Gatton Ballet Scholarships Syllabus

2025 Syllabus and Rules LIGHT UP THE STAGE DANCE COMPETITION Come and shine bright with us in 2025!

GENERAL RULES

1. Participation & Risk All performers and attendees participate at their own risk. By entering, you agree to comply with all competition rules.

2. Entries All entries must be submitted via www.lightupthestage.com.au. Incomplete or inaccurate entries will not be accepted. Changes may be made free of charge up until the draft program change deadline. Once the final draft is released, no further changes will be made due to entrant error. Entries are only confirmed once full payment is received. Unpaid entries may be removed to make space for confirmed entries. Payment plans are available—contact the organiser to arrange. All fees must be finalised before the event. No exceptions.

3. Music Uploads All music must be uploaded via the performer portal by the stated deadline. Failure to upload music without contacting organisers may be considered a withdrawal.

4. Music Backup & Equipment Participants are responsible for providing a backup of their music and any necessary adapters or cables. While staff may carry common adapters, the responsibility lies solely with the performer.

5. Adjudication & Critiques We provide audio critiques for all routines. Scores and critiques will be made available via the portal after the event. Delays in critique delivery may occur due to internet access or technical limitations.

6. Scoring (Updated for 2025) Light Up The Stage now uses a single-score system. All competitors automatically receive the full 5% allocated to costuming/music unless a routine is determined to be age-inappropriate or unsuitable for family audiences (see Rule 8).

7. Age Cut-Off Performer age is determined as of January 1st of the competition year. This applies to all solo, duo/trio, and group routines.

8. Content Guidelines Music and choreography must be suitable for the performer’s age and a general family audience. A 5-point deduction may be applied at the judge’s discretion.

9. Adjudicator Conflict of Interest If a performer has previously trained with one of our adjudicators, they will still receive critique from both adjudicators, but only one will assign a score. That score will be doubled for fairness.

10. Routine Limits Performers may enter one routine per genre. 

11. Communication with Judges No performer, parent, teacher, or representative is permitted to approach the adjudicators prior to the conclusion of the event. All concerns must be raised with the front desk staff before the relevant awards are presented.

12. Prompting Prompting is not permitted in the Ballet Scholarships.

13. Backstage Access For performers aged 8 & under, one support person (parent or teacher) is allowed backstage. Exceptions for props or medical needs must be communicated to staff before the session starts.

14. Performance Readiness It is the responsibility of the performer to check the schedule and be ready to perform. Sessions may run ahead of time. Updates will be provided via our social media on event days.

15. Arrival Timing Performers should arrive at or near the start of their scheduled session. Running orders may change due to withdrawals, and sessions may begin up to one hour early.

16. Venue & Change Room Conduct Backstage and change rooms must be kept clean and tidy. Tap shoes are not to be worn in these areas. Damage to venue flooring may result in the performer or studio being held liable for repair costs.

17. Filming & Photography For child safety reasons, no audience member is permitted to record or photograph a performer while on stage.

18. Judging Finality The judge’s decision is final and will be made within the bounds of competition rules.

19. Award Discretion Placings and special awards are at the discretion of the adjudicator and staff. In the case of a tie, judges will determine placings without altering scores.

20. Placings All sections will be placed 1st–3rd, regardless of entry numbers. If a competitor leaves the stage during their performance, the adjudicator may withhold a placing for that routine.

21. First Aid Performers are responsible for their own basic first aid supplies. We recommend bringing items such as ice/heat packs, pain relief, and band-aids.

22. Media Use Photos and videos captured at the event may be used for promotional purposes by the organiser or approved third parties. If this presents an issue, please notify staff before the event.

23. Rule Updates Light Up The Stage reserves the right to amend rules at any time.

24. Venues Current venue for this event is Gatton Shire Hall. Due to current renovations at the hall backup venue is Helidon community centre.

REFUND POLICY

Refunds will only be issued under the following condition:

· A medical certificate stating the performer is unfit to participate.

All refund requests must be submitted via email to lightupthestagedancecomp@gmail.com by midnight the night before the competition begins. Requests received after this deadline will not be accepted.

Approved refunds will incur a $10 administration fee per routine to cover non-refundable costs.

Please note: - Transfers to a future Light Up The Stage event are no longer available for change-of-mind, exams, camps, or other personal reasons. - Approved transfers from 2024 will still be honoured in 2025.

Refunds will be issued using the original payment method. While refunds are processed within 48 hours, bank processing times may cause delays in receiving funds.

ENTRY FEES

· Flat Entry Fee: $75 per solo

Entry includes a morning warm-up/workshop with a ballet guest teacher, as well as a Q&A session with Mr Paul Boyd from Queensland Ballet.

AGE GROUPS

Age is determined as of 1st January of the competition year. Performers will be entered into one of the following divisions:

· Junior: 10 years and under

· Intermediate: 11–13 years

· Senior: 14 years and over

AWARDS

GENERAL AWARDS

All sections will be awarded placements as follows:

· 1st Place

· 2nd Place

· 3rd Place

If a competitor leaves the stage during their performance (e.g. runs off), the adjudicator reserves the right to withhold placings for that routine.

SPECIAL AWARDS

Scholarship Awards Scholarships will be awarded by Mr Paul Boyd of Queensland Ballet to selected performers based on merit and potential.

Overall Awards Each overall age group winner and runner up (Junior, Intermediate, Senior) will be awarded a bursary ranging from $50 to $250, depending on the number of entries received in that age group.

GENRE DEFINITIONS

(For Solos)

Ballet Must include classical ballet technique.

Traditional Contemporary / Neo-Lyrical A style rooted in traditional contemporary dance technique with lyrical influence. Focuses on grounded movement, flow, breath, and emotional connection to the music.

Demi Character A style based on classical ballet technique that portrays a clear character or storyline through expressive movement and acting.

Variation A classical ballet solo taken from traditional repertoire. Must reflect the original choreography and style of the piece.

TIME LIMITS

(All routines include a 30-second grace period before time deductions apply.)

Ballet – 3 minutes Traditional Contemporary / Neo-Lyrical – 3 minutes Demi Character – 3 minutes Variation – 3 minutes

CODES OF CONDUCT

Parent Code of Conduct

· Encourage your dancer to participate with a positive attitude and good sportsmanship.

· Avoid negative behaviour such as criticism, bullying, or unkindness—every performer deserves their moment to shine.

· Remind your dancer that doing their best is what matters most.

· Respect the adjudicator’s decisions.

· Show courtesy and appreciation for all staff and volunteers.

· Be a supportive and respectful audience member during all performances.

· If an issue arises, report it to event organisers promptly.

· Notify organisers in advance of any potential conflict or concern.

Teacher Code of Conduct

· Promote a positive, respectful, and inclusive environment for all performers.

· Do not criticise or attempt to recruit students from other studios.

· Accept adjudication outcomes professionally.

· Support and show respect for all staff and volunteers.

· Encourage dancers to be respectful, quiet side-stage, and to cheer on their peers.

Performer Code of Conduct

· Be respectful to fellow dancers, staff, volunteers, and audience members.

· Demonstrate sportsmanship at all times.

· Encourage and applaud other performers.

· Follow all side-stage instructions, including noise levels and positioning.

· Accept the judge’s decision with grace—it’s one person’s opinion.

· Always try your best and enjoy the experience.

Staff Code of Conduct

· Maintain professionalism in all interactions with dancers and families.

· Be supportive, inclusive, and encouraging to all performers.

· All staff aged 16+ hold Blue Cards/Working With Children clearances.

· Inform the director of any conflicts of interest with competitors.

· Do not interact with or influence adjudicators in any way that may affect judging.

· Follow all outlined rules and policies unless directed otherwise by the event director.

Adjudicator Code of Conduct

· Act with honesty, integrity, and professionalism at all times.

· Declare any conflicts of interest prior to the start of the event.

· Base decisions solely on performance, within the guidelines provided.