Rules

1.  Age of competitors is taken as on 1st January 2025. 
2. The Open age section is for dancers of any age.  Dancers in this section must not be dance teachers, professionally trained, in full time vocational dance training or professional performers.
3. Novice Classes, if we include them, are for performers who have never placed 1st, 2nd or 3rd at any affiliated federation festival in a dance of that style.
4.  Pointe work is not permitted under 13 years.
5. All dances should be original and not part of the RAD or ISTD syllabuses.
6. Fixed taps (single sound) only may be used for tap dancing.
7.  Music must be uploaded before the deadline.  CDs will not be accepted on the day.  
8. Recorded accompaniment for Musical theatre classes must not contain a vocal accompaniment.
9. The stage and stage wings are out of bounds to all except authorised persons and competitors about to perform. Authorised persons include one assistant from each school who may accompany children in the baby and junior age 7 age groups.  One authorised person may also accompany older competitors for the sole purpose of wardrobe or properties.
10. Choreography Classes. The name and the qualifying age to be entered is that of the choreographer. The performer can be of any age.  The choreographer must not be a dance teacher.  The choreographer should be present for adjudication. 
11. Re-dances are allowed in the baby and junior age categories.  Intermediate and senior dancers may be allowed to re-dance if time allows, this is at the sole discretion of the festival director.
12. The use of recorded music. The Festival is affiliated to the British Federation of Festivals and participates in its Group Licence covering payment of fees for the use of recorded music. Teachers using audio created from commercial recordings are advised that they should themselves seek permission to re-record from the record companies concerned.
13. All photography, filming, video or tape-recording is strictly prohibited during any performance.
14. Programme Times are approximate and competitors must be prepared to perform (at the adjudicator’s discretion) up to 30 minutes earlier.
15. Classes with a large number of entries. The Dance Secretary reserves the right to divide such classes.
16. Parents are not permitted to remain sidestage during classes, with the exception of classes for performers under 6 years old. 
17. Parents, Guardians or Dance Teachers are responsible for the safety and wellbeing of all performers at all times in the building except for the stage area.
18. Costumes and make up are allowed, and encouraged, however they are not compulsory.  Please ensure that they are age appropriate for the performer.
19. All props must be rendered fire-resistant before arrival at the theatre. The use of talc and/or oil anywhere on the body compromises safety and is prohibited.
20. Audience members will not be allowed in to the auditorium once a performance has started and will be asked to wait until the next performance before being admitted.
21. The Festival cannot accept any responsibility for property left at the venue during the Festival. Any lost property can be collected from the venue.
22. At no point should parents, teachers or dancers approach the adjudicator nor should they email or phone them before, during or after the festival.  Any queries for the adjudicator should be directed to the festival director.
23. Abusive or aggressive behaviour from parents or teachers, or indeed dancers, will not be tolerated at any time and will result in the performer not being allowed to enter future festivals.
24. MODIFICATION OF RULES The Committee reserves the right to qualify or determine any of the rules; to change or supplement the Adjudicators, and to modify any provisional timetable issued, should the need arise.