DANCE RULES
1. Performers age to be taken as on 1st March 2025. Performers may only compete in the correct age group and must be prepared to produce their birth certificate on request. Teachers are reminded that a performer’s correct age must be on all entry forms.
2. In all classes time must be strictly observed. RANDOM classes will be times. Times will be checked from the first movement of the dance.
3. In the event of an early conclusion to any class the committee reserves the right to commence the following class earlier than advertised but no earlier than 30 minutes before the stated time.
4. Performers must dance in programme order, report to the Stage Steward at least 30 minutes before the start of the class and be ready in the wings before their number is announced. Requests to perform at different days and times will be declined.
5. The Festival Committee would like to receive music in advance in mp3 format. This is our preferred method. All digital music will be deleted after the festival. We will send further
information on how to upload music nearer the event once the schedule has been put together.
The committee will continue to provide amplifiers and equipment for the playing of CDs, USB sticks and phones. This is to be considered a back-up option.
To ensure the smooth running of the festival, all recorded music must be ready to operate immediately the number is announced. Can teachers please ensure there are no long introductions before the music commences. Can music please be provided on discs with one track per disc.
6. USE OF RECORDED MUSIC
In ALL Song and Dance classes no vocals should be used on the backing tracks. Performers may be disqualified if using music with original vocal recordings as backing.
In all classical sections, no vocals should be used by performers, either spoken or musical. Performers may be disqualified if this is the case.
7. The BIFF’s adjudicator will be using the mark scheme introduced in 2024. Further information can be found on the International Federation of Festivals Website or via the QR code below. In all classes 75 marks must be gained for a 1st place award. Certificates will be awarded to all performers. Performers must be present at the adjudication to qualify for a medal placing.
8. In all Group, Troupe and Production classes entries may be used for 2 years only. Following this they may not then be used for a FURTHER 2 YEARS.
9. Groups, Troupes and Productions must not include performers older than the maximum age limit of that section.
10.There must be a minimum of 6 performers in all Groups and Troupes. 11.Senior Group and Troupes – should it be necessary to include performers under the age of 15 years they may perform provided they number less than 50% of the Group as a whole.
12.In Group and Troupe classes a maximum of 3 entries per school will be permitted.
13.Groups and Troupes will be allowed 1 minute for setting up and 1 minute for exiting after they have performed.
14.In order to comply with our fire regulations, props should be brought on the day of the performance and removed the same day.
15.A combination of pupils from different dance schools in Groups, Troupes and Productions must be entered under one school name only.
16.Duet, Trio and Quartet classes – No performer shall be allowed to dance more than once in the same class,
17.In duet, trio and quartet classes one performer substitution only may be allowed in the event of unforeseen circumstances, i.e. illness. The Secretary and Stage Steward must be
notified of changes before the commencement of the class.
18.A performer winning a Novice Class after the entries have been received and prior to the festival, must inform the Secretary and must compete in the Open Classes. A dancer who has previously danced in an Open section at any other festival cannot return to Novice for that discipline.
19.Novice entries will be limited to 2 entries per dancer.
20.In all ballet classes it would be preferable if the choice of music did not include works from the better-known Ballet scores.
21.We reserve the right to refuse any entries more than 1000 as agreed by the Committee. In the event of over-subscription please note priority will be given to those schools who have been
consistent attendees over the past 3 years (with priority given to those who are our longest supporters). If necessary, we will use the additional rule where geographical distance will be
considered. These rules will only be applied if we are over- subscribed. We do welcome entries from all dance schools.
22.Full time students at vocational dance schools or colleges may not compete in the festival. The maximum age of ANY performer will be 21 years (age taken on 1st March)
23.Teachers are reminded that the lyrics on recorded tracks must be suitable for an audience with children. Any inappropriate lyrics may be penalised. 24.Please be mindful that props must
comply with our Health and Safety regulations. Specifically, no substances or items are to be deposited or used on stage which could cause harm or injury to other performers (for example
glass, powders, liquids, wood splinters). Any infringement of these rules may lead to performers being disqualified. Particularly we will not accept glass, naked flames e.g. lit
candles, liquids. We reserve the right to remove any props that are considered dangerous or inappropriate or that do not fall in line with the Theatre Regulations.
Note: Please remember anything left on stage must be removed before the next performer can begin. Please be mindful of this when planning.
25.ALL TEACHERS must have read and signed the enclosed Child Protection Policy, Data Protection and Privacy Statement. It is the TEACHER’S responsibility to ensure all parents and children have read and are aware of our Policies.