SHIRLEY DANCE FESTIVAL
Rules & Regulations
Creating a safe, fair and positive festival experience for everyone.
Please take the time to read through our festival rules before entering. These guidelines help us ensure that dancers, teachers, families and staff can enjoy a welcoming, organised and supportive event.
Important Information
By entering Shirley Dance Festival, participants are expected to follow the rules outlined below. Please ensure that all relevant information is shared with dancers, parents and guardians before festival day.
SECTION 01
Entries & Categories
Please ensure all entry information is correct before submitting your dances.
School Year Categories
Categories are determined by the dancer’s school year, based on the academic year beginning 1st September. Please ensure the correct school year is entered on the entry form.
Entry Payments
Payments must be made using the instructions provided on the entry form. Entries are not confirmed until payment has been received.
Novice & Open Categories
The Novice category is intended for dancers who are new to festivals.
It is widely accepted that dancers should progress to the Open category once they have achieved a mark of 84 or higher in a competition.
SECTION 02
Arrival & Supervision
We want all participants to feel comfortable, prepared and safe throughout festival day.
Signing In
All competitors must sign in upon arrival so that festival organisers can confirm attendance and maintain an accurate running order.
Changing Rooms
Parents and guardians are permitted in the changing rooms. Children must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult.
Warming Up
Performers are responsible for warming up appropriately before their performances. Warm-ups should be carried out independently, with children remaining under appropriate adult supervision.
Venue Conditions
The venue will be maintained at an appropriate temperature to help reduce the likelihood of injury.
SECTION 03
Performance & Safety
All routines should be suitable for the dancers performing them and presented in an appropriate, safe and respectful manner.
Performance Area Safety
Performance areas will be checked each morning for potential hazards. A first aider will be present on site throughout the festival.
Costumes
Costumes must be provided by the performer and should be appropriate for the dancer’s age and the genre being performed.
Choreography
All choreography must be appropriate for the dancer’s ability. Shirley Dance Festival expects routines to be created by professional, qualified dance teachers.
Music & Soundtracks
Soundtracks must not contain offensive or inappropriate language. Music should be suitable for the age of the performer and the festival environment.
SECTION 04
Staff & Conduct
We are committed to maintaining a professional, welcoming and respectful atmosphere.
Adjudicators
Adjudicators will be DBS checked and will have relevant qualifications and professional experience.
Festival Staff
All staff working for Shirley Dance Festival will be DBS checked to support the safeguarding of children participating in the event.
Expected Behaviour
All dancers, teachers, parents and spectators are expected to treat others with courtesy and respect.
Festival organisers reserve the right to refuse entry or ask individuals to leave if their behaviour is deemed inappropriate, abusive, discriminatory or hateful towards other participants.
SECTION 05
Privacy & Photography
We ask everyone attending the festival to respect the privacy of other dancers and their families.
Social Media & Photographs
Parents and guardians sharing photographs or videos on their personal social media accounts should only share images of their own children unless consent has been obtained from the parents or guardians of any other children featured.
Festival Programmes
Full names of competitors are published in festival programmes, which are available to purchase during the event.
Thank You for Your Cooperation
We appreciate the support of our dancers, teachers and families in helping us create a safe, friendly and enjoyable festival. We look forward to welcoming you!
NEXT SHIRLEY DANCE FESTIVAL
24th & 25th April 2027
Entries open 1st November 2026. Please contact us if you have any questions about our festival rules.
