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syllabus

1. General Information

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  • ​ *Age cut offs for ALL categories are as of 1 January the year of the competition. In the event the performer is born ON the 1st of January, they can elect which age category they will perform in

  • Competitors enter at their own risk. Evolution Dance Competition accepts NO responsibility for an accident or injury to any persons associated with the event, either as a Competitor, Volunteer, or a member of the General Public, at any time

  • Competition Director/s can overrule any of the below rules at any time. The Competition Director/s shall decide on any matter not covered by these rules and its decision on any questions or dispute shall be final

  • There cannot be any prompting, whistling, etc during any performance to ‘coach’ the entrant

  • Privacy is paramount to Evolution Dance Competition. We will not distribute any information of our entrants to any third party

  • By submitting your entry, you agree to receive marketing emails from Evolution Dance Competition, from time to time.

  • We will not publish any results with scores on any social media site

  • Evolution Dance Competition reserves the right to change competition days or move location due to unforeseen circumstances and entries will not be refunded

  • The plea of lack of knowledge of the rules will not be accepted as a bona-fide reason for the infringement of any rule

  • The use of photos/videos for marketing purposes is granted to Evolution Dance Competition upon receipt of a paid entry

2. Adjudicator

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  • If a judge is unable to perform his/her duties, Evolution Dance Competition reserves the right to appoint a new judge without notice

  • The adjudicator’s decision is final. Please do not speak to the judge at any time during the competition

3. Admittance

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  • We reserve the right to refuse entry to any person

  • Mobile phones must be switched off when entering the auditorium

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  • Entry fees (per session) are FREE (unless otherwise stated):

    • Concession/Pension: FREE

    • Children: FREE

    • Adults: FREE

4. Age Groups

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Groups (both Small Groups 4-9 performers & Large Groups 10+ performers):

  • 6 & Under

  • 8 & Under

  • 10 & Under

  • 12 & Under

  • 14 & Under

  • 16 & Under

  • Open Age

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Open & Novice Solos:

  • 5 & Under

  • 6-7 Years

  • 8-9 Years

  • 10-11 Years

  • 12-13 Years

  • 14-15 Years

  • 16-20 Years

  • 21 Years & Over

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Duos/Trios (Open only. No novice sections):

  • 5 & Under

  • 6-7 Years

  • 8-9 Years

  • 10-11 Years

  • 12-13 Years

  • 14-15 Years

  • 16-20 Years

  • 21 Years & Over

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High School Groups:

  • Grade 9 & Under

  • Grade 12 & Under​

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Primary School Groups:

  • Grade 3 & Under

  • Grade 6 & Under​

 

*The Group age limit is governed by the eldest member, although we will allow a MAX of 2 performers in each group to be no more than 2 years older than the entered age group. I.e 12&under can have a MAX of 2 performers who are 13 or 14 years of age.


*Age cut offs for ALL categories are as of 1 January the year of the competition

5. backstagE

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• All entrants must be backstage at least 5 acts PRIOR to their scheduled performance
• There is to be no congregating in the wings during a performance on stage
• All entrants and associated parties must always follow the direction of backstage crew
• Noise must be kept a minimum

6. CATEGORIES

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  • ​ Acrobatics

(Solos – Novice & Open) + (Groups – Small & Large)

Choreography containing acrobatic/gymnastic technique.

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  • Any Style

(Solos – Novice & Open) + (Groups – Small & Large)

Can perform any style of dance (cannot repeat dance from another category).

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  • BALLET

(Solos – Novice & Open) + (Groups – Small & Large)

Choreography must contain ballet technique and steps, but lyrical music may be used.

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  • Broadway Jazz

(Solos – Novice & Open) + (Groups – Small & Large)

Should contain jazz technique with a cabaret style to a Broadway song (e.g., Fosse, Rockettes). Song suggestions: Dreamgirls, I Want To Be A Rockette, Sweet Charity, Chicago.

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  • Contemporary

(Solos – Novice & Open) + (Groups – Small & Large)

Choreography containing interpretive dance using balance and control.

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  • Dance Abilities -Any Style

(Solos – Open ONLY) + (Groups)

Performers with Special Needs. At least 50% of the performers (for Duos/Trios/Groups) would have Special Needs in order to satisfy the category. The focus should be on the performers with Special Needs and not the mainstream performers. Can also have a teacher on stage to assist if needed.

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  • Dance Abilities – Contemporary or Lyrical

(Solos – Open ONLY) + (Groups)

Performers with Special Needs. At least 50% of the performers (for Duos/Trios/Groups) would have Special Needs in order to satisfy the category. The focus should be on the performers with Special Needs and not the mainstream performers. Can also have a teacher on stage to assist if needed.

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  • Dance Abilities – Hip Hop or Jazz

(Solos – Open ONLY) + (Groups)

Performers with Special Needs. At least 50% of the performers (for Duos/Trios/Groups) would have Special Needs in order to satisfy the category. The focus should be on the performers with Special Needs and not the mainstream performers. Can also have a teacher on stage to assist if needed.

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  • Demi Character

(Solos – Novice & Open) + (Groups – Small & Large)

Demi character must involve or resemble a character dance that uses classical technique as a basis for interpretation.

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  • Evo Elites

(National Finals Only & Solos - Open Only)

This category is only for performers who reached Top 10 at their Regional event. They can perform any style of dance at National Finals.

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  • Hip Hop

(Solos – Novice & Open) + (Groups – Small & Large)

Choreography containing the foundations of hip hop / jazz funk.

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  • Jazz

(Solos – Novice & Open) + (Groups – Small & Large)

Choreography containing movements based on Jazz Technique.

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  • Lyrical

(Solos – Novice & Open) + (Groups – Small & Large)

Choreography containing expressive movements through interpretation of the chosen song. Must demonstrate balance, flexibility, and control.

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  • Musical Theatre

(Solos – Novice & Open) + (Groups – Small & Large)

live presentation from a stage or film musical. Can include singing, dialogue, and dance. Some backing vocals permitted. Portraying a character/acting and should be animated.
This genre is more acting / miming / theatrical vs JUST dancing

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  • Neo Classical

(Solos – Novice & Open) + (Groups – Small & Large)

Choreography with emphasis on ballet movement with minimal costume design and stage scenery. No pointe allowed.

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  • PRODUCTION

(Large Group only)

Can incorporate all styles of dance. Minimum of 10 dancers, of any age. Maximum time of 6 minutes.

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  • Song and Dance

(Solos – Novice & Open) + (Groups – Small & Large)

50% dance (soft shoe) and 50% vocal - no backing vocals in the song portion

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  • Song and Tap

(Solos – Novice & Open) + (Groups – Small & Large)

50% dance (tap) and 50% vocal - no backing vocals in the song portion

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  • Specialty Tap

(Solos – Novice & Open & Duo/Trio ONLY)

Choreography consisting of tap technique, within the styles of Speed, Waltz, Street & Medley.

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  • Straight Tap (TAP)

(Solos – Novice & Open & Open & Duo/Trio ONLY) + (Will be called "Tap" for Groups – Small & Large)

Solo/Duo/Trio: Choreography consisting of tap technique Group: Choreography consisting of tap technique, to your chosen style

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  • Student Choreography

(Solos – Novice & Open & Duo/Trio ONLY)

Can perform any style. Needs to be choreographed by the entrant only, and no teacher assistance.

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  • Vocal

(Solos – Novice & Open & Duo/Trio ONLY)

A Vocal solo can contain some backing vocals (no dance). Using a microphone (supplied by us) is optional.

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  • High School Groups – Jazz

Choreography containing movements based on Jazz Technique.

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  • High School Groups – Hip Hop

Choreography containing the foundations of hip hop / jazz funk.

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  • High School Groups – Contemporary

Choreography containing interpretive dance using balance and control.

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  • High School Groups – Lyrical

Choreography containing expressive movements through interpretation of the chosen song. Must demonstrate balance, flexibility, and control.

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  • High School Groups – Any Style

Can perform any style of dance (cannot repeat dance from another category).

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  • High School Groups – Production

Can incorporate all styles of dance. Minimum of 10 dancers. Maximum time of 6 minutes.

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  • Primary School Groups – Any Style

Can perform any style of dance (cannot repeat dance from another category).

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  • Primary School Groups – Jazz or Hip Hop

Choreography containing movements based on Jazz Technique OR Choreography containing the foundations of hip hop / jazz funk

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  • Primary School Groups – Lyrical or Contemporary

Choreography containing expressive movements through interpretation of the chosen song. Must demonstrate balance, flexibility, and control OR Choreography containing interpretive dance using balance and control

7. CONDITION OF ENTRY**

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NOVICE SOLOS:

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*If you entered Restricted in 2022 (now called Novice) and you placed 1st, please disregard your placing as we are starting 2023 NEW and will be noting placings from 2023 onwards*

 

Solos:

  • Novice solos are only open to competitors who have never placed first in a section at any Evolution event previously. We do NOT worry about your placings at other competitions – ONLY Evolution.

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  • You CANNOT enter Open sections AND Novice sections. It is Novice (if eligible) OR Open for ALL entries. For example, if you are eligible and enter 6-7 Years Novice Lyrical, you CANNOT enter 6-7 Years Open Jazz and vice versa.​​

 

  • Once you win ANY Novice section at an Evolution event, it puts you up into Open for ALL entries the following season (i.e., after Regionals and National Finals).

 

  • A 1st place win in a Novice section will only be noted on Evolutions records when there are 3 or more competitors in the section. For example, if there are 2 x performers in the 6-7 Years Novice Lyrical section, 1st place will NOT need to go up to Open because there were less than 3 people in the category.

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  • If a Novice performer enters 2 x Evolution REGIONALS and wins 1st place at the first Evolution event, they CAN stay in Novice for the remainder of the Evolution season (including National Finals). For example, if you enter our Sydney 1 Regional event in a Novice section and receive 1st place, you can stay in a Novice section for our Canberra Regional event and our January 2024 National Finals. You will then need to move to the Open sections for the following Evolution Regionals season.

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  • If a performer wins the 6-7 Years Novice Lyrical section, this carries forward when you move to the next age category (8-9 Years for example), meaning it does NOT reset just because you move up an age group.

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  • The Top 5 Highest Scoring NOVICE performers from each age category at all Evolution Regionals will be eligible to enter a Novice Championship section at National Finals (prizes TBC).

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We are constantly reviewing our policies, but please note we have implemented these guidelines to ensure we are being fair to everyone and remove any messiness (administratively). Remember, Novice entries rely 100% on honesty from entrants, and everyone knows someone, meaning if you aren’t eligible, please do NOT enter as you run the risk of being disqualified.

8. Critiques:

  • Audio/Video critiques will be uploaded to your account and available for viewing in the performer’s portal.

9. Dressing Rooms:

  • All entrants are to change in the allocated changing rooms ONLY

  • Dressing rooms will be allocated at the beginning of each day. Please remember to respect each other’s space and personal belongings. Any bad sportsmanship will result in disqualification

  • Please ensure all dressing rooms are tidy at the end of the day. Any messy changing rooms will result in a cleaning fee (payable by the entrants who shared the dressing room) up to $200

  • Any entrant found to have caused damage to the dressing room will be charged the relevant repair costs. If existing damage is found within the dressing room, please notify the Competition Director/s immediately

  • Photos will be taken of each dressing room at the beginning of each day; if any damage has been found by the relevant entrants, a repair fee may be requested

  • Tap shoes must be always covered when not performing

10. Regionals Entry Fees (AU & NZ)

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  • $50 AUD per solo routine

  • $60 AUD per duo/trio routine

  • $70 AUD per group routine (same price for Small Group and Large Group)

  • $40 AUD Competitor Pass compulsory for each entrant

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*ALL Performers MUST have a competitor pass please; this includes Group performers. If you enter solos/duos/trios and pay for a competitor pass, it ALSO covers you for Groups.

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**In the event of a withdrawal from a regional event, the performer (or parents) must notify Evolution Dance Competition no later than 2 weeks PRIOR to the event taking place and if we are able to replace the routine/s entered, we will refund 50% of the entry fee. This is subject solely to the Director/s discretion.

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*All entries include the following items:
• Digital program
• Video/Audio critique
• FREE door entry for spectators
• Dedicated Backstage Manager
• Dedicated Events Manager
• Dedicated Sound Technician
• Custom Made Medals
• Technical and professional judges, providing specific feedback on what to work on

11. PART PAYMENT CONDITIONS

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  • Evolution is now offering a payment plan/part payment option for SOME regional events

  • The minimum payment that can be made at any time is $90

  • Full payment is required 6 x weeks PRIOR to the event taking place. If not paid in full by this date, your entries will NOT be programmed, and all monies paid will be forfeited

  • Regular payments will need to be made so that we can see you are actively paying off your entries

  • No refunds will be given for change of mind (part payment or otherwise)

12. QUALIFYING FOR NATIONALS

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  • Now that we have implemented Novice AND Open sections at Evolution, everyone that attends either an in-person Regional or Online heat WILL automatically qualify for National Finals. You no longer need to receive a score of 80 or above.

  • We have done this as our aim is to provide a National Finals EXPEREIENCE to ALL levels of dancers, BUT working hard is STILL important for the following reason;

  • In addition to the Top 10 Highest Scoring OPEN soloists for each age category being eligible for EVO Elite, we are now adding a NEW section for Novice performers.

  • The Top 5 Highest Scoring NOVICE performers from each age category at all Evolution Regionals will be eligible to enter a Novice Championship section at National Finals.

13. FINALS ENTRY FEES

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  • $95 AUD per solo routine

  • $135 AUD for EVO Elite routine

  • $110 AUD per duo/trio routine

  • $100 AUD per group routine (same price for Small Group and Large Group)

  • $65 AUD Competitor Pass compulsory for each entrant

14. ENTRIES

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  • Entries close when competition is FULL, so please enter as soon as you can to avoid disappointment. Entries that have NOT been paid for will not be accepted until payment has been received.

  • Entries can only be made via our ONLINE system and payment can be made via credit card. Please note, a small surcharge will be applied upon checkout. Entries cannot be submitted or paid for any other way.

  • Small Groups must have a minimum of 4 performers and maximum of 9 performers.

  • Large Groups must have a minimum of 10 performers and there is no maximum.

  • Any false information provided to the Evolution Dance Competition will result in immediate disqualification, upon investigation.

  • No pre-recorded tapping sounds are permitted in tap routines.

  • In the case of a dispute arising in respect of the age of any competitor and his/her eligibility to appear in any age grouping, the committee reserves the right to require the production of a birth certificate or formal form of proof of age from that competitor.

  • All competitors in Song & Dance or Song & Tap Group routines must participate in both Song and Dance and Song and Tap portions of the performance.

  • Competitor pass is compulsory for EVERY entrant.

  • By submitting an entry and completed payment, you will have agreed to all terms and conditions made by Evolution Dance Competition.

  • You cannot repeat any routine throughout the one event, unless at the request of the Competition Director.

  • It is the responsibility of the entrant/parent/guardian that all entries have been submitted correctly and honestly.

  • No vocal backing is permitted in Song & Dance or Song & Tap sections in the vocal portion of the routine.

  • Competitors must have ‘taps’ attached to their shoes in all items where tapping is performed. Failure to do so will mean disqualification. Backstage personnel have the authority to inspect all shoes.

  • The group/duo/trio age limit is governed by their eldest member, although we will allow a MAX of 2 performers in each GROUP to be no more than 2 years older than the entered age group. Ie 12&under can have a MAX of 2 performers who are 13 or 14 years of age (for GROUPS ONLY).

  • Duo/Trio entrants can only perform once in a section, unless it is with a different partner.

  • Soloists can only enter a MAX of 5 routines. This is per performer, per event.

  • Groups can perform a maximum of 4 times in the one section (i.e., Studio A, Studio B, Studio C and Studio D in the Open Jazz).

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*In the event of a withdrawal from a regional event, the performer (or parents) must notify Evolution Dance Competition no later than 2 weeks PRIOR to the event taking place and if we are able to replace the routine/s entered, we will refund 50% of the entry fee. This is subject solely to the Director/s discretion.

15. REFUNDS AND TRANSFERS

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  • In the event of a withdrawal from a regional event, the performer (or parents) must notify Evolution Dance Competition no later than 2 weeks PRIOR to the event taking place and IF we are able to replace the routine/s entered with someone from the waitlist, we will refund 50% of the entry fee. This is subject solely to the Director/s discretion.

  • No refunds will be given for change of mind (part payment or otherwise).

  • We do not offer transfers or credits at ANY TIME.

  • In the event of a withdrawal from National Finals, there will be NO refunds offered as we finalise the prizes, etc at least 2 months prior to the event taking place (unlike Regionals).

  • In the event of an injury (NOT sickness), discretion MAY be given by the Evolution Director, however, proof of the injury must be given.

16. MUSIC

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  • All music, lyrics and dance attire MUST be age appropriate.

  • All music to be uploaded through the MyCompHQ portal.

  • Although your music has been uploaded online, entrants must check in with our registration team 60 minutes before your SECTION starts.

  • Time limits are the maximum allowed and will be counted from the moment the music or dialogue begins. If performers go over this, you will receive a 5-point deduction. This rule will be ENFORCED.

  • Entrants must understand and adhere to copyright responsibilities. Evolution Dance Competition will not be held responsible for any infringement of copyright, royalty or privacy laws by individual performers or persons associated with the performance.

  • Please be sure to have a backup of your music if we need it. (Backup on another USB, or phone/laptop etc.)

17. PERFORMANCE

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  • A parent/guardian/competitor must check in with front of house so we know you are performing

  • If the competitor leaves the stage at any time, they can perform again, however, they will only receive the video/audio critique and will not be eligible for a placing. This rule is at the discretion of the organiser and is subject to the circumstance at the time

  • No competitor will be penalised for technical difficulties

  • Entrants must remain on the stage throughout their performances. i.e, no jumping off the stage, etc

  • House curtains will not be drawn, and stage lights will not be dimmed in between performances

  • Evolution Dance Competition reserves the right to terminate a performance/routine at any time, at its own discretion

  • If something happens to the music while the competitor is on stage (music skips, or it is the wrong cut etc.), then the competitor is allowed to bow and exit the stage mid performance. They can then perform again later in the section, without being penalised.

18. PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO

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  • No photography or video in any dressing rooms or whilst the performers are on stage; this will result in instant disqualification

  • On receipt of a paid entry, you agree that the performer will be photographed and videoed

  • DANCEvision.tv will be taking photos and video of ALL competitors for purchase. Please see a DANCEvision.tv representative with any questions.

19. PROGRAM

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  • An Age Schedule will be released as soon as practical. The age schedule defines what age groups are on which day

  • A draft timetable will be available online no later than 3 weeks prior to the event for entrants/parents/guardians to check. You will have 1 week from the date the draft timetable is available to request any changes. A FINAL timetable will be ready 2 weeks prior to the event. No changes can be made to the program once the final copy has been sent

  • We reserve the right to divide items with excessive numbers and combine age groups where there are insufficient entries.

  • Evolution Dance Competition has the right to amend the program at any time, if necessary.

  • Sections will be divided into 2 (two) separate sections if there are 20 or more entries in that section.

20. PRIZES AND AWARDS

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  • Soloists and Duos/Trios will receive a medal for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place and at the adjudicator's discretion, a Special Mention may also be awarded.

  • Groups will receive a flag for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place, and each participant of the group will receive an Evolution ribbon, and at the adjudicator's discretion, a Special Mention may also be awarded. 1st place groups, for each section, will also receive Evolution dollars, to the value of $50. These Evolution dollars can be used for entries, Regionals/National Finals, or to purchase merchandise.

  • Prizes can only be collected at the event and will not be posted, subject to the Competition Director/s discretion

  • If a prize handed to an entrant is unwanted, it is at the sole discretion of the Competition Director/s to select another recipient, move the prize to another event, or not hand it out at all.

  • All 5 & Under performers will receive one special prize for performing at our event/s (Regionals ONLY)

  • On occasion, gift vouchers will be given at the adjudicator's discretion.

  • Eligibility for prizes, video/audio critique, etc will be based on the acceptance of these terms and conditions. A submitted and paid for entry will constitute acceptance of these terms.

21. PROPS

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  • Props can be used; however, it is the entrant’s responsibility to place them in the allocated prop area, label them correctly, and bring them on/off stage throughout the competition

  • Safety is paramount in the use of props. Evolution Dance Competition do not take responsibility for any injuries caused using props.

  • Any props that require any form of power must be tested and tagged within the date of the competition.

  • Any props left over at the conclusion of the event, will be placed in the bin.

  • Free standing props with a 45 second time allowance for preparation is permitted.

  • All props must be removed immediately after competitor has finished the item.

22. SCORES

 

  • Technique (50%)

How the dancer demonstrates correct technique with the selected genre
 

  • Performance & Execution (25%)

How the dancer executes spacing, timing and precision; Also how they emulate to the music with the giving movement and with the correct energy

 

  • CHOREOGRAPHY (20%)

How the choreography uses the stage, music, and the talent of the dancer. Needs to show creativity

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  • COSTUME & MUSIC (5%)

This score will result in deduction only. Costume and music needs to appropriately match the music and style in a tasteful way

23. Safety

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  • Bullying, including inappropriate comments or actions will NOT be tolerated by Evolution Dance Competition and will result in instant disqualification, upon investigation

  • Evolution Dance Competition will not be held responsible for any injuries sustained by any entrant throughout the event

  • No harmful agents eg fire, water, smoke etc will be allowed on stage

  • All equipment used on the competition premises must be ‘tested and tagged’ by a certified electrician. This also includes hair straighteners

  • Children under the age of 16 are NOT allowed to sit in the first 4 rows of the stage without an adult. This rule WILL be enforced

  • Only competitors in the section will be allowed side stage at any time. (This rule does not apply in 5 & Under, Dance Abilities, and Groups sections)

  • The competitor will follow all directions and set rules stated by the competition organiser or persons authorised by them and waives any claims for liability against any organiser, (whether an Associate or Individual), participant, official, steward, judge, visitor, employee, or invitee (the “Participants”) and releases the participants from all liability that may arise out of the competition, to the competitor. Such liability shall include any personal injury, property loss or damage

  • Evolution Dance Competition will have a minimum of one First Aid Officer present at the event, with a first aid kit including ice packs.

24. Time Limits:

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  • Solos 11 Years & Below

2.5 minutes

 

  • Solos 12 Years & Above, Vocal Solos, Duos/Trios

3 minutes

 

  • Musical Theatre, Song and Dance, Song and Tap

4 minutes

 

  • Groups

4 minutes

 

  • Production Groups

6 minutes

 

  • Evo Elites

4 minutes

25. National Finals Information:

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  • EVO Elite 1st Place winners can also perform in all sections at Regionals and National Finals, although are not eligible for EVO Elite qualification for the 1 year immediately following the 1st Place win

  • All EVO Elite 1st Place winners will be invited to perform a hand-over dance at National Finals the following year

  • Groups can enter as many routines as they want into Finals, as long as they have entered and qualified with 5 routines at one of our regional events (ie 5 x Groups performed and qualified at Regionals, and now you can take unlimited Groups to Finals)

  • Duo/Trios can enter an EXTRA 3 routines into Finals in addition to the qualified routines from Regionals (ie 2 x Duo/Trios performed and qualified at Regionals, and now you can take 5 x Duo/Trios to Finals)

  • Soloists can enter an EXTRA 3 ROUTINES for National Finals. I.e., if you performed and qualified with 3 routines at regionals, you could enter an extra 3 routines on top for National Finals that didn't qualify, or you didn't perform at regionals

  • In the event of a withdrawal from National Finals, there will be NO refunds offered as we finalise the prizes, etc at least 2 months prior to the event taking place (unlike Regionals)

  • Entries will open within 3 days after your regional event has finished. There will be limited entries opening for each regional, so please get in quick to avoid disappointment.

  • National Finals will be held at the RACV Royal Pines Resort, Gold Coast

  • Age cut off for Finals will be as of 1st January 2023 (same as Regionals). For example, if you competed in the 6-7 Years at Regionals this year, then you will perform in that same age category at National Finals in January 2024

  • Performers must enter at least 2 x solo routines into National Finals to do EVO Elite. I.e, you cannot just enter EVO Elite and no other sections.

26. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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Still have questions? Please check out our FAQ page to find answers to the most commonly asked questions.

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VISIT FAQ PAGE

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