitted.
  c) Lyrical: also known as modern expressive, lyrical dance uses movement to express strong emotions such as love, joy and anger. This style of dance is usually to music with lyrics and the lyrics inspire the movement and expression. It is characterised by fluidity and grace.
  d) Contemporary: is a style of expressive dance that draws from both classical ballet technique and other dance genres including modern, lyrical and jazz. Contemporary dance stresses versatility and improvisation, unlike the strict, structured nature of ballet. Contemporary dancers focus on floor work using gravity to pull them down to the floor. This dance genre is often done in bare feet. Contemporary dance can be performed to many different styles of music and is characterised by its versatility.
  e) Fast tap: tap to a fast piece of music with fast timing. Competitors may enter straight tap in this section. f) Slow tap: done to a ballad or slow piece of music, usually has a lyrical quality to the routine.
  g) Waltz Tap: tap dance to 3/4 time music.
  h) Troupe Variety/Production Number: A spectacular dance performance which may include a variety of music and dance styles. It can incorporate singing and can also be in a musical theatre style. Miming is permitted. Generally the performance is longer than 5 minutes.
  i) Song and Dance (including song and tap and song and soft shoe): performance must be relatively equal in both song and dance. Competitors cannot just sing.
  j) National Character: must comprise traditional dance movement from one specified nation/country.

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12. Adjudicator
  a) The Adjudicator’s decision is final.
  b) Any competitor who has been taught regularly by the Adjudicator within the preceding six months will not be eligible to compete and must withdraw immediately, or be disqualified. This excludes workshop classes and/or industry briefings.
  c) Any competitor currently represented by an agency affiliated with the Adjudicator must declare this to the Committee prior to entry.
  d) The Adjudicator has the right to withhold a prize if he/she does not feel a sufficient standard has been reached.
  e) The Adjudicator must not be approached by any competitor/parent/teacher for any reason or that competitor will be disqualified.
  f) The Adjudicator may apply a penalty if time limit is exceeded.

13. Backstage
  a) No parent is permitted backstage at any time.
  b) For 6/U sections one studio teacher may be permitted, at backstage manager discretion only.
  c) Anyone causing a disturbance backstage may be asked to leave by the backstage manager and must comply.
  d) There is to be no spectating backstage, entry to back stage will be directed by the backstage manager and in line with the COVID-19 plan.
  e) No mobile phones permitted backstage.

14. Competitor Breakdown
  a) In the case of a competitor breakdown, a repeat of the routine is allowable at the sole discretion of the Adjudicator. However, the competitor will not be eligible for any prize except highly commended, at the discretion of the Adjudicator.

15. Dressing rooms
  a) No changing is permitted in the auditorium toilets or auditorium.
  b) Dressing rooms must be kept clean and free of rubbish and sanitised at the end of each session.
  c) Dressing rooms will be allocated, as per the COVID-19 Plan and Rules annexed to this document.
  d) Dressing rooms must be left clean and sanitized at end of troupe completion or prize money will be withheld. In the event no prize money has been awarded a cleaning fee will be invoiced to the offending studio.

16. Safety and disclaimer
  a) Every care will be taken for the safety of competitors. However, parents and guardians including teachers are also required to supervise their children when they are not backstage (i.e. in the dressing rooms, theatre foyer and surrounds)
  b) Basic first aid facilities will be available. Please inquire at the canteen, backstage or ask a Committee Member. Any accidents or injuries must be reported and all first aid will be administered with the assistance of the Venue staff.
  c) Brindabella Dance Festival Inc, the Committee, the Members and all parties involved with the Brindabella Dance Festival will not accept any liability for loss, damage, injury or inconvenience that might occur to any person or goods as a consequence of their participation in the Festival or attendance at it.

17. Music
  a) The Brindabella Dance Festival is a family eisteddfod. Music, choreography and costumes must be suitable for family viewing. Failure to comply will result in disqualification.
  b) Music is now registered ONLINE – instructions for this will be provided once entries are complete. Only MP3 Format will be accepted.

  c) All music must be uploaded and checked into the music system no less than 10 days prior to the commencement of the event.
  d) Each competitor understands that a small fee will be applied at completion of upload and payable by the entrant. The Committee reserves the right to change the format in which music is received prior to the competition start date.
  e) It is the responsibility of the competitors to ensure that the correct music files have been uploaded to each routine. If a music file is corrupt we would hope to have this identified in the 10 days prior to comp. However BDF do not have the ability to fix this, effort will be made to advise you if possible. However, music files are the sole responsibility of the entrant to ensure they are accurate and playable audio upon upload.
  f) It is the responsibility of the performer to have a backup of their music. This can be either CD or iPhone.
  g) Backstage staff only will operate all music equipment.
  h) All music must be cured and cut appropriately for the routine.
  i) Vocals are permitted to Tap music, however please ensure they do not overwhelm the tapping.
  j) Competitors may not accompany pre-recorded vocals in song and dance routines.
  k) Each dancer will have registered with the Music upload programme when requested to do so after entry, they are responsible for remembering their log in details and passwords as this is where any music changes can be made leading up to the event. Including checking music during the event.

18. Perpetual Trophies
  a) Perpetual Trophies may be awarded in some sections.
  b) Where perpetual trophies are awarded, these trophies must be returned by the closing date of entries the following year.

19. Photography
  a) No photographs may be taken in the theatre at any time.
  b) Only the official photographer nominated by the Committee is permitted to take photographs in the theatre.
  c) Failure to comply with this may result in disqualification.

20. Prompting
  a) No prompting is permitted in any section other than 6/U sections.

21. Protests
  a) The Adjudicators decision is final.
  b) The Committee reserves the right to adjudicate in any conflict and their decision is final.
  c) Protests much be lodged within thirty minutes of the section’s adjudication. The protest must be in writing, handed to a Committee Member and must be accompanied by a $20.00 fee, which is non-refundable if protest is not upheld.

22. Program
  a) Once finalised, changes to the program, such as incorrect section entered, are at the discretion of the Committee. Where a change is permitted an administration fee will be charged, exception is if the error is the fault of the Committee or a printing error.
  b) Brindabella Dance Festival uses competition management software to take online entries and develop the program. Competitors will be allocated to sections by the program and generally the order will not be changed except to allow for quick changes between successive sections. This may mean that a competitor is the same competitor number in every section they compete in.

23. Refunds
  a) If the Festival is cancelled as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic or other catastrophic event or natural disaster or situation out of the control of the Committee, refunds will be offered, minus the administration and banking fees in line with the Refund Policy outlined in the COVID-19 Plan and Rules annexed to this document.
  b) No refunds will be given once entries are received unless the Committee cancels a section.
  c) If a section is cancelled, the Committee will refund the entry fee for that section.

24. Teachers
  a) One Teacher may accompany 6/U solos/duos/trios and any age troupe backstage. At the discretion of the backstage manager.
  b) If distressing other competitors, Teachers may be asked to leave by backstage manager and must comply immediately.

25. Theatre
  a) No eating, drinking or smoking in the theatre.
  b) Fire Exits must be kept clear at all times.
  c) No entry/exit is allowed to/from the Theatre Auditorium when an act is on stage.
  d) In circumstances where the theatre seating is full, non-paying competitors must give up their seat for a paid ticket holder.
  e) During the COVID-19 pandemic seating will be managed differently – please refer to COVID-19 Plan and Rules annexed to this document.

26. Tickets
  a) During the COVID-19 pandemic ticketing will be managed differently – please refer to COVID-19 Plan and Rules annexed to this document.

27. Video
  a) Absolutely no videoing or recording is permitted in the theatre.
  b) No use of mobile phones to video record or capture photographs allowed in the theatre or backstage
  c) Only the official videographer nominated by the Committee is to be used.
  d) Failure to comply with this may result in disqualification.

28. Indemnity
All attendees, including but not limited to, Dancers, Parents/Carers, Teachers, Directors, Volunteers and Patrons, indemnify and keep indemnified Brindabella Dance Festival Inc. and its Committee Members and operators on both a commercial and personal basis against all actions, suits, proceedings, claims, demands, costs, and expenses whatsoever which may be made against the registered non for profit and or its volunteer members in carrying out the duties and requirements in terms of the event and these rules.

COVID-19 CONDITIONS OF ENTRY:
  1. You or anyone accompanying you are not showing signs or symptoms of a cough, cold or flu at the time of the event as stated by the ACT Government COVID-19 Restrictions
  2. You do not have a fever, above 37.5 degrees celsius, at the time of the event.
  3. You are NOT supposed to be in isolation at the time the event commences as per current government guidelines.
  4. You agree to follow the directions of the COVID-19 Plan and Rules annexed to this document provided with these rules at all times when in attendance of Brindabella Dance Festival.
  5. You agree to not cover up any cough or cold, and will remove yourself or anyone accompanying you that have these symptoms.
  6. You will sign the liability waiver at point of entry of your routines – this is a STRICT CONDITION OF ENTRY without agreement your entry will not be processed.

  7. Contact tracing will apply during this event. Therefore, all attendees MUST complete the required attendance forms provided prior to the event.
  8. You understand that failure to comply with the direction of the Committee regardless of how unreasonable it may seem, may result in immediate removal from the premises and competition without refund.
  9. You agree to take on the responsibility of those accompanying you the entrant, including but not limited to extended family or friends and dancers that may attend as patrons, siblings’, parents and teachers. Ensuring they are always following the directions of the committee while in the premises.
  10. You understand that patronage will be limited and you may not get to spectate all routines.
  11. You understand that Brindabella Dance Festival 2020 is not a spectator event, we urge you to only be on premises when you NEED to be in order of the programme to complete your dances and then vacate the premises.
  12. You understand that updates will be published on the BDF Facebook page only and you will check here in the first instance.
  13. You understand that, BDF is not a social event for 2020, gathering in groups or in the halls with people outside your studio is not permitted.
  14. You understand that physical distancing must be applied at all times inside the venue except when performing on stage.
  15. You have read and fully understand the COVID-19 Plan and Rules annexed to this document, prepared by Brindabella Dance Festival and agree to follow these rules at all times whilst in attendance of the event.
  16. All entries are to be done online and payment cleared before your entries will be accepted
  17. All music is to be uploaded online 10 days prior to the event.
  18. Critiques will be available through a log in system – instructions on this will follow later.
  19. Entry fees have increased due to COVID-19 and added requirements and programmes we have had to implement surrounding this.
  20. We have temporarily removed the ticketing system normally in place and have applied a competitor fee in its place for 2020.
BDF