Competition Conditions

Content goes here...xxxx

zxczxczx

Content goes here...

Competitors enter at their own risk. Comdance accepts NO responsibility for any accidents or injury to any persons associated with the festival, either as a Competitor, Volunteer or a member of the General Public, at any time.
2026: The closing date of the entries will be May 1st 2026. ALL ENTRIES ARE TO BE ENTERED AND PAID FOR ON-LINE. NO LATE ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED.
Age of competitor will be taken as at 1st January in the current year. Winners may be asked to produce birth certificate before receiving trophies.
The Festival is open to amateur & professional dancers.
The Committee reserves the right to alter, amend, cancel or refuse any entry at any time or to cancel, combine or separate sections should the necessity arise.
Entry fees are non refundable under any circumstances.
The committee will not be held responsible for any infringement of copyright or royalty by individual performers or persons associated with the performance.
If the festival is running early, it will not run any earlier than 1 hour ahead of time.
The decision of the committee will be final on all matters.
The Society will not accept responsibility for any properties left in the Theatre.
A spirit of fair play, integrity and respectful behaviour is to be maintained throughout the competition.Those in breach of this will be asked to leave with no refund due.
Failure to comply with any of the rules and conditions may involve disqualification and withholding of prizes. The decision of the Committee in all questions and disputes arising out of or not provided for by these rules and regulations shall be final. All entries received are subject to this provision and shall not be subject to any appeal by law as being contrary to the spirit of friendly competition upon which this Festival is based.
In the event that a competition is cancelled, Competitors registration fees, online fees and PayPal fees are non refundable. If you choose not to attend the competition you will not be entitled to a refund.

General / Performance

All competitors must appear in order or may be disqualified. This is at the organisor's discretion.
No Competitor may appear more than once in any solo Section of that genre, in their own age group.
We reserve the right to close online entries early if the section or competition sells out prior to closing date.
Competitors must be backstage and advise the music operator of the appearance the section prior to their section. Refunds will not be given should a competitor miss their section.
Competitors may only appear once in a troupe where a studio has more than one troupe entered in a particular age group. Dancer may appear more than once in the same section for Hip hop & Vocal Troupes ONLY.
NO ITEM CAN BE REPEATED THROUGHOUT THIS COMPETITION - with the exception of the Dance Challenge which is by invitation only.
All dance sections (solos & troupes) must contain at least 80% dance
Competitors may only appear in their own age group in solo sections.
Troupe entries must include all names and dates of birth to be valid.
Song & tap / Tap troupes, all members must wear tap shoes.
Song & Dance/Tap sections should have no vocal backing at all in any part of the routine. Routines should have 50% song 50% dance.
Acrobatic tricks can be performed in a non-acrobatic routine. However, it will be at the adjudicator's discretion if these are deemed necessary.
HOSIERY. The Born to Perform Dance Festival is a family friendly festival and we feel that our most important duty is as guardians of the Competitors who enter this dance competition to perform in a safe and family friendly environment. We therefore adopt the "NO TIGHTS, NO DANCE" policy. To protect the modesty of performers , and in accordance with Child Safe Standards, it is compulsory for all dancers to wear tights/stockings with costumes that expose the upper leg line. We thank you for your attention and support in this delicate matter.
Appropriate dance footwear must be worn for all routines with the exception of Lyrical and/or Contemporary which may have bare feet or appropriate dance footwear.
Competitors must perform the work of a school whose name appears on the entry form and must have been receiving tuition from the present teacher he or she is entered under for at least a period of 3 months prior to commencement of these competitions.
If a competitor commences an item and stops they may appear again at the end of the section (for a critique only).
Music with tap sounds, not permitted in any tap dance (including Troupes).
It is the responsibility of the entrant to ensure Names and Birth dates are correctly typed when entering on-line entries (very important)
Vocal solo sections may use a microphone. Ensure there is no vocal backing on the track.

TROUPES - AVERAGE AGE

Upon entry you must list all troupe members names Date of Birth. The average age will be determine the age section into which your troupe is entered into. Please add up all the ages of the individual members and divide by the total number of members with that troupe. A full list of troupes members and dates of birth will be required for each troupe at time of entry. Results with a decimal point of .5 must round down, while results with a decimal point of .6 and over must round up. eg 15.5 would result average age of 15 & under, 15.6 would result average age 16 and would go in 17 & under.

6 & under, 10 & under & 13 & under, 15 & under Troupes Conditions applies to the average age.

Regardless of the average age of all the performers, the competitors must only be one year older than the age section entered, otherwise the committee will automatically move up the entry to the next higher age section.

6 & Under Troupe: eldest 7yrs old - If a member is 8yrs old the troupe will be moved up
8 & Under Troupe: eldest 9yrs old - If a member is 10yrs old the troupe will be moved up
10 & Under Troupe: eldest 11yrs old - If a member is 12yrs old the troupe will be moved up.
13 & Under Troupe: eldest 14yrs old – If a member is 15yrs old the troupe will be moved up.
15 & Under Troupe: eldest 16yrs old – If a member is 17yrs old the troupe will be moved up.
17 & under & Open Age: the average age applies with no conditions as mentioned above.

Reminder all ages are to be taken from the 1st January of the current year.

Mature & Motivated Troupes - Any dance style, youngest member 35 years. Must be a minimum of 4 troupes entered.

Definitions

DANCE ABILITY: any style of dance accepted. Any age in the troupe. This section is only for Dancers with special needs.

NOVICE: a novice section is for competitors who have not placed 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in any one competition prior to the closing date of this competition for that particular genre of dance entered.

OPEN: an open section is for any competitors

TROUPE: is 6 or more competitors with a maximum of 35 on stage at any one time.

ANY AGE: these sections are for competitors of any age.

ACROBATIC: this section must contain 'Acrobatic' tricks which includes a dance element of equal strength.

BROADWAY JAZZ: routine must be from a musical or broadway show.

CLASSICAL: All classical sections must include classical music with no vocal.

CONTEMPORARY: a more individualistic and expressive style which is not bound by rigid technique, and showing free fall and spirit.

DEMI-CHARACTER: must tell a story incorporating classical technique and mimed gestures. Can include a prop, hand held or placed on the stage. A variety of music can be used with variations in tempo.

LYRICAL: modern flowing movements based on Classical technique. Music normally has lyrics and the dance should show a connection with the music.

NATIONAL: the dance from a particular country. Must be authentic and show the costuming, music, style and characteristics of that country's dances. Highland, Sailor's Hornpipe and Irish dances excluded.

NEO CLASSICAL: shows the musicality of the music, must include classical steps and ballet technique.

PRODUCTION TROUPE (Minimum of 15 competitors in the troupe with a maximum of 35 on stage at any one time). This troupe must include at least 3 different dance genres, vocals and acting with dialogue optional. Time limit minimum 6 minutes to a maximum of 10 minutes.

REPERTOIRE ENSEMBLE TROUPE The Ensemble must perform set Repertoire from a selection of Classical Ballet Repertoire. The Repertoire should be as original as possible however it can be adapted to suit the age and/or standard of the group. The selected Repertoire must be costumed appropriately, with original music and must have a Minimum of 6 and up to a maximum of 32 dancers in total. A Minimum of 70% of Repertoire must be Ensemble with up to 30% solo/Pas de deux/trio quartet etc. Repertoire "Troupe" is not part of aggregate and this section will be held on the Ballet Championship night along with the Repertoire solo "Variations".

REPERTOIRE SOLO The repertoire solo must perform set Repertoire from a selection of Classical Ballet Repertoire. The Repertoire should be as original as possible however it can be adapted to suit the age. The selected Repertoire must be costumed appropriately, with original music. "Solo" is not part of aggregate.

TAP: any style of Tap.

ANY DANCE STYLE Jazz any style, Tap, Hip Hop, Classical, Demi Character, Lyrical, Neo Classical, Contemporary, Song/Dance, Song/Tap, Acrobatics, Own choreography any style. Time limit as per solo.

JAZZ: an energetic rhythmic and stylish dance form with correct jazz technique. Can be any style of jazz including Broadway, Commercial, Musical theatre etc

MODERN Comprises of a Lyrical, Neo Classical or Contemporary

Props

No real flowers, foliage, fruit, vegetables, straw, cellophane or live flames are to be used or worn by competitors.
All stage props must be removed from backstage daily.
No handheld props can be used in Classical Solo Sections except for a fan.
For Character or Demi Character sections, props are to be placed on stage by backstage helpers or competitors only, except for all 8 years and under sections.
No loose glitter to be used.
Solo props must not be left back stage. They must come in with the student, taken downstairs immediately after use, and taken home.
Props cannot be thrown from the stage into the auditorium. Props may be thrown from stage to side stage, however prior approval from the Festival Organiser is required.
Props to the backstage area only prior to the session they are required and then they should be removed on the completion of that session immediately.
Please check all props for screws or nails as to not scratch the stage.

Adjudication, protests and disqualifications

The adjudicator's decision is final. The Committee reserves the right to appoint a substitute adjudicator if deemed necessary.
Protest against any competitor must be put in writing by the principal teacher to the "Protest Committee" within 1 hour after completion of a section with a fee of $50. If in the opinion of the "Protest Committee" a protest is deemed frivolous, the deposit is forfeited.
The committee shall decide on any matter not covered by these rules and it's decision on any question or dispute shall be final.
Any competitors, relative, or a teacher who approaches an adjudicator before or during the competitions may result in disqualification of the competitor.

Awards

TROUPE AWARDS for the following titles.
Highest scoring Troupe.
Most entertaining Troupe Award.
Artistry Award
Choreography Award
AGGREGATE and PERPETUAL TROPHIES: Where trophies are presented for annual competition the said trophies may be held by the competitors or school only until the 21st June when they must be returned. You can return 2025 Perpetual Trophies to the Darebin Arts & Entertainment Centre (1) any time during working hours from 1st June by prior arrangement - please email for details or (2) on the first day of the competitions. PLEASE ENSURE THAT TROPHIES ARE RETURNED IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. Late return will incur a $50 fine. All holders of trophies will be held responsible for their safe custody, insured against loss and safe return at their own expense.
All competitors are automatically entered in relevant Aggregate Awards. The Aggregate Award will take into consideration the results of up to and including 10 Solo Sections. Where a competitor has entered more than 10 Sections, their best 10 results will be taken into consideration. In the case of a tie, a "count back" approach will be applied to determine the Aggregate winner.
AGGREGATE POINTS will be allocated as follows: Open Solos: 1st - 6 points, 2nd - 4 points, 3rd - 2 points, HM - 1 point. Novice Solos: 1st - 5 points, 2nd - 3 points, 3rd - 1 point. Troupes: 1st - 6 points, 2nd - 4 points, 3rd - 2 points.
Aggregates apply to all Solo and Troupe Sections including Championships, excluding all repertoire sections. .
Honourable Mentions may be awarded in lieu of 2nd and 3rd placings. The prizes will be at the adjudicator's discretion.
Results will be announced at the end of each Section and prizes will be awarded on stage immediately after the adjudication.
Competitors must be present at the time of adjudication to receive their prizes otherwise these will be forfeited.
The Society reserves the right to change the adjudicators for any reason whatsoever

Stage & Curtains

Front of house stage curtain & mid curtain can be used in TROUPE sections only.
Lighting effects will be available for Troupes only.
No rehearsal allowed on stage at any time during the Festival except for Championship & special sections, competitors are allowed to rehearse in the break prior to the performance of the relevant Special Section.
ONLY COMPETITORS AND TEACHERS are permitted backstage on troupe days. One parent or teacher per student is permitted backstage during all other days. This rule applies to all age groups except under 6 solos where one parent may be allowed back stage at the organisor's discretion

Music

All music will be required to be uploaded to MUSIC UPLOADS prior to the competition with a double check system to ensure you have uploaded the correct music, an email will be sent with instructions on how to do this. Music not received by the due date will incur a $50 fee per solo. Additionally no critique will be available for each solo added. There will be no exceptions considered. All music not loaded will be treated as a non appearance.
Time limits will be rigidly enforced; entrants who exceed time limits receive a 5 point deduction from their score. The time of the item will be taken from the commencement of music or dialogue or from first movement of body, legs or arms, until the competitor leaves the stage or the fall of the curtain.
Copyright laws must be adhered to at all times. Entrants must be aware of their copyright responsibilities. Comdance is in no way responsible for a personal breach of copyright.

Dressing Room Area and Foyer Area

Each studio will be allocated a dressing room space. Check room allocation at admin desk. Please remember to respect each other’s space and personal belongings.
Teachers are responsible for noise levels in dressing area. This area is to be kept clean and tidy at all times.
Please take all rubbish and water bottles on leaving your dressing area, especially on Troupe weekend, rubbish bins are supplied.
There will be a $200 cleaning fee charged to any studio who leaves their room in a unacceptable state.
Where additional cleaning charges are imposed by Venues, these charges will also be passed on to the applicable schools or competitors.
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 always be covered if not performing on stage ie in the changing rooms or the main foyer areas. This may result in disqualification. Socks over tap shoes are acceptable.
All entrants are to change in the allocated changing rooms ONLY. There are to be NO photos or videos taken INSIDE the dressing rooms. This space is for changing. Please take photos in front of the media wall.

First Aid

Be safe and come prepared
Each Studio entered in troupes MUST provide their own first aid person, ice, and first aid kit. Comdance staff and volunteers are not responsible for providing any first aid equipment or ice/heat packs.

Theatre Rules

Mobile phones must be turned off in the auditorium, not just turned to silent.
Due to copyright, the recording of any performances is prohibited within the theatre (this includes mobile phone cameras).
Forbidden use of recording devices of any kind will result in confiscation.
Etiquette must be maintained throughout all sections.
No children are allowed unaccompanied in the front 2 rows of the theatre.
A spirit of fair play, integrity and respectful behaviour is to be maintained throughout the competition.
No one shall be permitted to enter or leave the auditorium during a performance

Volunteers

If anyone would like to volunteer their time in helping with the running of the competition, please contact viccompetitions@comdance.org for more information. We are always looking for volunteers.

Photographer and Videographer

An official video & photographer will be available at the Festival.
Professional Photography Service: all persons accept that, by participating in this Festival, they will be photographed or filmed and that these images may be used by Comdance for promotion of the Society. Please be aware that the official photographer and videographer, may use images to promote their Service at the Festival.
Participants acknowledge that Comdance - Home of CSTD and other third parties authorised by Comdance may make, create, store, record, transmit, reproduce, or use any sound recording, visual footage, audio-visual footage (Recordings) or photographic image (Images) or any likeness at or in relation to a Comdance event. Each Participant grants Comdance - Home of CSTD and third parties authorised by Comdance a perpetual, irrevocable, royalty-free licence to use Recordings or images. or other images or likenesses of the participant (including sound recording), in any media worldwide and for any purpose (including for commercial and advertisement purposes), without identification, compensation, or a payment of any kind.

SPONSORSHIPS

Sponsorship is so important for the running of the competition and is a tangible way to support the students competing and the Performing Arts Industry. If you know of any business or individual who would be interested in Sponsorships, please either enter online or email viccompetitions@comdance.org for more options.

ADVERTISING

Advertising space is available in both the PROGRAMME and ONLINE. Exposure is widespread throughout the registration website. Please contact viccompetitions@comdance.org should you be interested in acquiring advertising space.

SPECIAL SECTIONS

Six entries must be received before first prize will be awarded. NO SOLO CAN BE REPEATED.

To qualify for any special section, competitors must appear in two other solo sections.

In Tap Championship, competitors must perform in open tap solo section & one other solo.

In Jazz Championships, competitors must perform open jazz solo section & one other solo.

In Modern Championships, competitors must perform open Lyrical, Neo Classical or Contemporary solo section and one other solo.

In Classical Championships, competitors must perform open classical solo section & one other solo.

Competitors must be present at the time of presentations of championships and scholarships to receive their prizes otherwise these will be forfeited.

CHAMPIONSHIP TAP SOLOS:

Open to Competitors winning 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place in Tap Open Sections, including Tap Championships, in any competition. Competitors must perform a continuous dance commencing with a slow and finishing with the fast tap showing a distinct tempo contrast. Dances must not be repeated in part or whole.

MAY DOWNS TAP CHAMPIONSHIP - 16 years & over

Sponsored by May Downs School of Dance 1st Prize - May Downs Perpetual Trophy plus $100.00. 2nd Prize - $60.00 3rd Prize - $40.00

DOROTHY GLADSTONE TAP CHAMPIONSHIP - 14 years & under 16

Sponsored by Jade Miggiani 1st Prize- O. Thompson Perpetual Trophy plus $100.00 2nd Prize - $50.00 3rd Prize - $30.00

LANCE DAVIS TAP CHAMPIONSHIP - 12 years & under 14

Sponsored by Michelle Slater - Coyne Performing Arts Studio 1st Prize - Lance Davis Perpetual Trophy plus $100.00. 2nd Prize - $50.00 3rd Prize - $30.00

ROBYN HIMING TAP CHAMPIONSHIP - Under 12 years

Sponsored by Maree Floros 1st Prize - Charles Himing Perpetual Trophy plus $100.00 2nd Prize - $50.00 3rd Prize - $30.00

JAZZ CHAMPIONSHIP - 12 & Under 14 years.

Sponsored by Kids on Broadway 1st Prize - Kids on Broadway Perpetual Trophy plus $150.00 voucher 2nd Prize - $50.00 voucher 3rd Prize - $30.00 voucher

FRANK GRAY JAZZ CHAMPIONSHIP - 14 years & under 16

Sponsored by Maree Floros 1st Prize - Charleston Family Perpetual Trophy plus $150.00 2nd Prize - $50.00 3rd Prize - $20.00

LILY ALLINSON JAZZ CHAMPIONSHIP - 16 years & over

In Memory of Mr Brockenshire. Sponsored by Global Dance Tours 1st Prize - Miss Denerio Perpetual Trophy (donated in memory of Miss Lily Allinson) plus $500.00 Global Dance Tours Voucher 2nd Prize - Trophy plus $200.00 Global Dance Tours Voucher 3rd Prize - Trophy plus $100.00 Global Dance Tours Voucher

JUNIOR SCHOLARSHIP - Under 14 years

NOTE: Pointe shoes are optional. Two Dances: 1 Classical solo (no curtains allowed) 2 Character or Demi Character Solo (Curtain may be used if required)

Sponsored by Hoffa Studios 1st Prize - Perpetual trophy plus $700 Hoffa voucher 2nd Prize Trophy plus $600 Hoffa voucher 3rd Prize Trophy plus $500 Hoffa voucher

COMMONWEALTH CLASSICAL CUP - 14 years & over (open to Girls and Boys):

NOTE: Girls must wear short Ballet Tutu Sponsored by Energetiks 1st Prize - Perpetual Trophy plus $700 voucher from Energetiks 2nd Prize - Trophy plus $200 voucher from Energetiks 3rd Prize - Trophy plus $100 voucher from Energetiks

COMMONWEALTH THEATRICAL CUP - 14 years & over

Competitors are required to perform 2 dances. Dance must not be repeated in part or whole. No curtains are to be permitted in any part of this section. All props. i.e. hats, bowers, clothes, can be thrown off the side of the stage. The stage must be left empty on completion of routine. Two Dances: 1 Tap Solo 2 Song & Dance Sponsored by Dancesurance 1st Prize - Perpetual Trophy plus $500.00 sponsored by Dancesurance 2nd Prize - Trophy plus $200 from sponsored by Dancesurance 3rd Prize - Trophy plus $100 from sponsored by Dancesurance

JUNIOR COMMONWEALTH THEATRICAL CUP - Under 14 years

Sponsored by VDF & Dance Forever In Memory of Mr Brockenshire. Competitors are required to perform 2 dances. Dance must not be repeated in part or whole. No curtains are permitted in any part of this section. All props, i.e. hats, bowers, clothes can be thrown off the side of the stage. The stage must be left empty on completion of routine. Two Dances: 1 Tap Solo 2 Song & Dance 1st Prize - Perpetual Trophy plus VDF Voucher for 2027 2nd Prize - $100 Voucher 3rd Prize - $100 Voucher

MODERN CHAMPIONSHIP - Under 14 years

Sponsored by VDF 1st Prize - Perpetual Trophy plus VDF Voucher 2nd Prize - Trophy plus $100 Voucher 3rd Prize - Trophy plus $100 Voucher

MODERN CHAMPIONSHIP - 14 Years & over

Sponsored by Hoffa Studios 1st Prize - Perpetual Trophy plus $700 Hoffa voucher 2nd Prize - Trophy plus $600 Hoffa voucher 3rd Prize - Trophy plus $500 Hoffa voucher

DANCE CHALLENGE - 14 Years & Over (Invitation only)

Age limit is 14 & u16 and 16 years & over. 1st place winners of each solo section of Born to Perform Main Event in that given year will be invited to compete in the Born to Perform Dance Challenge. Entry is via invitation only at the completion of all 14 & u16 and 16 years & over Dance Solos (excludes Championships, Scholarships, Repertoires & Vocals). Invitees eligible from dance all genres. Entrants will invited to perform and compete with their winning solo. Competitors must perform the exact solo from which they qualified including the costume worn. Where a competitor has placed first in more than 1 section, they must choose only ONE of their winning solos to perform. Where competitors have qualified with more than one solo they must notify the competition organiser which solo they will be performing at least 24 hours prior to the section. Competitors may NOT repeat their championship, Scholarship Repertoire dance. Time limits as per genre of solo. There will be no charge for invited competitors. Perpetual Trophy in memory of Frank Boots donated by MSCPAS teachers, families & students. The Sponsor may supply the judge who will make decisions independently to the Born to Perform appointed Adjudicator/s. No critique will be supplied. Aggregate points will NOT be awarded to this section.

Sponsored by Energetiks 1st Prize $700 voucher 2nd $200 voucher 3rd $100 voucher

REPERTOIRE SECTIONS Sponsored by Bloch

Prizes

Section A - 11 Years & Under - Set Variation Only in Flats (no pointe work)

1st Prize - $60 Bloch Voucher --- 2nd Prize - $40 Bloch Voucher -- 3rd Prize - $20 Bloch Voucher

Section B - 12 Years and Under 14 Years - Set Variation en Pointe or Flats

1st Prize - $100 Bloch Voucher --- 2nd Prize - $60 Bloch Voucher --- 3rd Prize - $30 Bloch Voucher

Section C - 15 Years and Over - Set Variation en Pointe

1st Prize - $150 Bloch Voucher --- 2nd Prize - $100 Bloch Voucher --- 3rd Prize - $50 Bloch Voucher

Comdance Bloch Prix Award

$300 Voucher awarded to the student showing the Most Potential from Sections A-B-C

Set Variations

Competitors must perform one set Variation from the official Comdance Variations list
The Variation must be performed in a traditional costume appropriate to the Variation
Variations can be adapted slightly to suit the competitor, however, cannot be re-arranged to produce an entirely different version, standard variation elements must remain.

Adjudication

The Adjudicators decision is final and will be based on the execution of the variation, including technique, artistry, musicality and style including interpretation along with the appropriate costuming.

Variations List

Section A - Girls

Blue Bird & all fairies (Sleeping Beauty)
Cupid, Kitri (Entrance), Queen of the Dryads, Kitri Act 3 (Don Quixote)
Peasant Pas Deux, First and Second Variation.
Harlequinade Variation.
Lise Act 2 Variation (La Fille Mal Gardee)
Talisman Variation (Le Talisman)
Gamzatti Variation (Le Bayadere)
Vestalka Variation (Paquita)

Section A - Boys

Peasant Pas Variation, First Variation, Second Variation (Giselle)
Napoli (Any Variation)
Harlequinade variation
Pas de Trios Variation (Swan Lake)
Colas (La Fille Mal Gardee)
Basilo Act 3 (Don Quixote)
Jean de Brienne (Raymonda)

Section B - Any Recognised Variation from the following:

Coppelia
Awakening of Flora
Diana & Acteon
Don Quixote
Flower Festival at Genzano
Giselle
Grand Pas Classique
Harlequinade
La Bayadere
La Esmeralda
La Fille Mal Gardee
La Sylphide
Le Corsaire
Les Sylphides
Napoli
Nutcracker
Paquita
Raymonda
Swan Lake
The Flames of Paris
The Sleeping Beauty

Section C (Male + Female) Any Recognised Variation from the following – (On Point) :

Coppelia
Awakening of Flora
Diana & Acteon
Don Quixote
Flower Festival at Genzano
Giselle
Grand Pas Classique
Harlequinade
La Bayadere
La Esmeralda
La Fille Mal Gardee
La Sylphide
Le Corsaire
Les Sylphides
Napoli
Nutcracker
Paquita
Raymonda
Swan Lake
The Flames of Paris
The Sleeping Beauty