RULES OF THE FESTIVAL
The age of the performer is taken as of the 31st August preceding the Festival. The maximum age of a performer is 18 for Solos, Duets, Trios and Quartets and 21 for Groups.
This competition is for amateurs and students who do not derive the main part of their income from the teaching or performance of dance.
The age of the eldest dancer determines the age group for Duet/Trio/Quartet and Groups.
Pointe work is not allowed for any dancers who are under 13 years old.
Small Groups are for 5-10 dancers and Large Groups are for 11 or more dancers. Please note for AED Groups the maximum is 30 dancers.
Dancers may enter once in each solo class, they may enter twice in each duet class & trio/quartet class.
Dance Schools can only enter a maximum of 2 Groups in the same class.
Substitution of another name in the programme will NOT be permitted for solo entries. In duet/trio/quartet one name may be changed. Please be aware that certificates may not reflect any changes.
Entry fees are non-refundable.
Chaperones for Groups - each school is required by the local authority and the Festival BOPA License to provide the correct number of licensed chaperones to look after dancers aged 16 years and under - they must wear their Chaperone Badges at all times. By Law it is 1 Chaperone per 12 dancers.
All Soloists, Duet/Trio, Quartet dancers 16 years and under must be looked after by a parent/carer/licensed chaperone at all times. If you are a Registered Chaperone you will need to wear your up to date Chaperone Badge whilst at the festival. ID will be asked for at Registration Desk. A Dressing Room wristband will be issued and must be visible at all times.
Performers must dance in class order and must be ready to perform 30 minutes earlier than the class is timetabled. All performers to report to side stage prior to the commencement of the class.
Certificates and Reports will be digital and can be found on your Festival Connect Account within 24 hours of performance.
The Stage and Stage Wings are out of bounds to all except authorised persons and performers about to dance. One parent/carer/teacher may accompany a dancer aged 7 years or under side stage and also by the Stage Door - due to lack of space we cannot have more than one per dancer.
Music must be uploaded to your Festival Connect Account in mp3 or mp4 format - we do not accept CD’s or Music on phones or tablets. This is the responsibility of the parent/or teacher - the music must be checked to ensure it is the correct version. Once the published deadline has passed the music must not be changed in Festival Connect. If the music is not correct the dancer may have to perform without music. Do ensure you have a spare copy on a phone/USB with you in case of technical difficulties. We will not be able to change music once the published deadline has passed.
A re-dance is only permitted for dancers 7 years or under or at the adjudicators discretion. If there is a technical fault the dancer may perform again but this doesn't apply to the “wrong music” being played - dancers can perform without music - it is very important music files are checked carefully when you upload them.
Musical Theatre - Pre-recorded music must not contain any spoken or sung lyrics.
Tap - Music must not include any recorded tap or similar sound effect.
The use of talc and/or oil or any other substance or items such as real flowers, feathers, glitter, petals, rice etc that require the stage to be swept and may compromise dancers safety is forbidden. No naked flames, strobe lighting or pyro can be used. If the stage requires cleaning after a dance, the performer may lose marks.
Scenery, sets and staging is not allowed.
Props for Solos, Duet/Trio and Quartets must be 10 kg or less in weight, hand held and the dancer/s should be able to carry these on themselves. Large heavy props will not be permitted to be used.
Props for Groups may be taken on by Teachers - if you have a large Prop you will need to inform us by email giving us the dimensions and details.
Props that require assembling side stage are not permitted for Solos, Duet/Trio/Quartets.
Props are the responsibility of the dancer/teacher and are used at their own risk. SFPA is not responsible for any accidents caused by the prop on or off stage.
Props must be taken to side stage at the start of the session and removed immediately after the dance as there is no facility for storage. Props must be rendered fire-resistant and any “furniture” props must have a sewn in label to prove this.
The Adjudicators decision is final, discussion directly with the Adjudicator is NOT permitted. If you have any issues please see one of the Trustees or email the festival.
Synopsis - A title is usually sufficient for the experienced Adjudicators. If you do have a synopsis it must be 30 words or less and must be typed into your Festival Connect Account. Hand-written synopsis will not be read out. Please do not email your title or synopsis to the festival.
No photography or videography is permitted during performances or adjudication. We have a Festival Photographer who is taking photos throughout the performances. IF you wish to opt out of your dancer being photographed please indicate this in your Festival Connect Account.
We are a CASH-FREE festival.
We are a Nut Free Festival to ensure the health and safety of everyone taking part. Please do not bring any nuts or products containing nuts into the building in any area.
Please ensure that all dancers, teachers and families behave in an orderly and respectful manner at the Festival - most of the Festival Staff are Volunteers who give up their time to put on the Festival, so please treat them courteously and respectfully.
Updated November 2023