ALL RULES CORRECT AS OF SEPTEMBER 2024
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GENERAL RULES
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1. Eligibility of Competitors
All competitors are limited to non-professionals except. For the purpose of this rule, persons receiving an occasional fee will be deemed to be non-professional. Competitors not entitled to compete in one sub-section under this rule may, however, compete in another sub-section in which they can qualify as a non-professional. Any question as to the eligibility of a competitor will be decided by the committee.
2. Age of Competitors
The age of competitors will be taken as on 1st September. Competitors may not compete in a class of a higher age group than their own, except where the classes state “and under”.
3. Entry Forms and Fees
All entries must be made using the online entry facility. No additional entries will be accepted. Entry fees are non-returnable.
4. Dates and Times of Classes
The dates and times of the competitions will be arranged after the entry is closed. Competitors will be informed of the dates and approximate times of their classes once the programme is finalised.
5. Alteration of Classes / Adjudicators
The committee reserves the right to cancel competitions in any class, to change dates if necessary, and to merge or split classes. The committee reserves the right to appoint other adjudicators should unforeseen circumstances render such a course necessary.
6. Entry Charges at the Festival
Competitors, their teacher (Dancing section – two teachers only) are admitted to the auditorium free of charge for the session that includes the class in which they are competing.
There is a daily entrance charge for non-competitors or any additional teachers.
7. Adjudicators’ Decisions and Time Limits
Adjudicators may stop any performance once their judgment has been formed. Competitors who over-run the time limit may be stopped and/or penalised. If competitors are not available when called they may forfeit their right to perform. All adjudicators’ decisions concerning performance are final and no discussion or correspondence can be accepted.
8. Marks and Certificates
Marks for each competitor will be recorded on the adjudicator’s mark sheets distributed to all competitors at the end of each class.
9. Medals
Gold, silver and bronze medals will be awarded to the first, second and third placed competitors, except in group classes.
10. Cups and Trophies
Winners of cups may have them suitably engraved at their own expense. Cups may not be taken out of the country, and must be returned one month before the next Festival.
11. Loss or Damage
The committee does not hold itself responsible for any loss or damage which may occur to competitors’ copies, remark sheets or any other property at the Festival. Any lost items should be claimed within one month.
14. Injury and Behaviour
The committee does not hold itself responsible for any injury sustained by any competitor or member of the public whilst on Festival premises. The committee may refuse entry to any person found trespassing on or damaging premises or property. All children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult who will be held fully responsible for the behaviour of children in their care.
15. Photography, Recording and Mobile Phones
No photography or video or audio recording will be allowed at the Festival. Mobile phones must be switched off in the auditorium. Photos and video recording is also not remitted in any changing areas.
16. Further Information
All enquiries relating to the Festival must be sent to the dance@beckenhamfestival@gmail.com
17. Personal Data
The Festival will hold personal data solely for the purpose of running the Festival. No personal data is passed to any other organisation. Names of prize winners will be published on the Festival website, unless requested otherwise.
18. Social Media
Any post that tag Beckenham Dance Festival social media may be shared by festival pages. If you do not wish for posts to be shared please do not tag the festival in your photos, videos or stories.
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ADDITIONAL DANCING RULES
1. The adjudicator's decision is final. No correspondence can be entered into at any time. The adjudicator reserves the right not to award any place when, in their opinion, the standard of dance is insufficiently high.
2. The committee may combine sections or classes when entries are small, divide a class when entries are large, and have the power to make any other regulations, or interpret or qualify any of these rules as occasion may arise.
3. Competitors should provide their own music which is to be uploaded to the festival system prior to the festival. Any dancers without music or the incorrect music may forfeit the chance to dance.
4. Acrobatic work is prohibited but gymnastic dance is permitted, provided that it is combined with a modern dance technique.
5. Only helpers absolutely essential to a performance will be allowed backstage.
6. Competitors must dance in order as in the programme and be backstage at the commencement of the class.
7. No dangerous or breakable props will be permitted on stage.
8. Re-dancing is not allowed over the age of 11 years except for technical reasons as determined by the stage steward.
9. A competitor may enter only once in each solo class, but may enter more than once with a different partner in duets, trios and quartets.
10. All competitors may only enter under one school.
11. The festival has the right to run up to 30 minutes ahead of schedule.
COPYRIGHT RULES All performances using music from shows in current production are subject to copyright law. Songs from shows in current production may be sung as a concert item, i.e. with no costume or movement, without need for copyright permission. Where movement or costume are included in a performance copyright