Judging

The judging panel consists of 3–7 dance professionals. Performances are scored and ranked according to their scores. Scores are not published, but everyone will be informed of their placing.
 

Technique

Clean alignment, flexibility, strength, technical difficulty, range of movement and balance.
 

Choreography

Suitability and level of challenge, whether the choreography matches the dancers’ abilities, storytelling, variety, use of the stage and different levels, formations, show elements, and the connection between music, movement and theme. Originality and the courage to stand out are also considered.

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Expression and Presentation

Performance quality, costumes, overall appearance, how effectively the story or energy comes across, connection within the group, consistency of expression and the ability to captivate the audience. Costumes, hairstyles and makeup should support the theme and style.

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DIFFERENT JUDGING CRITERIA APPLY TO THE K-POP CATEGORY. Link: K-POP RULES

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Results and Awards

• Each performance will be informed of its placing at the event or within one week after the event at the latest.

• In the Minis category, all dancers receive equal recognition and the same placing.

• The top three are awarded medals and certificates at the event.

• The judging panel may award certificates of merit and encouragement scholarships to performances and supporting individuals or organisations that stand out at the event.

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Costumes, Music and Themes

Costumes

• Costumes must suit the chosen dance style and the dancer’s age.

• Revealing costumes are not appropriate in the Children’s or Junior categories.

• Costumes must not be offensive.

• Costumes must not include a bra-style top or thong-style bottoms.
   

Music and Theme

• Music or themes must not contain repeated swear words, sexual references, offensive or violent subject matter, or content unsuitable for the age group.

• The music, theme and dancers’ age group should form a balanced whole.
   

Props and Acrobatics in Children’s Categories

• Props must not make a mess or damage the performance area. Liquids, tape and heavy set pieces that leave indentations are not permitted.

• Cartwheels, standard forward rolls and acrobatics in which at least one limb remains in contact with the floor at all times are permitted in Children’s categories.

• Partner and group lifts are prohibited in Children’s categories.

• Aerial acrobatics, such as somersaults and dive rolls, are prohibited in Children’s categories.
   

Safer Space and Venue Guidelines

• Treat everyone with respect. Discrimination, bullying and inappropriate behaviour are not accepted.

• Encourage all competitors and help create a positive atmosphere.

• Keep the dressing rooms tidy.

• The use of glitter, hairspray and other products that create a mess is prohibited indoors.

• Do not move around the audience area during performances. Respect other competitors and allow them to perform without disturbance.
   

Registration Terms and Changes

• The contact person is responsible for ensuring that the registering party has read the rules and competition instructions and has passed the necessary information on to competitors and their guardians.

• In cases of illness, an entry fee will be refunded only upon presentation of a medical certificate. The refund applies only to the person named on the certificate. An ill dancer may alternatively be replaced by another dancer. Any exceptions must be reported to the organiser by email. Entry fees are not refunded without a medical certificate, and registrations cannot be cancelled.

• The medical certificate must be sent to danceandshowme@gmail.com within seven days after the event. Requests received after that will not be processed.

• An ill dancer may be replaced by another dancer.

• Dancers may be added to performances after registration closes using a separate form.

• Changes such as a performance or group name change cost €40 per change after March 28, 2027. Changes must be emailed to danceandshowme@gmail.com. Changes to performance titles or music will not be accepted after April 18, 2027.
   

Organiser’s Rights and Exceptional Circumstances

• The organiser may make changes to categories or combine them based on the number of entries if a category has fewer than five entries.

• We aim to hold each category according to the preliminary schedule, but a category may be moved to another day depending on the number of entries.

• If the event is cancelled due to a decision by the authorities, a pandemic or another reason beyond the organiser’s control, it may be postponed or held as an online competition.
   

Photography, Video Recording and Live Streaming

• The organiser has an event photographer and reserves the right to livestream the event and take photos and videos. These may be shared on social media and provided to competitors after the event. If your performance must not be photographed or recorded, please notify us clearly in writing in advance.

• Spectators may record a performance featuring their own dancer if they have permission from the competitor or dance school. Recording other performances from the audience without permission is prohibited.

• Do not use flash photography in the audience area.
   

Dressing Rooms and Warm-Up

• Dressing rooms are assigned to dancers in advance, and access is staggered. Please note that dressing rooms are often small. We recommend doing makeup and getting dressed at home whenever possible.

• The warm-up area is a large floorball court on the other side of the hall. Warming up in Ideapark’s corridors is not permitted.