Rules of the Festival 2020

RULES FOR WEYMOUTH DANCE FESTIVAL 2020

ENTRY IS DEEMED TO BE AN ACCEPTANCE OF THESE RULES

* Please make careful note of timings.

Entries Closing Date: 27 June 2020 (12 Noon)

The competition is for amateurs. Students who are practising dance teachers, and/or hold a teaching qualification, and those who derive the main part of their income from the teaching or performance of dance may not enter.
Entries will only be accepted from schools within a 75-mile radius on a first come first served basis. Entries may close earlier than the closing date should a maximum number be reached.
All entries must be on an official entry form, which must be signed as indicated and all parts of the form must be completed. Late entries will not be accepted. All students entering must have an entry form signed by their parent or guardian giving them permission to dance. All students entered must also have a signed permission form from their teacher (One per teacher for all students entered is permissible).
Entry fees are non-refundable.
The committee reserves the right to refuse entry.
Weymouth Dance Festival will not accept entries from students who attend full time vocational schools.
The adjudicator’s decision is final and no discussions or correspondence concerning such decision may ensue. Awards may be withheld if in the opinion of the adjudicator, sufficient merit is not shown.
Communication with the adjudicator concerning any matters relating to the competition by entrants, teachers or other interested parties prior to or during the competition may lead to disqualification.
The age of entrants is taken on 1st September in the year of the competition. Accuracy in birth dates is essential. Incorrect age may lead to disqualification and, in cases of doubt, a birth certificate may have to be produced. The age of the eldest competitor in a Duet/Trio/Quartet/Group determines the class entered.
The committee reserves the right to combine classes when entries are small, or divide a class when entries are large, and may make any other regulations or interpret or qualify any of these rules as occasion may arise.
No performer may enter the same class more than once in their own age group for each solo section and twice for each technique in a duet or trio section.
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, 2 in a trio/quartet and 3 in a group. The organisers must be advised of any changes a minimum of 2 hours before the class.
Group sizes will be limited to a minimum of 8 (AED requirements), and a maximum of 16 dancers. No dancer shall be permitted to dance more than ONCE in each group class. 16 is the maximum for health and safety reasons.
Teachers must include names, ages and dates of birth for all group members with their entries. Entries will not be accepted without this information.
Performers must dance in correct programme order and it is the responsibility of entrants to report backstage at the appointed time. Timings of classes in the programme are for guidance only and competitors should be ready to dance at least 30 minutes before the appointed time.
*Time limits must be strictly adhered to. Any dancer who wishes to go forward to All England, must abide by All England timings. Timing will begin at the first note or word of the accompaniment or first movement of the dancer, whichever occurs first.
Other than for baby classes (6 yrs & under), a re-dance may only be permitted at the discretion of the adjudicator or if the music malfunctions.
Novice Classes – these are for competitors who have never been placed first at any festival in the section they are entering. Entrants in novice classes are not eligible to enter the ordinary class in the same dance discipline.
In novice classes it is at the discretion of the adjudicator how many competitors may progress out of novice sections.
Pointe work is not allowed for any entrant under 13 years old or in any novice class.
Fixed taps (single sound) only may be used for tap dancing.
Gymnastic dance is permitted provided that it is combined with a modern dance technique (but not in Lyrical). Please see guidance notes regarding genres of dance.
Tabs – Teachers requiring tabs for groups are personally responsible for opening and closing. No pins, sticky tape or other items may be attached to back cloths or curtains without express permission of the College management.
We are able to accept CDs only. There is an official sound system for the use of competitors. This is the only recording equipment allowed side-stage. All music must be clearly labelled with the name of the competitor and the number in class on the correct side and ready to play. Music must be handed to the appropriate person before the start of the class and collected at the end of the class. Teachers are responsible for the quality of the recording which is taken into account by the Adjudicator. No responsibility will be accepted for discs not collected. IT IS SUGGESTED THAT COMPETITORS SHOULD HAVE BACK UP DISCS AVAILABLE.
It is the responsibility of the competitor to set CDs ready to play. All discs should be clearly marked. DO NOT USE RE-WRITABLE CDs. The organisers do not accept any responsibility for incorrect playing of any CD except in the event of equipment failure.
Teachers are responsible for any change of volume required during the playing of a CD. Backstage committee members will not be responsible for the volume of the music. Teachers please take note in Song & Dance and Tap classes.
If pre-recorded music is used in any song & dance section it must not include any singing or chanting. Pre-recorded music used in tap sections must not include any recorded tap or similar sound effect.
The festival does not accept liability for the infringement of copyright, recording or performing rights arising out of any competitor’s accompaniment 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 CDs created from commercial recordings are advised that they are themselves responsible for seeking permission to re-record from the recording companies concerned.
A short synopsis, not exceeding 30 words will be regarded as part of an announcement to a dance.
The stage and stage wings are out of bounds to all except authorised persons and entrants about to perform. Authorised persons are those appointed as stewards and officials by the Weymouth Dance Festival and teachers accompanying students.
THE STAGE IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR REHEARSAL AT ANY TIME.
Parents and teachers are reminded that the safety of young people in their care is their responsibility during the Festival.
The College will be open 1 HOUR before the start of the first class on each day.
Dancers will not be allowed in the auditorium in costume unless their costumes are covered.
Any form of photography or recording in the auditorium is strictly prohibited. Except for the official photographer. Use of mobile phones etc. is not permitted in the auditorium. They are a distraction to other members of the audience.
No food or drink is allowed in the auditorium.
Public access into the auditorium is by the main door only where valid tickets/wrist bands must be shown.
Teachers’ Photo Passes must be applied for on the Group Entry Form. A maximum of 2 per dance school will be permitted for named persons. If passes are not applied for, free admission to the auditorium will not be permitted. On applying for a teachers pass a passport style photograph must be supplied to be printed on the pass. Photo ID will be required to collect and sign for the pass from the reception desk.
The Festival Committee cannot accept any responsibility for property left at the venue during the Festival.
In the years that this festival is a qualifier for All England Dance, the qualifying mark for AED regional finals is given in class schedule below in the syllabus as per the updates from All England Dance in 2020. This does not apply in 2020 as the All England Dance Finals have been postponed to 2022 due to Coronavirus.
Each school may enter two groups in each group section, but each dancer may only dance once per section per discipline per age group.
All types of ballet, including classical, modern and stylised ballet must now be danced in the ballet section and ballet shoes must be worn.
Contemporary and barefoot modern ballet must be entered in the contemporary section.
Any type of modern dance may be entered in the modern section (lyrical, Jazz, etc.) but each dancer may only dance once.
Bullying or any form of intimidating behaviour towards dancers, teachers, volunteers or committee members will not be tolerated and may result in exclusion from the festival.
CERTIFICATES will be awarded as follows:

Certificate of Performance	75-77	A performance limited in its communication
Certificate of Performance	78-80	A performance showing development of technique and, or communication
Merit	81-83	A capable performance showing some artistic appreciation and, or technical ability
Commended	84-86	A convincing performance technically and artistically
Distinction	87-89	An excellent performance technically and artistically
Outstanding	90+	An exceptional performance both technically and artisticall

Certificates will be available at the end of each session but no earlier than 30 minutes after completion of a class. These will only be handed to dance teachers or nominated person(s) in their absence. Teachers, don’t forget to nominate someone! Please also provide a SAE to send any left over reports after the festival.

Class schedule

Please note that classes may be amalgamated if insufficient entries

CODES: C/SB/MB is Classical, Stylised Ballet or Modern Ballet; C is Contemporary; NR is Nursery Rhyme.

*QM is Qualifying Mark for All England Region Finals (now not applicable in 2020).

Solos - 10 yrs & under £4.00 per entry / 11 yrs & over £4.50 per entry

-	C/SB/MB	Nat	Mod	Tap	S/D	C	Char	Greek	QM*
3 & 4 yrs	-	-	-	-	NR	-	-	-	84
6 yrs & under	1	7	13	25	31	n/a	43	49	84
7 & 8 yrs	2	8	14	26	32	n/a	44	49	86
9 & 10 yrs	3	9	15	27	33	n/a	45	49	86
Time Limit (mins)	1.5	1.5	1.5	1.5	2	-	1.5	1.5	-
11 & 12 yrs	4	10	16	28	34	40	46	50	86
13 & 14 yrs	5	11	17	29	35	41	47	50	86
15 yrs & over	6	12	18	30	36	42	48	50	86
Time Limit (mins)	2	2	2	2	2.5	2	2	2	-

Novice sections (solos only) - £4 per entry

-	Ballet	Modern	Tap
7 yrs & under 10	N2	N8	N14
10 yers & under 13	N3	N9	N15
13 yrs & over	N4	N10	N16

Time Limit 1.5 mins for all novice sections

Dance techniques

Classical Ballet. Dances should include adage and allegro. Titles, characterisations and hand-held props are not allowed. The use of well-known repertoire, choreography or music is discouraged. Particular attention should be paid to the note about costumes above and it is stressed that for Classical Ballet, they should be simple without ornamentation so that every aspect of the classical technique is clearly visible.

Stylised Ballet. The communication of an idea through movement, danced with Classical Ballet technique when using hand props or with traditional style, such as Hornpipe, Spanish, Scottish, Tarantella.

Modern Ballet. A fusion of Modern and Ballet genres combining the classical technique with contemporary movement. This form usually requires the use of soft ballet shoes or pointe work and dances can depict abstract or narrative themes.

Classical Greek. Performed barefoot and essentially showing the use of opposition and relaxation through the movements. Dances should reflect the title. Myths and Nature Themes are acceptable provided the movements are given their appropriate interpretation that relates to one or more of the seven different styles in this technique.

National. All traditional music, songs and technique appropriate to the country of choice are acceptable. Younger competitors are expected to demonstrate traditional performances. Seniors may introduce theatrical performances that are clearly based on a national tradition.

Contemporary. Dances should be based on the techniques developed by Graham, Cunningham and recognised contemporary dance leaders, showing strength and mobility and use of gravity.

Character. A dramatic and sometimes humorous presentation of

A story from any book, play, film, cartoon etc, or historical characters
The mannerisms and essential features of a person, animal, bird, reptile, insect, virus etc.

Competitors are permitted to interpret the words of a song or spoken word. Classical Ballet is the traditional dance technique used in Character, although any Classical dance technique is acceptable.

MODERN STAGE TECHNIQUES

Modern is an all-inclusive term applied to an ever-evolving performing art. It includes lyrical modern, jazz, stage, contemporary, hip-hop and all styles of modern theatre dance. Acrobatic, gymnastic and street dance are acceptable only when combined with a strong dance technique.

Lyrical Modern should show flowing movements that interpret the emotion of the music.

Tap. All styles and developments in technique, including characterisation and humour, are encouraged providing the projection, beating and presentation of the routine is fully sustained and appropriate.

Song & Dance/Musical Theatre. The song should set the scene, mood and style of the dance. Pitch and accuracy whilst singing are essential and the focus will be on the interpretation of the song. The dance should provide continuity and reflect the words and the mood of the song, which should be sustained throughout. If a well-known show song is used, the dancer must give an exceptional individual interpretation that will stand alongside the memory of well-known professional performers.