Competition Rules

General Rules

To ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone, please be considerate and sit in your designated seating area, avoiding blocking the views of other schools.

Dressing appropriately is essential. All dancers should wear suitable footwear, and their costumes, hair, and makeup should be age-appropriate.

Participating in the competition is at the competitor’s own risk. It is essential that all dancers are in good health and fit for the event. If there are any medical concerns, please consult a GP or health professional before taking part.

Filming/Photography

Parents/guardians may take photos and video their own child throughout the event. If anyone has any objections to this, please advise us on arrival at the competition and we will enforce a no film/ photograph policy for the events concerned. For team events, it is permitted for one representative from each dance school to video the team when they are performing. It is the responsibility of the individual dance school to seek consent from their team members for recording them. By consenting to entry there is an acceptance that the event organiser might take photographs and short films for use on the On the Beat website, social media account and other promotional material. Should this be a problem for any individual, please speak to your dance teacher who can request that these images are not taken or shared.

Solo Events

(Set Routine solos & Freestyle Street Dance solos) At our competitions, we offer 2 types of solos- ‘Set Routine solos’ and ‘freestyle Street Dance solos’.

At our main events, dancers have the opportunity to enter ONE Set Routine solo category and ONE Freestyle Street Dance solo category, allowing them to showcase their talent in a total of 2 solos on the competition day.

In some events, dancers may choose to enter 2 set routine solos as an alternative, but this will be clearly stated at the top of the event program for those specific events.

It is the dance teacher’s responsibility to ensure that their competitors are in the correct age category and level. Our events require entries in advance. This is done through the teacher only. Teachers will receive entry details via email approximately 6-8 weeks before the event, with a deadline of 2 weeks prior to the competition.

Please note that On the Beat reserves the right to combine or split age sections if necessary, even if they differ from the originally advertised programme.

During the competition, our qualified scrutineer will use the ‘skating system’ to analyse the adjudicators’ marks. From the preliminary rounds, six dancers will be selected to move on to the final round. All finalists will be recognised and awarded in our prize presentation. On occasion, you may witness 5, 7, or 8 dancers in a final. This is sometimes the outcome when using this form of marks analysis.

Set Routine Solos

In the set routine solo category, dancers have the opportunity to choose from a range of set routines. Each routine is thoughtfully designed with varying levels of difficulty, allowing dancers to compete comfortably within their own ability range at our events. From complete beginners to elite competitive dancers, we have something perfectly suitable for all levels.

These pre-choreographed routines are made available to teachers 3-4 months prior to the competition. Upon booking, teachers receive these routines by email. Make sure to check the program for the age categories (note that these may change slightly once we have processed the entries) 

We kindly ask dancers to enter the dance level that best matches their ability, and we encourage teachers to support their students’ progression through the levels. To ensure a fair competition, intermediate and advanced dancers should avoid entering lower-level set routines whenever possible. This way, we can maintain a level playing field for beginner level & new competitors. 

We understand that there might be slight differences in the interpretation of routines, but we encourage everyone to try and match them as closely as possible to how your teacher shows them. 

Freestyle Street Dance Solos

The freestyle solo category- where dancers can showcase their creativity and individuality! There are five levels to choose from at our main events: class members, beginners, intermediate, advanced, and additional support needs (note some of our events go up to Intermediate only) 

During the freestyle solo, dancers must remain in their designated space. The music track played will be suitable for the dancer’s level and age. You can find some more info on music at our events here. We encourage dancers to listen to the music and try to freestyle to the song being played. While we understand that younger or less experienced dancers may incorporate choreography learned in classes, the ultimate goal is to work towards freestyling on the spot. Please note that moving around the room is not allowed during the performance.

Breaking footwork, such as 6-step or coffee grinder, is permitted at any level. However, for tricks, freezes, and acrobatics, please refer to the specific guidelines below for each section. Judges are informed of these rules at the beginning of each competition and are advised not to mark dancers that arent following our guidelines on this. 

Class member solos

Anyone who has not entered the freestyle category at any Street Dance competition before. No acrobatics/flips/freezes/worm permitted in any round.

Beginner solos

Anyone who has not won a beginner solo event. Dancers who have made it through to finals on 3 or more occasions with more than 12 dancers entered, should consider moving up to intermediate even if they haven’t won the beginners section. No acrobatics/flips/freezes/worm permitted in any round.

Intermediate solos

Anyone who has moved out of Beginner grade and has not won this section on more than 3 occasions. Dancers may enter this section straight away without winning a beginner section however they may only move back into the beginners section once they have moved up into a higher age section. Acrobatics/flips/freezes/worm permitted in the final only however should be done with care and only when dancers are in full control of what they’re doing. Please be aware of the safety of other dancers when these are being performed.

Advanced solos

For dancers who have won intermediate category 3 times with more than 5 dancers entered each time. Once a competitor has reached this grade, they may only move down a grade if they move up an age group. Acrobatics/flips/freezes/worm permitted in any round however should be done with care and only when dancers are in full control of what they’re doing. Please be aware of the safety of other dancers when these are being performed. Dance ons will be done (time permitting) for all Advanced finalists. The time limit will be 12 bars (1 bar = 4 counts).

Elite All- Stars – (subject to event)

The winner of each advanced solo age section on the day will be asked to take part in this section. Each winner can perform a 1 minute piece to a song of their choice brought with them on the day. (This may be cut or edited) and must be no longer than 1 minute in length. If no music is provided, the DJ will select a track (as in normal solos). The judges will watch the 5 winners and place them 1st to 5th as a final.

Additional Support Needs

The Additional Support Needs section is offered to those with a mental health, physical or learning disability. To be eligible to compete in this section, dancers must be in receipt of an EHCP (Educational Health & Care Plan) and/or attend a SEN school. At all our events there is a category for this is our freestyle solo section as well as a dedicated category in the set routines for dancers with additional support needs.

General Team Rules

Dancers may only take part in one team event. Teams must have a minimum of 5 members and a maximum of 30 members to compete. If teams end up with absent members at the time of their performance, we will allow them to still compete and receive their award however they will automatically be placed last in that section if there are less than 5 dancers. All choreography and music must be appropriate for the age of the team and the audience. It is the teachers’ responsibility to ensure that team music doesn’t contain swearing or inappropriate language. Moves should be age appropriate and there should be no inappropriate gestures in choreography. Failure to do so could result in the team being penalised. Teachers are asked not to stand infront of teams when they are dancing unless they are of that age that require guidance. If there is only one team entered in a category, we reserve the right to combine certain categories (i.e. Beginner/Intermediate or Intermediate/Advanced). We may also give the teacher of that team the option of moving their team up an age level or up a grade level so they aren’t competing on their own on the day. Team routine lengths must be no more than:

• Beginners –     2 minutes
• Intermediate – 2 ½ minutes
• Advanced –     3 minutes

Team entry categories are based on the age the dancers in the team are on the day of the event. 75% of the competing team must be within the age division they are competing in. 25% of the team would be allowed to be older. Teams are permitted to use dancers younger than the age division. EXAMPLE 12 dancers in an under 14 team 9 must be 13 or under 3 could be 14 / 15 / 16 / 17

Team Entries

The level that teams enter is the decision of the teacher/ dance school. Please enter teams in an appropriate level; below are some guidelines: If a team is made up of dancers who enter beginners for solos/ inexperienced dancers, then the beginner team section is usually appropriate. A team made up of more experienced/ advanced dancers then intermediate/ advanced is usually appropriate for them to enter. Any beginners team that wins against a few teams in a competition, should then move up to intermediate at a following event. Teams dancing in intermediate should win this category 3 or more times against a few teams before moving to advanced. Team entries must be submitted 12 days prior to the competition by the teacher. The piece must be emailed in advance to our DJ (music@onthebeat.dance). Please include team name, age category/grade and teacher/ school name.

Cases of illness/ absense affecting entry on day of event

In the event of a dancer being absent on the day which then has an affect on the age section the team have entered, the team should then move to the appropriate age section before any of the teams commence. Teams dancing in the wrong age section on the day may result in disqualification or being placed last in their section. We therefore recommend that the teacher makes sure the team have entered a section that allows them to still stay in the 75% mark to allow for illness/ absentees on the day. Again this is the decision and the responsibility of the teacher to ensure the team have been entered correctly.

Team marking criteria & feedback

All teams will receive feedback passed directly to the team teacher within a week of the event. This will include written feedback and also ratings in specific areas we feel are important. Please click here to see more information on our marking criteria for teams.

Duos

There should be 2 dancers that make up a duo. Dancers may enter ONE duo category. Duos dance to the highest freestyle solo grade and highest age of the partnership. E.g. a solo U/12 Intermediate and a solo U/14 Beginner would dance in U/14 Intermediate Duo. We do however allow a middle ground (for level only, not age) in cases where there is an advanced dancer and a beginner/ class member in a duo partnership, we would allow them to enter the intermediate category. If neither of the dancers in the duo have a solo status, they should enter based on the guidelines below.

Beginner duos

Anyone duo partnership who have not won a duo beginner event. Duo partnerships who have made it through to finals on 3 or more occasions with more than 12 couples entered, should consider moving up to intermediate even if they haven’t won the beginners section. No acrobatics/flips/freezes/worm permitted in any round.

Intermediate duos

Any duo partnership who have moved out of Beginner grade and have not won this section on more than 3 occasions. Duo partnerships may enter this section straight away without winning a beginner section however they may only move back into the beginners section once they have moved up into a higher age section. Acrobatics/flips/freezes/worm permitted in the final only however should be done with care and only when dancers are in full control of what they’re doing. Please be aware of the safety of other dancers when these are being performed

Advanced duos

For duos partnerships who have won intermediate 3 times. Once a duo has reached this grade, they may only move down a grade if they move up an age group. Acrobatics/flips/freezes/worm permitted in any round however should be done with care and only when dancers are in full control of what they’re doing. Please be aware of the safety of other dancers when these are being performed Dance ons will be done (time permitting) for all Advanced finalists. The time limit will be 12 Bars. 1 bar = 4 counts). It is the dance teacher’s responsibility to ensure that their competitors are in the correct age category and level. Breaking footwork such as 6 step, coffee grinder is permitted at any level however please see details below on tricks/ freezes/ acrobatics in each section.

Judges are informed of these rules at the beginning of each competition and are advised not to mark dancers that arent following our guidelines on this. 

Other Event Guidelines (Subject to Schedule)

Quads & Trios

Dancers can either be part of a Trio OR a Quad (not both). There must be 4 dancers to make up a quad and 3 dancers to make up a trio. Quads must enter based on the oldest dancer in their quad (not 75%). Please see the event programme for quad/trio age categories and set music. Tricks/ freezes are permitted in any round however please take extreme care and consider the safety of of other dancers on the floor.

Tops of beginner solo/ tops of intermediate solo (weekender event only)

Winners of all beginner sections compete for ‘tops of beginner’ title. Winners of all intermediate sections compete for ‘tops of intermediate’ title. Both events will be run as a normal Street Dance ‘freestyle’ solo final with the judges immediately awarding the winner on the spot once the music has stopped playing based on a joint decision made whilst the dancers perform their solo.

Tops of set routine solo (weekender event only)

All winners of each dance compete again for ‘top of dance 1/2/3/4/5/6 title’. Each ‘top of’ will be danced as a final with the judges immediately awarding the winner on the spot once the music has stopped playing based on a joint decision made whilst the dancers perform their routine.

Fun Duos- Little & large/ Parent & child/ mixed dance school duo

These are all fun events. There is no guidelines on freezes/ tricks for all of them however please take extreme care with anything you are doing near other competitors and also for the safety of your own partnership. Parent & child duo event should be one dancer and one adult. The ‘parent’ can not be a teacher (including a teacher who is a parent of a competitor) or a competitive dancer. The parent does not have to be the parent of the child they are dancing with. Sometimes we will split parent & child event into age categories based on the child dancing (this will be shown on the event programme) Little and large is a duo event suitable for 2 dancers with a minimum age difference of 4 years (and ideally a height difference). There is no age category for little & large (all combined). Mixed dance School Duo is run as a typical duo event. Dancers may pair up with a dancer from another school- this must be a different dance school completely (not a sister school in a different area etc) The aim of this event is for dancers to make new friends through competitions and should be seen as a fun event. It should be put together at the competition and not before.

House Battle

This initially runs in the same way as a normal solo event until the judges have selected some finalists to battle. Dancers should use house figures in all parts of this event- house music will be played throughout. In the battle part of the event, competitors are each given a few bars of music 2-3 times with the judges immediately awarding the winner from each battle round until they have found the overall winner of the battle.

Teachers Dancing at Events

We love teachers to get involved at our events however we want to ensure they are entered in an appropriate section for their teacher status to ensure our competitions are as fair as possible but still allowing teachers an opportunity to dance if they want to. Please find below all the rules surrounding teachers entering the various sections on offer at our competitions. The guidelines  highlight the sections that are available to teachers at our main events aimed at beginner- advanced level dancers. At the bottom, please see the guidelines that apply to our smaller events (beginner- intermediate level & solo/ duo only events) Please remember as our wristband policy states, that any teacher wishing to take part in any event under the below guidelines must be wearing a competitor’s wristband & not a teacher wristband.

What is classed as a teacher?

We consider a teacher to be anyone who holds a qualification to teach dance or anyone who is actively taking lessons or classes without supervision. We are aware some of the teachers attending our events may also have children of their own dancing at our events however they must still follow the below rules under a teacher status and not a parent status.

Student teachers/ class helpers

We are aware there might be situations where you have class assistants/ student teachers in your school that perhaps help out with younger teams or similar and are still dancing themselves at our events. This can be a grey area especially when you may have students that are transitioning from dancers themselves into a teacher role at your school. We ask that once anyone in this position starts to actively teach classes or lessons for your studio and they’re doing the ‘teaching’ or involved in any part of choreography for your dancers, they should then at this point follow the  guidelines stated as a teacher. We are trusting dance school owners to make a fair judgment on this and ask if unsure.

Can teachers enter in a team?

Teachers are not permitted to dance in any beginner team event or parent event. If a teacher wishes to dance in a team, that team must be entered in either the intermediate or advanced level category. Whilst we understand there may be different levels and ages of teachers that might want to enter, we ask that teachers make a fair decision in relation to whether they enter intermediate or advanced. Teams that have highly experienced teachers in, should be in the advanced category.

Can teachers enter in a duo?

Teachers are permitted to enter duos however they are only allowed to enter the advanced level and not the beginner or intermediate level category. Teachers can not enter any parent duo.

Can teachers enter in a set routine solo?

Teachers are permitted to enter our set routines however they are only permitted to enter levels 5 or 6 at the main events (see below for other events). Teachers can not enter parents set routines.

Can teachers enter in freestyle solo?

Teachers wishing to dance Freestyle solos in this section must enter the advanced category only. 

Can teachers enter in Quads/ Trios?

Because quads & trios are open level and don’t offer a specific advanced level, teachers are not permitted to enter any quad or trio category.

Can teachers enter in the House battle?

Because house battle is an open level event, teachers are not permitted to enter this category.

Can teachers enter in any Fun Duos?

Teachers are not permitted to enter any fun duo event under any circumstances. This is due to there being no levels in these events. Fun duos includes parent & child, mixed dance school duo, little & large.

Can teachers dance at Beginner – Intermediate events & solo/ duo only events?

We would prefer that teachers do not enter any category held at these events as they are aimed mainly at dancers that are less experienced and they aren’t designed to showcase teachers abilities. However they are permitted to enter only the highest level set routine in the case where they really feel they should or want to. They are not permitted to enter anything else at these events including the team, freestyle & duos event.