INFO & RULES

GENERAL RULES

These rules and policies apply to all dancers, dance teachers, parents/carers and visitors attending the East Coast Dance Championships. The organisers reserve the right to make changes to these rules on an ad-hoc basis, whenever necessary, to ensure the smooth running of the competition.

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Eligibility and Entry

• Our competitions are open to amateur dancers, or those in full-time training.

• Individuals who earn an income from the performance or teaching of dance are not eligible to enter.

• Entries will be accepted from dance teachers, or independently from a dancer's parent or carer.

• Entries will be accepted or declined at the sole discretion of the organisers.

• Entries must be submitted via our online entry form, accompanied by the appropriate entry fee.

• The person submitting the entry is responsible for ensuring that the information provided is accurate.

• By submitting an entry, you confirm that the dancer is physically fit to participate.

• Entry fees will not be refunded unless the competition is cancelled by the organisers.

• Entries will close on the advertised closing date. Any extension will be advertised on the ECDC Facebook page: www.facebook.com/eastcoastdance.

• The organisers reserve the right to close entries early if a competition becomes oversubscribed.

• Dancers must compete in the correct age category. Proof of age may be requested by the organisers at any time.

• Ages are taken as the age the dancer will be on the first day of the competition.

• Dancers may only compete once in any dance category.

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Scheduling and Timings

• The organisers cannot guarantee that a category will be scheduled on a specific day or time prior to entry.

• The final schedule will be issued shortly after entries have closed.

• The organisers reserve the right to adjust the advertised schedule if necessary to ensure the smooth running of the competition. Any changes will be advertised on the ECDC Facebook page.

• The organisers reserve the right to run up to 45 minutes ahead of schedule.

• Dancers are advised to arrive at least 1 hour before their category is due to start.

• Dancers must sign in at least 10 minutes before their category is due to start.

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The Competition

• Dancers will be called backstage in small groups by an ECDC team member.

• Dancers must perform in the correct programme order.

• Dancers will be announced by number only.

• Dancers must be ready to perform when their number is called.

• Re-dances are only permitted in the event of a technical failure not caused by the dancer.

• Dancers must return to the dressing room immediately after performing.

• On completion of their category, dancers will return to the stage to hear feedback from the judges.

• After judges' feedback, the finalists will be announced.

• Once results have been announced, dancers will return to the dressing room to be collected by a parent or carer.

• Medals, certificates, and score cards will be distributed at the sign-in desk shortly after the completion of each category.

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Music and Technical Guidelines

• All music must be submitted in advance via the ECDC website.

• Music must be submitted in a recognised format and labelled with the dancer's name, age category, and dance category.

• All dancers should bring a digital backup of their music on a USB stick in case of technical problems.

• We do not have the facility to play music from tape, minidisk or CD.

• Time limits will be strictly adhered to. All music will be checked in advance by the organisers.

• Music must not include explicit lyrics or inappropriate content.

• Recorded vocals are permitted during the dance break for Song & Dance; however, dancers must not mime to or use recorded vocals to enhance the natural voice.

• Tap music must not include any recorded or simulated tap sounds.

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Costumes, Props and Content

• The dance content, music choice, theme, and costume must be appropriate to the age and ability of the dancer.

• Hand props and small scenery items are permitted and should be placed on stage by the dancer or a chaperone.

• Prop placement must not take more than 15 seconds.

• Costumes must not be worn in the auditorium.

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Style-Specific Rules

• Pointe work is only permitted in the Tween and Elite age categories.

• Gymnastic and acrobatic tricks should be used sparingly to enhance a strong technical performance.

• All tricks must be performed safely and within the technical capability of the dancer.

• Only fixed, single sound taps are permitted. Taps must be securely screwed in place.

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Finals and Awards Ceremony

• The six highest-marked dancers from each category will perform again in the finals.

• If a dancer is unable to compete in the final, their place will be offered to the next highest-marked dancer.

• All finalists will receive their awards at the Awards Ceremony held at the end of each day.

• Dancers should wear their dance studio uniform or smart casual clothing for the ceremony.

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Safeguarding and Care

• Louise White is the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). All safeguarding concerns should be directed to the DSL.

• Children must be supervised by a parent, carer, or licensed chaperone at all times while attending the competition.

• The organisers and ECDC team members are not responsible for supervising children outside of their time backstage.

• All ECDC team members will be identifiable by name badges.

• Only ECDC team members are permitted backstage.

• In the Mini age group only, one parent, carer, or teacher may accompany the dancer backstage.

• ECDC team members do not act in loco parentis.

• Adults may enter the dressing room only to assist a dancer in changing.

• Photography and video are permitted outside the auditorium but only of your own child.

• In the event of an emergency, please follow venue evacuation procedures. ECDC team members will assist.

• For first aid, please speak to an ECDC team member for assistance.

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Judging and Results

• Communication with the judges is strictly prohibited.

• The decision of the judges is final. No discussion regarding marks or any result will be entered into.

• Judges are selected for their balance of industry experience, technical knowledge, and teaching expertise. Not all judges employed by ECDC are experienced competition adjudicators.

• Judges are not subject to standardisation, and variances in marking between judges are to be expected.

• Judges are instructed to assess only the performances they observe, without bias or influence.

• As dance is a performance art, marks reflect each judge’s individual perspective.

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Audience and Auditorium Rules

• All spectators must pay the appropriate admission fee and wear a wristband to enter the auditorium.

• Damaged wristbands will not be accepted.

• Competing dancers are allowed free admission to the auditorium.

• Entry to the auditorium is only permitted between performances.

• Photography and recording are strictly prohibited in the auditorium for safeguarding reasons.

• Professional photography services will be provided.

• Mobile phones must be switched off or set to silent and must not be used in the auditorium.

• Anyone repoted to us for using a phone in the auditorium will be asked to leave.

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Consent and Conduct

• By participating, dancers consent to photographs and video being taken and used for official ECDC publicity, including our website and social media channels. This consent applies to official ECDC use only.

• Identifiable images and personal information will never be shared with third parties (e.g. press) without additional consent.

• All dancers, teachers, parents, carers, chaperones, and spectators must behave appropriately.

• Complaints regarding any individual's conduct will be taken seriously.

• Bullying, harassment, intimidation, and poor sportsmanship will not be tolerated.

• Please show appreciation and respect for all dancers, acknowledging their talent, hard work and dedication.

• ECDC aims to provide an inclusive, friendly, and supportive atmosphere. We ask that everyone attending our events respects the spirit of the competition, making them a safe space for everyone involved.

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Liability and Venue Care

• The organisers and the venue accept no liability for accidents or injuries sustained at the event.

• The organisers and the venue are not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items.

• The organisers and the venue are not liable for any copyright or music licensing infringement.

• Please treat the venue with respect and leave all areas clean and tidy.

• Waste must be disposed of in the appropriate bins.

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Privacy and Data Compliance

• East Coast Dance Championships are committed to protecting your personal data.

• All data will be handled in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018.

• Data will be collected only as needed and used solely for competition administration.

• All personal data is securely stored and only retained for as long as necessary.

• The names of all competing dancers will appear in the event programme. By entering, you confirm that you consent or have obtained consent for a child’s inclusion.